TEQUESTA, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2013) — The Aftermarket Foundation has added two new members to its board of trustees.
Joining the organization's board are Luanne F. Brown, president of eTool Developers LLC., and a member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) board of directors, and Jeffrey S. Helfrich, vice president of purchasing for TBC Corp.
"Our board is already very strong; and the addition of Luanne, who is well-known for her very active role in the SEMA community, and Jeff, who is a respected veteran of the tire industry, will bring a new level of energy and vitality to the foundation's activities and efforts," said Robert Hirsch, president of the Aftermarket Foundation.
"At this point in the foundation's existence, there is an increasing demand for our help, which is only a predictable result of overall increased awareness of the foundation's activities, and the role it plays within our industry."
He added that the appointments of Ms. Brown and Mr. Helfrich will "significantly support" the foundation's industry outreach activities and also bring "additional philanthropic expertise" to its board.
The foundation said Ms. Brown has been actively involved in the SEMA community for more than 10 years, serving on its board since 2008, and chairing its SEMA Cares Committee since 2011. She is also involved with the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN past chair), the SEMA Business Technology Committee, and several SEMA councils. Ms. Brown is also an active member of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA).
"I took a leap of faith over 13 years ago and established myself in the specialty and performance aftermarket," Ms. Brown said, "and ever since then I have been inspired and energized by the passion and sense of purpose in the community."
She said she has always been "impressed by the sense of kinship in our industry" because "it is like being in one very big family," and is honored to be asked to join the foundation's board.