Obituary: Bill Laber, 66, Focused on Life’s Simple Pleasures
Today, I am reminded of how important it is to reach out to those you admire most, care about most, long for most, look up to most, trust most, respect most and enjoy most. Each of those feelings describes how I felt about Bill Laber. I was shocked to learn this morning that Bill passed away on Friday. I remain dazed, angry, confused, deeply saddened and remorseful that I hadn’t seen him in person in more than a year. We communicated often, almost every week if not more, but e-mail and phone calls are never enough.
All-American Soap Box Derby Documentary Premieres on SPEED Channel
The late entertainer Johnny Carson participated in it. So did three-time NASCAR champion Cale Yarborough and current NASCAR President Mike Helton. Heisman Trophy winners Paul Hornung and Pete Dawkins and actor Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) were also among the hundreds of thousands who have experienced the thrill of the “Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World” – the Soap Box Derby.
Castrol Syntec Honors Winner of Its Scholarship Program
Legendary drag racing champion John Force and teammate Eric Medlen recognized Chris Burd of San Luis Obsipo, CA, as the national winner of the 2005 Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers Scholarship Program and America’s most passionate young car lover. Burd was honored during a special ceremony at the NHRA 51st Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Executive Interview with Duane Miller, Executive Director of GM Service and Parts business channels – GM Service and Parts Operations (SPO)
This Executive Interview features Duane Miller, who is the Executive Director of GM’s Service and Parts business channels (GM Service and Parts Operations [SPO]). Miller was appointed to his position back in April 2005. He took time from his busy schedule to discuss with AftermarketNews.com his new responsibilities, the outlook of ACDelco going forward and how “Real Car Guys” know ACDelco.
Wheldon Claims Victory at Indy 500
Dan Wheldon became the first Englishman to win the Indianapolis 500 in nearly 40 years, winning the 89th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday with a late pass at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
AASP/NJ Member Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year
NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) member Jeff Walker as the 2005 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA and ASE, the award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. This winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE headquarters.
NHRA Museum Launches New Winner’s Circle Sponsorship Program
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum has unveiled details of an exclusive program that will give automotive aftermarket leaders and racing greats the opportunity to preserve and celebrate a history they helped make, through a new sponsorhip program called the Winner’s Circle.
DST Asks: How Do you Make Strategic Business Decisions
There are almost as many sources of reference for making strategic business decisions as there are choices for planning and securing your future. Our respondents to last week’s question were in agreement that it takes collaborative efforts to design and implement a corporate roadmap, including internal management, consultants, observing and copying competitors’ strategies, industry journals and publications and technology supplier partnerships.
Ninth Annual GAAS Kicked Off in Chicago
While the theme of this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) — Leaner, Faster, Better — may connote the automated efficiency of a well-run machine, the true focus of the day’s numerous presentations was on the talented pool of people who make up that machine and how to make better use of them. “The core of any great business is the people,” said GAAS founder and chairman Mort Schwartz, who welcomed approximately 400 aftermarket executives to the event.