The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., has announced the Gates Corporation as the 2020 Channel Partner of the Year. The announcement was made during the Alliance’s virtual Winter Shareholder Meeting.

“We are so pleased to be recognized as the Alliance Channel Partner of the year,” said Grant Gawronski, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Gates.

“In this year of unprecedented challenges, all of our employee team members in every function came together to meet the needs of our customers. This is a recognition that is shared with our entire Gates team, and we will treasure it as a symbol of our terrific partnership with the Alliance.”

The annual recognition is the Alliance’s most prominent and prestigious channel partner award. It is granted to a vendor who consistently performs with a high level of distinction, maintains exceptional support of the Alliance’s brand strategy, and repeatedly scores high in all award categories.   

“To say that 2020 has been a challenging year would be a tremendous understatement,” said Dan Rader, vice president of product and category management for the Alliance.

“But Gates has proven that they have what it takes to weather any storm! Their performance this year has been exceptional! When we asked our shareholders, Gates received rave reviews and scored at the top in all the areas in which we recognize outstanding support from our channel partners.

“They support our Alliance Technology Suite initiatives and participate in all our marketing programs, and their ability to get the job done in the field is second to none. The Alliance is proud to recognize their commitment to the success of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.”

The Channel Partner of the Year announcement, typically made during the Alliance’s banquet when the Winter Meeting is held in person, was the pinnacle of the virtual general session Thursday. More than 500 attendees tuned in to the segment.

The Alliance also honored nine other channel partners throughout the Thursday meeting. Awards were given in recognition of outstanding customer service, technology support, logistics, training support, manpower, exclusive national brand support, and marketing efforts.

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance headquarters personnel selected East Penn Manufacturing as the Lone Star Winner, an honour bestowed upon companies that exemplify what the Lone Star State stands for.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with so many superb channel partners every year,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance.

“This year in particular, the resiliency and strength of our shareholders and valued channel partners has stood out. I’m grateful to you all for your partnership and collaboration.”

The Alliance will wrap up its 2020 meeting on Friday, following an interactive shareholder general session and a principals only meeting.

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