NATIONAL
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced that the Business Owner e-newsletter is the latest addition to their member benefits roster. TIA members began receiving the Business Owner in August. It provides useful tips on issues such as improving business' finance, information from business and economic advisers, and more. It is provided to TIA members at no cost.
Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates has a 5.5 percent stake in dealership chain AutoNation Inc., according to a disclosure filed July 21 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The stake makes Gates the third-largest shareholder in AutoNation. But he's far behind the largest shareholder, Hedge fund manager Edward Lampert. As of its latest SEC filing on May 28, Lampert's firm owned 39.9 percent of AutoNation. AutoNation, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has 321 vehicle franchises in 15 states.
Corsa Performance Exhausts has successfully completed its ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 registration audit by CRS Registrars Inc., achieving the company's certification to the ISO9001:2000 Quality Management System Standard. ISO 9001:2000 replaces the former ISO 9001:1994 standard. Companies that are currently ISO 9001:1994-, ISO 9002-, or ISO 9003-certified are required to update their quality management system in order to meet the new ISO 9001:2000 requirements. The revised standard emphasizes customer satisfaction.
To show support for the rebirth of New Orleans, NADA is headed back to the Big Easy to hold its 92nd annual convention and exposition there Jan. 24-27, 2009. "The theme for our New Orleans convention is 'Voice of the Dealer... Committed to Community.' What better way to show that commitment than for us to be there in full strength at one of NADA's favorite convention cities," said Annette Sykora, 2008 NADA chair. NADA has held its convention in New Orleans every few years for the past 30 years.
Filling the need of a social network for Jeep enthusiasts the launch of www.JeepSpace.com is complete. JeepSpace.com aims to provide a comprehensive social network for Jeep enthusiasts worldwide to meet and socialize through interactive features. Forums, groups, comments, friends, videos, gallery, blogs, searchable interests, and installed products are just a few of the many ways members can search and interact.
IPC Global Solutions has been named 2007 Vendor of the Year by the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD). Doug Roberts, executive director of AIOD, presented the 2007 Vendor of the Year Award to Gavin Rodda, director of sales and marketing, at IPC Global Solutions during the 2008 AIOD Spring Marketing Conference.
BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions has announced that it has named Superior Auto Paints of Baltimore its ColorSource Premier Distributor of the Year. The award was presented at BASF's annual ColorSource Premier Conference at the Sanibel Resort in Fort Meyers, Fla.
I-CAR will host its 2009 International Annual Meeting and celebrate its 30th Anniversary on Feb. 5-7, 2009, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Akzo Nobel contributed $7,500 in May to support the I-CAR Education Foundation's mission. The contribution to the foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.
PPG Automotive Refinish has announced the appointment of two key marketing management positions. Randy Cremeans has been appointed director of marketing for collision USCA, and Mary Kimbro has been appointed director of global color. Cremeans will be responsible for leading the marketing strategies and initiatives for the North American collision segments. Kimbro will focus on innovative global strategies to continue strengthening the PPG color position. Kimbro was awarded a patent for a new coatings technology and was a recipient of PPG's Presidential Award for her contributions.
Fix Auto USA has announced the appointment of Ron Guilliams as the national vice president of client services. Guilliams will oversee all of Fix Auto USA's national and local insurance relationships as well as coordinating local marketing efforts through Fix Auto's Business Development Managers throughout the country.
AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers has announced the appointment of Jason Bishop as the company's marketing and customer service manager. Bishop will report to Scott Stolberg, president and CEO. Bishop will be responsible for the company's marketing and customer service activities for both its AA Midwest and EngineQuest (EQ) divisions as well as its Las Vegas scrap-metal business.
Penray has hired Ryan Fowler as the field sales service technician for the automotive division. 
Fowler is responsible for Penray's installer-kit business segment for car dealerships and the quick-lube market, and will be traveling with sales representatives to promote and train customers on the kits. In addition, he will be assisting the marketing department with product research and market analysis for installer kits.
Remy International Inc. has announced the appointment of Jesus "Jay" Sanchez as president of the company's electrical aftermarket business unit.
H. David Overbeeke, a former GE executive with extensive global business experience, has been named president of the Global Brake & Chassis Group for Affinia Group, reporting to Terry R. McCormack, Affinia's president and CEO. Overbeeke will have operational, sales, and financial accountability for Affinia's global brake and chassis businesses.
Ken-Tool has named Rick Homman director of operations. He replaces Robert Dempsey, vice president of operations, who retired. Leonard Broyles has also joined the company as customer service manager.
General Parts Inc. has announced that Jerry Colley has been named executive vice president of 
the Store Group, reporting directly to President O. Temple Sloan III. "Jerry has experience in process improvement, acquisitions, market development, growth and increasing profits," said Sloan, General Parts president and CEO.
The Bosch Diagnostics Group has named Dave Scribner senior product manager in the Diagnostics Wheel Service Product Group. He will be based in Ashland, Va.
In Memoriam: Automotive aftermarket pioneer Randy St. John, former president of Beck/Arnley and founder of Auto International Association (AIA), passed away on July 20. He was 81. St. John retired as president and CEO of Beck/Arnley Worldparts in 1997 after a long and distinguished career in the automotive aftermarket. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Beck/Arnley's former leader, Randy St. John," said Max Dull, vice president and general manager of Beck/Arnley. "Randy built Beck/Arnley from the ground up through hard work and tireless dedication. He was a true gentleman who rose to success while serving our industry as an advocate and mentor. He will be dearly missed by a host of friends at Beck/Arnley and throughout the aftermarket."
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