The Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association, Alexandria, Virginia, has undergone a name change and rebranding done to help the association meet an extended sect of the outdoor power equipment industry. Announced during the organization’s 35th annual meeting in St. Augustine, Florida, OPEAA has evolved into the Outdoor Power Parts and Accessories Association.
“It’s time to reshape and refocus our organization to better serve a larger portion of the industry,” says John Joensen, OPPAA board of directors president.
Since its founding, OPPAA has stood as a member-driven association pushing for the growth and availability of replacement parts and accessories to the outdoor power equipment industry. The organization was originally founded to support and increase the non-OEM replacement parts business segment, and as time went on, it evolved to provide less distinction between OEM and aftermarket suppliers.
“As the industry has evolved, so has the association, and we’re excited for this next chapter in the organization’s history,” says Donny Desjarlais, immediate past president of OPPAA’s board of directors.
OPPAA’s mission and strategic goals will continue to safeguard the integrity of outdoor power equipment parts, accessories, manufacturers and distributors. However, they will also allow the organization to more broadly cover accessories and replacement parts industry-wide, better position OPPAA for organizational inclusion and growth and boost member value with a wider perspective and resources.
The following are the new OPPAA’s board of directors:
• President: John Joensen, Gardner Inc.
• Vice president: Darold Dunham, Power Distributors
• Secretary/treasurer: Scott Rutledge, Medart Engine
• Immediate past president: Donny Desjarlais, Oregon Tool
• Director: Mark Errick, D. E. Errick Inc.
• Director: Alex Webb, Hoosier Wheel
• Director: John Bauersfeld, Stens
• Director: Todd McMahon, Rotary
• Director: Jim Depolo, VP Racing Fuels
