THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY MEET IN BARRIE
November 20, 2012, Ottawa – Last week students from the Automotive Business School of Canada, their professors, and various leaders in the aftermarket industry converged in Barrie, Ontario for the Automotive Industry Association (AIA) of Canada’s Student Aftermarket Day, where more Diamond Jubilee medals were presented, and the Young Executive Society (YES) Workshop.
At this year’s Student Aftermarket Day, 13 individuals were presented with their Diamond Jubilee Medals, in honour of Her Majesty’s 60th year in reign. Bruce Eccles (Eccles Auto Service Inc.), Dale Devlin (Halton Automotive Industrial Supply Ltd.), Dan Bell (Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council), Danica Kelso (Automotive Business School of Canada), Dennis DesRosiers (DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.), Joan Waechter (Ideal Supply Company Ltd.), John Jackson (Automotive Business School of Canada), John Vanstone (Modern Sales Cooperative), Ken Coulter (Specialty Sales and Marketing), Malcolm Sissmore (Delphi Product and Service Solutions), Marie-Noelle Bonilcazi (Georgian College), Rick Jamieson (ABS Friction Inc.), and Tim MacDonald (Ideal Supply Company Ltd.) were recognized in front of their peers and future members of the automotive aftermarket for their significant contributions to the industry and to their communities.
“We are very fortunate to have such impressive individuals in our industry,” said John MacDonald, Chairman of the Board for AIA Canada. “All of these recipients are extremely generous with their time and talents, and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to recognize each of them for their efforts in person.”
Following the medal presentations on November 14th, more than 110 students attended two panel discussions on Technology and Customer Management and a “Jeopardy” panel that quizzed them on aftermarket topics. These students also had the opportunity to meet members of the aftermarket industry and learn about potential industry jobs as part of an expanded career fair.
The following day, AIA Canada’s YES Committee hosted its management workshop. The morning’s speakers included this year’s mentor, Randy Moore, CEO of Mister Transmission International, and Merge Gupta-Sunderji who presented a keynote address titled “Why Does the Lobster Cast Off its Shell?” In the afternoon, Ms. Gupta-Sunderji returned to give a workshop on creating high-performing relationships.
“This annual workshop is extremely important because it brings together young executives and helps to equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to lead our industry. I couldn’t be more pleased with the success of this event again this year” said Marc Brazeau, President, AIA Canada.
Thanks to everyone who attended and made this year’s Student Aftermarket Day and YES Workshop great successes! Be sure to check AIA’s Facebook page in a few days for photos from the event!
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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 $19.4 billion industry that employs 420,000 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.
For more information, please contact: Stephanie Miksik Communications Coordinator AIA Canada 1272 Wellington Street West Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 800-808-2920, ext 233 Stephanie.Miksik@aiacanada.com
