BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), announced its new officers and members of the Council of Governors at the 2013 Annual Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas.
Taking office immediately following the close of AAPEX on Nov. 10, Dick Fairbanks, president, Orleans Auto Parts, Hyannis, Mass., will serve as chairman. Fairbanks succeeds Tim Trudnowski, Automotive Jobbers Supply, Spokane, Wash., who successfully led the association through the previous 12 months and remains on the board as immediate past chairman.
Newly elected 2013-2014 officers include Corey Bartlett, Automotive Parts Headquarters, St. Cloud, Minn., as vice chairman, and Clifford Hovis, Hovis Auto Supply, Mercer, Pa., as secretary. Richard Beirne, United Auto Supply, LaCross, Wis., retains his position as treasurer.
“These new officers join a long and distinguished line of great leaders that have come through the AWDA chairs,” said Larry Northup, AWDA executive director. “Their commitment to the industry is inspiring and it is truly an honor to work with them.”
Also joining the AWDA Council of Governors are:
• Mauro Cifelli, Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd, Montreal, Quebec
• Rick Harman, Frank Edwards Co., West Valley City, Utah
• Michelle MacKenzie-Menendez, MacKenzie Warehouse, San Francisco, Calif.
• Randy Rusceak, Motown Automotive Distribution, Farmington Hills, Mich.
“AWDA’s nominating committee insists that, if asked, any incoming governor must be qualified to serve as chairman. The result of this long-standing tradition is a consistent supply of high-quality members who are interested, engaged and committed to distribution, the aftermarket industry and their association,” said Northup.
In the coming year, AWDA will support multiple projects designed to enhance the position of traditional distribution in the aftermarket. These will include further promotion of best practices for processing warranty claims and the development of data and tools to engage and attract the best and brightest young people to our industry. AWDA also will continue its long tradition of supporting industry education through sizeable donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
