The Week in Review (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3, 2008)
The Week in Review offers a snapshot of the most highly read stories of the week as seen on aftermarketNews. To access the complete stories, simply click on the highlighted links. If you missed reading one of our daily news emails, just click on the link that says “News Archives” at the bottom of the page to begin catching up on the latest industry news.
Largest Class in Nine Years to Receive AAP, MAAP Designations at AAPEX
From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports MIDLAND, Mich. – Sixteen industry professionals will receive their AAP (Automotive Aftermarket Professional) or MAAP (Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional) certifications from the University of the Aftermarket during this year’s AAPEX Show in Las Vegas. The size of the 2008 class – the largest since 1999 – reflects a resurgence
NGK Spark Plugs Launches New Salvage Sensor Recovery Program
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has introduced the NTK Oxygen Sensor’s Salvage Sensor Recovery Program (NTK SSRP) to all professional technicians. This program offers professional technicians an option for disposing of replaced sensors regardless of brand.
Manufacturer-Driven IT Solutions Slated for Discussion at MIS Council Fall Conference
Representatives of three automotive parts manufacturers will discuss how information technology (IT) innovations have helped their companies realize supply chain improvements and profitability on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the MIS Council Fall Conference in Marco Island, Fla. The Fall Conference program on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 14, will be devoted to manufacturer IT innovations.
Uni-Select’s Brent Windom to Speak at 2008 MIS Council Fall Conference
Brent Windom, vice president of marketing and product management for Uni-Select USA, will present his company’s technology strategies during a "Customer Spotlight" at the 2008 MIS Council Fall Conference Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Marco Island, Fla. Windom will discuss Uni-Select’s technology environment, current e-commerce projects and future technology initiatives, especially in light of Uni-Select’s recent acquisitions of Parts Depot and Beck/Arnley.
AAIA Board and Executive Committee Nominations Open
Nominations are now being accepted for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Individuals interested in being considered for nomination or nominating others are encouraged to do so by Wednesday, Aug. 20. Eleven current board member positions will expire in April 2009. Nominees for the three-year board terms of office must have served on an AAIA committee or segment committee for a minimum of one year and be employed by an AAIA member company in good standing. Candidates for the one-year executive committee terms of office must have served on the AAIA Board of Directors for a minimum of one year.
2008/09 Leadership 2.0 Class Nearly Sold Out
Just two spots remain in the 2008/09 class of the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program, an MBA-level executive development experience designed specifically for aftermarket professionals. University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank reported that 23 of the 25 available positions have been filled. To reserve one of the two remaining spots, aftermarket professionals are urged to contact university offices as soon as possible.
LIVE FROM GAAS: The Delicate Process of Wooing New Markets
by Amy Antenora CHICAGO — While the U.S. economy struggles, many North American companies are increasingly turning to globalization as a way to balance out their portfolios, and tap into some powerful emerging markets. One of the most talked about emerging markets today is China. Steve Ganster, managing director of Technomic Asia based in Shanghai,
VIDEO FEATURE: LDN Fun Run Raises $6,000 for GAAS Scholarships
A record number of aftermarket execs laced up their running shoes for a worthy cause last week. The Leadership Development Network (LDN) hosted its annual Fun Run benefit during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Spring Leadership Days, which took place April 9-11 in Bonita Springs, Florida. While in Bonita Springs, aftermarketNews Editor Amy Antenora talked with LDN Chairman Jason Porrini about the history of the Fun Run, as well as his own experiences as one of the first participants in LDN’s Next Generation Club program.
Hundreds Turn Out for AAIA Spring Leadership Days
Despite the travel hurdles many faced last week as American Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights, roughly 400 aftermarket executives turned out to participate in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) Spring Leadership Days. The biannual gathering of AAIA leadership and industry volunteers took place April 9-11 in Bonita Springs, Fla. In addition to the more than 25 AAIA market segment and committee meetings that took place during the event, the association held its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and State of the Association address on Thursday, during which Jerry O’Pry kicked off his term as chairman of the AAIA Board of Directors for 2008-2009.