People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: Landspeed Louise Named Goodguys Woman of the Year; Brian Holliday Joins NPD; InstallerNet to Acquire MERA

The market research firm NPD Group hired Brian Holliday as director of retailer relations for the company’s automotive business unit. He is responsible for managing the partnerships NPD maintains with aftermarket retailers and wholesalers throughout the United States. Holliday was formerly the general manager for Honeywell International’s global filtration business.

 Louise Ann Noeth
 Renowned author, historian and columnist Louise Ann Noeth was named the 2009 Goodguys Woman of the Year.

“Landspeed” Louise Ann Noeth was named the 2009 Goodguys Woman of the Year at the 12th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Noeth’s career accomplishments include racing a 250 mph jet dragster; working as an editor-in-chief for Petersen Publishing where she produced Hot Rod Industry News and contributed to Hot Rod, Car Craft and Motor Trend magazines; she founded Land Speed Productions which offers writing, graphic design, creative photography PR and advertising; and teamed with Craig Breedlove’s “Spirit of America” streamliner.

The Goodguys Woman of the Year award is presented annually in honor of the late Karen Bloechl, who was instrumental in the formative years of the Goodguys association, and recognizes a female industry executive who strives to preserve the integrity and growth of the hot rod industry.

InstallerNet offered to acquire the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association (MERA) a non-profit association of auto electronics specialty retailers. InstallerNet’s proposal term sheet was reviewed by MERA’s board of trustees and has been sent to the association’s retailer members as a ballot for ratification.

The results of the vote are expected before the end of July. InstallerNet coordinates the installation of consumer electronics through a network of independently owned installers. Under the plan, InstallerNet’s more than 2,000 members will become MERA members, and MERA will expand its current specialty retailer focus.

Snap-on will serve as the official tool of the 2009 Formula Drift Championship series. Snap-on will be on-site at all race venues and have a trackside marketing presence. Learn more about the Snap-on racing program.

American Honda Motor Co. has reviewed and approved DuPont Performance Alliance  membership as a key requirement for collision-facility participation in Honda’s new Body Shop Recognition Program. The DuPont Performance Alliance is a network of certified collision-repair centers.

The Art Center College of Design will host the Car Classic ’09, a gathering of top automotive designers, collectors and enthusiasts, on Sunday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The event’s theme, “By Air, Land and Sea, celebrates vehicles that push the boundaries of design. More information on the Art Center College of Design’s Car Classic ’09.