AWDA Segment News
AWDA Members’ Interest in PBE Products and Suppliers
Where Distributors Get Together at AAPEX
AWDA One-on-One Schedules Now Available
Wanted: AWDA Industry Award Nominees
AWDA-Sponsored Distributor Education at AAPEX
AWDA Conference and One-on-One Update
AWDA Offering Multiple Incentives for WD Conference Attendees
GCommerce Inc. Presented with 2009 Prometheus Awards
Automotive Distribution Network Promotes Tom Frey to Serve as Director of Product
02/18/2010
AWDA Members’ Interest in PBE Products and Suppliers
Although hard parts form the core of most AWDA distributors’ business, many members also have substantial sales in the Paint, Body & Equipment (PBE) marketplace.
With NACE’s withdrawal from the 2010 Industry Week, members with PBE interests might have a harder time reviewing these specialized product lines. As a result, AWDA and AAIA would like to know if there is sufficient interest in PBE-related products to reach out to suppliers with an offer to include them in this year’s AAPEX and even the AWDA conference.
Please complete the short online survey that was sent to your e-mail address so that we can more accurately gauge AWDA members’ interest in PBE products and suppliers. And if that interest exists to help meet our members’ PBE-related needs.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, contact Lia Zegeye at 240-333-1023 or e-mail lia.zegeye@aftermarket.org.
10/01/09
Where Distributors Get Together at AAPEX
Without question, AWDA’s 62nd Annual Business & Education Conference, Nov. 1-5 in Las Vegas, Nev., is THE place to interact with fellow distributors during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. However, distributors will have even more places to connect while in Vegas this fall. On the show floor and off, distributors will have multiple locations and events where they can meet with one another and with their vendor partners. Here are just a few options:
AWDA Sunday Night General Session and Manufacturers’ Reception
When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Veronese Ballroom, The Venetian Hotel
All AWDA members are invited to attend these functions free of charge, even if they have not registered for the AWDA conference. Each AWDA member company will receive four invitations, but if more are required, they can be obtained from another member or from AWDA/AAIA staff.
AWDA Pavilion on the AAPEX Show Floor
When: Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Booth #3464 on the AAPEX show floor (upper level)
The AWDA Pavilion will serve as a convenient gathering place on the AAPEX show floor for members of AWDA. The Pavilion will offer refreshments and a lounge area for members to relax while walking the show floor. A private meeting room will also be available by appointment. Surrounding the lounge will be vendors that supply goods and services specifically related to the operation of distribution companies and facilities.
AAIA Business Center at AAPEX
When: Monday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 5 from 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Rooms 204-206 in the Sands Expo Center (lower level, behind international registration)
The AAIA Business Center is open to all AAIA members, including all AWDA members, to talk one-on-one with staff, meet with colleagues or just relax. Distributors are encouraged to stop in and enjoy a cup of coffee, check e-mail or hold a meeting in one of the conference rooms. Phones, copiers, fax machines and administrative support are also available free of charge.
Any AWDA member who is interested in reserving a private conference room should visit http://aftermarket.org/Resources/BCForm.aspx for a reservation form. Members may also reserve a room on site.
08/25/09
AWDA One-on-One Schedules Now Available
Final schedules for AWDA’s 2009 one-on-one business meetings have been sent via e-mail to all primary conference registrants. If you are expecting a schedule, but have not received yours, contact Barbara St. Aubin at 813-345-2811 or e-mail sainte@kc.rr.com.
All meetings will return to the privacy of the Venetian suites on Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2. A total of 19 time slots are available on the two days, and no meetings will overlap AAPEX Show hours. Members who signed up more than one meeting team will have additional meeting slots available to them.
Included in the package of materials is a list of best practices for one-on-one meetings. This document was developed by David Segal, Automotive Supply Associates, based on his experience and input from a variety of WDs and manufacturers with whom he consulted. The material provides ideas and tips on deriving the most value from AWDA’s one-on-one meetings – and realizing one of AWDA’s strategic goals: improved networking.
Wanted: AWDA Industry Award Nominees
All AWDA members are asked to nominate industry leaders for the four industry awards presented annually at AWDA’s Business & Education Conference. The 2009 awards are:
- Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award
- Pursuit of Excellence Award
- Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award
- Leader of the Year Award
Take a moment to consider the individuals and/or companies that have made a difference in your aftermarket career or business, what they have contributed to the industry and how much the industry has benefited from their efforts.
