LAS VEGAS — The Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA) on Nov. 2 held a press conference at AAPEX to announce the launch of a new initiative that aims to develop an industry education awareness program specifically focused on state legislatures. Comprised of 14 state and regional associations, ASAAA represents 10,000 members across the United States.
The program has been established to assist in increasing awareness by state legislators of the major positive economic and consumer benefits generated by the automotive aftermarket parts and service industry. The campaign will create a blueprint whereby state associations can implement creative industry education tools, messages and innovative resources in their own state Capitols and regulatory agencies to increase awareness among policymakers about the benefits of a vibrant and robust industry.
“We believe it will have a significant impact on how legislators view aftermarket parts and service," said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO of CAWA and chairman of this program committee, said during the press conference.
The program is being launched with financial support of ASAAA, AAIA, AWDA, AutoZone, LKQ Corp., General Parts Inc. — CARQUEST, Genuine Parts Company — NAPA, Advance Auto Parts and Remy Power Products. The ultimate goal is to raise $100,000 to launch the program and as of today, the organization has raised $88,000.
Also speaking at the press conference, Aaron Lowe of AAIA, who has assisted ASAAA in developing the project, noted that state legislators are “alarmingly ignorant” about this industry, which employs 4 million people and generates $280 billion in sales annually.
The program will continue in the development stage through 2010-2011 and will begin implementation in 2011-2012. Among the services the program will provide to state aftermarket associations will be a dedicated website, talking points and position papers, a monthly events calendar, sample legislation, sample articles and other materials to assist aftermarket businesses in communicating with their state legislators.
