BETHESDA, Md. – The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) of the Auto Care Association announced that its membership has surpassed 1,000, surging since the group’s inception in early 2014.

“Growing the Young Auto Care Network Group to 1,000 members during 2016 was one of my goals as chair of YANG, and I could not be more proud to see it come to fruition,” said Alena Van Cleave, chair, YANG, A & Jay Automotive Inc. “This milestone could not have been accomplished without the support of our valued sponsors, as well as our tremendous staff and volunteer leaders.”

YANG continues to offer industry professionals under the age of 40 opportunities to grow through webinars, educational conferences and industry-wide networking events. The group completed another round of successful events at AAPEX 2016 and continues to evolve its member offerings.

“Hitting 1,000 members in less than two years is an amazing achievement that speaks directly to the energy and enthusiasm of our young executives,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Our next generation of leaders wants to learn, to be heard and to contribute directly to the long-term success of our amazing industry. We could not be prouder of the staff and volunteers who were responsible for achieving this tremendous goal.”

“Going into 2017, I am confident our membership will continue to experience the value of YANG through participation in our Regional Meet-Ups, annual Leadership Conference and Young Professionals Program during AAPEX 2017,” said Van Cleave. “This is only the beginning; YANG has a long and extremely promising road ahead of it.”

Throughout 2017, YANG will continue running its educational webinar series and expand its Regional Meet-Up program. YANG will also offer the YANG Leadership Conference on May 5-6, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the Auto Care Association’s Spring Leadership Days. This conference is a collaborative learning event designed for young industry professionals under the age of 40. It provides a forum to enhance leadership skills, sharpen global perspective of the auto care industry and develop new relationships with peers. Registration will open in January 2017.

For more information, visit www.autocare.org/yang.