SOUTH JORDAN, Utah – OptiCat announced today that the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories, tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket, will become a member of OptiCat’s Advisory Committee. In this capacity, AWDA will represent its members and give OptiCat an important perspective from the non-manufacturer industry segment. “OptiCat promised from its inception to involve all segments of the aftermarket in its efforts to deliver an industry-supported and organized data effort for the purpose of selling more auto parts, ” stated Brad Duncan, president of OptiCat. “AWDA’s commitment to our cause helps close the circle of industry involvement for the benefit of all. We welcome AWDA and look forward to its invaluable insights as a key member of our Advisory Committee.” “Complete, accurate and timely product data plays a major role in selling aftermarket parts.” said Willi Alexander, current chairman of AWDA’s board of governors. “With Rusty Bishop, most recent past chairman as our initial representative, we look forward to bringing our voice to the OptiCat table and helping OptiCat deliver on its data promises.” AWDA will join AASA/MEMA (an OptiCat shareholder) as industry associations that offer guidance to OptiCat, a technology company focused on delivering software and data solutions to the aftermarket. In addition, another OptiCat shareholder and advisor, TecDoc Informations System Gmbh, a similar European data cooperative, rounds out a powerful global group of advisory members. “Over the past few weeks, OptiCat, AASA and MEMA have had the pleasure of meeting with a number of significant aftermarket distributors to discuss the OptiCat vision.” stated Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “I am pleased to report that these meetings have been extremely positive, and there is general consensus that OptiCat will play an important role in advancing product sales in the aftermarket. AWDA will represent the industry’s distributors and their customers and its involvement is invaluable to OptiCat’s success.” About AWDA The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) was founded in 1947 and is the oldest organized group of warehouse distributors and their respective suppliers of parts, accessories tools and other supplies for the automotive aftermarket. AWDA, a leading segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) consists of more than 200 warehouse distributors and over 300 manufacturers, as well as jobbers, affiliates, marketing associations, manufacturer representatives and other companies that support traditional distribution of vehicle parts. The 600-plus members collectively represent many hundreds of facilities and thousands of employees. About OptiCat LLC OptiCat is an industry-supported, manufacturer-centric technology company focused exclusively on delivering consolidated product information and associated software technologies to all segments of the automotive aftermarket. OptiCat’s Do-it-Once, Do-it-Right technology suite provides an interactive experience between data producers (manufacturers) and data users (retailers, distributors, service professionals) for the purpose of offering real-time, robust product data necessary for selling auto parts. OptiCat is majority-owned by AASA/MEMA and TecDoc Informations System Gmbh. For more information visit www.opticat.net. About AASA AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves suppliers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is an affiliate association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Leadership in the Global Automotive Aftermarket”.
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