Automotive Parts Associates (APA) has successfully concluded its 2025 Annual General Meeting, held March 21-23 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, LA.

The vibrant event brought together APA shareholders, TruStar members, and supplier partners for three days of networking, learning, and celebration.

The AGM kicked off with a lively welcome reception, where attendees enjoyed reconnecting with industry colleagues in a relaxed setting. APA’s signature Date Night followed, giving suppliers the opportunity to host shareholders or members for dinner, fostering meaningful connections in a more personal environment.

Throughout the meeting, attendees gained valuable insights from expert speakers. Ted Hughes gave updates on Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman from Morgan Stanley delivered impactful presentations on industry trends and economic forecasts.

Rob Haslehurst from L.E.K. Consulting shared an informative update on the evolving electric vehicle landscape, while cybersecurity expert Andrew Evens delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.

In addition to engaging presentations and social events, attendees participated in scheduled one-on-one sessions where shareholders and members met with suppliers in fast-paced, 20-minute meetings designed to encourage meaningful conversations and strengthen business relationships.

This “speed dating” style format ensured that participants had ample opportunity to connect with multiple partners throughout the event.

The AGM concluded with an unforgettable awards dinner at the renowned National WWII Museum, where APA recognized outstanding achievements within its network. After dinner, attendees explored the Campaigns of Courage pavilion.

The award winners are as follows:
Shareholder Awards:

• Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts
• Milestone Awards – 80 Years – AB&S Warehouse, Factory Motor Parts
• Milestone Awards – 30 Years – Royal Auto Parts, Schulz Motor Parts, Wheeler Fleet Solutions, Tinker Auto Parts
• Milestone Awards – 10 Years – Ideal Auto Parts, Victory Imported Parts
• New Shareholders – Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts, Hamilton Discount Auto Parts
• New Members – Parts Universe, Technology Auto Parts, Axon US

Supplier Awards:

• APA Supplier of the Year Award – Denso
• Distinguished OE Partner Award – Hitachi
• Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Bosch
• Cornerstone Award – Standard Motor Products
• Ambassador Award – Wheeler Fleet Solutions
• Technology Award – Pricedex
• Phoenix Award – Holstein Parts
• APA Supplier Champion Award – David Arriaga

“Our Annual General Meeting is where connections are made, ideas are sparked, and partnerships thrive,” said Steve Tucker, President of APA.

“We are grateful to everyone who joined us in New Orleans to collaborate and celebrate our shared successes. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event was truly inspiring. I also want to thank our staff for all their hard work, especially our Director of Marketing, Jan Larson, for organizing a great event.”

Next year’s AGM will be March 20-23, 2026, in Nashville, TN.

About Automotive Parts Associates, Inc.
Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. is a shareholder-owned cooperative made up of over 475 independent auto parts distributor locations throughout North America. For more information about APA or about membership opportunities, visit www.APA.parts.