Eric Sills, president and chief executive officer at Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP), received the 2022 AASA Member Advocacy Award on Nov. 2 at AAPEX show in Las Vegas.
“Eric has taken up the reins of representing the aftermarket during a very difficult time for our country and our industry,” said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “Whether discussing supply chain challenges on Capitol Hill or organizing his colleagues to support the REPAIR Act, Eric has focused on advocating for the aftermarket. It is truly an honor to work with Eric and to present this award to him.”
Sills is a proud representative of the industry and goes above and beyond to secure a bright future for the aftermarket, AASA noted. He testified to Congress on behalf of the entire manufacturing community on supply chain challenges and investing to strengthen American manufacturing and competitiveness. Sills activated his SMP-employee base to reach out to their congresspeople in support of the REPAIR Act and to help ensure a competitive market and consumer choice on where and with what parts vehicles are repaired.
Sills and his team work toward an outcome that is positive for manufacturers, channel partners, the aftermarket and for consumers. As someone who is a fourth-generation leader in the aftermarket, he is a superior executive who not only focuses on his own organization’s success, but also considers the supplier community and the industry as a whole, AASA noted.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Sills said. “The aftermarket is in my blood, and it is more important than ever that the industry fully participates in all aspects of the public policy process.”
Wilson took the stage to officially name Sills as the 2022 AASA Advocacy Champion.
Also honored during the award presentation were Franchelle Thomas, who received the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Individual); and MOTOR Information Systems, which received the the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Corporation).
