RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has announced a stellar line-up of speakers and presentations for its Vision Conference 2008, which begins Friday, Feb. 29, and concludes on Saturday, March 1, at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL.
Darren Jackson, president and chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts Inc., and Jeff Rachor, president and chief executive officer of Pep Boys Auto, will present their perspectives on the automotive aftermarket industry as keynote speakers.
Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO of Robert Bosch LLC, also will present a keynote address, and Mike Hanley, partner, global automotive industry leader, Ernst & Young, will discuss the global marketplace and trends.
Neil DeKoker, president and CEO of OESA, and Paul Johnson, general director, global independent aftermarket, General Motors Corp., will discuss emerging automotive technology and its effect on the aftermarket in the Technology Forum.
Representatives of three member companies will discuss innovative programs and solutions at their companies: Ed Rammel, vice president of marketing, Dayco products LLC; Bob Soroosh, director of benefits, Affinia Group Inc.; and Brian Tarnacki, director of global brand strategy, Federal-Mogul Corp.
The Vision Conference also provides three work group sessions. Attendees will select from one of three open discussions groups, which will examine the most important issues to the aftermarket supplier community. Sessions and facilitators include:
• "Education/Training:" "Mac" McGovern, KYB; Doug Vidler, Delphi Corp.
• "Cataloging a Better Way" and "Collaborative Purchasing for Indirect Items:" Dil Kulathum, CARDONE Industries, and Susan Ulrey, Tenneco
• "Global Selling and Sourcing:" Jeff Brekke, The Gates Corp., and Jeff Stauffer, Affinia Group Inc.
Sponsors of the AASA Vision Conference 2008 are Babcox Publications, Ernst & Young, R.L. Polk & Co. and SAS.
More details on the AASA Vision Conference 2008, including online registration and online hotel reservations, are available at: www.aasavision.org.
