OPEAA holds productive annual meeting
The Outdoor Power Equipment
Aftermarket Association (OPEAA)
enjoyed a successful annual meeting Feb.
16-19 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
The meeting, which took place at
the NGA National Resort and Spa, not
only provided several social networking
opportunities, including fishing and
golfing, but was also very productive.
The business sessions included speakers
who presented timely and relevant
information for the industry, including
legislative, regulatory and safety issues.
The meeting began with a cocktail
reception and silent auction to benefit the
Bill Nelson Scholarship Fund, which offers
scholarships to employees and families of
OPEAA members.
During the meeting, OPEAA also
announced its 2013-2014 officers and
board of directors. OPEAA's officers will
be President Jim Paugh, NGK Spark
Plugs; Vice President Jeff Andrews, Desert
Extrusion; Secretary/Treasurer Barry Stiles,
Stens Corporation; and Immediate Past
President Dale Marcell, Oregon Cutting
Systems. Continuing their service on
the board are: Mark Errick, D.E. Errick;
Walter Rieck, Sierra/Prime Line Power
Equipment Products; Chris Roessler, Rotary
Corporation; and Franck Sogaard, Jarden
Applied Products. Anthony Marchese,
Husqvarna, was newly elected to the
board.
"The 2013 annual meeting reinforced
the reality that we belong to a small, but
constantly changing industry," said OPEAA
President Jim Paugh. "These changes are a
result of technology, market forces, and the
political landscape. This will require OPEAA
to stay alert for changes, adapt quickly to
the changes, and continue to partner with
others in the outdoor power equipment
industry. A new initiative in 2013 will be
to start gathering additional market data
for our members that will help us better
understand the size of specific product
categories. We are looking forward to the
results of our various market studies, but
more importantly, a profitable year for all
our members."
Established in 1986, OPEAA promotes
the quality of replacement parts as an
equivalent and economical means for
the maintenance and repair of power
equipment. The association promotes
a better understanding among power
equipment dealers and retailers of the
capabilities of aftermarket manufacturers,
distributors and importers in providing
products and services necessary to meet
the needs of its customers. For more
information, visit www.opeaa.org.
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
APRIL 2013
13
