MEMA Names Industry Veteran Bob McKenna as its New President
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has named Bob McKenna as its new president and CEO. The appointment is effective October 1. McKenna, who has 35 years of aftermarket industry experience, comes to MEMA from Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company (GPC) where he served as group vice president and chairman of the board for the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA).
Leadership 2010: Learn About Hot Issues for the 21st Century at University Forum
This year at University Forum, Chuck Udell, AAP, will moderate “Best of Leadership 2010 — Hot Issues for the 21st Century.” This session will feature two issues to be selected by Leadership 2010 participants and the University of the Aftermarket leadership as the most relevant issues from this year’s 2010 class. Selection will occur during Session II of Leadership 2010 in September.
Lee Murray Named VP of Marketing for Dana’s Clevite Division
Dana Corp.’s Clevite Engine Parts Division has named Lee Murray, a 30-year Dana veteran, as its new vice president of marketing. In this role, Murray will be responsible for the overall marketing strategy associated with the Clevite, Perfect Circle and Victor Reinz brand products into the aftermarket. With this new position Murray returns to Dana’s aftermarket. Since 1998, he has served as the director of OE sales, North America steering & suspension.
University Forum to Present S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers
It goes without saying that our industry continues to change before our very eyes. Distribution channels and methods continue to change. What worked as recently as a year ago might not be working now. The University of the Aftermarket’s annual University Forum can help you stay competitive, and keep pace with our ever-changing market. The event takes place on Sunday, Oct. 31 prior to the kickoff of AAPEX 2004. This year, University Forum will feature — Bill Hanvey, vice president of marketing for Motormite/Dorman; and Jon Owens, AAP, publisher of Counterman magazine, aftermarketNews.com and AAPEX Today at Babcox Publications. At University Forum, Owens and Hanvey will lead a presentation titled: “S.W.O.T. Analysis Of OE Dealers,” which will address this major supplier to traditional channels of the aftermarket.
Collaboration: We All Know What the Word Means, But Are We Doing it?
While he admits the word is a bit overused in our industry, Scott Luckett, chair of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum conference, told the crowd of more than 350 attendees at this year’s eforum that “More than anything else, this conference is about collaboration.”
Nominations Requested for 2004 Automotive Leader of the Year
The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) is seeking nominations for its 46th annual Automotive Leader of the Year Award. This prestigious award was established in 1959 to honor and recognize individual contributions to the motor vehicle aftermarket. The 2003 award was presented to Richard Morgan, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. The 2004 award will be presented on Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Opening General Session during the 2004 Annual AWDA-AAIA Business/Education Conference at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
AASA Representatives Appointed to University of the Aftermarket Joint Operating Committee
Jack Cameron of The Timken Co. and John Washbish of Dana Corp. have been named to the University of Aftermarket’s Joint Operating Committee (JOC) as representatives of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its aftermarket segment association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). The University’s Joint Operating Committee consists of representatives from AASA, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). The committee provides direction in determining future University programs and courses.
Executive Interview: John Washbish Talks About the Dana AAG Acquisition
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features John Washbish, president of customer relationship management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG). On Friday it was officially announced that New York-based investment firm Cypress Group agreed to buy Dana AAG for $1.1 billion. We had the opportunity to talk to Washbish just hours after the announcement was made. Join us as he shares some of the preliminary details on the acquisition and talks about the future of the Automotive Aftermarket Group.
Early Bird Registration for Aftermarket eForum Ends Today
This is the final day to register for the 2004 Aftermarket eForum at the early bird discounted rate. The Aftermarket eForum, which takes place Aug. 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, is the only e-conference exclusively focused on the automotive aftermarket. The eForum is the industry’s largest supply-chain technology event for aftermarket e-business decision makers.
Executive Interview with Scott Meyer, President of MEMA
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Scott Meyer, outgoing chairman of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). As he concludes his time as chairman of the association, he steps into a new role as interim president of MEMA, which is in the midst of celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Join us as Meyer shares his insights on the anniversary of MEMA’s centennial, and what lies ahead for both MEMA and the entire industry.