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By Counterman
The APA/Trustar 2025 Annual Meeting, held March 21-24 in New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, was a success on many levels, from recognizing supplier and shareholder achievements to forging and renewing business partnerships. Automotive Parts Associates said it prides itself on prioritizing in-person connection opportunities for members, suppliers and shareholders, with this event being an ideal forum for networking.
Guests heard from leaders across the industry, including Ted Hughes with the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman with Morgan Stanley. Group sessions on topics ranging from electric vehicles to cybersecurity were offered, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one meetings between members, shareholders and suppliers.
“The business is still people to people, and I think get-togethers like this prove that even more. A lot of business was written, a lot of friendships renewed, and a lot of business relationships renewed, so we had a lot of fun,” said
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view President Steve Tucker. “We did a lot of business and it was good to see everybody get together. We had a little over 300 people total in attendance and multiple countries [represented], including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.” The long weekend was capped off by a special awards banquet hosted at the WWII Museum. Attendees wined and dined under restored war planes and got a chance to view one of the exhibits. After dinner, an awards ceremony was held to honor those making significant achievements in the past year.
DENSO came home with the coveted “APA Supplier of the Year” Award, saying it’s through hard work and good partnerships through
link hidden, please login to view that they are able to accomplish everything over the past 365 days. “It just shows that everybody’s efforts are recognized from my sales guys to the people in the warehouse, to all the key functional departments in our business. It’s a team effort, and to be recognized from this group is super important,” Jose Ramirez, senior manager of light-duty and heavy-duty aftermarket sales for DENSO, said. “For us, it’s a big deal, but I think it’s something for all of us to be proud of as a company. Not just the sales guys, but everybody.”
“We value our suppliers, we value our shareholders and members. We are able to get to come together and promote the industry and promote the business as one,” Tucker said.
All of the award winners from this year’s gala, as well as additional images, are showcased below.
2025 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 APA Shooting Star Award – Judy Sanell 2025 Shareholder Awards
Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts
Milestone Awards – 80 Years APA Shareholder
AB&S Warehouse Factory Motor Parts Milestone Awards – 30 Years APA Shareholder
Royal Auto Parts Schulz Motor Parts Wheeler Fleet Solutions Tinker Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 10 Years APA Shareholder
Ideal Auto Parts Inc. Victory Imported Parts New Shareholder
Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts Hamilton Discount Auto Parts New TruStar Members
Parts Universe Technology Auto Parts Axon US The post
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By Counterman
line announced details of its sixth annual Mechanics Month initiative. Beginning Monday, March 3, the annual campaign celebrates what Valvoline called the often-unsung heroes of the mobility industry and beyond: the mechanics who keep the world moving forward.
According to Valvoline, this year’s theme, “The Future is in Your Hands,” shines a spotlight on mechanics across the globe, highlighting their expertise, skill and heart for the critical work they do each day. From independent workshops to dealerships, construction sites to fleets, mechanics solve problems that others can’t. Yet, fixing machinery is only part of the job; mechanics serve as educators and partners to their customers, offering peace of mind when it matters most, Valvoline said.
“Valvoline Global is proud to honor the important contributions of mechanics worldwide,” said Jamal Muashsher, chief executive officer of Valvoline Global. “Mechanics Month is about recognizing the mechanics in our local communities who not only maintain the present – but also shape the future – by keeping people around the world moving forward.”
Global Recognition of Local Mechanics
As part of Mechanics Month,
link hidden, please login to view teams in over 60 countries will celebrate local mechanics, working with community members to acknowledge their service. Notable celebrations spanning multiple regions include: Providing over 100 toolboxes, including safety gear and Valvoline-branded merchandise, to mechanics at workshops throughout Thailand. Hosting thank you dinners featuring games, prizes and live entertainment for mechanics and their families throughout Southeast Asia. Teaming up with Hendrick Motorsports for surprise deliveries of Valvoline Mechanics Month packages to hardworking team mechanics in the U.S. Working with select distributor and school partners to offer dozens of scholarships across Mexico and El Salvador. Offering brand and product training to over 200 mechanics and various scholarship programs and initiatives throughout China. The company will also feature mechanics in global web and social media spotlights during the month of March.
