Economist to Discuss Shifting Markets at 2008 GAAS

On May 20, William Strauss, senior economist and economic adviser for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will present "Will the U.S. and World Economy Shift Forward?" during the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. Following his appearance at last year's symposium, Strauss returns to discuss the state and the near-term outlook of the U.S. economy. He will also look further into the health of the automotive sector and the overall global economy.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – On May 20, William Strauss, senior economist and economic adviser for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will present "Will the U.S. and World Economy Shift Forward?" during the 2008 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago.

Following his appearance at last year’s symposium, Strauss returns to discuss the state and the near-term outlook of the U.S. economy. He will also look further into the health of the automotive sector and the overall global economy.

Strauss joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 1982 and his chief responsibilities include analyzing the current performance of both the Midwest economy and the manufacturing sector for use in monetary policy. He also produces the monthly Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index, organizes the Bank’s Economic Outlook Symposium and its Auto Outlook Symposium. He also conducts several economic workshops and industrial roundtables throughout the year.

He has taught economics and statistics as an adjunct faculty member both for Loyola University, Chicago and Webster University, Chicago. He currently teaches at the University of Chicago, Graham School of General Studies.

The GAAS program 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.

The GAAS scholarship program awarded 154 scholarships in 2007. Including the 2007 awards, GAAS has presented more than 1,300 scholarships and more than $1.3 million since it was formed. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.

For more details or to register for GAAS, go to: www.globalsymposium.org.