The Council of Fleet Specialists his released a preliminary lineup of 15 seminars and panel discussions for the CFS Executive Conference

April 17-20 in Kansas City. The preliminary lineup follows:
Sunday, April 17
Building Distributor Profit with Light Truck Accessories John Minor of Midwest Wheel discusses how his company profited by adding light truck accessories. Also participating: Ron Shivers, president of DeeZee and John Schultzenberger, president of Luverne Truck Equipment.
Enemies of Heavy-Duty Distributor Profitability This presentation by Al Bates, president of the Profit Planning Group, covers margin pitfalls distributors face today.
A New Approach to HD Parts Demand Forecasting A groundbreaking approach to inventory efficiency is presented by Gary Meteer, director of R.L.Polk’s Commercial Vehicle Group. R. L. Polk & Co.
Three Presenter Discussion Groups This is a chance to sit with presenters, panelists and fellow attendees to discuss the best way to make these new ideas fit your individual needs.
Service Vendors Midway This is an opportunity for distributors and manufacturers to meet leading suppliers of marketing solutions- from logistics to data systems to research data and related services.
Monday, April 18
Heavy-Duty Legislative Update Mike Conlon, Washington attorney and president of the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Group, will comment on legislative concerns for the heavy-duty business.
Truck Parts & Service Newsmakers Panel Moderated by publisher Jim Moss, this discussion of current issues will feature Tom Gosnell, senior vice president of ArvinMeritor.
Individual Marketing Group Meetings This is a chance for members of Vipar, HDA, TruckPride and Power HD to get together with fellow members in individual conferences.
Tuesday, April 19
The State of Entrepreneurial Education in the U.S. Dr. Timothy Nash, provost of Northwood University in Midland, will present. Northwood University is currently the only college offering a bachelors degree in Aftermarket Management.
Heavy Duty Trucking Newsmakers Panel Senior Newport editor Steve Sturgess interviews major fleet executives.
Challenges Facing Trucking This keynote address will be delivered by Gov. Bill Graves, president of the American Trucking Associations. The two-term governor of Kansas will give a candid appraisal of today’s trucking industry
Key Man Compensation Strategies for Small Business Jim Juengling of Juengling & Associates, will cover the subject.
Property and Casualty Pitfalls for Distributors Michael Kelly, president of Lamb, Little & Co., a broker of coverage for distributors and other small businesses, will present.
Secrets to Building Kick-Butt Distributor Websites Greg Petry of NetSource Technologies, a former HD distributor and now a website designer for optimum small business commerce, will address the subject.
Forces of Change: 4 Major Trends in Distribution Bill Wade of Wade&Partners will describe the most recent NAW study findings especially critical for suppliers.
Participants can also register for up to 15 one-on-one manufacturer/distributor meetings. Included in registration is an invitation to all three nightly receptions, two luncheons and three breakfast meetings.
For the first time this year, Truck Parts & Service magazine will host the Distributor of the Year reception, honoring all the winners and award nominees. 2005 nominees will be announced at the event.
Tuesday night brings the CFS 18 Wheel Pinewood Challenge, a moderately grown up version of a Cub Scout favorite (see the cfshq website for the rules to build your entry).
To register call Doug Dresslaer at 816-801-7964 or visit www.cfshq.com.