Grand Prix Meets Gratitude
As the Official Lubricant Partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® (AMAF1) Team, Valvoline Global will further collaborate with its AMAF1 partner to highlight the importance of continuously building a pipeline of talented mechanics.
For the second year in a row, AMAF1 will participate in Valvoline Global’s Aspiring Mechanics Program as they invite students from Milton Keynes College (United Kingdom) to learn from F1 mechanics.
The Valvoline Global Aspiring Mechanics Program, established in 2024, is focused on educating and supporting future mechanics as they grow their skills. Through this program, the company aims to play a direct role in minimizing the growing shortage of mechanics globally, while raising awareness of the importance of the trade, Valvoline said.
Join the Celebration
You can learn more about Valvoline’s celebration of mechanics by visiting
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By Counterman
National Auto Parts Warehouse (NPW) hosted a weekend of events Jan. 31-Feb. 2 to celebrate and honor its vendors and customers. Following NPW’s
link hidden, please login to view on Jan. 31, the company held its Vendor Appreciation Dinner and Customer awards on Feb. 1, in Miami, Fla. “It means the world to us to do business with you,” said
link hidden, please login to view President and CEO Chris Pacey as he opened the awards ceremony. “You’re not just a vendor. It’s not just a relationship. It’s a friendship. Many of you have done business with our family for many years. I can tell you we take that very seriously. We look forward to growing this company with your support.”
The Vendor Award Winners Include:
Training Support Vendor of the Year: Dorman Technology Support Vendor of the Year: Gates Marketing & Logistics Vendor of the Year: DRiV Customer Service Vendor of the year: SMP Inventory Management Vendor of the Year: BBB Engine/Performance Vendor of the Year: Melling Traditional Parts Vendor of the Year: DuraGo Sales Account Manager of the Year: Mike Wamsley, NA Williams NPW’s gala weekend concluded with the annual FAST Expo at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The expo returned as a live event this year, with more than 80 exhibitors, after being digital in 2024. Visitors got to enjoy a trade show, race simulators, live engine build, car show and a portable dynamometer. Photos from the event, as well as the awards ceremony, can be seen below.
NPW Vendor Award Winners:
From Left: Larry Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, Dorman Products’ Matisse Dornier-Duff and Nico Dolciato, John Pacey, Chris Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Gates’ Daniel Farr, Bob Watson and Gladden Summerlin, Larry Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: DRiV’s Marco Botello, Leo Santiago, Kyle Vandecaveye, Rob Rotan and Charles Sargent, Danielle Rickerson, DRiV’s Ryan Jones and Chuck Hawkins, John Pacey, Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey. From Left: SMP’s Ward Armstrong, Chris Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, SMP’s Nory Rivera and Larry Sills, Larry Pacey, SMP’s Paul Farwick, John Pacey, SMP’s Matt Robinson. From Left: Larry Pacey, BBB’s Josh Castrillo and Guy Balsome, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey, Chris Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, Melling’s Doug Smith and Laura Short, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, DuraGo’s Brian Hendrickson, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, NA Williams’ Dan Murrell and Mike Wamsley; Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey.
FAST Expo Photo Gallery:
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By Counterman
Larry Pacey and the
link hidden, please login to view team created an evening to remember as hosts of their 12th Annual Million Dollar Vendor Award Reception and Dinner. It was a dazzling event as vendors from across the country gathered on the 40th floor of the EAST Hotel in Brickell, Miami, Florida, on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. NPW is a member of both the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, as well as AAM Group. Chris Pacey, NPW CEO and President (in foreground), Larry Pacey, NPW Chairman. Arriving on buses with a police escort, vendors started the gala event with a fun cocktail hour. Then, guests enjoyed a fabulous filet and lobster tail dinner, followed up with bananas foster for dessert, as they listened to a musician on keyboard providing entertainment before the evening’s award presentations.
