Two Keystone Automotive Industries Board Members Retire
Keystone Automotive Industries announced that board members Al Ronco and Ron Brown have informed the company of their decision not to stand for re-election at Keystone’s annual meeting to be held this month. The company said it has nominated James Robert Gerrity and newly appointed CEO Richard Keister to fill two of three board vacancies.
Tower Automotive Creates New Position: Global Human Resources and Communications Leader
Tower Automotive has appointed Sharon Wenzl to the newly created position of global human resource and communications leader, effective immediately. As a member of Tower Automotive’s enterprise leadership team, Wenzl will be responsible for aligning human resource and corporate communications strategies with the company’s focus on operational excellence. Wenzl also will assist the company’s financial organization with investor relations. She will report to Kathleen Ligocki, Tower Automotive’s president and CEO.
Tower Automotive CEO Elected to Ashland Inc. Board
Kathleen Ligocki, president and CEO of Tower Automotive, has been elected to the board of directors of Ashland Inc.
SunTrust Enters Multi-Year Pact with NASCAR
Atlanta, Georgia-based SunTrust Banks has signed a multi-year agreement to become the “Official Bank of NASCAR.” The company is utilizing this new partnership with NASCAR to build upon its Motorsports Banking Group announced earlier this year. Under terms of the agreement, SunTrust will support a number of NASCAR activities, including the sport’s diversity initiatives, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, grassroots racing and various charitable and community programs.
Bosch Expands Corporate Affairs VP Position
Bosch Group has announced the expansion of Sylvia Vogt’s current position — vice president, corporate affairs for North America — to include corporate affairs activities for South America. In this new role, Vogt is responsible for strategic planning and regional reporting, select cross-divisional and cross-regional projects, communications and public image management for the Americas region. She also will maintain her current responsibilities for communications activities, government and community relations and charitable contributions in North America.
Fenwick Automotive Products Founder Passes Away
Reuben Fenwick, founder of Fenwick Automotive Products, died on Wednesday, March 17. He was 79-years-old. Fenwick founded the remanufacturing business in 1949. The business, which began as a small two-man operation, grew to become one of North America’s leading remanufacturing businesses. Today, the business includes a production facility in Toronto that employs 800, in addition to six warehouses in Canada and one in the U.S.
Herman Trend Alert: Electronic Connectivity
Rapid developments are underway in the field of electronic connectivity. Sending and receiving e-mail is possible virtually anywhere that you can connect your computer to a telephone line. Internet cafes are plentiful and convenient, especially in countries outside the U.S. International travelers can now stay in touch as they move, increasing their efficiency and peace of mind. The exploding connectivity trend makes it possible to keep in touch with headquarters, clients, suppliers and loved ones.
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.