GRAPEVINE, Texas – National Pronto Association has announced the winners of its 2012 Vendor Awards. The awards were presented at a luncheon held during Pronto’s recent Fall Shareholder’s Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. 
With more than 390 people in attendance, National Pronto recognized eight vendors in eight award categories: Manpower, Marketing Excellence, OE Supplier of the Year, Partnership, Private Brand, Category Management, Mexico Supplier of the Year and Supplier of the Year.
The Manpower Award was awarded to Standard Motor Products for exceptional support of the membership with “feet on the street.” Garey Lange accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The Marketing Excellence award was presented to Goodyear Engineered Products for its superior marketing capabilities, campaigns and service. Michael Lehmkuhl accepted the award.
OE Supplier of the Year was awarded to Denso for delivering OE-quality products and expertise to the shareholder’s of National Pronto. David Arriaga accepted the Award.
The Partnership Award was awarded to Tenneco for providing exceptional service and support to the Pronto members. Larry Friesner accepted the award for Tenneco.
The Private Brand Supplier of the Year was presented to International Distributors USA for delivering quality Pronto branded packaging, products and support. Anan Bishara accepted the award.
The 2012 Supplier of the Year was awarded to Bendix for quality people, products, service and support to the Pronto Shareholders. Jim Kelley accepted the award on behalf of Bendix.
Two new award categories also were introduced this year: Category Management and Mexico Supplier of the Year. The Category Management award was presented to Remy International Inc. for outstanding application of category management principals. Gary Bostic accepted the award on behalf of Remy.
The Mexico Supplier of the Year was awarded to Monroe for quality people, quality products and service to the Mexico shareholders. Larry Friesner accepted the award for Monroe.
All award recipients were chosen by the Pronto Membership using a strict set of criteria for each award category.
In addition to presenting its annual vendor awards, National Pronto Association announced Fred Myers as Pronto Executive of the Year for 2012. The Executive of the Year award was presented to Myers on Sept. 12 at the Fall Shareholder’s Conference.
Myers is the owner of One Stop Parts Source in Santa Ana, Calif. He has served six years as a Pronto board member, and continues to contribute his time and talents to the group through various committees and leadership think tank sessions.
Upon receiving the Pronto Executive of the Year Award, Myers said, “To be recognized by peers and colleagues in an organization like Pronto is without a doubt the highest honor that I have received to date. The Pronto Family is such a warm and uplifting group of individuals that it stimulates me to contribute to our success and I am passionate about the opportunities that we have ahead of us.”
Bill Maggs, president of National Pronto, said, “As we know, it’s individual businessmen like Fred who help lead our organization into success. Fred’s contribution goes much further than Pronto alone, he is always willing to discuss business opportunities, promotions, and issues with his fellow members. Pronto is blessed to have many talented members such as Fred to lead us into the future.”
