RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has created the AASA Marketing Council to advance the automotive aftermarket manufacturing industry through collaborative marketing and communication solutions.

The Council is open to marketing executives of AASA member companies. The Council plans to meet four times a year to address key issues affecting the North American aftermarket manufacturer and to work together to strengthen the overall industry. One of the four meetings will be an annual day-and-half conference that will provide a platform for inclusion of other aftermarket organizations, customers and outside speakers.

“The AASA Board of Directors discussed a need for a council where aftermarket supplier marketing executives can collaborate to help improve the state of the North American manufacturer base and the overall industry image,” said AASA Executive Director Steve Handschuh. “This Council will serve a major role in helping AASA communicate to key audiences and develop strategies and action items to advance our industry. We invite all manufacturers to participate and help AASA further itself as the voice of the aftermarket supplier.”

AASA compiled an Advisory Committee to help establish the Council’s mission, objectives and structure. Brian Tarnacki, director, brand marketing, Federal-Mogul Corp., was named by the Council’s Advisory Committee as chairman. Brian Altenberger, global marketing director, Delphi Product and Service Solutions, will serve as the Council’s vice chairman.

Members of the Council’s advisory include:

• Mark Boyle, director aftermarket marketing, Visteon Corp.;
• Bill Dennie, director – channel management, Tenneco;
• Layne Gobrogge, vice president marketing support, Proliance International;
• Scott Howat, director of corporate communications, Affinia Group Inc.;
• Donald James, marketing director, Continental Teves;
• Dil Kulathum, vice president, international sales and marketing, CARDONE Industries;
• Tom Tecklenburg, vice president sales and marketing, Bendix North America, Honeywell CPG; and
• Dave Touchette, director, aftermarket sales & marketing, Cooper Bussmann

The Council’s first meeting date is planned for early October and details will be announced soon, according to Handschuh.

More information regarding participation in the Marketing Executives Council is available by contacting Theresa Spera, the group’s AASA staff liaison, at 919-406-8854 or [email protected].

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