Aftermarket Insider - April/May 2009 - (Page 8)

gOVERNMENT AFFAIRS speCtaCular summit The Aftermarket Empowers the Industry on capitol hill Representatives of the aftermarket from around the country descended on the nation’s capital on March 11 and 12 to participate in the 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit. As part of the summit, attendees participated in meetings with key congressional leaders on issues impacting the vehicle aftermarket including the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, “Cash for Clunkers” legislation and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The summit kicked off Wednesday, March 11 with a legislative briefing at the Washington Grand Hyatt to coach and prepare the attendees for meeting with their elected officials. Highlights of the session included an address by Representative Wally Herger, R-Calif., who discussed tax issues facing the 111th Congress and their impact on small businesses; and a discussion of the industry battle by Rob Green of the National Retail Federation to defeat EFCA, which will greatly expand the ability of labor groups to unionize aftermarket workplaces. The day wrapped up with a Congressional Reception in the Rayburn House Office Building, where special guest NASCAR driver and owner Michael Waltrip, sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, joined more than 400 aftermarket executives, legislators and staff for networking and photo opportunities. Thursday, March 12, featured more than 100 meetings between aftermarket professionals and their elected officials on Capitol Hill. “AAIA would like to thank all those who participated in the summit,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Events in Washington over the coming months are going to have a major impact on our industry and it was timely that our industry could have the opportunity to make an impact so early in the process.” For additional information on the event, contact Cael Pulitzer in the AAIA government affairs department, at 301-654-6664. CaWa’s rodney Pierini discussed the industry with rep. shelley berkley, D-nev. senator saxby Chambliss, r-Ga., met with aaIa members during the summit. senator bob Corker, r-tenn., learned about the aftermarket from aaIa members. Participants discussed the Motor Vehicle Owners’ right to repair act with rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill. 2009 aftermarket legislative summit attendees, representing 30 states, converged on Capitol hill in Washington, D.C. sen. James Inhofe, r-Okla. (center), met with aaIa member stacy Griggs, aaP, Dayco Products, llC. http://www.righttorepair.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider - April/May 2009

Aftermarket Insider - April/May 2009
Contents
President's Message
Association News
Declaration of Independents
Government Affairs
Member Profile
Toolbox
It’s Easy Being Green
Inside Technology
Company Profile
Market Research

Aftermarket Insider - April/May 2009