More than 1,400 independent auto stores, service dealers, WDs and their vendor partners attended Fusion ’07, the first-ever Network International Convention, held at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas on February 11-14, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network.
“Fusion ’07 marked the first time Parts Plus warehouses, auto stores and Car Care Centers from across the country assembled with IAPA WDs, jobbers and Automotive Service Professional (ASP) shops to celebrate our partnership and chart our future,” Lambert said. “We also hosted numerous representatives from the Network’s international associate members based in Canada and Mexico.”
In addition to business seminars, a 30,000-square-foot Manufacturers Expo, and first-class entertainment, the Network Convention also featured a question-and-answer vendor forum, with some of the industry’s top executives serving as panelists: Bob Egan, vice president of aftermarket sales for Federal-Mogul; John Washbish, president of customer-relations management for AFFINIA; John Gethin, president and COO of Standard Motor Products; and Frank Ordonez, a vice president of Delphi Corporation and president of Delphi Product & Service Solutions. Babcox publisher Jon Owens moderated the proceedings, while Mike Lambert addressed questions regarding the Network’s stance on industry issues such as proper OE form, fit and function.
“I want to commend the Network for establishing such a forum, as I’ve never seen anything quite like it in the industry,” Washbish said. “It was truly a unique opportunity to answer questions directly from the independent jobber and shop owner and address their concerns.”
The Automotive Distribution Network is one of the largest program groups in the automotive aftermarket, consisting of 47 members, 248 WD locations and $3-billion-plus in annual sales throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and now Australia.
For more information, contact Bob Barstow at Network Headquarters, 5050 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2020, Memphis, TN 38157, or call (901) 682-9090.
