CHICAGO – One of the greatest challenges facing aftermarket businesses is making sense of today’s puzzling economic times. That’s why the organizers of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) have scheduled three different sessions on the 2009 program to help the industry understand today’s recessionary climate in order to make future business plans.
Jeff Applegate, chief investment officer, Citi Global Wealth Management will open the 2009 Symposium with an “Economic Outlook for 2009 and Beyond.” Meanwhile, William Strauss, senior economist and economic advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will present “Signs of the Times: Perspectives on Falling Energy Prices, Credit Market Meltdown, Housing Bubble Burst and More.” The closing session of the 2009 Symposium will be provided by Tony Cristello, senior vice president, BB&T Capital Markets, as he addresses “The Investor’s View of the Aftermarket.” (Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for interviews with all three speakers in upcoming editions of AMN.)
“All of us are frustrated trying to make business decisions based on economic forecasts presented by the mainstream media,” said Dave Caracci, GAAS chairman. “We are excited to present the viewpoints of three financial experts who come from the private sector, The Federal Reserve and Wall Street and understand the needs and challenges of our industry. Whether you are a NAFTA parts distributor, a global parts manufacturer or considering personal retirement options, what these guys have to say is important to everyone. These sessions alone should be considered ‘must attend’ by aftermarket executives.”
With a theme of “Winning Strategies in a Changing Aftermarket,” the 14th Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will be held Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. The early-bird registration savings discount of $200 per person expires on Friday, March 20. Register now for the symposium online at www.globalsymposium.org.