Nomination forms were sent to all AWDA members last week. If you have not received your copy and would like to submit nominees, contact Rosemary Perry at 240-333-1032 or e-mail rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org.
08/11/09
AWDA-Sponsored Distributor Education at AAPEX
AWDA is sponsoring a series of four high-level education sessions designed specifically for distributors and their suppliers. All sessions will be presented on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings of AAPEX, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. They will provide even more value to AWDA conference attendees and other members who will be in Las Vegas for Industry Week in November. There will be no cost to attend these sessions for AWDA members. See below for session outlines.
Brent Grover, Evergreen Consulting, LLC, and Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group, will be the faculty for the distributor education sessions at AAPEX. Both are consultants to distribution industries, authors and speakers. Both are highly acclaimed by the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW) as Distinguished Research Fellows and strongly recommended as speakers.
Seminar attendees will receive continuing education units (CEUs) toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications from the University of the Aftermarket.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
“The Sacred Cows of Automotive Aftermarket Distribution: It’s Not What You Take In, It’s What You Take Home”
Brent Grover, Evergreen Consulting, LLC
• Actionable advice about planning your profit strategy.
• How to strategically price your products to the “point of customer resistance.”
• A new way to increase your gross margin by at least 200 basis points (2 percent).
• Why sales dollars are not created equal.
• How to use “one-page strategic planning” to focus on operating profits.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
“Protect the Winners and Fix the Losers: Customer Profitability Analysis”
Brent Grover, Evergreen Consulting, LLC
• How to focus your team on operating profits rather than solely on sales growth.
• Use “Customer Profitability Analysis” to determine actual profit (or loss) from customers.
• Identify and “build a high fence” around your high-growth, high-profit accounts.
• Proven methods to turn around even the biggest money-losers.
• Why you should never “fire” customers.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
“Successfully Managing Distributor-Manufacturer Relationships”
Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group
• A practical, real-world look at distributor-supplier relationships.
• Distributor expectations versus supplier strategies.
• Understanding the different paths to profit growth.
• How to identify and correct emerging problems before they become critical.
• Developing a framework for diagnostic insights and action planning.
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
“The Recovery is Coming: Will You Be Ready?”
Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group
• What will the rebound cycle look like for your company?
• Steps required to take advantage of the economic recovery.
• External and internal factors to consider when developing your “recovery plan.”
• What will the rapid growth forces be and how will they affect your company?
• A road map for you and your staff to discuss risks, innovation and competitive advantage in the months ahead.
For additional information on AWDA/AAIA education sessions at AAPEX, contact Sue Kalish at 240-333-1047 or e-mail sue.kalish@aftermarket.org.
05/19/09
AWDA Conference and One-on-One Update
By now, all AWDA vendor and distributor members should have received registration packages for the 2009 AWDA conference. These packages should be used to 1) register delegates; 2) reserve sleeping rooms; 3) indicate intent to attend the Executive Briefing; and 4) pay applicable registration fees.
In addition, AWDA’s distributor members were recently e-mailed selection forms for the 2009 one-on-one business meetings. The scheduling process for distributors will conclude by the end of May, so if any distributor did not receive his or her selection form, contact Barbara St. Aubin ASAP at 913-345-2811 or e-mail sainte@kc.rr.com.
Manufacturers and Business Service Members that returned the Commitment Form sent several weeks ago will receive their one-on-one selection materials during the month of June. These packages will be used to select the distributors with whom you will want to meet.
Conference Questions & More Information
Please refer to the following contact list for information concerning specific features of the 2009 Annual AWDA Business & Education Conference:
Conference Registration:
Meghan Winch
AAIA Meetings Department
Tel: 301-654-6664
Fax: 301-654-3299
meghan.winch@aftermarket.org
AWDA Hotel Accommodations:
Leah de los Reyes
AAIA Meetings Department
Tel: 301-654-6664
Fax: 301-654-3299
leah.delosreyes@aftermarket.org
One-on-One Meetings:
Barbara St. Aubin
St. Aubin and Associates, LLC
Tel: 913-345-2811
Fax: 913-345-8008
sainte@kc.rr.com
www.saintaubinandassociates.com
AAPEX Show:
Arlene Davis
AAIA Trade Shows
Tel: 301-654-6664
Fax: 301-654-3299
arlene.davis@aftermarket.org
General Conference Information:
Larry Northup or Rosemary Perry
AAIA/AWDA staff
Tel: 301-654-6664
Fax: 301-654-3299
larry.northup@aftermarket.org
rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org
AWDA Offering Multiple Incentives for WD Conference Attendees
Distributor attendance is a key to ensuring that the 2009 AWDA Conference is a success. To help ensure robust registration, AWDA is offering a variety of incentives to be taken advantage of by virtually any distributor or program group.
