Ottawa Ontario — May 3 2011 — AIA Canada elected Mauro Cifelli from Vast-Auto Distributors as Chair of the AIA’s Board of Directors for 2011-2012. Cifelli was unanimously elected by the members who attended the 2011 Annual General Meeting of the association held in conjunction with the Aftermarket Conference for Executives Conference in Ottawa as well as those who submitted a vote via proxy.
“The association’s areas of concentration are to represent through government relations inform through market research and promote through industry development programs such as Be Car Care Aware” said Cifelli. “Over the next 12 months those are the messages I hope to bring across Canada by connecting with members and communicating the ongoing value of membership.”
During his acceptance speech Cifelli said the Right to Repair battle created a focus point for the AIA and industry over the last several years resulting in the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) agreement which is now in place. With CASIS now settled the industry has new issues to focus upon which will take a big part of his agenda as Chair. This includes the need to encourage proactive vehicle maintenance habits with consumers and properly educate them as to the financial safety and environmental benefits; ensuring harmonization amongst the provinces for mandatory inspections; the need to be present at all government levels not only when it matters but all the time; and growing the membership base while ensuring value is maintained for all members.
During his term as Chairman Cifelli said he his mandate will be to reach out to the industry and communicate the important message that there has been a major shift in how the AIA approaches government relations. It is no longer just about specific issues; it is also about a continuous relationship-building approach. AIA said because its handling of high profile issues over the last few years there is an increased awareness of AIA in political circles as an important force within the industry and an expert at communications relationship building with key stakeholders as well as media relations.
Cifelli has volunteered with AIA Canada since 2000 and has served seven years as a director and two years as Chairman of the Quebec Division. In 2007 under Cifelli’s leadership the Quebec Division was honoured with the “Division of the Year” award by AIA Canada He is also a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Marketing Board contributing to the development of marketing programs for its 50 shareholders across North America.
