BETHESDA, Md. – Aftermarket professionals attending the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Aftermarket Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., March 14-15, will have a unique opportunity to discuss issues critical to the competitive future of the independent aftermarket face-to-face with government leaders on Capitol Hill.
According to AAIA, key issues to be addressed during the 2012 summit include:
· Translating the momentum of the Massachusetts Right to Repair effort to the campaign in Congress for passage of federal legislation needed to ensure that the industry has affordable access to all car company service information, software and tools.
· Supporting efforts by legislators to rein in the radical organized labor agenda now being pursued through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
· Pressuring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address violations by vehicle manufacturers of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibitions on conditioning warranties on the use of non-original equipment parts.
Attendees will be fully briefed on key issues during the afternoon of Wednesday, March 14, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The afternoon briefing session will feature an exclusive panel discussion on current political issues and the upcoming 2012 elections. The panel will feature Ed Gillespie, former counselor to President George W. Bush; Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman; and will be moderated by AAIA president and CEO Kathleen Schmatz. The briefing session also will include special guest Lois Greisman, associate director for marketing practices at the Federal Trade Commission, who will address her department’s enforcement of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
On Thursday, March 15, attendees will spend the final day on Capitol Hill in congressional meetings voicing their concerns about issues that are critical to the aftermarket industry. The AAIA summit staff will make all of attendees’ legislative appointments and there is no cost to attend. Attendees pay only for their travel and accommodation expenses.
The deadline for hotel reservation has been extended to Feb. 10, but rooms have been going fast. Registration and hotel information are available at www.aftermarket.org.
