LAS VEGAS — Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA, was awarded the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award at AWDA’s Opening Session and Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening, prior to the start of the 2004 AAPEX show in Las Vegas. The award honors industry leaders who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to a unique and significant project.

Through her work promoting the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign and her efforts to bring the industry together as a collaborating force, Schmatz has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication. A nationally recognized advocate of the automotive aftermarket and a sought-after speaker and presenter, Schmatz is a powerful advocate for industry growth.

She has served as an officer of the Auto International Association, the Automotive Communications Council and was founding president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board. She has also contributed as a curriculum advisor to Northwood University and as chair of AAIA’s Marketing Communications Committee.

In 2001 Schmatz was named the Auto International Association’s “Person of the Year,” and received the Car Care Council’s Vision Award. Twice nominated for the Young Executive of the Year award, she received the 1998 Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award from the American Marketing Association and was the 1991 Woman of the Year-Initiative Award recipient of the Women’s History Project.

Schmatz joined AAIA after 30 years with Babcox. Before being named president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2004, Schmatz served as executive vice president of AAIA.

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