Publishing Group of America today announced the appointment of John Cobb as chief executive officer. Cobb, most recently senior vice president, digital, at Source Interlink Media, succeeds Dick Porter who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Under Porter’s leadership, Publishing Group of America saw significant growth in revenue and circulation during the eight years he was at the helm, including the launch of Relish and Spry magazines.
Advanced Clutch Technology hired Rich Barsamian as national sales manager. He is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to grow the company’s product business. Barsamian served as vice president for Grant Products and worked as national sales manager for Edelbrock. He is also a member of SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Committee.
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| Bob Mylenek |
Tākit, formerly IFW, announced that Bob Mylenek was named the company’s new customer service manager for its BedSlide brand. Mylenek’s experience spans more than 30 years in business management and operations as well as customer service and marketing with Mercedes-Benz.
SEMA-member Inland Empire Driveline Service Inc. was selected the Manufacturers of the Year by the National Street Rod Association (NSRA). Inland Empire Driveline Service began in 1981 as a conventional driveshaft repair shop serving the Ontario, California, auto repair and heavy trucking industries. The company says that the same commitment remains today as when it started: to provide top-quality products and service on a prompt and courteous basis at a competitive price.
Motorz TV announced that it has selected Martin & Co. Advertising as its exclusive sales partner. According to a recent press release, both companies cite their dedication to recognizing the changes and fluctuations in marketing automotive products to the aftermarket as the basis for a natural partnership.
Registration for the sixth annual International Auto Glass Safety Conference (AGRSS) is open. The conference is set for October 27–28, in Chicago, and attendees can also participate in the AGRSS Consumer Awareness Program on October 28 at no additional charge. The program includes presentations by a number of auto safety groups and safety expert Ben Kelley from the Center for Auto Safety. For more information and to register, visit www.agrss.org/conference.
Eight-time American Motorcyclist Association Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America on August 25 during a gala black-tie ceremony at the Fillmore Detroit Theatre. McGrath is currently listed 19th in points in both the Pro4 Unlimited and Pro2 Unlimited divisions of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series—a series of 16 closed/short course stadium-style off-road races held on specially designed and constructed tracks in the western United States.
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| Pete Meier |
The Advanstar Automotive Group named Pete Meier its group technical editor. Meier, an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician and 2006 CARQUEST/Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) “AC Technician of the Year,” has contributed to Motor Age since 2005. Meier is a sponsoring member of International Automotive Technicians' Network (iATN), and a trained vocational instructor. He is certified by both the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools and the Polk County, Florida, school system.