The Automotive Parts Associates (APA) program group took the opportunity of its 37th Annual Shareholders and Manufacturers Conference to reinforce its partnership with suppliers with an “Allies for Success Theme” and to honour outstanding suppliers.

Held March 7-9, 2018 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort convention center in Orlando, Fla., the event serves as an opportunity for shareholders of the nonprofit member-owned cooperative to network with each other and learn about new initiatives and resources that are available to help grow and streamline their businesses. In addition, the meeting also provides members a convenient place for shareholders to meet with supplier partners one-on-one to learn about new products and promotions.

This year, the theme for the meeting was “Allies for Success” as a reminder to all shareholders and suppliers that the organizations strength and prosperity lies in the unity created by beneficial partnerships forged between member and manufacturer companies.

“While working together as members is very important, we have to ensure we do not lose sight of the valuable contributions of our vendor partners to this success. I say partners because I truly believe vendors are our partners and are a key component to helping us achieve our success,” noted Douglas Squires, APA board chairman and president of Bestbuy shareholder Colonial Auto Parts of St. John’s, Nfld.

The annual awards ceremony recognizing outstanding supplier support was held on stage at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Theater in Disneys Hollywood Studios after a private show that included APA member and supplier volunteers as “extras” in the show on Thursday, March 8. Awards were presented to the following organizations for their outstanding contributions to APA initiatives in 2017:

Outstanding Technology Initiatives Partner – Standard Motor Parts
Outstanding Marketing Partner – Gates Rubber Company
Distinguished Original Equipment Partner – Denso
Cornerstone Award – Federal Mogul Motorparts
HQ Manufacturer of the Year – APC Automotive Technologies
Professionals Choice (private label) Supplier of the Year – Recochem
Approved Supplier of the Year – Aisin Group
Preferred Supplier of the Year – DEA Products

In addition, Independent Parts Warehouse of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; AAA Undercar Parts Inc., of Santa Monica, California and Universal Exchange of Vernon, California were all recognized as new members of APA.

Independent Parts Warehouse was also given the Milestone Award for celebrating 35 years of business in the aftermarket industry.

The awards star theme capped the “Allies for Success” sentiment that when shareholders and supplier partners work together, there is no limit to benefits and prosperity.

In addition to recognizing valued supplier partners, the chairman acknowledged March 8th as International Womens Day.

“On behalf of the board of directors, member companies and vendors I want to acknowledge and thank the women in the aftermarket; who are the cornerstone of our industry; without whom the success being recognized at this event would not be possible,” noted Squires.