Schmatz to give keynote at 2014 ITEC Tire Dealers/Auto Service

AKRON (May 1, 2014) — Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, will give the keynote address at the 2014 ITEC Tire/Dealers/Auto Service show, which will be held Aug. 20-22 in Orlando, Fla.

Ms. Schmatz — who was named president and CEO of the former Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) on Jan. 1, 2004, after serving as the trade group's executive vice president — is a nationally recognized advocate of the automotive aftermarket and a sought-after speaker and presenter.

She is frequently interviewed by the media, has appeared on NBC's “Today” Show, CNBC, and in The New York Times.

(The AAIA recently rebranded itself, choosing the name Auto Care Association, which it said better describes its mission.)

She has received numerous industry and business awards, including the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association's Automotive Leader of the Year award in 2012. She is a Trustee of the Industry Fund; a board member of the Aftermarket Foundation; and a board member of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

In addition, Ms. Schmatz has been an officer of the Auto International Association and the Automotive Communication Council, and was founding president of the Car Care Council Women's Board. She also has contributed as a curriculum adviser to Northwood University and as chair of the Auto Care Association Marketing and Communications Committee.

The 2014 ITEC Tire Dealers/Auto Service exhibit and conference brings together industry experts to provide profit- and growth-generating solutions for tire dealers and auto service professionals. The three-day event is being held at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando.

In recognition of the challenges independent businesses face in today's competitive economy, registration for the event is $65 for the entire program and trade show.

For more information about the exhibits, conference program and registration, visit the ITEC website.