OPPAA HOSTS 40TH ANNUAL MEETING, NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Since 1986, the Outdoor Power Parts & Accessories Association has been dedicated to promoting the growth and availability of high-quality replacement parts and acces- sories for the outdoor power equipment industry. The organization has been managed by OPEI since 2010. In recognition of this milestone, OPPAA welcomed nearly 100 attendees in Orlando, Florida, January 24-26, 2026, to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. The Annual Meeting served as both a celebration of the industry’s legacy and a forward-looking forum focused on the future of outdoor power equipment. A dynamic curation of speakers delivered strategic insights spanning applied artificial intelligence, market and retail trends, regulatory developments, and long-term business planning that equipped members with tools to navigate the evolving business environment. Networking and relationship building re- mained central to the anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the strength of OPPAA’s member community while supporting the out- door power parts and accessories industry.
The Annual Meeting also brought new perspectives to its Board of Directors that represents more than 40 leading organizations across the industry supply chain, including manufacturers, parts companies, and distributors. OPPAA remains committed to protecting the interests of its members while supporting a healthy and sustainable network. The 2026-2027 elected officers include: President: Rick Jackson, Oregon Tool Vice President: Shawn Carothers, Toro Secretary/Treasurer: John Walker, Dometic Immediate Past President: Jim Depolo, VP Racing Fuels Director: Todd Geyer, Gardner Inc. Director: Chris Roessler, Rotary Director: Craig Smith, Stens Director: Darold Dunham, Power Distributors Director: Ryan Koch, Rehlko Director: Carissa Gingras, Briggs & Stratton
Director: Dan Jernberg, Whirltronics Observer: Dave Johnson, Constellation
MARKET DATA REMAINS OPEI PRIORITY
Market Statistics Forum
The week of March 2 OPEI is set to release its next quarterly update of the industry consensus forecast of U.S. and Canadian OPE shipments. The current forecast projects activity for calendar years 2026-2027. In 2025 OPEI began working with the Indianapolis- based Farnsworth Group as its new third-party partner for forecasting, transitioning from its long-term partner The Stevenson Company. While the first priority has been continuity of member services, the opportunity has now shifted towards an evaluation of possible improvements, prioritizing member
engagement, processes and methodology, and statistical deliverables. This OPEI program has been of particular importance since 2019 as markets have experienced extraordinary external and internal forces. As the foundation of the OPEI’s forecasting capabilities, the association works with its D.C.-based third- party Vault Consulting, a firm specializing in the facilitation of association-led industry data programs, to conduct monthly member data collection and aggregate report publication. These services are proprietary to OPEI members. This year the association’s
member Market Statistics Committee, which oversees these programs, will be meeting March 5 at the OPEI/equip offices in Louisville, and October 7-8 at the OPEI offices in Alexandria. As part of the fall meeting OPEI will also welcome all members to the annual market statistics forum. If you have questions about access to report(s) or direct member involvement, please contact OPEI staff.
10
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator