Four top aftermarket industry leaders will headline a channel panel to discuss how factors of 2009 impacted their segment of the distribution channel and what's in store for 2010 at this year's AAIA Town Hall breakfast program in Las Vegas, Nev.

Hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and sponsored by NASCAR Performance, the Town Hall will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel.

Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO, will once again moderate the Town Hall panel, which will include: Larry Sills, president, Standard Motor Products; Bill Rhodes, president/CEO, AutoZone; Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts; and Jim Dykstra, owner of Dykstra Auto Service.

"What a year it has been for the aftermarket: dealership closings, the 'Cash for Clunkers' folly, OE bailouts, high gas prices curtailing miles driven and major economic pressures and challenges," says Schmatz. "Our distinguished panel representing manufacturing, distribution, retail and service and repair will discuss how their respective segment of the channel was impacted and how they coped during 2009. They will also share their thoughts and predictions about 2010."

Tickets for the 2009 AAIA Town Hall are now available. Individual tickets are $90 and a table of 10 is $750.

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.