BETHESDA, Md. – As part of its ongoing “PBES Connect” learning series, the Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES) segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) gave PBE distributors the opportunity to obtain a competitive advantage with its most recent session, “How Will Your Customers Thrive?” The event was attended by 50 industry professionals April 25 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
The PBES segment of AAIA provides opportunities for PBES business people to network with their wholesalers, counterparts, suppliers and customers; and is proactive on legislation and regulations and other issues that affect the PBE and collision repair sectors of the aftermarket.
PBES Connect is an ongoing informational series tailored specifically to the needs of PBE distributors and supply chain members. The program demonstrates the segment’s commitment to providing quality educational and networking opportunities that help create professional insight in members, the group says. Typically held in conjunction with the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), the programs provide in-depth exploration of the industry’s most critical and complex issues, including those affecting the collision repair customers supported by PBE professionals.
The April meeting featured a presentation by George Avery, auto estimatics consultant, State Farm Insurance, on the insurer’s electronic parts ordering initiative and a counterpoint by Aaron Schulenburg, executive director, Society Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). The result was a thorough examination of a multi-faceted, high-impact issue.
“This was a great opportunity to hear both sides of the new State Farm parts policy,” said Joe Mattos, chairman, Pro Finishes PLUS. “They presented the reasoning behind their respective positions and the downstream effects they perceived the program would have on the industry. The audience then got the chance to ask about their role in supporting their body shop customers’ response to this new dynamic. It was a rare opportunity; everyone in attendance got something positive out of it.”
“We’re bringing forward the kind of material that makes our PBE distributor audience more rounded on the issues of the day,” said Guy Bargnes, PBES committee chair. “This makes them more of an asset when they go back to their local markets to consult with their collision repair customers. Jobbers and repairers gain a true competitive advantage as a result.”
Continuing on the success of the April event, PBES has scheduled the next Connect event for July 17-18 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio, in conjunction with I-CAR meetings. For more information or to register, contact Paul Fiore at [email protected], or call 301-654-6664.
