SMP takes top honour from The Group

From left, Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts; Paul Farwick, SMP; Bill Collins, SMP; and Bill Maggs, president and CEO, National Pronto Association

The Automotive Parts Services Group took some time to recognize supplier partners with a special awards ceremony recently.

Held in conjunction with member meeting from March 12-15 at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., The Group presented awards for exceptional support in key categories as well as recognizing the Outstanding Vendor of the Year – that award went to Standard Motor Products.

Other winners were:

• Sales Support Vendor of the Year – APC Automotive Technologies
• Marketing Excellence Vendor of the Year – Dorman
• Excellence in Education & Training Vendor of the Year – SMP
• Service Level Excellence Vendor of the Year – Hastings
• Catalog & Product Data Excellence – Bosch

Members of Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association cast votes in each category.

“Vendor partners are an integral part of the success of Pronto and Federated members and we believe it is important to recognize their commitment to excellence,” said Larry Pavey, CEO of Automotive Parts Services Group. “We congratulate this year’s award winners for their demonstrated outstanding support and thank all supplier partners who made the trip to Orlando to work with members of The Group and help them grow their businesses.”

More than 750 members, vendors and associates participated in in the event, attending a series of general sessions and informational meetings as well as a vendor expo.