MIDLAND, Mich. – The University of the Aftermarket has announced dates for the 2009-2010 University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 executive education experience. The next class will begin Sept. 20-25, on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, Mich. The second session will be held April 11-16, 2010, at Northwood’s West Palm Beach, Fla., campus. Participants must attend both sessions.

The 2008-2009 class of Leadership 2.0, one of the largest in the program’s history, finishes its curriculum April 13-18 of this year in West Palm Beach.

Designed specifically for aftermarket manufacturer, distributor, retail, association, program group, and service dealer professionals, Leadership 2.0 is an intensive post-graduate-style executive education experience designed to promote the development of the next generation of aftermarket leaders. In addition to the two week-long classroom segments – which feature lectures, roundtable discussions, networking sessions and team research and problem-solving activities – participants work off-site to develop and present team research projects covering key industry issues. Featured presenters include leading aftermarket manufacturing and distribution executives and faculty members of the Northwood University Devos Graduate School of Management.

Key presentations during this year’s session in Midland, Mich., included:

•   “Intrapreneurship/Entrepreneurship & Global Competition”
•   “The Leadership Challenge”
•   “Competitive Strategy: Analysis and Case Studies”
•   “Developing Your Organization’s Unique Strategy”
•   “Communication Skills for Leaders”
•   “Presentation Skills for Leaders”
•   “Aftermarket Marketing/Branding Strategy”
•   “Decision Making and Leadership”
•   “Survival in the Aftermarket”
•   “Gaining Commitment from Employees”
•   “The Purpose & Passion for Leadership”

“Participants have told us that the course content and related activities are right on target in terms of their relevance to current and long-term challenges facing their organizations,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, AAP. “Leadership 2.0 is clearly viewed as a vital part of the participants’ professional growth, which helps advance their careers as well as the success of their businesses.”

For additional information regarding the Leadership 2.0 experience and the University of the Aftermarket, visit www.northwood.edu/aftermarket or call 1-800-551-2882.