SAN ANTONIO – Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance was in Nashville, Tenn., March 4-8 for its National Training Convention, Aftermarket Jam.
The event was attended by more than 1,800 parts store and certified service center owners and vendor partners from across North America making it the largest Alliance gathering ever. Attendees received top quality training in 18 workshops conducted by business and industry leaders highlighting ways to increase personal and professional success and growth. Attendees also visited the Vendor Expo where sales representatives and executives manned 100 booths giving one-on-one time to build relationships and showcase products.
“Our attendees raved that this convention was fantastic and we agree,” said Richard Morgan, president and CEO for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. “Our attendance was a record high; the location was amazing (the Gaylord Opryland Resort); the workshops were helpful and the Vendor Expo was a winner. We couldn’t have been more pleased.”
Attendees didn’t just spend their time working. They enjoyed fun evenings of good food and camaraderie meeting fellow members from all over. The welcome reception started the convention off with a hit on Wednesday night and was followed-up on Thursday night with live entertainment from an up-and-coming 16 year old as well as American Music Channels’ top female vocalist nominee, Lee Ann Womack.
The culmination was the Saturday night Awards Dinner where the four Certified Service Centers of the Convention finalists were named and recognized. They were Dykstra’s Auto Service in Hudsonville, Mich.; Morton’s Auto & Truck in New Albany, Ind.; Old Castle Muffler & Brake in Caro, Mich.; and Troy’s Auto Service in Paducah, Ky. The winner of the prestigious title went to Dykstra’s Auto Service. Comedian Karyn Ruth White closed the event with her business-related motivational humor. And, “Happy Trails” sent attendees on a safe trip back home.
John Wick, vice president of training and education, stated, “This is our fourth convention and I have to say it was the best one yet. A lot of hard work goes into preparing for it but its well worth it when our attendees’ feedback is so positive. Their comments have guided us to look to the future to get together to do it all over again.”
