LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6, 2019—George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States and Founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, joined AAPEX 2019 on Nov. 5, offering his thoughts on eight years in the Oval Office, the challenges facing the nation in the 21st century and the power of freedom.
According to a press release from Maximum Marketing, Bill Rhodes (chairman, president and chief executive officer, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone) joined the president in his conversation before an AAPEX audience, where President Bush emphasized the importance of the principles that defined his presidency: freedom, opportunity, responsibility and compassion.
President Bush was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2001, and served as Commander-in-Chief for two consecutive terms. Before his presidency, he served for six years as Governor of the State of Texas.
The AAPEX keynote address was preceded by the annual Automotive Aftermarket State of the Industry presentation by Bill Hanvey, president and chief executive officer of the Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
AAPEX represents the $1 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry and runs from Nov. 5 – Nov. 7 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
With more than 2,500 exhibiting companies, AAPEX is the showcase for the latest products, services and technologies that keep the world’s 1.3 billion vehicles on the road. More than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, including automotive service professionals, auto parts retailers, warehouse distributors, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders. Approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from 126 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX and the SEMA Show.
AAPEX is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public.