What do service professionals value in a parts manufacturer?

Three leaders in independent aftermarket repair will give AASA Vision Conference attendees their unique perspectives on what repair professionals want from aftermarket parts manufacturers and what it takes to be their “essential supplier.” Jeff Stankard, vice president and group publisher, Babcox Media, will moderate the 2013 Vision Conference panel on Thursday, March 14, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill.

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The service professionals participating as panelists are:

• Brian Canning, business analyst, MotorAge contributing editor and former shop owner
• Brett Conner, owner of Bob’s Big Boys Toys in El Paso, Texas, and the 2012 Gates/ASE Technician of the Year
• Chuck Hartogh, president of C&M Auto Service, Glenview, Ill., and a past winner of the local Chamber of Commerce “Member of the Year” award

To view the Vision Conference speaker biographies, click here.

Reserve Your Room Now: AASA has negotiated a special rate for members at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare for the Vision Conference. The deadline to receive the special rate for the AASA room block is Friday, Feb. 22.

Other AASA 2013 Vision Conference highlights will include:

• John Washbish, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (AAPA) president and CEO, will bring his own unique, compelling commentary on what it takes to be “the essential supplier”
• Evan Hirsh of Booz & Co. discussing the highlights of the latest report from AASA and Booz about e-tailing in the aftermarket – Vision Conference attendees will be the first AASA members to receive this valuable report!
• “Staying Essential in the Evolving Distribution Model,” insights on market approaches from representatives of three distinct distribution models: franchise, value-added e-tailer and Internet reseller
•  “Challenges for U.S. Economic Growth: Cliff, Recovery or BOOM?” – Dr. Erik Hurst of the University of Chicago, a popular presenter you have requested from past Vision events
•        “Creating an Irreplaceable Relationship with Customers Using Category Management,” Mike Fitzgerald of MFitzgerald Associates

AASA President and COO Bill Long will conclude the conference by focusing on the “Components of Competitiveness” to drive competitive advantage, using examples outside the aftermarket and touch on the key take-a-ways for the event’s main theme, “Essentials for Creating Supplier Value.”

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