Shirley Brown wins AIA Distinguished Service Award

From left: Tony Canade, chairman of AIA Canada’s executive committee; Shirley Brown; Doug Reevey, AIA’s second vice chairman.

Automotive journalist Shirley Brown received AIA Canada’s Distinguished Service Award at the association’s 73rd annual general meeting yesterday.

The award is presented annually to an AIA member that demonstrates dedication and exemplary leadership in support of the growth and development of the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry.

In presenting the award, Doug Reevey, AIA’s first vice chairman, said there were no shortage of nominations for the association’s highest award, but Brown’s stood out because of her length of service to the industry. Brown, who founded Aftermarket Canada magazine, has been a fixture in the Canadian aftermarket for over 30 years.

“Leaders set a direction for the rest of us. They help us see what lies ahead, they help us visualize what we might achieve. They encourage and inspire us,” he said. “I can say with confidence that this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award possesses these qualities.”

He said she has learned the value of asking questions and continually learning more about issues and the industry. “Her writing reflects this. Shirley’s stories over the years have been a wonderful contribution to the aftermarket.”

“Today is certainly a proud milestone in my life,” Brown said when she received the award. “To think that I’m standing here receiving an award that so many true leaders in the industry have received before!”

Over the years, Brown has been a very active member of AIA, having sat on the association’s Car Care Council, Ontario Division, and board of directors. She has also represented the aftermarket industry on the Market Advisory Board with various dealer representatives when Georgian College created its Automotive Division.

“Shirley has been a pillar of trust and credibility in the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry for the past five decades,” says Marc Brazeau, president and CEO of AIA Canada. “She has personally contributed immensely to the success of our industry and our association for a long time, often away from the limelight and headlines that she so often wrote about in various trade magazines.”

The Distinguished Service Award was presented yesterday during the association’s annual general meeting and volunteer recognition luncheon.

At the event, Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR Automotive Canada was named the Young Executive Society’s Young Leader of the Year.

The AIA’s new executive committee was also named. They are:

Chairman: Tony Canade of Assured Automotive;

First vice chairman: Doug Reevey of Autotec;

Second vice chairman: Dave Fifield of Wakefield Canada; and

Past chairman: John MacDonald of Ideal Supply.

Directors at large are:

Brent Hesje of Fountain Tire;

Flavio Batillana of CSN Centres;

Jason Best of Spectra Premium;

Jeff VandeSande of Bestbuy Distributors;

Annie Hotte of Uni-Select;

Eric Knogler of Sutherland Automotive;

Paula Sayers of Canadian Tire; and

Stuart Suls of Mr. Lube Canada.