Canadian Automotive Aftermarket Association Embarks on New Plan

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has initiated a new strategic plan which could significantly change the makeup of Canada’s national automotive aftermarket association.
“The aftermarket industry has grown from a cottage industry to a mature industry,” says AIA Chairman Sean Corcelli. “As such, member needs have shifted significantly over the years. AIA has quickly recognized the need for the Association to change and to be responsive to the changing needs of the members. This strategic vision provides a new business model upon which to accomplish the Association’s mission and mandate.”
The association’s role as the voice and the resource for the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada will not change, says Corcelli. Its mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry.
The overall goal of the new strategic vision is to provide direct value to all members on issues best served by the association as a whole.
The new vision reflects the four key areas that AIA members have expressed they want the association to focus upon; these include:
*Government Representation
*Information Resources
*Networking Opportunities
*Enhancing Industry Image and Profile
“This new strategic goal recognizes that there is strength in numbers and that is the fundamental strength of the Association,” states the Chairman.
“AIA will be revitalizing its efforts to recruit new members and in return provide direct and tangible value for membership. AIA’s recruitment initiative will focus extensively on jobbers–the stars of our game.
“AIA’s new business model identifies four core activity areas. To define these core activities, AIA consulted extensively with members in the form of member surveys, sector meetings, and one-on-one meetings with key industry members.
“Members overwhelmingly indicated their support for AIA. The consensus from every member type and sector is that AIA provides value for money,” explains the AIA chairman.
“Members firmly indicated that the Association is of most value for its government relations activities and initiatives,” continues AIA president Ray Datt. “As such, government relations will be the Association’s primary strategic activity, and a considerable amount of resources will be dedicated to this area.
“The association will represent the interests of members at all levels of government to ensure that the needs of the industry are properly communicated and safeguarded.”
The AIA will identify, research and address government policies (federal, provincial, and municipal) that have or may have an impact on AIA members. AIA will be the primary source of information for the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry on regulatory and legislative issues that impact members and the industry.