BETHESDA, Md. (Jan. 9, 2014) — The Automotive Communication Council (ACC), a non-profit automotive aftermarket networking body, intends to broaden its scope in 2014 to include outreach and mentoring for young marketing professionals.
The council's new positioning statement defines ACC as "the only forum in the auto care industry for learning and professional development focused on current and emerging marketing practices, achieved through collaboration and idea sharing with like-minded professionals."
The ACC said initiatives being considered for 2014 are an outreach and mentoring program for young marketing professionals in the industry, an enhanced social media presence and expanded educational offerings at industry events.
These offerings complement existing ACC programs, the council said, including the group's annual meeting, April 7-9 at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Denver and the ongoing ACC webinar program. These events are open to all ACC members and non-members, and registration is available on the group's website.
"The new statement concisely describes the ACC's position as an aftermarket group that provides a unique environment for industry marketing professionals to learn and network," said ACC President Al Haberstroh of Montgomery Advertising.
"ACC membership is valuable and rewarding for professionals in all phases of their careers and from all segments of the industry. Our new initiatives will communicate that value to potential members," he added.
Bethesda-based ACC describes itself as a non-profit organization of marketing professionals engaged in public relations, advertising, branding and other communication practices for automotive aftermarket companies. It provides a networking forum for the exchange of ideas, information and resources about issues, challenges and trends impacting companies and organizations throughout the aftermarket industry.
The ACC is managed by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association but its operated by a volunteer board of governors.
The trade group's updated positioning and goals were established by the new ACC marketing committee at its inaugural meeting in late 2013.
Members of the committee are: Bob Zimmerman of R.C. Zimmerman & Associates (chair); Dori Ahart of CRC Industries Inc.; Kyle Freund of KYB Americas Corp.; Meagan Jensen of ZF Services L.L.C.; Tom Marx of Marx Group; Jennifer Rook of Gold Eagle Co.; and Mr. Haberstroh.