DST Users’ Group Announces Spring Conference Agenda
The Directors of the DST Users’ Group have announced the agenda for its upcoming three-day Group Conference, to be held May 12-14, at the Laguna Hills, Calif., Holiday Inn, located near DST’s corporate headquarters. The conference will focus on common goals of DSTWare users, networking, training, product direction and best practices, as well as break-out discussion groups. Topics will include warehouse management, bar coding, replenishment, querying, creative extracting and reporting ideas, cataloging, sales management, and Internet-based parts ordering.
Jasper Engines & Transmissions Becomes “Silver” Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
Jasper Engines & Transmissions has signed on as a “Silver” sponsor of the Car Car Council’s Women’s Board activities for 2004. The Car Care Council Women’s Board recently expanded its sponsorship program in order to support all of the Women’s Board activities for the year.
SCRS Appoints 2004-05 Executive Board and Officers
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has appointed its board of directors and executive officers for the year 2004-2005. The election took place at the SCRS Annual Meeting on April 8 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. For the second year in a row, Lou DiLisio was elected SCRS chairman of the board, an occurrence that has happened only twice before — first, when inaugural Chairman Don Caldwell presided over consecutive terms in 1982-83 and 1983-84 and a second time, when Chairman Bob Jones held the office in 1990-91 and 1991-92.
Duraline Pres-On Abrasives and Future Abrasives Co. form Global Abrasive Products, Inc.
Duraline Pres-On Abrasives Inc., LLC and Future Abrasives Co. recently merged to form Global Abrasive Products Inc. (GAP), a service-driven abrasive supply and manufacturing company. This merger makes Global Abrasive Products Inc. one of the largest abrasive convertors in the U.S.
Retooling a Pool of Talent: Michigan Reaches Out from Brawn to Brains
Diego Rivera’s famous mural of Detroit’s industry depicts big, muscular men pulling on steel and manipulating heavy machines as they mold new cars. But if Rivera were here today, how would he see the city? Probably not muscling steel girders around. He’d see MBAs and computer geeks creating the modern automotive world in front of their computers.
DST Asks: Does Your Business System Include Enhancements to Help Manage and Collect Outstanding Receivables?
Regardless of the size of your business, accounts receivable collections and credit management are a never ending task. Having proper credit and collections procedures in place that are solely dependent upon the utilization of your personnel’s time can be a costly endeavor. Technology can dramatically reduce those costs.
FRAM Supports New AirHog Air Filter with Multi-Million Dollar Campaign
At the end of last year, FRAM launched its all-new FRAM AirHog high performance air filter, and now, the brand is launching a comprehensive communications campaign to help push sales at the consumer level. A new television spot, three print ads, motorsports affiliations and a full-blown PR program are being launched for the product this month.
Timken Names General Manager, Automotive Aftermarket, The Americas
Jack Cameron, current Timken general manager of automotive aftermarket for North America, has been promoted to general manager of automotive aftermarket for the Americas. Cameron, who has been with Timken for five years, brings to the position more than 20 years of experience.
UTI Expands Program at Florida Campus to Include Automotive Training
Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a national provider of technical education training, has announced a long-term agreement to expand program offerings at its Orlando, Fla., campus to include automotive training. The Orlando automotive program expansion will help to address the growing technician needs within that specific region, said UTI. According to state occupational projections, Florida has the third largest number of annual automotive technician openings in the U.S.
Bruce Mardar Joins Akebono North America
Akebono Corp. has named Bruce Mardar eastern regional sales manager for aftermarket sales. Mardar replaces Carl Schaefer, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Before joining Akebono, Mardar spent 14 years with Qualitee International, a supplier of aftermarket brake and clutch components, where he most recently served as national sales manager.
Standard Motor Products Reports First Quarter Results
Standard Motor Products has reported its financial results for the first quarter, which ended on March 31. Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2004 were $204.8 million, compared to consolidated net sales of $135.7 million during the comparable quarter in 2003. Losses from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2004 were $545,000 or 3 cents per diluted share, compared to $607,000 or 5 cents per diluted share in the first quarter of 2003.
GKN Driveline Names New Managing Director of Operations
Philippe Cabassol has been named managing director of operations for GKN Driveline Americas. Cabassol replaces Richard Best, who was recently named strategic director for global projects.