MEMA Honors Sen. Alexander and Rep. Knollenberg with Joe Magliochetti Industry Champion Award
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) were recently honored as inaugural recipients of the Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, presented by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) on May 5. The award, which was created to honor the work of legislators helping to advance the automotive industry, was presented at a special dinner during the first MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
Herman Trend Alert: Virtual Schools
A recent survey of 447 high schools and 345 school districts revealed that 50 percent of high schools in the U.S. currently offer online courses or are exploring future implementation of this learning technology. More than 40 percent of all public high schools are already using online courses or plan to start using them during this current school year. A curriculum for grade school children, particularly those being home-schooled, is spreading, too, but at a much slower rate.
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.
Speedway Motorsports’ First Quarter Results Exceed Market Expectations
Speedway Motorsports has reported revenues of $122.2 million, net income of $24.7 million and diluted earnings per share of 57 cents for the first quarter of 2004. The results exceeded market expectations, Speedway said.
ASA Announces Collision Division, Mechanical Division Operations Committees
Automotive Service Association (ASA) members have elected committee members for its Collision and Mechanical Divisions. Michael Anderson of Wagonwork Collision Center in Alexandria, Va., has been appointed Collision Division Director. Anderson will serves on ASA’s board of directors and will chair the 2004 ASA Collision Division Operations Committee. ASA members have also elected Earl Dohner, AAM, of E&E’s Garage in Brookville, Ohio, as Mechanical Division Director. Dohner will serve on ASA’s board of directors and will chair the 2004 ASA Mechanical Division Operations Committee.
DuPont Expands Fayetteville Manufacturing Line
DuPont has announced plans to add a $15 million glass interlayer manufacturing line at its site in Fayetteville, N.C. The new line will manufacture DuPont SentryGlas Plus interlayers, high-strength polymer sheets used by glass laminators and window companies to make advanced safety glass for automobiles and buildings.
UTI Expands Program at Florida Campus to Include Automotive Training
Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a national provider of technical education training, has announced a long-term agreement to expand program offerings at its Orlando, Fla., campus to include automotive training. The Orlando automotive program expansion will help to address the growing technician needs within that specific region, said UTI. According to state occupational projections, Florida has the third largest number of annual automotive technician openings in the U.S.
Bruce Mardar Joins Akebono North America
Akebono Corp. has named Bruce Mardar eastern regional sales manager for aftermarket sales. Mardar replaces Carl Schaefer, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Before joining Akebono, Mardar spent 14 years with Qualitee International, a supplier of aftermarket brake and clutch components, where he most recently served as national sales manager.
Interstate Batteries Taps Next Chief Exec
Interstate Batteries, a leading brand of replacement automobile batteries in North America, has announced that Carlos Sepulveda will be promoted to president and CEO on May 1. Sepulveda will replace R. Tom Miller, current president and CEO, who is retiring after 41 years in various executive positions at Interstate Batteries. In addition, Len Ruby, executive vice president has announced his retirement after 25 years with the company.
AAIA to Host Information Webinar on New PIES Data Audit and Certification Service
Earlier this week, AAIA announced the availability of a new service to audit and certify product information compliance with the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). To explain how the DAC service works and describe the importance of accurate product information to the aftermarket industry, AAIA and Comergent will conduct an informational Webinar at 11 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, May 13.