LAS VEGAS — On October 31, Brian Cruickshank, director of the University of the Aftermarket and David Caracci, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation were honored with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s 2010 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Established in 1983, this award is given annually by AWDA in recognition of excellence in business performance and support for AWDA and its ideals.

Bill Maggs, AWDA’s incoming vice-chairman and president of the National Pronto Association presented the awards on behalf of AWDA at the association’s 2010 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Cruickshank and Caracci joined in the effort to reinvigorate the University of the Aftermarket and its Foundation at approximately the same time, entering organizations that were widely seen to be in need of new energy and vision.

Today, both organizations have seen a renaissance in both purpose and productivity.

“Dave Caracci been an outstanding business executive, a dedicated association board member and officer, a management consultant, a lecturer, a leader,” said Bill Maggs at the award presentation. “He has also consistently striven to ‘give something back’ to the industry that treated him so well.”

Added Maggs, “Through his hard work, dedication, commitment and vision, Brian Cruickshank has completely turned around the prospects for the University of the Aftermarket. For the second straight year, Leadership 2.0 is sold out while the ranks of AAP and MAAP designees is steadily expanding.”

“Largely due to David’s and Brian’s efforts, the University of the Aftermarket is once again included in any discussion of industry education, either as a sponsor, a purveyor, a participant or an accrediting body. The continued vitality of these two organizations is of immense value to the aftermarket industry.”