CHANTILLY, Va. – William “Bill” Gager has announced he will retire from his position as president of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) on Dec. 31. 
During the past 35 years, Gager has made significant contributions to the success of APRA, principally guiding the evolution of the association and fully aligning the needs of the membership with the association. Under his leadership, the staff of APRA has organized major events for its membership including the annual International BIG R Show and Exposition, regional technical clinics, educational seminars, forums and plant tours, as well as implemented popular business management and savings programs such as the Reman ToolBox, AutoBulletins.com, AutoElectricPro.com and BuyReman.com.
Gager has also been instrumental in leading the association’s lobbying efforts on behalf of its membership. Whether addressing the IRS on the core valuation issue or working to pass tax credit legislation through Congress, Gager has consistently been the voice of remanufacturing. Gager has used his knowledge of the industry to help educate congressional leaders about the importance of remanufacturing and the benefits from both a labor and environmental standpoint. As a labor-intensive industry, remanufacturing provides jobs while contributing to a greener environment – as Gager would say, “a win-win for everyone.” His dedication and drive within the organization has always been his commitment to the membership of the APRA, and how to best support them as they adapt to a challenging economy and ever-changing government regulations.
In 1989, Gager, along with Fernand Weiland, created the APRA European Division. This division thrives today with its strong membership of OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies, along with private, well-established remanufacturing companies. The APRA European Symposium has become a “go-to” event for companies doing business in Europe and continues to serve as a forum for new technologies and innovative thinking. And, APRA has been actively involved as a primary sponsor of the ReMaTec Show since it was first launched in 2001.
Another of Bill’s numerous achievements was in 1994 when he joined with the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to create the PAACE Automechanika Show in Mexico City. This became Mexico and Central America’s most important automotive aftermarket trade show. Gager’s international efforts continue today with the forming of the APRA Asia-Pacific Division.
Gager has been a member of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Automotive Equipment and Capital Goods of the U.S. Department of Commerce for a number of years, where he has represented the viewpoint of the remanufacturing industry.
APRA thanks Bill Gager for his immense support and dedication to APRA and the remanufacturing industry. His legacy is undeniable and his warm smile and optimism are lasting impressions. When asked about his 35 years of service, Gager said, “I’ve had the good fortune to work in such an authentic industry where the people you meet are sincere and willing to share what they know.” Gager has fostered the environment where “APRA members are colleagues, not competitors,” and for that the association and his staff will be forever thankful.
APRA will be sponsoring a retirement breakfast for Bill during the BIG R Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-4 at the Tropicana Hotel. We look forward to all of his many, many friends being there to wish him well in his retirement.
