MIDLAND, Mich. – For the third consecutive year, sponsorships have sold out for the Automotive Warehouse Distributor Association’s (AWDA) popular Executive Briefing education session in Las Vegas.
Tenneco, Inc. is the primary sponsor of the Oct. 30 program, titled “The Economic Climate: A Macro and Micro Aftermarket Perspective.” Associate sponsors are Epicor Software Corporation (formerly Activant Solutions) and Airtex Vehicle Electronics.
The AWDA Executive Briefing is presented by the University of the Aftermarket. It will take place from 3:45-5:10 p.m. at the Venetian and is free to all participants in the AWDA Business and Education Conference. Those not registered for the AWDA Conference may attend the session for a $50 fee.
“Tenneco, Epicor and Airtex Vehicle Electronics immediately stepped forward to renew their sponsorships,” said Brian Cruickshank, MAAP, director of the University of the Aftermarket. “Each of these organizations is clearly committed to supporting high-quality, industry-focused continuing education for aftermarket distribution professionals.”
The program will include a presentation by Dr. Robert Baur, managing director and chief global economist for Principal Global Investors, a diversified asset management organization that manages a $235.3 billion portfolio. Baur will discuss the state of the North American economy and key consumer trends that impact the aftermarket.
Following Baur’s remarks, Cruickshank will moderate a panel of three AWDA members: Richard Roy, president and CEO of Uni-Select; John Quirk, president and CEO of VIP Parts, Tires & Service; and Danny Ward, president of Southeastern Automotive Warehouse. Topics for discussion will include regional economic conditions, changes in consumer behavior, wholesale business trends, product sourcing, brand value and other aftermarket-specific issues.
For additional information regarding the 2011 AWDA Executive Briefing session, please visit www.awda.org or www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.
