The impact of rising fuel prices on distributors is an issue that keeps many in the aftermarket awake at night. In fact, the issue is so pervasive and important that the University of the Aftermarket has recently announced that it will present an exclusive executive-level business seminar covering this topic during the 2008 AWDA Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas this fall. This program, "The Petroleum Problem: Strategies and Solutions for Distributors," will take place from 2 to 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. The seminar, which will precede AWDA's Sunday General Session, is open to all aftermarket professionals. Registration is free for AWDA members and just $50 for non-members. "This first-of-its-kind seminar will provide invaluable insight to aftermarket specific challenges and opportunities associated with rising petroleum costs," says Brian Cruickshank, director of the University of the Aftermarket. "This program is emblematic of the types of hard-hitting issues we will explore in all of our programming in the coming months. If you're a distributor and are worried about how to better manage your business during this challenging time, you can't afford to miss this program." The program will begin with an in-depth presentation, "Economic Overview of the Global Fuel Market and its Impact on the Aftermarket," by Tim Nash, dean of the Devos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University. The second session will feature a panel discussion of real-world strategies for controlling fuel costs featuring several leading replacement parts distributors. Seminar attendees will receive 0.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications. For additional information about this seminar, please visit the university's Web site. | 
