Gentex, Shape Corp. CEOs among those headlining Automotive Suppliers Symposium

Gentex President and Chief Executive Steve Downing will give the keynote address at the 24th Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium March 9 at Grand Valley.

The event, hosted by GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center, also will feature:

• A fireside chat between Mark White, president and CEO of automotive component supplier Shape Corp., and Thomas Manganello, a partner at Warner Norcross + Judd who specializes in the automotive industry, 
• An automotive industry outlook from GVSU Alumni, Mike Wall, executive director of automotive analysis with S&P Global Mobility,
• A team from Plante Moran discussing the mergers and acquisitions market.

The Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium is a yearly event bringing together business owners, senior management, and decision-makers from all tiers of the automotive industry.

 “As the global automotive industry continues to adjust to new requirements and challenges, it is important, now more than ever, to be knowledgeable about the dynamic changes taking place in the electric vehicle landscape,” said Sonja Johnson, executive director of the Van Andel Global Trade Center. “The automotive industry has always been vital to the economy of Michigan as well as the global market. This year’s event is sure to continue the long tradition of providing creative and innovative solutions as industry leaders share ideas and establish a strategy for success in the future.”

The symposium runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Loosemore Auditorium on GVSU’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Registration is $205, or $155 for members of the Van Andel Global Trade Center.

The symposium is sponsored by Plante Moran, ArtiFlex, Bluewater Hayes, Chase Bank, S&P Global, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Morrison Industrial Equipment, The Right Place, and Warner Norcross + Judd.