Michigan Chapter Changes Name To Great Lakes Chapter

Two years ago, one of NAFA's most prominent chapters expanded its coverage area from the entire state of Michigan to throughout metropolitan Cleveland, Ohio--a region of great importance to the automotive industry. The group soon outgrew its "Michigan Chapter" name and asked the Association for the right to rebrand itself in order to better describe its new geographic area. On June 20, NAFA's Board of Trustees officially approved the recommendation of the Chapter Governance Board permitting the Michigan Chapter to change its name to Great Lakes Chapter effective immediately.

"To better reflect the addition of northwest Ohio and Greater Cleveland, as well as the great participation of our members throughout Michigan and Ohio, the former NAFA Michigan Chapter has rebranded itself as the NAFA Great Lakes Chapter!" said NAFA Great Lakes Chapter Chair Chris Kowalski.

In recent years, the chapter has held an alternative fuel conference in partnership with Michigan's Clean Cities Coalitions; hosted chapter meetings during the International Auto Show; discussed the partnership between nearby Ferris State University (FSU) and NAFA with regards to the school's Fleet Management minor and NAFA's educational programs; offered presentations on important topics such as distracted driving; and played a large role in supporting NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo, which was the first to be held in Detroit in decades.

The Great Lakes Chapter will remain in NAFA's Central Region along with the other eight chapters (Alabama, Chicago, Greater Pittsburgh, Mid-America, North Central, St. Louis Gateway, Tri-State, and Wisconsin) that comprise the region. All total, NAFA has thirty-three chapters, namely thirty in the United States and three in Canada.

Regional Trustee David Strom, CAFM commented on why the change was considered. "The Western Reserve Chapter became a sub-chapter to the Michigan Chapter and it is working well for all involved. The Michigan Chapter feels that the new name of 'Great Lakes' better describes the geographic area the chapter covers and their membership is in favor of the name change. This change has been presented to the Chapter Governing Board and approved."

NAFA Fleet Management Association
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Telephone: 609.720.0882 Fax: 609.452.8004