February 25, 2013  The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association (OPEAA) announced its 2013-2014 Officers and Board of Directors during its Annual Meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida held February 16-19, 2013.

OPEAA Officers for 2013: President: Jim Paugh, NGK Spark Plugs; Vice President: Jeff Andrews, Desert Extrusion; Secretary/Treasurer: Barry Stiles, Stens Corporation; and Immediate Past President: Dale Marcell, Oregon Cutting Systems.

Anthony Marchese, Husqvarna was newly elected to the Board.

Continuing their service on the board are: Mark Errick, D E Errick; Walter Rieck,Sierra/Prime Line Power Equipment Products; Chris Roessler, Rotary Corporation; and Franck Sogaard, Jarden Applied Products OPEAA had a very successful Annual Meeting, held this year at the NGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The meeting not only provided several social networking opportunities, including fishing and golfing, but was very productive. The business sessions inclu ded speakers who presented timely and relevant information for the industry, including legislative, regulatory and safety issues. The meeting began with a cocktail reception and silent auction to benefit the Bill Nelson Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships to employees and families of OPEAA members.

According to OPEAA’s new President, Jim Paugh, “The 2013 annual meeting reinforced the reality that we belong to a small, but constantly changing industry. These changes are a result of technology, market forces, and the political landscape. This will require OPEAA to stay alert for changes, adapt quickly to the changes, and continue to partner with others in the outdoor power equipment industry. A new initiative in 2013 will be to start gathering additional market data for our members that will help us better understand the size of specific product categories. We are looking forward to the results of our various market studies, but more importantly a profitable year for all our members.”

About OPEAA

The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association, established in 1986, promotes the quality of replacement parts as an equivalent and economical means for the maintenance and repair of power equipment. The Association promotes a better understanding among power equipment dealers and retailers of the capabilities of aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and importers in providing products and services necessary to meet the needs of its customers. For more information, visit www.opeaa.org