Founder Larry Pacey and his son, Chris Pacey, CEO and President of NPW, began the night’s presentation with a long and impressive list of accomplishments in 2024, while adding to buckle up for a spectacular 2025 as they continue their goal of growing their business.
(from left): Chris Pacey, Craig Kerins, Dorman VP Sales, Nico Dolciato, Dorman Regional Sales Manager, Larry Pacey, John Pacey, and Steve Berman, Dorman Chairman.
Chris underlined their commitment to invest in team member development and promotions this past year, in addition to continuing their aggressive stance that resulted in the introduction of 34,000 new, unique SKUs in 2024, plus the addition of 140 CSC members added to their network of repair shops.
On the docket for 2025 are programs to expand marketing initiatives, in addition to continuing their support of the nonprofit organization First Tee with their 35th annual golf tournament.
(from left): Chris Pacey, Gil Benjamin, US Motor Works CEO and President, Larry Pacey and John Pacey.
Chris also reminded the audience of Larry being awarded AWDA’s Pursuit of Excellence, and Danielle Rickerson being named a member of the AMN Women at the Wheel Class of 2024.
(from left): Chris Pacey, Mike Harvey, WIX VP Sales, Larry Pacey and John Pacey.
Following these remarks, Larry and Chris recognized and awarded 45 individual vendors, again an increase from 41 in 2023, at the $5 million, $15 million and $20 million levels, in addition to the $1 million club. NPW emphasized its goal to increase the number of participating members in 2025.
(from left): Chris Pacey, Matthew Kaufman, Anchor Industries Sales Manager, Larry Pacey, Doug Kaufman, Anchor Industries CEO, and John Pacey.
The companies in this year’s Million Dollar Vendor Club are below, followed by a photo gallery of the evening’s festivities:
Agility Auto Parts
Anchor Industries
APW
ARP
ATP/Pioneer
BBB/Remy
Bosch
Cific Heads
Cloyes
Davico
Deka
Dorman Products
DRiV
Dura-Go
Edelbrock Group
Energy Suspension
Engine-Pro
FCS
First Brands
Gates
Hastings Piston Rings
Highline Warren
Holley
Liland Global
MAHLE
Melling
Motive Gear
MPA
Niterra NA (NGK)
Plews & Edelmann
Race Winning Brands
Redhorse
SA Gear
SBI
SKF
Standard Motor Products (SMP)
Topline Products
Trakmotive
TYC
UEM Pistons
US Motorworks
Valvoline
WAI
Wilmar
WIX
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By Counterman
NPW is celebrating the success of its 34th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, held on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Miami Shores Country Club. This year’s tournament embraced a scramble format, bringing together more than 100 participants, including channel partners and customers. The day was filled with spirited competition, as golfers tackled challenges such as the longest drive, closest to the pin and top team performance. The atmosphere ensured that players of all skill levels could fully enjoy the event.
Chris Pacey, chief executive officer of
link hidden, please login to view, expressed his appreciation for the event’s success, stating, “The Annual Charity Golf Tournament is more than just a tradition; it’s a celebration of our industry’s dedication to making a difference. Hosting this year’s event at the beautiful Miami Shores Country Club was a great choice, and the turnout exceeded all expectations.” He continued, “Our partnership with First Tee Miami remains the heart of this initiative. Their impactful work in empowering youth through golf and life skills aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud to support their mission.”
link hidden, please login to view said it extends its gratitude to all sponsors, participants, and volunteers who played a crucial role in making the tournament a success. Their contributions not only ensure the event’s continued growth but also enhance the ability to support vital community programs for years to come. The post
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