Richard "Dick" Morgan, a 48-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket industry, on Dec. 31, 2009, celebrated his retirement from the position of president and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, a position he held for 16 years.

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Northwood University will recognize seven nationally known business leaders at its 31st Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Gala on Jan. 22 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.
 
Serving as Honorary Chair of the event is Richard DeVos, co-founder of Amway Corp. and owner of the Orlando Magic Basketball Team.

The seven honorees in the Class of 2011 are:

Kathy L. Bennett
Owner, President, CEO
Bennett Packaging Company, Lee's Summit, Mo.

Colin Brown
President, CEO
JM Family Enterprises, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Rick Case
CEO
Rick Case Auto Group, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Rita Case
Vice President
Rick Case Auto Group, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Kenneth Czubay
Vice President, US Sales and Service
Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich.

Stephen A. Levin
CEO
Gold Coast Beverage, Palm Beach, Fla.

Richard H. Morgan
President Emeritus
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc., San Antonio, Texas

Northwood University annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students, all of whom are engaged in the study of business management and who aspire to successful careers. In the 30 years since the program's founding, more than 250 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.

From 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, the day preceding the Gala presentations, Northwood University students will ask questions of the OBL Class of 2011, as well as past honorees, at an afternoon "Ask the CEO" forum held at Northwood's Florida campus. The forum provides the opportunity for honorees to share anecdotes relating to the obstacles and challenges they encountered while on their personal road to business success, as well as remedies relating to how they overcame them.

The gala is open to the public. Tickets are $375 per person. For additional information or to confirm your reservation, contact Allison Tardonia at 561-478-5539 or e-mail tardonia@northwood.edu.