LAS VEGAS (Dec. 3, 2014) — Distributors and suppliers participating in the recent 2014 Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Business and Education Conference donated $45,000 to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
The funds support the foundation's educational scholarship fund for students interested in pursuing careers in the auto care industry.
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Automotive Distribution Network, Federated Auto Parts, National Pronto Association and Uni-Select each made a $10 donation for every one-on-one meeting held between their member distributors and vendor partners during the conference, which was held prior to AAPEX in Las Vegas in November. Other participating distributors not aligned with one of these groups also committed to contribute.
Participating vendor companies, led by members of the AWDA's Manufacturers' Advisory Council, each made a $25 donation per one-on-one meeting, according to the AWDA.
The supplier donors included: ADVICS North America; Affinia/WIX; Akebono Brake; Atsco; Bosch; Cardone Industries; Dayco; Delphi; Dorman; Dupli-Color; East Penn; Exide; Federal-Mogul Corp.; Fuse5; Gabriel; Gates; GB Remanufacturing; Innova/Equus; Interstate Batteries; Johnson Controls; KYB Americas; MAHLE; Mevotech; Motul USA; Moveras; NGK Spark Plugs; PlastiKote/Valspar; Plews & Edelmann; Prestone; Remy International; Remy/USA Industries; SKF USA; Standard Motor Products; Tenneco Inc.; Timken; Trico; Undercar Express; Valvoline; Veyance; Warren Distribution; Winhere Brake Parts; and ZF Services.
“This is a great start, and with more than 2,000 meetings scheduled during the AWDA conference, there is an opportunity to make an even bigger difference,” said John R. Washbish, treasurer and contributions committee chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
“By establishing this program as an annual event and encouraging full participation, AWDA can ensure that donations flow consistently into the foundation's scholarship fund on a yearly basis.”
The AWDA, a segment of the Auto Care Association, represents more than 600 distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts.
For more information about scholarships funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit its website.