Share On Social
OPPAA Hosts Annual Meeting, Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Since 1986, the Outdoor Power Parts & Accessories Assn. (OPPAA) has been dedicated to promoting the growth and availability of high-quality replacement parts and accessories for the power equipment industry. In recognition of this milestone, OPPAA welcomed nearly 100 attendees in Orlando, Fla., January 24–26, to celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
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. 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. Invited speakers and industry experts included Adrienne Spear, OpenBrand; Brandon Lassiter, ProfitOptics; Gene Marks, The Marks Group; Grant Farnsworth, The Farnsworth Group, and Greg Knott Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
The annual meeting also serves as the opportunity for OPPAA to install its newly elected Board of Directors and Officers.
The 2026-2027 Elected Board of Directors and Officers are:
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
Latest News
New From Echo: PB-5810 Blower
Echo, Inc. has launched the PB-5810, the second gas-powered backpack blower Echo has...
NAEDA Announces Four Elected Regional Directors
The North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA), a non-profit trade organization representing retail dealers extensively engaged in the sale and service of agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry, outdoor power, lawn and garden, and/or turf equipment, is pleased to announce the newly elected and re-elected directors for the Great Lakes, MSEDA, North Central, and Pacific Northwest regions.
Karnes Enterprise Distributes Archer, TsuMura
Minor Karnes, formerly with Tilton Equipment Co., with the help of his two sons Jason and Michael has taken his experience and knowledge to establish his own importing and distributing company Karnes Enterprise in 2016. With over 40 years in the Chainsaw Industry, Karnes Enterprise is a leading distributor specializing in chainsaw chains, guide bars, sprockets, sharpening tools and much more. Offering products from some of the most popular brand names in the industry. Over the years Minor has developed great long-term relationships with the families and people behind the Archer, Tecomec and TsuMura brands.