CHICAGO — One hundred and forty-five aftermarket leaders and executives from Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) member companies have gathered in Chicago today for the second annual AASA Vision Conference.
The annual membership meeting of AASA will provide an interactive forum for the open exchange of ideas, best practices and collaboration for automotive aftermarket suppliers, as well as offer new insights into the emerging trends in the aftermarket. Attendees will hear from top customers on issues that will impact suppliers.
The 2009 conference theme and speaker line-up addresses today’s challenging market, “Weathering the Storm: Trends, Insights and Opportunities.” The conference agenda is focused on the keynote presentations and valuable reports to help members be in position to take advantage of opportunities in the global marketplace.
Speaking at today’s Vision Conference are:
• Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO: State of the Association
• Peter Morse, AASA chairman and president of Morse Calipers Inc.: State of the Aftermarket
• Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, MEMA / AASA: Affecting Change in Washington
• Jack Cameron, vice president, AASA, and group executive, AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC): NA Supplier Image: Regaining Balance in the Aftermarket
• Richard Mezadurian, chairman of the AASA Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) and president of Falcon Steering, Exporting in the New Global Economy
• Mike Hanley, partner, Ernst & Young: Thriving in an Economic Downturn
• Dr. Martin Regalia, the chief economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Economic Outlook, March 2009
• Todd Hack, president, CARQUEST Corp.
• Christopher Guith, vice president, policy, the Institute for 21st Century Energy: Energy Outlook
• Jon Vander Ark, principal McKinsey & Co.: The Future of the U.S. Automotive Aftermarket
• Greg Henslee, CEO and co-president, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Ernst & Young is the Premier sponsor of the event. Elite Sponsors include: ABeam Consulting (USA), Babcox, Experian Automotive, Marx Group Advisors / The Marx Group, Pricedex Software Inc. and R.L. Polk
AASA Vision Conference attendees can earn 0.6 University of the Aftermarket CEUs.
