Your Source for Up-To-Date News and Research on the Collision Repair Industry 

 

click here to subscribe to the FREE INSIGHT Editor's Desk News Alert Email

SUBSCRIBERS-ONLY
Today's News
INSIGHT This Month
INSIGHT Archives
Survey Center
Letter to the Editor

Business Tools
Subscription Information
CSI Reporting
Financial Analysis
IRS Audit Guide

Management/
Technical Info
Market Watch Rates
INSIGHT Inside this month's issue...

Feedback
Letter to the Editor

TABPA Hires Executive Director

The organization, founded in the early 1980s, at the encouragement of the aftermarket part distribution trade group ABPA (Auto Body Parts Association), has operated fairly informally since its inception. In 1998 TABPA retained the services of KerenOr Consultants to assist it with representation to various segments of the US market. Since that time KerenOr Consultants President, Karen Fierst, has served as U.S. representative and consultant to the organization and its member companies.

Shortly after his August 2004 reelection, Pan discussed the need for changes in TABPA.

“TABPA is celebrating its twentieth year. The membership and market place have changed dramatically over the past two decades. The organization needs to keep pace. As an association, we need to look at our mission, goals, structure, and member benefits. We value the work done for us by KerenOr Consultants. However, in order to take the information provided to us by Karen Fierst, we need a stronger internal communication network to absorb and analyze that information, and to work with member companies in the development of programs enabling us to initiate and implement projects addressing those issues,” Pan explained. “Additionally, as the global marketplace grows, there are other opportunities for TABPA to provide member services.”

The TABPA Executive Committee created the position of Executive Director in October, and decided to hire Chiu in November. She officially began on December 1, 2004.

Chiu became the Executive Assistant to Parkson Jong of Auto Parts Industrial (API) in 2000, while Jong served as Chairman of TABPA. Prior to coming to API Chui lived in the U.S. for seven years. She has an undergraduate degree in Finance and an MBA in International Business from Long Island University. She worked in a U.S. bank for a year. Upon her return to Taiwan Chiu entered the work force as a secretary and later moved to sales, before landing the job in the API Executive office, where she got her introduction into the aftermarket part manufacturing industry. Chiu is well known by many who have traveled to Taiwan over the past four years to meet with manufacturers, as she played a role in API which put her in contact with most foreign visitors.

“I am thrilled that TABPA has decided to create the position of Executive Director and that Amanda Chiu was hired to fill that position. Amanda’s involvement on a day to day basis will make my job much easier,” said TABPA consultant Fierst. “Amanda is competent, energetic and her grasp of both the Taiwanese and American cultures, as well as her English language skills, will enhance TABPA member companies’ ability to grasp the issues in our complex market place.”

“It is an honor to be the first to fill the position of TABPA Executive Director. I know the job will be challenging. I look forward to meeting those challenges,” commented Chiu.

Fierst will continue to focus on Industry Relations and serve as the primary US contact for TABPA issues. Chiu will be working closely with Fierst on issues involving the U.S. market.

TABPA is a sub-committee of the Taiwan Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, representing approximately 25 Taiwan-based companies manufacturing motor vehicle replacement parts for the global market. Member companies produce both OEM and aftermarket parts.

©2005 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT
All Rights Reserved

FEATURED
LINKS:

INSIGHT Supports the NABC!
Do You?