An Aftermarket Distribution Summit panel focused on helping distributors build and protect their brand identity through the products they sell, the services they offer and the ways they conduct business will feature a diverse lineup of expert panelists.
The Protecting Product and Brand Integrity panel is part of the issue-driven, business-building content planned for the inaugural Aftermarket Distribution Summit. The new event combines the annual Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network meeting, the HDX Technology Conference and Truck Parts & Service magazine’s Truck Parts Seminar. Details for distributors and suppliers, including registration information, is available at www.AftermarketDistributionSummit.org.
The panelists for the Protecting Product and Brand Integrity session are:
· John Bzeta, president of Fleet Brake based in Calgary, Alberta;
· Andy Cifranic, brand manager, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems;
· Harold Krivan, owner of the consulting firm Sawgrass Solutions and former senior partner and executive vice president at J.D. Power and Associates;
· Todd Manson, vice president of sales, Webb Wheel Products;
· John Powers, president of Florida Powertrain & Hydraulics headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla.; and
· Will Rodgers, co-founder and director at SHR Perceptual Management, a branding strategy firm.
The Protecting Product and Brand Integrity panel is one of three Truck Parts & Service sessions scheduled for the meeting. Panelists for the other two – What Customers Want and What the Channel Needs – will be announced soon.
In addition to the panels, the Aftermarket Distribution Summit will also feature marquee general session speakers, including:
· Steven S. Little: A much sought after expert on the subject of business growth and the future of opportunity. His style has been described as “real world,” “highly credible” and “uniquely engaging.” He is the author of the best-selling books The 7 Irrefutable Rules of Small Business Growth and The Milkshake Moment: Overcoming Stupid Systems, Pointless Policies and Muddled Management to Realize Real Growth.
· Michael Bryan: A vice president and senior economist in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is responsible for organizing the agency’s monetary policy process. Bryan previously served as vice president in the research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland where he specialized in business analysis with an emphasis on measuring and tracking inflation trends. In 1986, he served as an economist in the research division of the Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.
· Steve Deist: The strategic planning and sales effectiveness specialist from the Indian River Consulting Group. Diest will be the Keynote Speaker for the HDX Technology track, speaking on the importance of strengthening IT projects during tough economic periods, and focusing resources to get the most for the money. He has more than 17 years of experience in the distribution field and a strong background in business process re-engineering and technology implementation.
· Steve Evans: The senior vice president, Information Systems, for the PGA Tour, which he has been with for 22 years. Evans will also do a presentation during the HDX Technology track. His responsibilities include oversight of technology for the PGA Tour and its subsidiaries including technology support for over 1,200 employees, 400 players, 150 player managers, 22 Tournament Players Clubs, 10 Broadcast Partners, the World Golf Hall of Fame and over 100 tournament organizers.
Additionally, HDX will feature a technology track that includes a Bridging the Gap IT panel and a session on Prioritizing IT Projects and Maximizing ROI.
The Aftermarket Distribution Summit will also include private strategic planning sessions scheduled between distributors and suppliers; networking opportunities, including the Tenneco Challenge Golf Tournament and deep sea fishing; and presentation of the CVSN President’s Award to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Regarding the latter, the 2009 recipient is industry veteran and retired EUCLID President Ray Zukowski.
