Federated Donates $100,000 to Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Fund
Federated Auto Parts has made a $100,000 donation to the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund, which is administered by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), benefits students pursuing automotive aftermarket careers. It was recently renamed after Fisher, who died in January 2004, to honor his dedication to the industry.
The Year in Review – A Look at the Top 10 News Stories of 2004
Whether you believe 2004 was a good or bad year for the aftermarket, no one can argue this was a big news year for our industry. The year included noteworthy shifts in leadership, mergers, acquisitions and more, most of which will significantly impact the industry for many years to come. Here’s a month-by-month look at what aftermarketNews.com considers to be biggest news events that happened in our industry in 2004.
Northwood University Seeking New Director for University of the Aftermarket
Northwood University is currently seeking a new director for the University of the Aftermarket, following the recent resignation of current director Vincent Daviero. Daviero plans to return to his home in Florida but will assist the University with the transition until a new director can be found.
Executive Interview: Jacques Landreville and Jim Buzzard Talk About the Recent Merger of Uni-Select and MAWDI
Our latest Executive Interview features Jacques Landrevillenand Jim Buzzard. On November 1, Landreville and the Buzzard family completed the merger of Uni-Select and MAWDI. The merger significantly expands Uni-Select’s reach into the U.S., where it will generate revenues of approximately $470 million. As part of the agreement, all current MAWDI and Uni-Select locations will remain under their original names, but at the corporate level MAWDI will operate as a subsidiary of Uni-Select USA. All of the various companies within Uni-Select USA, including MAWDI, will be referred to as Automotive Group USA. Landreville and Buzzard recently spoke with aftermarketNews.com and shared some of the finer details about the future for Uni-Select USA.
Twenty University of the Aftermarket Classes Available Online
Committed to offering professional development opportunities to its members, Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket has announced that members can take classes online at any time of day or night. Twenty courses are now available — from programs designed to introduce new hires to the complex automotive aftermarket industry to courses on improving management, supervision and leadership skills. All of the online courses qualify for University of the Aftermarket continuing education credits (CEU).
Paul Foley Honored by the University of the Aftermarket
Paul Foley, vice president of AASA, MEMA’s aftermarket segment association, was presented the Founder’s Service Award by Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket, on Nov. 1 during AAPEX.
Live from AAPEX: Scott Meyer Presented MEMA’s Prestigious Triangle Award
Scott Meyer, retired president of Ken-Tool in Akron, Ohio, and past chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) , was presented the Triangle Award, MEMA’s highest honor, last night during the association’s Executive Reception in Las Vegas.
Live from AAPEX: Washbish Named ‘Automotive Leader of the Year’
Each year at its annual meeting prior to the kickoff of AAPEX, AWDA bestows the Leader of the Year Award upon an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant manner. Sunday night that award was presented to John Washbish, AAP, of AFFINIA, by his brother, Doug Washbish of Moog Louisville Warehouse.
Live from AAPEX: Schmatz Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
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.
Live from AAPEX: Levene, Beirne Given Art Fisher Award
The newly named Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award was established to honor the memory of past presidents and chairmen of AWDA. The scholarships have traditionally been given to two students who are enrolled in Northwood University’s automotive aftermarket management program in the name of the award winner. Thanks to the generosity of Art Fisher, the Fisher family and others, the scholarship program will be expanded to include more recipients next year.