Yokohama Tire Corporation added two seasoned employees to its team: Gregg Vandermar, performance marketing manager, and Rusty Taylor, new manager of finance & administration, business division. Vandermark's responsibilities include corporate and consumer ride and drives, dealer training and working with automotive enthusiast groups and car clubs. He has more than eight years of tire-industry experience, formerly serving in several positions at Toyo Tires. Taylor's duties will include planning and forecasting budgets; generating financial models; and developing business plans for sales, marketing and finance. He will also review proposals.
Universal Trailer Corporation named Keith Peterson vice president of sales and marketing and Walter Niziolek vice president of operations for Haulmark Industries, one of Universal Trailer's brands. Peterson has more than 26 years of experience in product, channel and global marketing as well as in sales and service. Niziolek's expertise is in engineering and operations/plant management. In his 15-year industrial career, he has been instrumental in developing high-performing manufacturing facilities through process improvements, team building, kaizen and other lean manufacturing methodologies.
Century Fiberglass hired Chad Mesenbrink as its new regional sales manager for the western territory. Mesenbrink has been in the truck-accessory business since 1996 and brings a high level of experience to the Century Team. In addition, Sheryl Renee Draus was appointed the company’s newest inside salesperson. Draus began her career in the truck accessory business in 1986. She will eventually move into an outside sales position. “We are so fortunate to have both Chad and Sheryl Renee join the team,” commented Century’s National Sales Manager Sheryl Noblitt. “Our ‘passion for partnership’ includes everyone involved with Century Fiberglass. From dealers to sales reps to employees, it is our goal to have the best team possible.”
AIM hired Wayne Golonka as territory sales manager. Golonka, who has spent his entire career in the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket, most recently was district manager for ATP. In his role with AIM, Golonka calls on WDs and automotive jobbers in the Northeast region of the United States. For 20 years, Golonka was the co-owner of C & L Automotive Electric in Union, New Jersey. His company specialized in heavy duty and industrial repair.
Grant Brothers announced that Shawn Whiffen joined the company’s sales team as district manager for the Newfoundland territory. He most recently has been working as a business manager at an automotive dealership.
Audiobahn announced the winners of the Jada Toys “Chub City In Action” Film Contest, announced June 19, at the 2007 International Licensing Expo in New Your City at the Javits Convention Center. The contest challenged hobbyists, aspiring filmmakers and videographers to create a 28-second commercial using the Chub City Toys line. The aspiring film makers competed for $6,500 in prize money and Audiobahn audio equipment. "Chub City In Action” Film contest winners: $5,000 Grand Prize Winner—“Why So Sad Johnny,” by Jeffrey Glasson (Attleboro, Massachusetts); $1,000 Winner—“Jake, I Got An Idea,” by John Hampton (Long Beach, California); and the $500 Winner—“Bully,” by Dan Cunliffe (Minot, Maine). More information available at www.jadatoys.com, www.chubcity.com and www.iplayaz.com.
GBC Motorsports was named the title sponsor of the WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour double national race at Virginia Motorsports Park. As part of the sponsorship, the race will be called the GBC Virginia National. The GBC Virginia National is scheduled for June 29–July 1, at Virginia Motorsports Park.