TIA Consolidates, Maryland Office Becomes New HQ
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) will consolidate all of its offices in Bowie, Md., as of Feb. 1. TIA’s operations in Kentucky will be relocated and the building will be put up for sale. TIA said this decision comes after months of in-depth analysis into the cost-effectiveness of operating two offices in different states. Two members of the Louisville staff, Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Services Kevin Rohlwing and Director of Training Chris Marnett, will be moving to the Maryland office.
AWDA Segment Liaison Candidates Under Review
AAIA is in the process of reviewing candidates to join the professional team at AAIA headquarters and serve as liaison to the new Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) segment. AWDA officially became a segment of AAIA on Jan. 1. Individuals interested in learning more about the position, which will be based at the AAIA national headquarters in Bethesda, Md., should contact Kathleen Schmatz at 301-654-6664 or [email protected].
Car Care Council Reports Increased Web Site Usage, Women’s Board Membership Up
In 2003, usage of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Newspaper Supplement (CCNS) Web site grew dramatically, the council said. The growth coincides with the first year of the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign. In addition to the news of increased usage of Car Care Council materials, the Car Care Council Women’s Board’s announced that its membership more than doubled in 2003, setting a record high number.
MEMA Names New Director of Finance and Administration
Wendy Earp has been promoted to director of finance and administration for MEMA. She formerly served as the association’s controller, a position she has held since May 2001. Earp succeeds Joseph “Joe” Griscti, who is retiring after 22 years of service to the association and industry.
Could Someone You Know Be The 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year?
Clevite Engine Parts is currently accepting applications for the 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award. Along with the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA) and the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), Clevite Engine Parts presents this award annually to recognize the valuable contributions machinists make to the automotive rebuilding industry. To further expand the Machinist of the Year Program, Clevite will provide a cash prize of $250 to the person who nominates the winner of this year’s award, in an effort to encourage bosses, colleagues, family and friends to nominate a broader selection of deserving machinists.
Kathleen Schmatz Takes Over as President and CEO of AAIA
Jan. 1 marked the first day of Kathleen Schmatz’ new role as president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), a trade association representing more than 2,700 companies that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials, supplies and services. Schmatz, who has served as AAIA’s executive vice president since January 2002, takes over the role from Al Gaspar, who retired at the end of 2003 after 30 years in the aftermarket industry. Gaspar is president emeritus and will serve as a consultant to the association.
SEMA Creates Specialty Equipment Insurance Alliance
SEMA has expanded its member benefits with the creation of the Specialty Equipment Insurance Alliance (SEIA). The Alliance provides business insurance coverage to SEMA member companies through the services of Driver Alliant Insurances Services, one of SEMA’s benefit partners. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Driver Alliant has been a SEMA member company since 1993, and has provided services to SEMA members for a decade. An insurance provider with extensive experience working with trade groups such as SEMA, Driver Alliant works with each SEMA member on an individual case basis.
Most Influential Women in Collision Repair for 2003 Honored
Akzo Nobel took time last month to honor five exceptional women from the collision repair industry. The five women were recognized as the 2003 Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry, an award Akzo Nobel has been presenting for five years. The 2003 Most Influential Women are as follows: Bertha Bertrand, co-manager, Brian Cullen Body Shop, St. Catharines, Ontario; Teresa Bolton, collision repair/refinishing specialist, ASE, Leesburg, Va.; Georgina Carson, editor, BodyShop Business magazine, Akron, Ohio; Karen Fierst, president, KerenOr Consultants, Silver Spring, Md.; and Eileen Haberman, vice president and co-owner, Glen’s Auto Body, Waukesha, Wis.