Aftermarket Legislative Summit

This biannual event provides an opportunity for aftermarket professionals to come to Capitol Hill to meet with key congressional leaders about issues that affect and impact their businesses.

Pleast stay tuned for the dates and location of the next Legislative Summit in 2009.

Record Number of Attendees Turn Up the Heat at the 2007 Aftermarket Legislative Summit

More than 300 automotive aftermarket professionals headed to Capitol Hill this summer the AAIA 2007 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, June 12-13 in Washington, D.C. This record number of attendees participated in meetings with key congressional leaders to discuss issues that affect and impact their businesses, including the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act and the rising costs of health insurance.

The summit kicked off Tuesday, June 12 with a legislative briefing at the Washington Court Hotel to coach and prepare attendees for meetings with their elected officials with tips, talking points and current information on the pertinent issues. Speakers included Aaron Lowe, AAIA vice president, government affairs; Amanda Austin, manager, legislative affairs, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); and Rolf Lundberg, Jr., senior vice president, congressional and public affairs division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A highlight of the briefing was Senator David Vitter, R-La., who provided an overview of the political landscape for the 110th Congress and opened the floor to a Q&A period, where the issue of immigration reform was widely discussed. The day wrapped up with a legislative reception in the Rayburn House Office Building, where special guest Ray Evernham, president and CEO, Evernham Motorsports, sponsored by the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., joined the assembled aftermarket executives, legislators and staff for networking and photo opportunities.

Wednesday, June 13, featured more than 170 meetings between aftermarket professionals and their elected officials on Capitol Hill. All meetings had been pre-set by summit staff for participants with their district representative and two U.S. senators.

“I’ve heard from countless attendees about the high quality and success of their meetings,” Lowe said. “This biannual summit has become the defining event in the nation’s capital for the industry to demonstrate to their elected leaders both its size and economic power.”

Among the more than 300 participants at this year’s summit were members of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina and the Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas and Tennessee. Their 30-person delegation rented a bus to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with their political leaders.

“The dedication of these two groups, along with the more than 300 aftermarket professionals that participated in the summit, made our elected officials aware that the automotive aftermarket represents an economically and politically strong and vocal industry,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Our thanks to all these outstanding individuals who helped us turn up the heat on Washington, D.C.”

For more information, contact AAIA’s government affairs department at 301-654-6664.

Sponsor:
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Aftermarket Industry Co-Sponsors:
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers
Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations
Automotive Engine Remanufacturers Association
Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association
Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association
Automotive Recyclers Association
Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association
Car Care Professionals Network
Service Station Dealers Association of America
Tire Industry Association

Media Sponsors

Advanstar Communications
Automotive Week: The Greensheet
The Auto Services Operator Magazine
Babcox Publications
Parts & People

Sample Thank You Letters:
Click for Congressional Staff sample letter (41 KB/ .doc)
Click for Senator or Representative sample letter (39 KB/ .doc)