Early reports from AAPEX 2009, held Nov. 3-5, give indications of a healthy aftermarket environment, according to AASA. 
“The AAPEX trade show aisles were crowded with buyers and exhibitors doing business, and the events offered by AASA were well attended,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “In conversations with our full-service supplier members during AAPEX, the majority were pleased with this year’s event,” he added.
The AASA Member Center, sponsored by Pricedex Software Inc., was busy with member meetings and networking. Nearly 650 AASA members and aftermarket leaders gave a warm welcome to Richard Roy of Uni-Select, guest speaker at the annual AASA Executive Breakfast on Nov. 3, sponsored by Ernst & Young. Gene Ezzell, retired president of Crane Cams, was presented the prestigious Triangle Award by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) during the AASA Executive Breakfast.
Handschuh announced the launch of the association’s “Know Your Parts” awareness and education campaign at a member and aftermarket trade media briefing on Nov. 2, before the opening of AAPEX. Many buyers, exhibitors and visitors stopped at the “Know Your Parts” multi-media exhibit on the main trade show floor at the Sands Expo Center, to learn more about the campaign.
AASA AAPEX events concluded on Nov. 5 with a seminar, “Snapshot of the Automotive Industry and its Affect on the Aftermarket.” Speakers included Handschuh; Mike Hanley of Ernst & Young; Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO; and Ann Wilson, MEMA senior vice president, government affairs.
