BETHESDA, Md. — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced the creation of the new Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), comprised of future executive-level staffers of the auto care industry seeking industry connections and collaboration.
YANG’s first planned event, the Young Auto Care Network Group Education Workshop, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, Mass., as part of AAIA’s Fall Leadership Days. YANG will be offering scholarships to deserving young professionals to attend the workshop.
"On behalf of all the YANGsters, I am proud and very excited to announce the creation of a new group catered specifically to the auto care professionals under 40," said Michael Rukov, One Stop Parts Source, YANG chairman. "YANG is a unique club of very passionate individuals who are determined to help our industry become the ‘it’ industry in the new age. Not only do we intend on bringing and helping the youth move forward, we are also tasked to improve our industry with its new identity and new beginnings."
In addition to Rukov, members of the YANG advisory council include Chase Baxley, The Parts House; Joe Davis, United Automotive Supply; Jenni Lucero, Gates Corporation; Chris Strappel, FMI- Automotive; and Alena Van Cleave, A & Jay Automotive Warehouse.
Future events being planned include a networking happy hour at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as participation in the AAPEX Learning Forum.
All professionals in the auto care industry under the age of 40 are eligible to join. Membership is free and open to AAIA members and non-members. For an application and more information, visit www.aftermarket.org/segments/young-auto-care-network-group or contact Courtney Carbone at 240-333-1067 or [email protected].
