Distributors and suppliers participating in the recent Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Business and Education Conference accepted the AWDA “Challenge” and together made a donation of more than $58,000 to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The funds will be used to support the foundation’s mission of providing educational scholarships to worthy students interested in pursuing careers in the auto care industry.
“We are very grateful to the distributors and suppliers that participated in the AWDA ‘Challenge.’ Their active participation resulted in a generous donation to the foundation of over 20 percent more than last year,” said Tim Lee, MAAP, chairman, University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Auto Plus, Automotive Distribution Network, Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association led the AWDA “Challenge,” each making donations for every one-on-one meeting held between their member distributors and vendor partners during the conference.
Many vendor companies also participated in the AWDA “Challenge,” including: ADVICS North America, Affinia Group Inc. – WIX Filters, Akebono Brake Corporation, AP Exhaust Technologies, ATP Automotive, Autolite, BCA Bearings by NTN Bearing Corp. of America, Blue Streak Electronics, Robert Bosch, Brake Parts Inc, CARDONE Industries, Centric Parts, Continental Contitech, Crowne Group, CRP Automotive, Dayco Products, Delphi Corporation, DENSO Products & Services, Dorman Products, DMS Systems Corporation, Dupli-Color/VHT/Krylon, East Penn Manufacturing Company, Epicor Software, Exide Technologies, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, FRAM Filtration, Fuse5/Green Team Technologies, Gates Corporation, GB Remanufacturing, GCommerce, Global Parts Distributors, Hastings Filters, IAP/Dura International, Innova Electronics, Interstate Batteries, Johnson Controls, KYB Americas Corporation, MAHLE Aftermarket, MAS Industries, Mevotech Inc., MotoRad, NGK Spark Plugs, OptiCat, PEX USA, Philips Automotive Lighting, Powerstop, Prestone Products, REACH International, Recochem Inc., Remy/USA Industries, Schrader International, SKF USA, Spectra Premium Industries, Standard Motor Products, Sunsong North America, Tenneco Inc., The Penray Cos., The Timken Company, TRW Automotive Aftermarket, Undercar Express, Universal Air Conditioner, Uquality Automotive Products, Valeo Service, Valvoline, Warren Distribution, Winhere Brake Parts and ZF Services.
“The success of the annual AWDA ‘Challenge’ fundraising campaign demonstrates the commitment of industry leaders to supporting education and building a solid future for the aftermarket,” said John R. Washbish, MAAP, vice chairman and contributions committee chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “We thank all of the donors and encourage even greater participation next year.”
