Across Canada Report: Jobbers Gain Star Appeal

Jobbers should be pleased with the latest announcement from the AIA outlining its new strategic vision, because they are the focus of it.

Chairman Sean Corcelli says that AIA will be revitalizing its efforts to recruit new members and in return provide direct and tangible value for the membership. He says the initiative will focus extensively on the jobbers–“the stars of our game.”

I’m disappointed to learn that the 2004 AIA trade show, the Canadian International Automotive Show, that was to be held in Montreal has been cancelled, but changing times and member priorities have obviously played a big role in that decision by the board of directors. According to AIA president Ray Datt, government relations activities and initiatives are valuable to members, and consequently that will be a strategic activity to which AIA will dedicate a considerable amount of its resources.

AIA plans more regional activities in the future that could include trade shows or expositions. A good example is the Alberta Regional Conference, to be held in Red Deer, Alta., June 19 and 20, 2003. Its theme is “Doing Business the Western Way -Building Profitability in the Aftermarket.” No doubt its success will impact on future regional AIA events.

Plans for the 2003 Annual Convention (May 29-31) in Charlottetown, P.E.I. have been finalized and Frank McKenna, who has won three mandates as Premier of New Brunswick, will be the opening keynote speaker. The theme of the convention is, appropriately, “A View from the Bridge–The Changing Automotive Aftermarket Industry.”