“AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work”
As this column unfolds over the coming months, there will be several major themes, each with a number of articles. In this first series, we’ll address operational effectiveness. We’ve chosen the inventory dilemma as the first topic, though additional installments will include the related issues of inventory management methods, performance measures, information technology and others.
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.
AAIA Launches New Voter Web Site
With the 2004 election fast approaching, AAIA, in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has launched a new Web site where aftermarket industry professionals can obtain information and tools needed to educate voters in this year’s federal elections. With the 2004 election fast approaching, AAIA, in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has launched a new Web site where aftermarket industry professionals can obtain information and tools needed to educate voters in this year’s federal elections.
Timken Board Nominates NAM President Jerry Jasinowski; Announces Two Retirements
Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), has been nominated for membership on the Timken board of directors. He will stand for election at the annual shareholders’ meeting on April 20. Additionally, two current board members have announced their retirements.
MACS Presents Mobile A/C Pioneer Award
Six veteran professionals were honored with the Mobile A/C Industry Pioneer Award during the MACS 24th annual convention and trade show, held last month.
New Ideas Should Help Old Favorite
After getting whacked by big upheavals in the automotive supply world, the wobbly SAE World Congress, Detroit’s biggest and most important trade show, seems to be finding its legs again.
Automechanika Exhibit Space Selling Out
With strong early sales of space in the U.S. Pavilions at Automechanika, Sept. 14-19, especially in Hall 1 (parts and components) and Hall 8 (garage, tools and equipment), interested firms should call the pavilion organizer soon to reserve space.
Taking Action on AHPs
The Association Health Plan (AHP) Coalition, made up of more than 150 associations including AAIA, is getting geared up for its second session. In order to raise the visibility of Association Health Plans in the Senate, a letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), copying members of the Senate Uninsured Taskforce, asking him to include AHPs in any uninsured legislation he introduces.
MANN+HUMMEL USA Names Thomas to Communications Post
MANN+HUMMEL USA has named Julie Thomas to the position of executive assistant to the president, with responsibility for the automotive supplier’s public relations programs.
Family Affairs at Two North American Supplier Giants Could Spell Trouble
The family ownership rampant among mid-sized German suppliers is sometimes seen as a liability compared to North America’s bottom line-obsessed car parts makers. But last week, two of North America’s biggest suppliers — Lear and Magna — looked more like fickle family enterprises than the publicly traded automotive giants they are.