On Your
Behalf
Recently, my team and I reflected on what the automotive industry has been through since the last in-person Automotive Supplier Conference in 2019. We have endured a pandemic that idled automotive production in North America and shifted production to support PPE needs. We also learned to work efficiently both remotely and virtually, and finally are now slowly returning to a new “normal.” In addition, 2021 also brought many supply chain issues, including a debilitating semi-conductor shortage, severe weather, and labor and other material shortages. During these uncertain times, OESA has worked to keep the supplier community abreast of the impact of industry disruptions and to provide assistance to help suppliers navigate these difficult times. It is from this reflection that I take this opportunity to highlight how many of our members have utilized OESA and the benefits of their OESA membership. Advocacy The impact Washington, D.C. has had on our industry through regulations has never been greater. Most of our members rely on our MEMA team advocacy to keep them informed and provide an avenue for their voice to be heard. Representing all transportation suppliers, MEMA has significant influence and is your Washington, D.C. office. OEM Town Hall Meetings OESA’s OEM town hall meetings provide exclusive opportunities for suppliers to hear from and meet directly with the automotive vehicle manufacturers’ purchasing and engineering leaders. The industry connections that are possible at these events can make the value of membership priceless. OESA Topic-Focused Events In 2021, OESA hosted more than 50 topical events. The range of content included: Current Legal Trends, a Consumer Electronics Show Preview, Understanding the Semiconductor Shortage, Vendor Tooling, OEM Terms & Conditions and our Automotive Supplier Conference. Attending these events provided suppliers with important insight to address and understand the issues and challenges we face as an industry. OESA Peer Group Councils OESA offers 17 peer group councils that serve the various leadership areas of the member organizations. Council members meet regularly and offer unique opportunities to address common issues and share best practices. Another benefit of the councils is our capability to do rapid surveys in response to changing market conditions. Thought Leadership and Market Research OESA regularly publishes market updates and relevant industry thought leadership to help members stay abreast of the evolving automotive landscape. We publish a quarterly economic update, a quarterly Supplier Barometer Index™ and survey, as well as Industry Insight podcasts discussing these and other industry topics. Additionally, we work with individual members to support specific research needs. It is my hope that as members, you take full advantage of all OESA has to offer. If you are not a member, I encourage you to join and experience the many benefits and extraordinary network OESA provides. Thank you for attending today’s event and I look forward to seeing you in person – more frequently – in 2022 and beyond. As always, please feel free to contact me at 248.430.5963 or jfream@oesa.org.
Julie A. Fream President and CEO OESA
OESA News - 2021 Fourth Quarter
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