RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — AASA is offering attendees to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) the opportunity to discuss the state of the aftermarket and network with industry leaders – all while enjoying the rich history of baseball – at the AASA Opening Pitch Reception on Tuesday, May 16, just prior to the start of GAAS.

The 11th annual GAAS program will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 17-18, at the Dearborn Hyatt in Dearborn, MI. The event has become the premier industry conference for senior-level aftermarket executives, with a program featuring insights and forecasting from industry leaders and analysts.

Organized by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and sponsored by Ernst & Young, the Opening Pitch Reception will be hosted at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. The reception will held at the Baseball as America touring exhibit at the museum and will offer members a chance to view baseball memorabilia and network. Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, who many believe is the best third baseman of all time, will be on hand at the reception to meet GAAS attendees.

“We hope the industry embraces this opportunity to interact with industry representatives and give GAAS the kick-off it deserves,” said Theresa Spera, manager of member services for AASA. “The outstanding Henry Ford Museum will provide a great venue and the exhibit is equally as impressive for baseball enthusiasts and others alike.”

“GAAS is one of the most important events in an industry that is more important than ever,” noted Mike Hanley, global director of automotive for Ernst & Young. “The automotive aftermarket makes a significant contribution to the American economy. The industry employs 4.6 million people and accounts for annual sales in excess of $250 billion. With Americans driving more and more miles, the aftermarket will only increase in size and importance. We’re pleased to be associated with this industry and look forward to what we believe will be a memorable event.”

GAAS is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA), and University of the Aftermarket.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. The GAAS scholarship fund awarded a total of 145 students $1,000 GAAS scholarships in 2005, pushing the awards to more than 1,000 students and more than $1 million in funding in its 10-year history. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com .

Program details and registration information are available at www.globalsymposium.org .

More information about AASA can be found at: www.aftermarketsuppliers.org .

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.