Midland , Mich. – Leadership 2.0, the University of the Aftermarket ’s Leadership Development Program, officially opened registration for the 2008-2009 class. The announcement was made by University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank at the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), held in Chicago May 20-21.

While at GAAS, aftermarketNews had a chance to chat with Cruickshank about some of the new programs and student benefits that the University of the Aftermarket recently unveiled. One of the new benefits Cruickshank announced was the automatic crediting of CEUs toward an AAP or MAAP designation when attending events such as GAAS. To view our video chat, click on the arrow icon below.

Leadership 2.0 is a two-part leadership development program offered as two five-day sessions (participants attend both sessions). Between Sessions I and II, participants collaborate on projects that tackle aftermarket-specific leadership topics. Teams present their projects during Session II, and the best team as judged by peers is invited to present its project at the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

Led by Northwood University faculty and senior aftermarket executives and leaders, Leadership 2.0 includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, discussion and debate on aftermarket challenges and competitive strategies, individual communication skills training, negotiation and conflict management, insight into supply chain solutions and other essential industry topics. Interested participants may sign up by visiting www.northwood.edu/aftermarket and clicking on the “Course Calendar.”

Dates for the 2008-2009 Class:

Session I – September 7-12, Northwood University, Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies, Midland, Mich.

Session II – April 12-17, 2009 , Northwood University, West Palm Beach, Fla.

The registration deadline is July 15.

Leadership 2.0 is appropriate for professionals working in any market segment within the motor vehicle aftermarket. Previous attendees have represented manufacturing, retail operations, wholesale distributing, association management, program group management and service-dealer facilities. Participants receive 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications. The course fee of $5,795 includes all meals, accommodations and tuition.

More information is available at www.northwood.edu/aftermarket or by calling 800-551-2882.