Cook Joins MERA To Head Industry Relations

UPDATED! North Andover, Mass. – The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) has named Chris Cook as industry relations director.
He will focus on fostering relationships with manufacturers, retailers and other associations in mobile electronics to grow both the new MERA and, in turn, the industry, the association said.
Cook previously worked with NavTV and AAMP America, and prior to that worked for seven years at the Consumer Electronics Association as mobile electronics director. He is still editor at large for Mobile Electronics magazine.
“Chris is an industry veteran with a proven track record in retail, manufacturing, association management and the media,” said Tony Frangiosa, president and CEO of InstallerNet which acquired MERA earlier this year. “His unique background and capabilities will help us achieve the new MERA’s goals: to advance the in-vehicle mobile lifestyle category and to promote driving fun, driving safe and driving smart.”
Cook commented in a statement, “Our industry is under attack. We must come together with a common purpose, engage the best and brightest leaders and concentrate on new ideas to build a successful future for mobile electronics. With a base of over 2,000 members, an experienced management team and the necessary resources to strengthen the retail channel, MERA is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in that process.”
Barry Vogel, the association’s past executive director, will serve as the new MERA’s member relations director, leveraging his experience as an independent retailer to address the issues facing the retail membership.
For more information on the new MERA, go to www.merausa.org or call a membership services representative at (888) WHY-MERA.