This week at the AAPEX show in Las Vegas, several aftermarket veterans were honored for their selfless commitment to the industry. Among the awards presented this week in conjunction were:
On Sunday, AWDA presented the 2008 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award to former Bosch exec and current GAAS Chairman David Caracci in recognition of his ongoing commitment to education through involvement in the University of the Aftermarket and Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). The award is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training. Given in memory of former AWDA chairman Art Fisher, the award grants substantial scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.
Robert Egan, vice president, North America – Global Aftermarket for Federal-Mogul Corp. has been named the 2008 recipient of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Leader of the Year Award. Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way.
Robert “Bob” McKenna, president and CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), was presented an honorary Lifetime Membership Award by the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) during the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Executive Breakfast on Tuesday, prior to the opening of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).
Richard Morgan, president and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award by AWDA at its 2008 annual conference on Sunday. This very selective award recognizes individuals who, over the course of many years, have distinguished themselves through their commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket. Recipients of this award are considered to be "backbones" of the industry.
Also on Nov. 2, Dennis Welvaert, president of the North American Aftermarket Division of Dayco Products LLC., based in Tulsa, Okla., was honored with the AWDA 2008 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Established in 1983, this award is given annually to a member of AWDA in recognition of excellence in business performance and support for AWDA and its ideals. William Alexander of Uni-Select presented the award on behalf of AWDA at the association’s 2008 Annual Conference.
