International Business Coach Donald Cooper
To Address 2005 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium

Research Triangle Park, N.C. – Donald Cooper, international business coach and speaker, will discuss marketing, service and business excellence on Thursday, May 12, at the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, Ill.

Founder of two successful businesses, Cooper has devoted his time since 1991to helping companies all over the world to redefine and reinvent themselves to create, deliver and communicate compelling value. Under the trademarked banner of Human Marketingâ, he delivers presentations offering unique insights and clear processes for businesses.

Cooper’s presentation will be one of the highlights of the 10th annual GAAS program, “Lessons from the Past, Perspectives on the Future.” GAAS 2005 is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, Ill.

The agenda also includes a keynote presentation on global economics by Lester Thurow, MIT economist; a motivational address by Joe Gibbs, coach of the Washington Redskins and team owner of Joe Gibbs Racing; and a look at the “Past, Present and Future” by Dr. David Fry of Northwood University. Several popular panel discussions are planned covering manufacturing, service and repair, and retail/wholesale distribution.

More information and registration forms are available at www.globalsymposium.org.

Cooper is 2005 GAAS Speaker

This year’s Symposium will mark the event’s 10th anniversary. The first Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium was held Sept. 25-26, 1996, at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield Hotel in the suburban Chicago area. From its humble beginnings, the Symposium has grown to be the industry’s leading educational forum.

All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. The anniversary year will mark a significant milestone when the Symposium surpasses $1 million in scholarship funds awarded to more than 1,000 students. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.