SAN DIEGO – Remarketing professionals from across the country explored key remarketing industry issues, including reconditioning, transportation, and vehicle arbitration, at the recent two-day International Automotive Remarketers Association (IARA) Summer Roundtable. The conference featured roundtable discussions, panel presentations, and Six Sigma skills training.

An event highlight was presentation of the IARA Remarketing Industry Recognition Award to Layne Weber, VP remarketing for Donlen, a Chicago-area-based fleet management company. Weber was honored for his contributions to IARA and his community volunteer efforts.

Other conference events included a panel session on the National Auto Auction Association’s newly adopted standards on vehicle arbitration. Jane Morgan, from ADESA, moderated the session, accepting feedback from attendees. A dealer-centric panel presented the perspectives of several San Diego auto dealers and wholesalers on “Why I Buy (or don’t) Your Vehicles.

Roundtable attendees also received Yellow Belt Six Sigma training, an introduction to the management process method.

The IARA annual meeting and election of officers kicked off the conference. The elected 2006 slate of officers include Layne Weber, president; Jim Chapman, VRS, vice-president; Mike Antich, Bobit Business Media, secretary; and Jeanne Rosati, Dent Wizard, treasurer.

Steve Houston, from WFS Financial and IARA president, welcomed attendees to the group’s Summer Roundtable gathering in San Diego.

The IARA Summer Roundtable included a panel discussion with San Diego automotive dealers and wholesalers on their purchasing strategies. Layne Weber (standing), VP remarketing for Donlen, moderated the discussion. Panel members included (l-r) Dan Kullbert of REDLN; Bob Pourmand, Pacific Coast Motors; and independent wholesaler John Hess.

Dave Alfonso, (right) IARA awards committee chair, congratulates Layne Weber, VP of remarketing for Donlen, who received the IARA Remarketing Industry Recognition Award for his contributions to the organization and his community volunteer efforts.