WASHINGTON, D.C. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) have been chosen as this year’s recipients of the Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion Award, a special recognition given to elected officials who have shown outstanding leadership on behalf of motor vehicle parts manufacturers. The Industry Champion Award is presented annually by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its market segment association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
The Industry Champion Award is given each year in the memory of Joseph M. Magliochetti, a former MEMA chairman who also served as the chairman and CEO of Dana Corp. until his death in 2003.
Stabenow and Davis will receive the award at MEMA’s upcoming Legislative Summit, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 2-3 in Washington, D.C.
“We are very pleased to honor two distinguished public servants with this prestigious award,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA. “Both Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Davis are keenly aware of the significance of parts suppliers to the economies of their communities and the whole nation. Their leadership on key supplier issues and willingness to help educate colleagues on the contributions of the supplier industry make them very worthy recipients.”
McKenna specifically mentioned Stabenow’s leadership on the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act in the Senate; her work to address needed changes in the Sec. 136 loan program to make it more accessible to suppliers and extending it to medium- and heavy-duty technology; her leadership on the Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act; and her steadfast support of R&D tax credit bills.
McKenna praised Davis’ solid record in the House of supporting supplier priorities, highlighting his role as a lead sponsor of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act, his co-sponsorship of R&D tax credit bills, his vote in favor of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act, his leadership on the REINS Act, and his voice of reason on problematic issues for domestic manufacturers.
In addition to the award presentation, McKenna added that the agenda for MEMA’s Legislative Summit will give supplier companies insight into the 112th Congress and current administration.
Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card will make a keynote address on March 2. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland will offer insights on the agency’s agenda for the coming year. In a new feature, Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO of Tenneco Inc., will give a “CEO’s Address” that focuses on the need for manufacturers to be more involved in public policy debates.
