The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced that it has taken on the management of OPEAA, the outdoor power equipment aftermarket association. OPEAA represents members who produce quality, upgrade or replacement parts and accessories for outdoor power equipment.

While still maintaining separate identities, OPEI will manage membership related activity related to OPEAA annual meetings, board meetings, tradeshows and communications. In addition, OPEAA will be privy to policy and legislative updates as they become known to OPEI.

“We look forward to working more closely with OPEAA,” said Jean Hawes, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at OPEI. “There’s a lot of synergy between our goals, and a closer working relationship will strengthen efforts to coordinate industry efforts and create a united front on important legislative and regulatory issues.”

“Collectively, OPEAA will have a stronger voice and have better representation,” said Sue Chaney, OPEAA President. “We look forward to receiving regulatory and legislative updates that allow us to not only be better informed, but also more proactive in getting our voices heard.”

OPEI’s management of OPEAA took effect March 1, 2010.

About the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
OPEI is an international trade association representing the $15 billion landscape, forestry, utility and lawn and garden equipment manufacturing industry. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. Founded in 1952, OPEI represents and promotes the outdoor power equipment industry and ensures the public may continue to benefit from the economic, lifestyle and environmental contributions of lawns and landscapes. For more information on OPEI, visit www.OPEI.org.

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