RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – CARQUEST executives Mike Broderick and Craig Barnes will share their unique perspectives with an audience of the leading automotive aftermarket manufacturers at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s annual Vision Conference (VisCon), slated for Thursday, March 29, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill.

“With more than 3,000 North American locations and 18,000 team members, CARQUEST is an important customer of AASA’s full service aftermarket supplier member companies,” said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO. “Mike and Craig have extensive experience as aftermarket professionals. Their views on the aftermarket outlook and CARQUEST’s supplier relationships will make this one of the most anticipated presentations at AASA VisCon 2012.”

Broderick and Barnes both assumed their current positions at CARQUEST in 2009. As president, Broderick is responsible for CARQUEST U.S. independent sales, marketing, merchandising, supply chain and logistics, store sales and operations, finance and human resources. Barnes’ duties as senior vice president of merchandising include creating industry leading first-to-market programs utilizing CARQUEST’s supplier base, category management, global sourcing, planogramming, eServices, and commercial and retail based product lines.

The 2012 AASA VisCon will include an outstanding line-up of speakers and presentations. The full agenda is available online here.

AASA VisCon is a member-only, content-rich networking event that is an essential part of member companies’ strategic planning processes. The 2012 event will kick-off with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Wednesday, March 28. The program will begin on the morning of Thursday, March 29, with a networking breakfast.

AASA member companies that bring four or more employees qualify for significant group discounts. More details about the AASA VisCon 2012 including registration and hotel accommodations, are available online at www.aasavision.org.

Ernst & Young is the conference premier sponsor. Polk is the sponsor of the Networking Luncheon. Elite VisCon sponsors are GCommerce, MEMA Financial Services Group Inc. and OptiCat.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers 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 of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry.”