APH Chili Cook-Off Raises $62,000 For Adults With Disabilities

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APH Chili Cook-Off Raises $62,000 For Adults With Disabilities

Eight chili dishes were entered and $62,000 was raised for WACOSA, a nonprofit day program for adults with disabilities in central Minnesota.

Counterman Staff
By Counterman Staff
Published:

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — During the final stop of the 84th Annual Auto Value Product Expo Tour, Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH), in partnership with almost 50 manufacturers’ representatives, hosted its fourth annual chili cook-off. Eight chili dishes were entered and $62,000 was raised for WACOSA, a nonprofit day program for adults with disabilities in central Minnesota.
 
Front row, from left: John Bartlett, APH; John Oster, Tall Sales; Jim Kruger, N.A. Williams; Crystal Nutt, WACOSA; Mark Hoffman, East Penn; Steve Anderson, Dayco; and Corey Bartlett, APH. Back row: Jared Lamont, North Central Truck Accessories; Pat Ryan, North Pro Reps; Steve Howard, WACOSA; Jay Knopick, Action Sales; and Dave Berge, Dayco.“APH, Auto Value and the Bartlett family are strong believers and supporters of WACOSA,” commented Russ Redman, sales representative for William Shimp Sales and chili cook-off champion. “Adults with disabilities are often the hardest hit when county, state and federal funding cuts need to be made. For that reason, we are extremely proud to help the APH team, in any way we can, raise money and awareness for this important program.”
 
WACOSA connects local businesses with a workforce of more than 500 adults with mental or physical disabilities. Through training and coaching, WACOSA workers provide reliable and affordable business solutions through in-center work opportunities or community employment.
 
Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) is a third-generation family-owned aftermarket auto parts distributor based in St. Cloud, Minn. APH was established in 1920 in Minneapolis as National Bushing & Parts Company and today operates stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan. With its network of 85 corporate stores and 36 independent stores, APH is consistently ranked in Babcox Media’s Top 20 Super Stores. The company employs more than 850 employees. For more information, visit www.autopartshq.com.

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Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
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