Aftermarket Insider - June/July 2009 - (Page 8)

INDUSTRy EvENTS sPlenDiD symPosium Economic Optimism Highlights gaaS 2009 The 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), held Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill., abounded with predictions that the global economy is poised for a rebound in the near future. This year’s 338 aftermarket professional attendees learned about the current economic climate from Jeff Applegate, Citi Global Wealth Management; William Strauss, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; and Tony Cristello, BB&T Capital Markets. SEMA’s John Waraniak presented “Don’t Waste This Crisis,” encouraging attendees amidst the recession and automotive industry difficulties to create new strategies to move their companies forward. NPD’s David Portalatin, presented the results of GAAS-exclusive research on consumer attitudes toward repair and maintenance, suggesting that 58 percent surveyed would spend more this year to keep their cars on the road longer. Panel discussions looked at new strategies for parts manufacturers to survive, the future of the Internet in the aftermarket and a fiveyear outlook on the do-it-yourself (DIY) market. Also presented were a look at the environmental crisis from Dr. John Wormald, autoPOLIS, and a look at “Finding the Aftermarket’s Next Generation” from the winning team at this year’s University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 class. Other highlights included the presentation of the Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award to Northwood University’s Jim John, and the Polk Inventory Efficiency Awards, which were presented to Gates Corporation and Uni-Select USA. Founded in 1996, GAAS has become the premier industry conference for senior-level aftermarket executives. The net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. In 2008, 115 students who planned careers in the automotive aftermarket received GAAS scholarships to help get their industry careers started. In the 12 years of the program, more than 1,400 students have received aid exceeding $1,400,000. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www. automotivescholarships.com. GAAS 2010 will be held Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. For more information, visit www.globalsymposium.org. Jeff Applegate, Citi Global Wealth Management, presented, “Economic Outlook for 2009 and Beyond.” John Waraniak, SEMA, shared “Don’t Waste This Crisis.” 8 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | JUNE • JULY 2009 William A. Strauss, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, presented, “Signs of the Times: Perspectives on Falling Energy Prices, Credit Market Meltdown, Housing Bubble Burst and More.” http://www.globalsymposium.org http://www.globalsymposium.org http://www.automotivescholarships.com http://www.automotivescholarships.com http://www.globalsymposium.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider - June/July 2009

Aftermarket Insider - June/July 2009
Contents
President's Message
Association News
Our 10th Anniversary
Industry Events
Member Profile
Government Affairs
Campaign Update
Market Research
International Focus
AAIA and CIAPE: On a Mission
Company Profile
Inside Technology
Market Research

Aftermarket Insider - June/July 2009