NACE Registration to Include Complimentary Admittance and Shuttle to AAIW Shows
Organizers of the 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) have announced that the registration fee will now include a badge that will admit attendees to the NACE Exposition, as well as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows – SEMA and AAPEX.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Realigns Tire Division
Cooper Tire and Rubber has announced five new executive appointments, as a result of a realignment within the company’s tire group. The realignment was designed to better focus on target markets, support the company’s strategic plan and ensure the right resources are in place to grow the tire business globally, the company said.
DST Asks: Does Your Business System Include Enhancements to Help Manage and Collect Outstanding Receivables?
Regardless of the size of your business, accounts receivable collections and credit management are a never ending task. Having proper credit and collections procedures in place that are solely dependent upon the utilization of your personnel’s time can be a costly endeavor. Technology can dramatically reduce those costs.
Executive Interview with Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of AAIA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Schmatz became president and CEO of AAIA on Jan. 1, 2004. She had served as executive vice president of the association since January 2002. In addition to filling us in on her first few months at her new post, Schmatz shared with aftermarketNews.com updates on AAIA’s merger with AWDA, Right to Repair legislation and the Be Car Care Award Campaign.
MEMA Creates Brand Protection Council to Address Counterfeiting, Non-Compliant Products, Intellectual Property Rights
MEMA and its market segment associations have established a new Brand Protection Council to help address and set the association’s priorities in the areas of counterfeiting, diversion, non-compliant products and intellectual property rights. The council will meet four times a year and will help dictate MEMA’s (and the industry’s) collective actions on various intellectual property issues. The council will also share best practices and dialogue on this growing industry challenge.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.
Florida Senate Committee Passes Insurer-Owned Repair Facility Legislation
By a vote of 8 to 1, the Florida Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance has passed Senate Bill 2692, which prohibits insurer-owned shops in the state of Florida.
Panel to Address China’s Effect on U.S. Manufacturing
A panel of industry and trade representatives will address China’s effect on U.S. manufacturing during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, which will be held on Thursday, May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
Lean Manufacturers Recognized for Excellence
Ten automotive suppliers are among the recipients of the 2004 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Dubbed the “Nobel prize of Manufacturing” by Business Week magazine, the Shingo Prize recognizes manufacturers who follow Toyota’s LEAN manufacturing principles. Administered by the College of Business, Utah State University, nine state-level awards and a public-sector category, primarily for Military Depots doing re-manufacturing, have been implemented in recent months.
SMMC to Discuss Tips for Increasing Brand Recognition
Bob Schaffer of Integrated Marketing Solutions will lead a discussion on increasing brand recognition at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Small & Medium Manufacturers Council (SMMC). The meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 28, at American Axle in Detroit, Mich., and also on Thursday, April 29, at the Doubletree Hotel O’Hare Rosemont, Chicago.