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Automotive Parts Associates Announces 2014 Manufacturer And Member Award Recipients

At the Automotive Parts Associates' (APA) 33rd Annual Shareholders' and Manufacturers Conference this week, the 2014 award recipients were announced.
By Shop Owner Staff
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At the Automotive Parts Associates’ (APA) 33rd Annual Shareholders’ and Manufacturers Conference this week, the 2014 award recipients were announced.

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Headquarters Manufacturer of Choice Award was given to Bosch. This award recognizes Bosch for having the fastest turnaround time from application of part to product availability, the ease of doing business with them and their responsiveness to member and headquarter needs.

Federal Mogul was recipient of the Marketing Partner Award. Federal Mogul continually supports and sponsors the APA promotions, and was also recognized for their national ad campaigns, seasonal promotions, and their strong technical training programs.

The Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year went to AMS for their excellent fill rate, outstanding cataloging, new numbers, ease of doing business with and their long term commitment to APA.

The Branded Manufacturer of the Year recipient is Denso. Denso was recognized for consistently being first to market with new model year parts, their quick turnaround time and high fill rates on replenishment orders, their new product categories and superior cataloging.

UCI-Fram Group was recognized at this year’s meeting for their success at last year’s meetings. Receiving the “Largest Total Manufacturers Orders at the 2013 One-on-Ones” 

APA additionally recognized members for their longevity and dedication to the aftermarket and the APA group. Automotive Warehouse Co. is celebrating 60 years in business in 2014 and Stempf Automotive Industries is celebrating over 75 years in business.

Retiring APA President & CEO Dan Freeman was also recognized for his 25 years of service to APA and the Automotive Aftermarket.

“We could never put a value on the amount of time and hard work Dan gave us over the past twenty-five years.” said Gary Martin, APA’s new President & CEO.

APA’s Annual conference ran March 20 through March 23. In addition to a very crowded and exciting one-on-one event, the attendees enjoyed a private dinner at George Ranch, many played a nice round of golf in the annual tournament. A Telematics Panel and a Business Building Ideas Panel consisting of members and manufacturers was brought back for a second year and APA shareholders were updated on all the new an impending business for the group at their business session.

Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. is a member-owned cooperative made up of over 110 member shareholders, distributing auto parts from over 300 locations. APA shareholders create over a billion dollars of purchasing power annually. For information about APA membership, contact APA Headquarters at 913-310-9250. 

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I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
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