Federated, Pronto Hold First Joint Vendor Expo as ‘The Group’

The Group leadership (L to R): Bill Maggs, CEO, National Pronto Association; Larry Pavey, CEO, Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group); Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts

Pronto shareholders and Federated members came out in force to attend the inaugural Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) Vendor Expo held April 13 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The highly successful event showcased valued supplier partners of The Group and was followed by a well-attended reception at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak resort.

“Since its formation, The Group has seen strong support from its members, shareholders and supplier partners and that was evidenced by the size and scope of the vendor expo,” said Larry Pavey, CEO of The Group. “We are very pleased with the large turnout and positive feedback received. The quality brand name products and vendor programs on display will surely create valuable opportunities for everyone associated with The Group.”

The Group vendor expo was held in conjunction with the National Pronto Association and Federated Auto Parts national meetings and provided a chance for stakeholders to exchange product information, discuss issues and opportunities, and pursue sales strategies. Attendees of both national meetings were updated on activities conducted by The Group, including information technology, telematics, training, national accounts, cataloging and the Co-Man warehouse.

The Automotive Parts Services Group, also known as The Group, was created by the merger of efforts and resources of the Federated and Pronto program groups on behalf of their respective members, creating one of the largest automotive parts supply networks in North America.