ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – At APA’s 32nd Annual Shareholders’ and Manufacturers Conference this week, the group announced the recipients of its 2013 manufacturer and member awards.
Headquarters Manufacturer of Choice Award was given to Dorman. This award recognizes Dorman for having the fastest turnaround time from application of part to product availability, the ease of doing business with them and their responsiveness to member and headquarter needs.
DENSO was recipient of the Marketing Partner Award. According to APA, DENSO continually supports and sponsors APA promotions, and ran a very successful radiator promotion with the group. In addition, DENSO was recognized for its strong technical training programs.
The Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year went to MAS for excellent fill rate, outstanding cataloging, new numbers, ease of doing business with and a long-term commitment to APA.
The BrandedManufacturer of the Year recipient is Centric Parts. APA recognized Centric for consistently being first-to-market with new model year parts, quick turnaround time and high fill rates on replenishment orders, new product categories and superior cataloging.
UCI-Fram Group was recognized at this year’s meeting for its success at last year’s meetings, receiving the “Largest Total Manufacturer Orders at the 2011 One-on-Ones.”
APA also recognized members for their longevity and dedication to the aftermarket and the APA group. Longtime member Eleazar Chavez of HRP Auto Parts in El Paso, Texas, was recognized for his loyalty, service and friendship to the group. Chavez entered the aftermarket industry in 1960 and started his own business in 1977. "His strong loyalty and ethics make him a true gem of the industry and APA has been very fortunate to have him as a member for 22 years," the group stated.
APA also recognized Tinker Auto Parts for celebrating 50 years in business. Clay Johnson from Factory Motor Parts was recognized for his service to the board of directors from 2009 to 2012 and Robert Duxler from Automotive Inventory Management Systems in Simi Valley, Calif., was recognized and applauded for his willingness to go above and beyond his responsibilities as chairman of the board.
"We could never put a value on the amount of time and hard work Robert gave us over the past two years,” said Dan Freeman, APA president and CEO.
APA’s Annual conference kicked off Thursday, March 14, and runs through Saturday, March 16. In addition to a crowded and popular one-on-one event, the attendees enjoyed a private dinner inside the World Golf Hall of Fame, and many played a round of golf in the annual tournament. A new Business Improvement Panel consisting of members and manufacturers was introduced and APA shareholders were updated on all the new an impending business for the group at their business session.
Stay tuned for additional coverage on the APA meeting from ImportCar Editor Mary DellaValle.
