AASP/NJ Member Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year
NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) member Jeff Walker as the 2005 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA and ASE, the award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. This winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE headquarters.
Northwood Senior Named First Recipient of the Harvey Diedrich Advantage Scholarship
Brian Lesiewicz, a senior studying automotive aftermarket management at Northwood University, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship. The Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship fund was established in 2003 by friends of the longtime aftermarket executive who created innovative marketing programs for Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe Shocks and Struts and Walker Exhaust product lines. Diedrich died in June 2003.
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers Holds Fall Board Meeting in Las Vegas
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) board of directors held its Fall Board meeting on Nov. 6 in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the 2004 AAPEX show. Representatives attended from AASP-New Jersey, AASP-Massachusetts/Rhode Island, AASP-Pennsylvania/Delaware and AASP-Minnesota.
AWDA Announces New Officers, Incoming and Outgoing Board Members
Fletcher Lord, Jr., AAP, president and CEO, Parts Warehouse, Inc. has been elected 2005 chairman of the board for the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). Lord follows Richard Beirne (2004) and Ron Levene (2003) as AWDA chairmen. Joining Lord in the segment’s top leadership positions are vice chairman Doug Washbish, president, Moog Louisville Warehouse; secretary Tim Sturdevant, AAP, vice president and COO, S.A.E. Warehouse; and Timothy Lee, AAP, chairman, L-C Enterprises.
Stride Tool Names New Board Member
Stride Tool Inc., a designer and manufacturer of specialty hand tools, has announced the appointment of automotive industry veteran Paul Baffico to its board of directors.
AutoZone Offers Future Technician Scholarship
AutoZone, the nation’s leading auto parts retailer, has announced the distribution of the “AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship.” The $10,000 automotive industry-focused scholarship was divided incrementally to gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championships Automotive Service Technology competition held in Kansas City, Mo., on June 23, 2004.
Meineke Raises $43,000 for Children’s Miracle Network
Charlotte, NC-based Meineke Car Care Centers recently donated more than $43,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) during the charity’s Annual Broadcast on June 5th and 6th. Now in its 7th year as a CMN sponsor, the Meineke chain has contributed more than $500,000 to Children’s Miracle Network, which supports children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.
Lear Plans to Close Auburn Hills, Mich., Plant
Multibillion-dollar auto interiors supplier Lear Corp. said Thursday that it plans to close its Auburn Hills, Mich., plant by mid-June, a move that will put the factory’s 305 hourly employees out of work. The Auburn Hills plant makes seats for the Buick LeSabre and Buick Park Avenue sedans, which are built at General Motors Corp.’s Orion Township plant.
Second Day of Presentations at 2004 GAAS Predict Strong Growth
The second and final day of the 2004 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) ended on a strong note with some impressive new numbers and predictions for the future success of the industry. For the first time in many years, financial analysts are beginning to sit up and take notice of the aftermarket.
Federated Auto Parts Announces “Vendors of the Year”
Federated Auto Parts announced its 2003 “Vendors of the Year” at its annual meeting held May 12-15 in Salt Lake City. The awards were presented by Federated Chairman of the Board Bo Fisher and Rusty Bishop, Federated CEO, at the awards luncheon held May 14.