GAAS Scholarships Awarded to 145 Students
The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) continues its work to ensure a strong future talent pool for automotive aftermarket companies and service outlets through its highly successful scholarship program. A total of 145 students will receive $1,000 GAAS scholarships in 2004, with the majority of recipients entering automotive vocational-technical programs, which will help address the critical shortage of automotive technicians.
Executive Interview with Eric Sills, Director of Headquarter Operations, Standard Motor Products
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Eric Sills, director of headquarter operations at Standard Motor Products. It’s been just about one year since Standard acquired Dana’s Engine Management division. Join us as Sills brings us up to speed on the integration, and shares some of Standard’s goals and plans for the coming years.
Tap Into Technology Solutions at Aftermarket eForum 2004
Make your plans now to attend the 2004 Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges, scheduled to take place August 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill. Aftermarket eForum, supported by University of the Aftermarket, is the only conference focused exclusively focused on the automotive aftermarket. Building on the success of the past three years, the 2004 eForum will feature an expanded format that includes breakout sessions and a full vendor trade show. Topics will include data synchronization, paperless warehouse operation, automated replenishment, data mining and e-commerce for small business.
Warehouse Distributors’ Sales Increase in March
According to the recently released Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) “How’s Business?” survey, warehouse distributors’ sales in March 2004 were 8 percent higher than they were a year earlier. This monthly survey of warehouse distributors tracks national and regional data on sales, collection days, return credits and employment.
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.
CARQUEST’s Pete Kornafel Talks About His New Book on Inventory Management
Pete Kornafel, vice chairman of CARQUEST, recently wrote and published “Inventory Management and Purchasing — Tales and Techniques from the Automotive Aftermarket,” a practical guide to inventory management for wholesale distributors and stores that supply “hard goods.” Kornafel took some time last week to speak with aftermarketNews.com about the inspiration for his new book.
AAIA Issues ‘Call to Action’
On Feb. 26, Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-S.C.), introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair legislation (S. 2138) in the Senate. Similar to legislation in the House (H.R. 2735), the bill would ensure that motorists retain the right to choose how and by whom their vehicles are maintained and repaired. AAIA and AWDA are strongly urging individuals and businesses involved in the industry to go to the Legislative Action Center at www.aftermarket.org and send a letter urging their senator to join Graham in supporting S. 2138.
Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges
This year’s Aftermarket eForum — Solutions Today for Tomorrow’s Technology Challenges — will take place Monday, Aug. 2 through Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. Building on the success of the past three years, the 2004 eForum will feature an expanded format that includes breakout sessions and a full vendor trade show. New technology and e-commerce are rapidly reshaping the vehicle aftermarket.
Senator Lindsey Graham Introduces Right to Repair Legislation
Sen. Lindsey Graham, (R-S.C.), introduced Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair legislation (S. 2138) in the Senate on Feb. 26, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Similar to legislation introduced in the House (H.R. 2735), the bill would ensure that motorists retain the right to choose how and by whom their vehicles are maintained and repaired.
Executive Interview with Jim Taylor, CEO of Thomas Group
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Jim Taylor, CEO of the Thomas Group. Taylor joined the Thomas Group in 2001 as vice president and CFO. From 1997 to 2001, Taylor served as president of the Chancellor Group, a Dallas, Texas, management consulting firm, where he assisted companies in restructuring, raising funds and completing initial public offerings. Join us as Taylor tells us more about the Thomas Group culture and how it works for its clients.