OPEAA holds annual meeting

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association (OPEAA) announced its 2017-2018 officers and board of directors during its 31st Annual Meeting held Feb. 4-6, 2017.

OPEAA officers for 2017 are:
OPEAA President: Scott Harris, Blount International.
OPEAA Vice President: Sue Chaney, K-C Sales Co.
OPEAA Secretary/Treasurer: Britton Harold, Husqvarna.

Members of the OPEAA board of directors are: John Bauersfeld, Stens Corporation; Alyssa Dennis, NGK Spark Plugs; Donny Desjarlais, RBI Corporation; Kurt Hayes, MTD Products (Arnold); Chris Roessler, Rotary Corporation; and Walter Rieck, Prime Line.

OPEAA had a very successful annual meeting, held this year at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Florida. The meeting not only provided several social networking opportunities, but was very productive. The business sessions included speakers who presented timely and relevant information for the industry. The conference opened with a cocktail reception held in conjunction with a silent auction to benefit the Bill Nelson Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships to employees and families of OPEAA members.

According to second-term OPEAA President Scott Harris, “This year’s annual meeting highlighted many changes the outdoor power equipment industry is experiencing. Market demands are shifting to include products powered by lithium ion batteries and more efficient gasoline engines. Consumer decision making is vastly different from just a decade ago. Taking advantage of the digital tools available today allows our industry professionals to yield a better understanding of customer expectations and trends. OPEAA is entering this new fiscal year stronger than ever. I look forward to another productive year as the association president – serving our industry and the OPEAA member companies.”