Cooper Tire Puts on its Game Face
The official tire of six NCAA conferences, Cooper Tire & Rubber is taking an experimental approach to building regional brand awareness through a series of pre-game and on-court interactive promotions at upcoming NCAA basketball games. “We’re aiming to activate our corporate partnerships by pushing our involvement past simple signage, and enhancing our consumer’s sports experience,” said Pat Brown, vice president of advertising and communications at Cooper Tire.
Wix Filters Gives NASCAR Drivers Added Incentive
WIX Filters is giving NASCAR series drivers yet another reason to get ahead of the pack on race day — the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award. Starting with the 2004 racing season, the award program extends through December 31, 2010. The WIX Filters Lap Leader Award includes cash payouts and an award trophy/plaque that will be presented during pre-race ceremonies at each event, as well as a year-end payout and a trophy for the driver who leads the most races with the most laps for each series.
Delphi Continues Relationship with Hendrick Motorsports for 2004
Delphi is continuing its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports by becoming a major associate sponsor of the No. 5 Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, beginning this weekend with the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The sponsorship is in association with Kellogg’s for the No. 5 NASCAR driven by two-time Winston Cup champion Terry Labonte.
Exploring Visionary Leadership with University of the Aftermarket
In today’s business environment, it is not enough for an effective leader to organize people and resources for the pursuit of business goals, targets and objectives. To gain the competitive advantage, you must be a visionary leader and motivate your team to be more productive, more focused and more fulfilled. Learn more about this important management tool in the University of the Aftermarket’s new leadership program, Exploring Visionary Leadership, set for Wednesday and Thursday, April 21-22, at the Marriot Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas.
PERA Announces Schedule for 2004 Marketing and Technical Program
The Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) has announced the schedule for its 2004 Marketing and Technical Program, which is slated to take place April 1-3 at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, in Louisville, Ky.
MACS 2004 Convention Breaks Records
The MACS 24th annual convention and trade show, which took place in January, is reported to have broken all of MACS’ previous convention records for attendance. Registration for the event reached 2,026 this year. In addition, 41 companies participated in the society’s most generous sponsorship ever and 148 organizations exhibited in 243 booths. The MACS technical program unfolded over three days and featured 67 speakers. Five social events provided time for industry networking.
MEMA Joins Aftermarket eForum as Sponsor
MEMA has joined as a sponsor of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2, through Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Chicago, Ill. Other sponsors of this industry-wide event include the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), R.L. Polk & Co., Comergent, Evant, Gcommerce, Prescient Technology, DST and WorldPac.
ACDelco Announces Plans for National Car Care Month
ACDelco is stepping up its efforts to promote April’s National Car Care Month (NCCM) and the industry-wide “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, which educates consumers on the benefits of proper vehicle maintenance. In honor of National Car Care Month, ACDelco is teaming up with warehouse distributors in select markets to participate in its first-ever car care initiative, which will educate consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
Three More Speakers Added to Manufacturers’ Rep Conference
Three more manufacturers have agreed to participate on the Town Hall Panel taking place at the Manufacturers’ Rep Conference on May 16-17 in Chicago, Ill. Larry Easterlin of Technical Chemical Co., Mike Mayer of Master Lock Co.; and Charlie Walker from Gates Rubber/Stant will discuss pressing issues, along with Bill Lorenz from Siskel Sales Co. and Bob Knight from PSKB Inc.
NAPA/ASE Name Parts Specialist of the Year
Mike Mrozinski, a manager at Capital and Auto National Truck Service in Albany, N.Y., was recently named the 2004 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year. Now in its fifth year, the NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year is awarded to a parts professional within the NAPA organization who demonstrates superior parts knowledge and business practices, a commitment to customer service and training, involvement in the community and outstanding service to the automotive parts, repair and maintenance industry. Judges include representatives from ASE, trade press, universities and aftermarket industry associations. Mrozinski was unanimously selected by the judges.