OESA invites automotive suppliers to attend “Charting the Course for Sustained Growth and Recovery,” on May 4, 2010, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Ala.  This meeting is intended to provide suppliers with insight into the business and operational strategies needed to thrive in the automotive industry in 2010 and beyond.  Experts covering strategy, operational, financial and legal considerations will hold a “hands-on” meeting and engage participants in active dialogue and debate.  Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of industry dynamics and requirements for future success.

 

Neil De Koker, president and CEO, OESA, will open the meeting with a brief update on OESA activities.  Following participant introductions, welcoming remarks will be delivered by Bill Taylor, president, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and former president and CEO, MBUSI.

Kim Korth, president and CEO, IRN, Inc., and OESA board member, will lead attendees through “Learning the New Rules for Success and Survival,” a presentation and facilitated discussion.  Korth will focus on the attributes of successful suppliers, and how they can remain focused on long-term success.

 

Thomas Wendt, principal, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, will help to set the framework when he shares the results of a recent global automotive supplier survey.  A supplier case study and a question and answer session will be included as part of the session.

Joe Bione, president, Whitehall Group L.L.C., will present “Financial and Operational Excellence.”  Bione will deliver proven and practical advice for all suppliers.

John Trentacosta, partner, Foley & Lardner LLP, will moderate the panel, “Legal Strategies for Maximizing Success.”  He will be joined by Steve Hilfinger, managing partner, Judy O’Neill, partner, and Ann Marie Uetz, partner, Foley & Lardner LLP.

OESA members and non-members should take advantage of this opportunity to network with supplier peers and learn the latest thinking from industry experts.  At the close of the formal program, attendees will be able to “grab a box lunch” and meet one-on-one with the speakers from noon to 2 p.m.

 

Overnight accommodations are available at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel for $109 plus taxes per night by contacting the hotel directly at 205.324.5000 and mention OESA Regional Meeting.  Reservations at this discounted rate can be made through April 24, 2010, after that date the rate is not guaranteed.  CLICK HERE to access these rates online. For registration assistance, contact Felece Hickman at 248.952.6401 ext. 237 or fhickman@oesa.org.  For program information, contact John Chalifoux at 248.952.6401 ext. 233 or jchalifoux@oesa.org.    

 

 

Notes:  Refunds cannot be given after April 27, 2010.  Substitutions are always welcome.  Registrants that agree to pay at the door will be held to the same cancellation policy as prepaid registrants and will be invoiced if cancellation is not received by April 27, 2010.  Fax the completed registration form to 248.952.6404 or register online with credit card payment at http://www.oesa.org.

                                   

7:30 a.m.	Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast
8 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Neil De Koker, President and CEO, OESA ·      Review of Antitrust Guidelines ·      Participant Self-Introductions ·      OESA Overview and Government Affairs Update Welcoming Remarks Bill Taylor, President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and former President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
8:30 a.m.	Learning the New Rules for Success and Survival Kim Korth, President and CEO, IRN, Inc.
9:30 a.m.	Supplier Industry Outlook: 2010 and Beyond Thomas Wendt, Principal, Roland Berger Strategy Consultant   Key Success Factors: A Supplier Case Study Doug Grimm, Chairman, President and CEO, Grede   Question and Answer Session
10:40 a.m.	Networking Break
10:55 a.m.	Financial and Operational Excellence Joe Bione, President, Whitehall Group L.L.C.
11:35 a.m.	Panel: Legal Strategies for Maximizing Success Moderator: John Trentacosta, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP Steve Hilfinger, Managing Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP Judy O’Neill, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP Ann Marie Uetz, Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
12:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks and Adjournment                     Neil DeKoker, President and CEO, OESA
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.	Box Lunch and One-on-One Discussions with Speakers (optional)