Keith Kreft Awarded ETI Founder’s Award
Keith Kreft of Cupertino, Calif., was presented the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Founder’s Award at the association’s recent board meeting. The Founder’s Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support of the Institute. It is ETI’s highest honor. Kreft is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1985.
ACC Becomes Silver Sponsor of the Car Care Council Women’s Board
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC) has announced it will sponsor the 2004 Car Care Council’s Women’s Board activities at the “Silver” sponsorship level. ACC is a national, non-profit organization comprised of marketing professionals engaged in public relations, advertising, branding and other communication practices for automotive aftermarket companies.
Making Better Business Decisions
Last time we talked about how a cross-functional management framework, driving business improvement at the process level, can dramatically accelerate the pace of performance-enhancing change. This week we’ll talk about how that same cross-functional management framework can improve the quality of business decisions on a day-to-day basis.
Former RMA VP Joins MEMA
On June 1, Ann Wilson, formerly of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) in Washington, D.C., will join the staff at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Previously, Wilson served as the vice president of government affairs at RMA. She will serve in the same role with MEMA.
Timken to Increase Steel Bar Prices
Timken has announced it will increase prices on steel bar products. Non-contract prices will increase by $30 per ton for all sizes and grades of carbon and alloy steel bars effective with shipments beginning May 10.
MEMA’s Information Services Council Creates Forum for Aftermarket IT Professionals
This fall, an assembly of aftermarket information technology (IT) and information services (IS) professionals will meet in southwest Florida to discuss key IT and e-commerce issues affecting the aftermarket. Hosted by MEMA’s Information Services Council (MIS Council), the 2004 Fall Conference will take place Sunday, Oct. 17 through Wednesday, Oct. 20.
DST Users’ Group Announces Spring Conference Agenda
The Directors of the DST Users’ Group have announced the agenda for its upcoming three-day Group Conference, to be held May 12-14, at the Laguna Hills, Calif., Holiday Inn, located near DST’s corporate headquarters. The conference will focus on common goals of DSTWare users, networking, training, product direction and best practices, as well as break-out discussion groups. Topics will include warehouse management, bar coding, replenishment, querying, creative extracting and reporting ideas, cataloging, sales management, and Internet-based parts ordering.
APRC Presents Third Annual Excellence in Automotive PR Awards
The winners of the third annual Excellence in Automotive Public Relations Awards were honored on April 21 at the Automotive Public Relations Council (APRC) Spring Conference held in Dearborn, Mich. APRC, a part of MEMA, is a professional organization for public relations practitioners in all segments of the automotive industry. The only award of its kind, the Excellence in Automotive Public Relations Award identifies public relations programs that have successfully addressed an automotive-related public relations issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.
Executive Interview with Rex Falkenrath, Founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Rex Falkenrath, founder and CEO of Hi-Tech Engine Components. Falkenrath founded Hi-Tech in August of 1973. With more than 31 years in business, Hi-Tech Engine Components has developed a full line of engine parts and kits sold nationally through parts store chains and program distribution groups. Join us as we learn more about Hi-Tech Engine Components and the engine parts market.
Herman Trend Alert: Transnational Job Movement
Many Americans are upset about the migration of jobs to countries like India and China. While the perception is that a huge proportion of jobs is permanently leaving the U.S., the reality seems to be considerably different.