AASA Vision Conference Attendees 'Grabbed The Cash' In Support Of The University Of The Aftermarket Foundation

Attendees at the 2019 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vision Conference had the opportunity to “grab cash and grab a Council seat” while benefitting the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) at the event’s Exit Ramp on April 3 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.

AASA’s councils, representing key peer and product groups in the automotive aftermarket, sponsored a “money grab” booth at the reception. Participants took turns grasping for cash in the “wind tunnel” booth while learning more about the councils’ value, programs and activities. All cash caught in the booth was donated to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, which has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force since 1986.

“The Money Grab was a popular attraction at the new Vision Conference Exit Ramp, and it supported one of our industry’s most important collaborative efforts, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation,” said Bill Long, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and AASA president and COO. “It raised a very generous $750 for the UAF, which AASA has matched for a total donation of $1,500. This is part of our annual donations to the fund established by AASA through UAF in 2018 in honor of retired MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh.”

AASA received a University of the Aftermarket Foundation Lifetime Trustee Award recognizing its contribution to the UAF fund, a designation reserved for those donating $100,000 to $249,999 to support the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships and educational opportunities to the next generation of industry leaders. AASA Senior Vice President Chris Gardner serves as AASA’s representative for the Lifetime Trustee position with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

AASA councils and committees participating in the “Money Grab” included:

• AASA Technology Council (ATC)

• AASA AAPEX Events Committee (AAEC)

• Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC)

• China Aftermarket Forum (CAF)

• Intellectual Property Council (IPC)

• Marketing Executives Council (MEC)

• Mobility Technology Council (MTC)

• Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX)

• Overseas Automotive Council (OAC)

AASA’s councils serve as forums for the exchange of best practices, networking with industry peers and drivers of the association’s key initiatives. More information about all of AASA’s councils is available here.