OPEESA annual meeting provides take-home value for members
The Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association’s (OPEESA) annual meeting was held Feb. 28-March 3, 2010, at the Arizona Biltmore Spa and Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. The meeting offered members opportunities to learn from some of the country’s top speakers, as well as provided networking opportunities.
The speakers covered a broad range of topics; however, the focus was largely on the economy and ways members could take advantage of the downturn. Speakers and topics included:
Todd Teske, Briggs & Stratton – “Industry Update”
Steve McClatchy, Alleer Training and Consulting – “The Business of You”
Max Carey, Corporate Resource Development – “The Five Management Marketing Truths: Rise to the Challenge”
Dr. William McCleave, W.R. McCleave & Associates – “8 Steps Back from the Iceberg: Bad Economy? Better Results”
Brian Beaulieu, Trends Institute – “Economic Update and Future Trends”
Jade West, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors – “Washington Update”
Mark Vining
Robert Graham
Pete YunkerA new element added to the annual meeting — roundtable discussions — was one of the most popular. The roundtable discussions allowed members to “pick the brains” of colleagues and friends. Topics included:
The Economy — What steps are you taking to address current conditions?
Disaster Planning
Benchmarking/Performance Metrics
Health Insurance Costs and Coverages
Sales Compensation/Coverage
In addition, a new board of directors was elected at the annual meeting. The 2010-11 OPEESA board will be as follows:
President: Mark Vining, Roberts Supply
Vice President: Robert Graham, Engine Warehouse
Secretary/Treasurer: Pete Yunker, Power Equipment Systems
Immediate Past President: Rob Zucker, Outdoor Equipment Distributors
Manufacturer/Affiliate Representative: Denis Bedard, Husqvarna Professional Products
Manufacturer/Affiliate Representative: Mike Lupo, TD Retail Card Services
Director: Tim Congdon, Congdon Associates Distributing Co
Director: Ron Monroe, Hayward Distributing Co.
Director: Virginia O’Neill, O’Neill Associates
Director: Mike Rounsavall, Dixie Sales Co.
Director: Robert Smith, Smith’s South-Central Sales Co.
Director: Todd Winstead, Tidewater Power Equipment
“With the way the economy has been in the past few years, it was great to network with OPEESA members and listen to the economists and other industry leaders talk about how things are getting better this year for many companies,” said Mark Vining. “During my one-year term as president of OPEESA, we are planning to help members take advantage of the bettering economy and keep them up-to-date with pertinent information about important legislation that keeps coming from Washington.”
OPEESA’s next annual meeting will take place Feb. 27-March 2, 2011, at the Four Seasons Resort, in Palm Beach, Fla.
OPEESA consists of more than 140 distributors and manufacturers of outdoor power equipment and air-cooled gas and diesel engines. The association’s mission is to “assist distributors in achieving outstanding channel performance.”
