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OPEAA Enters Its 21st Year
With A Strong Vision For The Future
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The birth of The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association (OPEAA) lay in both frustration and vision. The frustration was experienced by those emerging companies who, during the early and mid-eighties, were discovering the opportunities in the outdoor power equipment aftermarket business but were constantly being buffeted by allegations of poor quality parts and aggressive actions by some of the industry's original equipment manufacturers who perceived loss of market share in replacement parts.
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The vision was born of the necessity to counter these opposing forces and to build an industry known for selling high quality parts in an open and competitive market. Beginning in 1985, with small informal meetings of a few concerned businessmen and businesswomen, OPEAA began to emerge as an Organization whose combined strength could have a major impact on the future direction of the industry. By September of that year, a Steering Committee of nine (9) aftermarket companies volunteered to guide the Organization to reality. Concurrent with that September meeting, professional association management had been retained to assist the Steering Committee in developing bylaws, preparing articles of incorporation, creating a budget for the first year of operation and organizing a chartering meeting of all segments of the Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Industry.
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In February of 1986, Orlando, Florida hosted 43 aftermarket companies whose principals attended the chartering meeting. After two days of discussions between competitors - many of whom did not know each other or only knew their competitors by reputation - 32 companies agreed to the purposes, objectives, dues schedule and bylaws of OPEAA.
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For the next four years, the Association's membership grew slowly, gaining in some years and declining in others, as the elected leadership struggled with trying to define the organization - who should be members; what programs should be instituted; and what services were appropriate to provide to the ever-changing membership. During annual meetings of the Association, networking - now a hallmark of this annual event - was slow in developing as competitors needed time and contact to become comfortable with each other. In the Association's fifth year, the Board of Directors decided to change the direction of the Organization from one of protecting market share, to one of expanding market share for aftermarket parts. A national marketing plan was developed, relationships with dealer organizations were either established or strengthened, and marketing brochures designed to promote quality aftermarket parts were printed and distributed to the membership.
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In 1989, OPEAA saw the first Mid-Year Management Seminar, held in conjunction with EXPO in Louisville. This educational offering was designed to expose all members of the outdoor power equipment aftermarket industry to high-powered speakers, addressing a variety of management issues affecting day-to-day business in the aftermarket industry. At this event, networking became an integral benefit of attendance, since this Mid-Year Meeting is the only time during EXPO that the aftermarket industry can gather in one place to discuss issues of mutual interest.
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In 1994, the Board of Directors decided to host an Early Bird Buffet with a major figure as a dinner speaker. Basketball legend Bobby Knight was chosen. The event was successful and led the Organization to Early Bird Buffets in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, the Association returned to its basic tenet of hosting an educational seminar during EXPO and continuing the dinner as a place for industry members to network and socialize. In 2000, the Association changed the evening event to a "Night at the Races" with dinner and simulated horse races to raise money for the Bill Nelson Scholarship Endowment. In 2002, the event was refined to a silent auction and cocktail party with members and guests bidding on gifts donated by the membership. In all of these events, the importance of networking was maintained.
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As the Association's direction changed, membership began to steadily rise, with each successive year realizing a 10 to 15% annual increase. Concurrently, participation in the Annual Meeting increased and attendance at each meeting since 1998 has set new records.
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The committee structure was expanded in 1996 to reflect the changing emphasis of the membership toward more active promotion of aftermarket products. The creation of the Marketing Committee and concurrent funding of its efforts represents a major step toward expanding the marketplace. The creation of a Member Service Committee to utilize the combined buying power of the membership has resulted in a credit card discount program with transaction costs well below market rates. An arrangement with FedEx Ground has allowed for shipping in both the US and Canada and has resulted in savings of more than $200,000 in 2002 for those participating members.
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2001 saw the first professionally developed strategic plan for the Association. The plan proposed development of an electronic distribution system available to members, allowing dealers to check inventory, place orders and be billed from their distributors, all with the click of a mouse. In 2003, the system became a reality and OPEAA members were on the leading edge of the supply chain in the new millennium.
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On June 15, 2006, OPEAA lost it's Executive Vice President of 20 years, Bill Bergman. Bill's vision and leadership were instrumental in achieving the goals of the association, and the success and value of membership that we enjoy today. Senior Advisory Council members share their memories of Bill in "Remembering Bill Bergman". On July 25, 2006, the OPEAA Board affirmed the appointment of Deborah Beck, Bill's partner in business and life, as it's new Executive Vice President.
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As the Association enters its 21st year in 2006, our direction and purpose seem clear. With an ever-expanding membership base and carefully focused programs designed to promote the use of aftermarket products for margin enhancement, availability and quality - and backed by nationally accepted standards on warranties, return policies and product liability insurance, OPEAA has truly become the Voice of the Aftermarket industry.
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The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association
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