Canadians Among Industry Professionals at Executive Development Program

Two Canadians were among the 26 members of the 2009-2010 University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 class that reconvened on the campus of Northwood University to begin the final week of the aftermarket industry’s annual executive development experience.

David Vaughan of Eastern Auto Warehousing, Fredericton, N.B., joined Trevor Tennant of Piston Ring Supply, Winnipeg, Man., and two dozen other aftermarket professionals for the week-long event.

Session 2 began with a reception and dinner at the University’s Jeanette Hare Art Gallery, followed by a speech by Steve Handschuh, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), an affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). An industry veteran of more than 30 years, Handschuh discussed the characteristics of effective leadership within the automotive aftermarket.

The agenda for the balance of the week included daily aftermarket news discussions led by University of the Aftermarket director Brian Cruickshank, AAP, as well as presentations by a variety of industry and academic experts. Another key element of the week’s session was presentations of team research projects completed during the six-month intersession period.

Each year the team with the best research project, as judged by the class and University of the Aftermarket leadership, is invited to present its findings during the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The 2010 GAAS will is scheduled for May 18 and 19 in Chicago, Ill.