Industry Leaders and Experts Speak to CAWA Membership (02/18/14)

(Sacramento, CA. - February 18, 2014) At the CAWA leadership meetings held in Napa this month, industry leaders and experts made presentations to the CAWA leadership and membership at the Association's general session. AAIA's President, Kathleen Schmatz started it off by re-introducing her organization as the Auto Care Association which is more reflective of the aftermarket industry. The re-branding of the Association was critical to a better understanding of the industry by policy makers and consumers. She discussed the various programs of AAIA and how together with CAWA can be an asset to businesses, particularly in partnership with their respective government affairs program out west.

Jim Grubbs of eBay Motors was the next speaker who discussed how his organization was impacting the traditional automotive parts distribution channel. Although they do not sell parts as an organization, eBay motors electronically puts sellers together with buyers of auto parts and its growth has been significant and continues to be a factor in parts distribution. 

The last speaker, Tom Marx of Marx Group Advisors, looked at trends in mergers and acquisitions in the past few years and forecasted this to be continued in the immediate future. His perspective on the health of the industry was noted by a 2-3% revenue growth in the next ten years. He emphasized the need for succession planning for business owners and how it is a valuable process to conduct. 

For specifics or more information on these presentations to CAWA members, please contact the President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at 800.332.2292, ext. 1 or [email protected]. 

CAWA is a regional automotive aftermarket trade association, which represents auto parts jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives in California, Nevada and Arizona. The Association provides education, legislative, regulatory and business support to the industry and its membership. It is one of the largest trade associations of its kind in the United States and recognized as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. For more information visit www.cawa.org. 

Contact: 

Rodney Pierini, President & CEO 

CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry 

4030 Lennane Drive, Sacramento, CA. 95834 

800.332.2292, ext. 1 

www.cawa.org