Full conference registration is valued at $365 and covers all AWDA conference events, including the Executive Briefing, meal and social functions and admission to the AAPEX and SEMA shows.
Listed below are the various incentive programs being offered by AWDA. If you have any questions about your company’s potential qualification, contact Rosemary Perry or Larry Northup at 301-654-6664.
Extra Team Incentive for WDs
For each additional (more than one) one-on-one meeting team fielded by a WD, the company will receive one complimentary conference registration. A “team” can consist of as little as one person.
To qualify for the Extra Team Incentive:
- The first team must have a full schedule (19 meetings).
- The additional team(s) must conduct at least 12 meetings.
First-Timer WD Incentive for AWDA Conference Participation
Qualifying “First-Timer” WD companies that attend the 2009 conference and participate in the one-on-ones will receive one complimentary registration.
WD companies (including groups and jobbers) that have not participated in the AWDA conference since at least 2005 are eligible for the “First-Timer” registration incentive at the 2009 conference.
Extra WD Delegate Incentive
Recognizing that 2009 may be a more difficult travel year, AWDA is also offering an incentive to register additional delegates to the conference. For 2009 only, AWDA conference registration will be reduced to $99 for each additional registrant in excess of the number of delegates registered to attend the 2008 AWDA conference. Example: If a WD company registered three delegates in 2008 and would like to bring four to the 2009 conference, the registration fee for the fourth delegate would be only $99 for 2009. The other three delegates would pay the usual $365 fee.
03/05/09
GCommerce Inc. Presented with 2009 Prometheus Awards
The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI), in conjunction with LWBJ Financial, this week presented its prestigious Prometheus Awards to top high-tech businesses and individuals. AAIA member GCommerce Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, won two of those awards.
“These are our industry’s academy awards,” said TAI president Leann Jacobson. “They were created to help promote excellence in a business sector that is critical to our state’s economy, particularly in these challenging economic times. The transformative work we honored last night is helping to build and sustain vibrant communities throughout Iowa.”
Mark Kittrell, 2008 chairman of the TAI board of directors and CEO of Team Technologies in Cedar Falls, Iowa said, “The awards allow us to showcase the innovations and advancements made by Iowans. The work of the winners is on a world-class scale. We have some of the best high-tech professionals right here in our state, and they are helping solve global challenges in industry, education, medicine and the environment.”
Businesses and individuals in 19 categories were presented with the awards. The categories in which GCommerce won in the 2009 Prometheus Awards are:
Technology Company of the Year, Small to Midsize Company
(GCommerce) The company’s secured, real-time network enables commercial business buyers and their suppliers to automate purchasing and procurement over the Internet.
Chief Information Officer of the Year, Small to Midsize Business
Jason Popillion (GCommerce) GCommerce provides supply chain connectivity solutions for goods-and-services industries, which enable information sharing between incompatible business systems and technologies.
02/12/09
Automotive Distribution Network Promotes Tom Frey to Serve as Director of Product
The Automotive Distribution Network has promoted Tom Frey to serve as the association’s new director of product, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network.
“Tom brings diverse, real-world aftermarket experience to the position, from running a warehouse to overseeing responsibility for a store group to running the product department for Tier Parts, a longtime Parts Plus warehouse distributor,” Lambert said. “His Parts Plus background enabled Tom to make a smooth transition when he joined the Network headquarters staff as senior product manager of hard parts in October 2006. I’m confident that Tom can help the Network meet the product needs of our members and their customers as the industry evolves.”
Under his watch, Frey maintains that the Network product department will continue to help the association’s members profitably compete with big retailers, wholesalers and car dealerships.
“Today, it’s as much about providing information and access to parts as it is about driving lower acquisition costs from part manufacturers and importers,” Frey said. “Parts proliferation adds to this challenge, as distributors cannot afford to continue carrying multiple brands of the same part for the same application. The Network will provide the data management tools that our members and manufacturer partners need in order to supply the parts that professional technicians want, without duplicating inventory. We will build upon the already strong relationships with our manufacturers so we can more effectively meet the needs of today’s technician.”
For more information, contact Bob Barstow at Network headquarters at 901-682-9090.