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November 12, 2009 Sign up Forward Archive News for Automotive Aftermarket Professionals   Top Story  Survey: U.S. economy to expand 2.7% in 2010 The U.S. economy should grow by 2.7% in 2010, according to a consensus of 52 top forecasters polled for the November edition of Blue Chip Economic Indicators. Forecasters surveyed by the publication a month earlier about GDP growth had predicted an expansion of 2.5% next year. Reuters (11/10)   Automotive Trends  Auto insurance claims rise amid gas-price decline The frequency of auto insurance claims is on the rise as the decline in gasoline prices prompts motorists to drive more, industry observers said. But the trend is expected to vary across the country, and its impact would differ among insurers, Insurance Information Institute President Robert P. Hartwig said. PropertyCasualty360.com (11/11) Uni-Select benefits from uptick in American driving Canadian auto parts company Uni-Select is hopeful that the increase in miles driven by American motorists will translate into more business. The number of miles driven in the U.S. increased 2.6% in July and again at 3.5% in August, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. "It's a sign that consumers are spending more to visit or to drive their cars around so it certainly would indicate that we've seen the worst of the downturn," says Uni-Select president and CEO Richard Roy. Google/The Canadian Press (11/11) Other News If oil prices continue to rise, 2010 demand could drop, warns OPEC Google/The Associated Press (11/11) EBay steps up game on vehicle sales with free history reports Automotive News (subscription required) (11/11)   Business Leadership  Communication is key to keeping employees happy Focused and consistent internal communication is the key to keeping your top talent motivated, says Kathryn Yates, global leader of communication consulting at Watson Wyatt. "Effective communication helps engage employees," she adds. "And that has positive implications for productivity and the bottom line." IndustryWeek (11/10)   Sales & Marketing  Don't let negative thoughts drag down performance Given alone time, many salespeople often find themselves dwelling on negative thoughts, which leads to poor performance. Training oneself in the practice of positive self-talk can shift that trend, and some tips include collecting positive thoughts and repeating those thoughts silently. DaveKahle.com (11/10)   Capital Report  House narrowly passes health care reform, battle heads to Senate On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 7, following weeks of negotiations aimed at crafting a single piece of health care reform legislation, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of health care reform by a vote of 220-215. Key committee passes climate change bill The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a climate change bill by an 11-1 vote on Nov. 5 without any amendments. House passes SBA financing legislation The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Oct. 29 aimed at providing much-needed assistance to small businesses. Draft report examines how retailers manage toxic chemicals A draft report has been released by the University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Sustainable Production that examines how retailers are staying informed and managing the use of hazardous chemicals in the products they sell.   AAIA News  AAIA publications awarded in international competition The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals has recognized AAIA for outstanding creative achievement in marketing and communications from among 5,000 entries around the world in the 2009 MarCom Awards competition. AAIA won the Gold Award in two categories and Honorable Mention in another. Register today: ACC teleconversation -– discuss your AAPEX experience The ACC Teleconference "Post-AAPEX Wrap-Up," will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. EDT. Tom Marx, The Marx Group, will facilitate the conversation, which should provide some compelling discussion. The call is open to anyone in the industry but registration is required. To receive the call-in number and passcode, RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 17, to Beatrice Livioco or by calling 240-333-1089. Neal L. Williams recognized with AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award Neal L. Williams Sr., chairman of N.A. Williams Company, was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association at its 2009 Business & Education Conference last week in Las Vegas. Federal-Mogul presented with Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association presented the 2009 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award to Federal-Mogul Corporation in recognition of their support for industry training and education as evidenced by the company's Technical Education Center in St. Louis. Learn more about AAIA AAIA Home Page  |  About AAIA  |  Events  |  Segments  |  Member Services   AAIA Segments  Big trucks fall again in September U.S. sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks dropped 22% in September from a year earlier to 20,009 units, continuing a nearly three-year slide in large-truck sales. Click your segment's logo below for all your current segment news   SmartQuote  Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten." --B.F. 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