Left to Right: Certified Service Center Owners – Andy Massoll, Farmington Garage, Auto Wares customer; John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Warren Distributing; Kameron Butcher, Lynn Wood Service Centers, ASAP
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance concluded its annual Summer Shareholder Meeting last Wednesday, June 6, in Phoenix. The four-day event included committee and board meetings, panel discussions, roundtable breakouts and a channel partner mixer along with receptions and networking opportunities.
“This was a great meeting,” said Scott Bennett, Alliance chairman of the board and president of Bennett Auto Supply. “Our meeting was overwhelmingly productive and it was great to see all of our channel partners under one roof as we prepare them for our visit to AAPEX with 5,000 of our technician customers during the Aftermarket Jackpot this November.”
Last week’s agenda consisted of interactive roundtable and panel discussions for shareholder members, and a general session and booth show for more than 350 people, including personnel from the Alliance’s channel partner manufacturer, supplier and service provider community, representing more than 100 companies. A mixer on Tuesday was immediately followed by a Spirit of the Southwest reception at the hotel.
As the sun set Tuesday evening, attendees returned to the Arizona Biltmore resort and enjoyed Dessert in the Desert, a social event with native Hopi Dancers, festive music and lavish desserts. This event was hosted by the Alliance in conjunction with the Auto Care Association to encourage support and celebrate success for the Auto Care Association’s Political Action Committee (ACPAC). Last year, the Alliance contributed a total of $73,000 to the ACPAC, and said it expects to surpass this contribution this year.
“We value every opportunity to work directly with the Alliance members,” said Matt Robbins, director of government affairs at the Auto Care Association. “They understand the direct impact to our industry. With their continual support, we’ll be able to effectively engage and influence political regulations that affect the aftermarket. Their commitment to the ACPAC does not go unnoticed and is sincerely appreciated.”
To wrap up the meeting on Wednesday, the Alliance held a Channel Partner Advisory Council (CPAC) meeting. The Alliance said this was a mutually beneficial discussion, which brings the Alliance headquarters staff and channel partners together to debrief the meeting and plan for the future. The CPAC meeting is made up of 12 council members, where rotating members serve a two-year term.
The Alliance’s Annual Winter Shareholder Meeting will be in Dec. 2-5 in Miami.
