Founded in 1915, AEA’s original purpose was to protect manufacturing suppliers of original electrical equipment from a web of patent ligation that stemmed from the rapidly growing demand for vehicles on home soil and abroad during World War I. Throughout the years, AEA has helped in the standardization of engineering design with the cooperation of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the standardization of business methods and cost accounting in cooperation with Federal Trade Commission and the auto care industry. For decades, AEA has serviced distributors through the release of automotive electrical systems manuals, technical information meetings and training manuals.

AEA continues to keep its members current on industry trends and opportunities and offers one-on-one meetings during the HDAW Business Conference to help solidify business relationships between manufacturers and distributors of automotive electrical equipment.

“AEA has been a part of ASIA, and then AAIA and now the Auto Care Association, and we still maintain our uniqueness and individuality,” said Steve Kelshaw, AEA chairman. “We want to thank our members for their ongoing support and look forward to working with our younger members to grow the organization.”

All current AEA members are welcome to attend the banquet. For more information about the event, networking opportunities, market research or legislative initiatives, contact Courtney Hammer, AEA staff liaison, at 301-654-6664 or email [email protected].