STAUNTON, Va. – A record number of Federated members and suppliers are set to attend the upcoming Federated Auto Parts national membership meeting taking place April 30 through May 3 in Phoenix, Ariz.
 
During the annual meeting, Federated members will attend sessions on a variety of topics including technology, inventory management, employee health care and marketing programs, as well as receive updates from select manufacturers on their latest product offerings. Prior to the official start of the meeting, the Federated co-man council and board of governors will convene.  
 
Highlights of the 2014 meeting will include a keynote speech by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), who will provide Federated members with an update on the auto care industry, and the return of the Federated Vendor Expo, which has been expanded due to its popularity with both members and vendors.
 
On May 1, Federated will host its annual awards dinner to honor Federated members, vendors and technicians with such prestigious awards as Outstanding Vendor of the Year, the Art Fisher Memorial Membership Award and the Federated Shop of the Year presentation. Also, as part of the awards dinner, the annual Toys for Tots auction will be held.
 
“Our annual meeting is a valuable chance for our members and suppliers to get together and share ideas, opportunities and strategies for the coming year as well as celebrate recent accomplishments,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “We are very fortunate to have a strong, active membership that takes advantage of this time together to interact, learn and help each other be successful.”