SSA News

News and Articles
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New Website for Aftermarket Scholarships

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship Committee, Research Triangle Park, NC, recently launched a redesigned website.

"We've made it easier for students to find information on individual scholarships and improved the process for returning users to login on the homepage and finish their applications," said Pete Kornafel, Chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee. "These scholarships are available for heavy duty and automotive aftermarket participants."

The website allows students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application for 2009 scholarships online and receive consideration for scholarships from a variety of different automotive organizations. A complete list of scholarships available can be found online at the application website. Applicants must meet the individual scholarship qualifications to be considered.

More info: www.automotivescholarships.com

Dominant Influences: Heavy Duty 2020 by Bill Wade
Good economists know the basic rule of good forecasting. “Give ‘em a date or give ‘em a result, but never both.” Since the forecast period here is set, let’s modify that rule subtly: Given the time horizon, here are some significant trends, but very few specifics.

Creative Destruction Is Not Negative by Bill Wade
The universally negative specter of questionably talented politicians mocking business leaders in endless congressional hearings, while attempting to deflect growing guilt over the current economic situation, has me concerned.

Chinese Chess: Six Major Moves in 2009 by Bill Wade With the tribulation in vehicle production and components manufacturing roiling the North American markets these past few months, there is a definite temptation to speculate further and on a wider basis than usual. Everyone knows ‘something’s got to give’.

Tough Market Distributor Sales Strategy is Simple - Execute by Bill Wade

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the annual Service Specialists Association (SSA) annual convention. The leading subject of conversation among both shops and suppliers- what kind of strategy works best in a tough economic market?

This is a great question, but I’m not sure that the answer is a strategic shift. I’m thinking that a relatively simple shift in tactics might just do the trick. That is, many heavy duty parts and service businesses have developed perfectly sensible plans for their individual situations.

Tactics For A Slow Growth Aftermarket by Bill Wade

January’s non-recovery from the 2007 heavy-duty parts market flattening may continue to creep along for sometime. The artificial new vehicle sales cycle turmoil caused by EPA engine emission rulings doesn’t help planning.

SSA Appoints Wade & Partners As New Association Management

Service Specialists Association (SSA) has decided to make Wade & Partners (W&P) the management team to lead the association, effective immediately. The decision comes after long time executive director, Cara Giebner, decided to retire at the end of 2007 after years of guidance for the group.