BETHESDA, Md. – "Empowering Our Industry" is the theme for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, which will take place March 11-12 in Washington, D.C.

The Legislative Summit, headquartered at the Grand Hyatt, will provide an opportunity for aftermarket professionals to come to Capitol Hill to meet with key congressional leaders and discuss issues that affect and impact their businesses.

"This biannual summit has become the defining event in the nation’s capital for the $293 billion aftermarket industry to showcase its size, influence and economic contributions to Congressional leaders," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Everyone who makes their living in the aftermarket needs to put the summit dates on their calendar to ensure the future economic health of both their company and the industry."

There is no cost to attend and participants will be thoroughly coached and prepared for their congressional visits during an issue briefing session that will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 11 at the Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C. A legislative reception will be held that evening, 6-8 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer, which will provide an informal setting to meet legislators and their staff. Attendees will spend the day on Thursday, March 12 walking the halls of Congress meeting their elected officials. The summit staff will set up appointments for participants with their district representative and two U.S. senators.

For more information on the 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, visit www.aftermarket.org.