MIAMI — Last week’s APA/Professional’s Choice convention showed just how important “recognition” is, whether it’s recognition of employees, suppliers — or even outside threats.

According to research, 88 percent of employees across all industries cite “lack of acknowledgement” as their top workplace issue. In fact, studies show that employee acknowledgement is more important than even those all-important perks like benefits and pay.

This point was illustrated in a very entertaining manner at last week’s APA/Professional’s Choice annual convention, held in Miami, FL. The Friday morning speaker, Scott Christopher of O.C. Tanner, discussed recognition management, a sort of “carrot and stick” method of managing employees. He said that employees who receive regular recognition are both happier and more productive workers. Just how important are these recognition programs? After one hospital introduced a formal recognition program for its registered nurses, RN turnover went from 24 percent to 10 percent. And not surprisingly, overall patient satisfaction improved as well.

Of course, these programs will work just as well in the auto parts store environment, and Christopher cited ways that store managers and owners can recognize and reward employees on a day-to-day basis. According to Christopher, this recognition should go well beyond the bi-monthly paycheck. It should be part of a regular, formalized program — and most importantly, it should be done publicly, in front of peers.

Public recognition of this sort is regular fare at program group conventions. Program groups such as Professional’s Choice and others around the industry serve as conduits for recognition, both within their own groups, and among the industry at large. Recognition and communication are nearly always on the agenda, and this year’s Professional’s Choice event was no exception.

Based on a member vote, three vendors were awarded the Professional’s Choice Vendor of the Year honors at the convention. This year’s winners were AMS, Centric and Dorman and each was cited for exceptional service, cataloging and product innovation. Additionally, the group recognized its new board members, which included Bob Miller, North Hollywood Auto Parts, North Hollywood, CA; Gene Bochinski, G & H Import Auto Parts, Oak Lawn, IL; Bob Duxler and Automotive Inventory Mgmt. Systems, Simi Valley, CA.

Recognition of another sort — that of outside threats — is just as important. At Saturday morning’s session, APA President Dan Freeman addressed the group regarding the future of the industry’s supplier base, citing the precarious state of both OE and aftermarket domestic suppliers. Freeman said there is real strength among Asian OEMs and that list may soon include vehicle manufacturers from China.

As a result, Freeman said, “The automotive marketplace will continue to fragment, as no nameplate becomes dominant.”

This lack of dominant vehicle manufacturers is causing new stresses on parts distributors, particularly its effect on inventory.

“Parts mixes will change,” continued Freeman, “If you’re not stocking maintenance items for South Korean nameplates, you’re already behind the curve.” In light of a changing global vehicle marketplace, Freeman stressed that inventory management is king.

“If you can’t deliver the part in a reasonable amount of time, you will lose the sale.”

Freeman concluded by adding, “There are more OE and OES suppliers than ever. APA needs to develop relationships, and the future is now and more exciting than ever before.” Freeman pledged to members that APA “will continue to bring value to its shareholders and vendor partners.”

APA Chairman Jeff Levene echoed Freeman’s comments, stressing that despite these challenges, the future of the group is strong. According to Levene, Professional’s Choice now boasts 102 members (including 12 new members in 2006) and now represents more than 560 stores with more than $1 billion in combined sales.

Next year’s Professional’s Choice convention is scheduled for March 6-8 in San Antonio, TX.