APA Honors Henry Jacobs; Re-Elects Three Board Members During Annual Shareholders Meeting
The Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. (APA) honored Henry Jacobs for his 50 years of automotive aftermarket service at its annual shareholders meeting in San Diego, Calif. Jacobs is the founder of Automotive Warehouse in Wichita, Kan. Also during its Annual Shareholders Meeting, APA announced the re-election of J. Michael Faley, Robert Jacobs and Silvia Martinez to its board of directors.
Dana’s John Washbish to Discuss Technology and Training at GAAS
John Washbish, president of Customer Relationship Management for the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, will discuss “Technology and Training in Today’s Aftermarket” on Tuesday, May 18, at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.
Charles Pestow to Join Citation as VP Sales and Marketing
Citation Corp. has hired Charles “Chuck” Pestow as vice president of sales and marketing. Citation manufactures cast, forged and machined components for the capital and durable goods industries, including automotive and industrial markets. Pestow began his career with TRW, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. In his twenty- seven years with that organization he held a variety of positions in engineering, operations and sales and marketing.
Industry Veteran Bob Hall Loses Battle with Cancer
Industry veteran Bob Hall lost his battle with cancer on Monday, March 8, at his home in Carlisle, PA. He was 56 years old. Hall began his career as a sportswriter before moving on to MotorWeek and then becoming publicist for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and later the Imperial Palace Auto Collection. In conjunction with those duties, he became host of “Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the Air,” a show that eventually evolved into “All About Cars,” the program he hosted until his death.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
Technology Outpaces Would-be Technicians
Help Wanted: Automotive technician. Starting salary: $30,000. Benefits include medical insurance, plus two weeks paid vacation and two long weekends off — that’s Thursday through Sunday — a year. How difficult is it to fill a job like that in Michigan’s lackluster economy? Plenty, according to Stan Shephard, owner of Shephard’s Hi Tech Automotive in Detroit. Shephard posted his help-wanted sign 18 months ago, and today the position remains unfilled. He’s had only 15 applicants for the job.
Maxxis Announces Sports Sponsorships
In conjunction with its global branding efforts, international tire manufacturer Maxxis International has become the “The Official Tire of the Houston Rockets.” The sponsorship agreement remains in effect for the balance of the 2004 NBA season. Maxxis has also announced its sponsorship of LPGA Tour Golfer Candie Kung for the 2004 LPGA season.
Motormite/Dorman Names New Vice President of Traditional Market Sales
Motormite/Dorman has named Glenn Barco vice president of traditional market sales. In this role, Barco will be responsible for the management of the Motormite/Dorman regional sales force, which calls on traditional warehouse distributors and their subsequent customers. He will also be responsible for the management of the company’s independent sales agencies in the traditional market, and will report directly to Steve Kirchner, senior vice president of sales and trade marketing.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.
Visteon CFO Daniel Coulson to Retire Next Month
Daniel Coulson, Visteon’s executive vice president and CFO, has announced he will retire on March 31, after a distinguished 38-year career at Visteon and Ford Motor Co.Coulson originally intended to announce his retirement in early December 2003, but agreed to remain with the company on an interim basis after his replacement, George Strickler, former CFO at BorgWarner, withdrew from the new appointment.