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.
