University Forum to Present S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers
It goes without saying that our industry continues to change before our very eyes. Distribution channels and methods continue to change. What worked as recently as a year ago might not be working now. The University of the Aftermarket’s annual University Forum can help you stay competitive, and keep pace with our ever-changing market. The event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 31 prior to the kickoff of AAPEX 2004. This year, University Forum will feature — Bill Hanvey, vice president of marketing for Motormite/Dorman; and Jon Owens, AAP, publisher of Counterman magazine, aftermarketNews.com and AAPEX Today at Babcox Publications. At University Forum, Owens and Hanvey will lead a presentation titled: “S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers,” which will address this major supplier to traditional channels of the aftermarket.
Steel Prices Show No Sign of Falling
Twelve straight months of increases have more than doubled steel prices — and there’s little immediate sign that end-users in the manufacturing, construction or automotive industries will be getting a break anytime soon.
AASA Representatives Appointed to University of the Aftermarket Joint Operating Committee
Jack Cameron of The Timken Co. and John Washbish of Dana Corp. have been named to the University of Aftermarket’s Joint Operating Committee (JOC) as representatives of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its aftermarket segment association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). The University’s Joint Operating Committee consists of representatives from AASA, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). The committee provides direction in determining future University programs and courses.
Heavy Duty Dialogue 2006 to Examine EPA, NHTSA Regulations
Heavy Duty Dialogue 2006 is timed to give heavy duty suppliers the opportunity to discuss important industry topics, such as regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scheduled to go into effect in 2007. The biennial conference, organized by the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), is set for Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 6-7, 2006, at the Atlanta Airport Hilton & Towers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.
Automotive Communications Council Elects Officers and Board
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC) elected new officers and members to its board of governors at its recent conference in Hollywood, Fla. Nearly 40 members attended the conference held at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa near Miami Beach. Attendees heard presentations on a range of topics including ad effectiveness and strategic aftermarket branding.
Suppliers Feel Pinch from Auto Industry
Workers at the Timken Co. can spin magic with bearings, crafting superb tapered bits of metal tinier than grains of sand and 9-ton sculptured steel behemoths. The friction-reducing bearings let cars, sport utility vehicles, railroad engines, space satellites, computer disk drives and even missile guidance systems function. But for all that specialized engineering, the $3.8 billion Canton manufacturer is caught in the same pythonlike economic squeeze as businesses large and small across the world: how to cut costs and do more with less, because if they don’t, someone else eventually will.