Vipar Heavy Duty, a network of independent aftermarket truck parts distributors, hosted more than 600 suppliers and distributor/stockholders at its annual business conference, held last month in Marco Island, Fla.

"Our conference theme, 'Setting the Pace,' fulfilled its promise with conference attendees participating in a record number of supplier/stockholder one-on-one meetings," said Jeff Paul, director of marketing. "The downturn in new truck and trailer sales has our suppliers concentrating on providing the best possible aftermarket products and services to our distributor/stockholders, which is reflected in this year's record tradeshow and conference participation."
Guest speaker was Apollo 13 astronaut Capt. Jim Lovell. The conference also included presentations from aftermarket industry executives.
"Vipar Heavy Duty is a dynamic organization that continues to grow," said Steve Crowley, president and CEO. "We are developing exciting new programs for our distributor/stockholders, which will allow them to offer additional value to their customers, now and in the future."
Next year's business conference will be held Oct. 19 - 24, 2008, at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Summerlin, Nevada.
Vipar Heavy Duty distributors serve the needs of their customers from more than 500 locations across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. They are specialists that understand the demands of their local, regional, and national customers for parts and service. For more information, visit www.vipar.com.