The University of the Aftermarket Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The University of the Aftermarket marked its 10th anniversary over the Labor Day weekend. “All 10-year anniversaries are important, but in our case this milestone coincides with the most significant strategic changes and curriculum enhancements in the University’s history,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank. “We are on the verge of announcing several important new programming initiatives and have dramatically expanded access to results-driven, University-accredited education for professionals at virtually every level of the aftermarket value chain.”

From aftermarketNews Staff & Wire Reports

MIDLAND, Mich. – The University of the Aftermarket marked its 10th anniversary over Labor Day weekend.

The University was established Sept. 1, 1998, through a landmark educational alliance of the Automotive Parts & Accessories Association, the Automotive Service Industry Association, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association. Prior to this alliance, business education for aftermarket distribution professionals was provided by the AWDA University. The University of the Aftermarket became an operating unit of Northwood University on Jan. 1, 2000.

“All 10-year anniversaries are important, but in our case this milestone coincides with the most significant strategic changes and curriculum enhancements in the University’s history,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank. “We are on the verge of announcing several important new programming initiatives and have dramatically expanded access to results-driven, University-accredited education for professionals at virtually every level of the aftermarket value chain.”

Cruickshank noted that the University’s signature Leadership 2.0 program has attracted its largest and most professionally diverse class this year, with the first of two week-long sessions beginning Sept. 7 at the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies at Northwood University’s Midland, Mich., campus. The University also for the first time is accrediting AAIA- and MEMA-sponsored education sessions and related events during the 2008 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.

Another important addition to the University’s education offering is the first of several stand-alone business strategy sessions, “The Petroleum Problem: Strategies and Solutions for Distributors,” which will take place Sunday, Nov. 2, in conjunction with the AWDA Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas.

Aftermarket professionals attending these and any other University-accredited program can receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications.

For additional information regarding the University of the Aftermarket, please visit www.northwood.edu/aftermarket.