AIA Training Events Encourage Aftermarket Employees to Innovate, Network and Accelerate Profits
March 14th, 2012, Ottawa – The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada welcomed close to 250 motivated aftermarket representatives who were attending the Young Executive Society (YES) Conference on March 6th, and the AIA Ontario Automotive Service Providers’ (ASP) Forum on March 7th, 2012.
"AIA Canada’s events are crucial for an Association to fulfill its purpose,” stated AIA Canada President Marc Brazeau. “As an Association, we have always recognized the value of events in order to provide an opportunity for members to network with colleagues and customers, while learning about trends or practical business tips and allowing a forum for discussion. Whether it’s during a conference, workshop, forum, roundtable or career day, our events bring people from all over together and from different levels of the supply chain."
The Young Executive Society exists to provide a venue for tomorrow’s aftermarket leaders and young executives to learn and get inspired. In order to help in this endeavour, the YES Committee organized the 2012 YES Conference. The 2012 YES Conference, held on March 6th,2012, was led by Ian McEwen and focused on how to market your organization and yourself. For example, attendees learned helpful human resource tips such as how to help a company recruit by identifying key characteristics and competencies each position and situation requires.
The day began with industry mentor, Eric Morris, currently a Grote corporate Board Member who previously served for seven years as Worldwide President and Chief Operation Officer for Grote Industries. Interviewed by Linda Donnini from Uni-Select, and past-chair of the YES Committee, Eric talked to the group about working in a family run business, mentors he has had in his career and the qualities he felt were needed in order to have a successful career.
The ever-growing Annual Ontario Automotive Service Providers’ Forum took place the next day on Wednesday March 7th, 2012. A total of 193 participants were registered, with over 40% of the attendees being automotive service providers. The Forum offered participants 2 sessions out of 4 surrounding the 2012 theme of Accelerating Profitability. The format, changed to ensure that sessions focused not only on what to do but how to do it, was very well received by attendees. All sessions were facilitated by industry experts Jessica Reynolds, Dave Meunier, Mac McGovern and Tom Deans. Attendees also received a special presentation from students of CAI college and Social Capital Partners. The day ended on a high note with closing speaker Dennis Hull, who entertained the crowd with his candid humour and stories about his time in the NHL and playing for Team Canada in the 1972 Canada / USSR series.
- 30 -
Contact: Kina Leclair Senior Communications CoordinatorAutomotive Industries Association of Canada 1272 Wellington Street West Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 1-800-808-2920 ext. 233 Kina.Leclair@aiacanada.com
About AIA Canada The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. The aftermarket is a $18.49 billion industry that employs more than 420,200 people. The industry is composed of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment. AIA represents manufacturers, re-builders, manufacturers agents, warehouse distributors, national distributors, buying groups, wholesalers, machine shops, retailers, and through its councils, the interests of collision repair shops and automotive service and repair outlets. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com.
