Alliance wraps up summer shareholder meetings

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 held its annual four-day Summer Shareholder Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. in early June, hosting 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, chairman of the Alliance’s Board and president of Bennett Auto Supply. “Our meeting was overwhelmingly productive and it was great to see our 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.”

More than 350 people tuned out for the opening of the event, including personnel from the Alliance’s channel partner manufacturer, supplier, and service provider community, representing more than 100 companies. It featured interactive roundtable and panel discussions for shareholder members, and hosted a general session and booth show for over 350 people including personnel from the Alliance’s channel partner manufacturer, supplier, and service provider community, representing more than 100 companies. Tuesday’s mixer was immediately followed by a Spirit of the Southwest reception at the hotel.

Tuesday night saw a social event, Dessert in the Desert, a social event with native Hopi Dancers, festive music and 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.

“We value every opportunity to work directly with the Alliance members,” says 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. This mutually beneficial discussion 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 2-year term.

The Annual Winter Shareholder Meeting will be in Miami, from Sunday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 5.