From electrical circuits to fuel lines, solid connections keep engines purring. At the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association, we understand that connections also fuel your businesses. That’s why we’re happy to make introductions at our newest conference, SPARK, which includes panel discussions and exclusive matchmaking sessions with procurement representatives.
Strike a match and watch sparks fly – with speed dating, business style. Attendees who purchase one of the limited conference-matchmaking packages may sign up for exclusive, one-on-one 15-minute meetings with procurement representatives from Kentucky’s leading automotive companies, including AGC, Akebono Brake, Asahi Forge, Bosch, Ford, Hitachi Automotive, Mubea, Sumitomo Electric and Toyota. Fifteen minutes could be the beginning of a profitable relationship.
Thriving businesses crave connection to industry trends and trendsetters, and Spark delivers both. Attendees will hear from leading industry professionals on topics as varied as sustaining successful supplier relationships, developing export connections, and building diverse business partners. Reserve your seat today!
Part of our mission at KAIA is to drive collaboration among Kentucky’s automotive businesses, helping manufacturers and service providers seize opportunities and conquer challenges. During session breaks, we encourage you to visit our exhibitors and meet with other industry professionals.
Jean Marie Thrower is the president and founder of Supplier Development Systems, which delivers strategic business development and distribution for small- to medium-size automotive suppliers in the Southeast. She is a former Army logistics officer and brings 22 years of experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
With more than 28 years of experience in automotive forecasting and manufacturing finance, Michael Robinet is well positioned to offer an economic outlook for our industry. As managing director for IHS Automotive, he forecasts global projects, tracks future-product programs and analyzes sourcing production strategies for OEMs and suppliers.
Laura Lyons, president of ATech Training, has spent more than 30 years in manufacturing and management. Founded in 1984, ATech develops hands-on products to teach automotive diagnosis and repair. In 2005, the Automotive Service Association certified ATech in Continuing Automotive Service Education – the only such designation for a training equipment designer/manufacturer in the world.
Lindsay Chappell is the Industry Editor for Automotive News, the auto industry’s largest trade publication. A 30-year veteran in business journalism, he has covered the auto industry since the 1980s, including OEMs, suppliers and retailers. He has also written for Automotive News Europe, AutoWeek, Advertising Age and Investor’s Daily.
Joe Mazzeo’s 34-year career with General Motors includes stints as executive director of global managing quality and plant manager of the GM Powertrain plant. After retiring, he formed Integrated Lean and Quality Solutions, which provides leadership, lean manufacturing and quality management services to a variety of industries, including automotive.
Leonard Fox brings nearly 20 years of plant management and operations experience to his new role of vice president of operations for Integrated Manufacturing & Assembly. Fox oversees all six IMA plants in the United States, including the one in Louisville, which makes seats for the Kentucky-produced Corvette. Fox started his career with Lear Corporation before joining IMA in 2011.
As a senior international trade specialist, Brian Miller works with experts at the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service to help U.S. companies interested in selling to the international marketplace. In addition to his expertise on regulatory and logistics issues, he is well versed on finding overseas customers and understanding foreign markets.
A motorcycle wreck sparked Chris Bailey to found Revio (formerly GearBrake) in 2013. His safety innovations have helped him win several awards, including the 2014 Venture Connectors Venture Sharks Competition and the $100,000 prize at the Vogt Demo Day. Chris and his team recently completed the prestigious Techstars accelerator program in Detroit, where less than 1 percent of global applicants are accepted.
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