Aftermarket professionals discuss industry issues at ACE 2013

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada welcomed automotive professionals to Quebec City last week to participate in the Aftermarket Conference for Executives (ACE). The two-day event focused on the health and prosperity of the aftermarket industry.

The conference began with a roundtable discussion to address aftermarket issues and the long-term role of AIA within the industry. Over 30 CEOs from across North America took part in the discussion, as well as industry leaders: Andrew King of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., Jeff Walker of the Canadian Automobile Association, and Dr. Marie-Noelle Bonicalzi of the Automotive Business School of Canada.

Day-two of the conference was dedicated to AIA’s 71st Annual General Meeting, which gave attendees an opportunity to learn from several other notable speakers, including award-winning journalist, Dan Gardner and Dr. Sherry Cooper, former Chief Economist for BMO Financial Group.

The Honourable Jean Charest, one of Canada’s most well known political figures also addressed the crowd to discuss the changing economic and political landscape in Canada and its impact on Canadian businesses.

The AIA also took this opportunity to officially vote Robert Hattem, president of UAP Inc., as the new Chairman of the Board, preceeded by past Chairman, John MacDonald.

Several awards were also presented at the General Meeting. Brad Morris of Grote Industries was presented with the YES Young Leader of the Year Award, and Marcel Dionne, formerly of UAP Inc., received AIA’s prestigious Distinguished Service Award. The new Chairman, who spoke of their dedication to the industry, handed out both awards.

"Both Marcel Dionne, who spent years in the industry before retiring, and Brad Morris, who is still in the early years of his career, have made incredible contributions to our industry and are both very deserving of the recognition they received,” said Robert Hattem, Chairman of the Board.

AIA President and CEO, Marc Brazeau, also spoke at the General Meeting, with an update on the Association’s Strategic Business Plan, and he boasted this year’s ACE conference as a success.

“AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent its members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry, and this event is a perfect example of how we do that,” said Marc Brazeau, “Bringing together top industry executives, providing them with timely information and advice, and challenging them to grow benefits everyone in the industry, and I am very pleased with the success of this year’s ACE.”

The ACE conference was held at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. Photos taken at the conference will be posted for viewing on AIA’s Facebook page. 

Image: Brent Hesje, Fountain Tire; Robert Hattem; UAP Inc.; JoAnn McKeown, Osram Sylvania; and Flavio Batillana, CSN Collision & Glass.