MONTREAL — Building on its momentum from last fall’s theme #iamvast #youarevast #wearevast, the OttoFran and Vast-Auto family held the 2017 edition of their annual convention at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in the Outaouais region of Quebec.
An exhibition and sales event filled to capacity – Nearly 80 suppliers of parts, equipment and services welcomed clients and guests until late Friday evening. The promotion, POKER RUN, resulted in numerous happy participants among stores and workshops. In total, over $50,000 in prizes were awarded ($25,000 POKER RUN promotion and many vendor draws).
Guest speaker Jimmy Sévigny moved and motivated the group. His comment from his Facebook page sums up his experience: [Translation] “This morning, Vast-Auto Distribution trusted me with the opening of their convention at Lac-Leamy! Amazing gang and thanks for everything.”
During the weekend, the Vast-Auto and OttoFran marketing and sales team held various workshops during which the latest market information, the new banners programs, marketing campaigns and the action plan for 2017-2018 were presented.
Recognition banquet – Faithful to its tradition, the convention’s closing banquet was an opportunity to greet a good number of clients who were celebrating anniversaries and honour the finalists and winners of the 2016 awards. Our master of ceremonies, Alain Dumas, hosted various awards with gusto. His friend Jean-Guy Hood also came to share his perspective regarding environmental and technological challenges. This humorous moment was particularly appreciated by the participants.
John Del Vasto, president of Vast-Auto Distribution, closed the formal part of the evening with a speech touching on the values of the company and the team – strong ties with customers and vendors, as well as the importance of customer service.
Party – DJ David Tougas then took over and led the dancing with his master’s touch. The young and not so young converged onto the dance floor until well after midnight!
The winners of the Vast-Auto Distribution and OttoFran 2017 Convention were:
•Auto Value Parts Store of the Year: Marc Lefebvre & Caroline Kingsbury – Pièces d’auto JG André
•Auto Mécano of the Year: Patrick Labelle – Pro-Mécanique de la Gare
•Auto Value Certified Service Center of the Year: André Guilbeault & Philippe Bellemare – Bellemare Guilbeault, Mécanique Plus
•Monsieur Muffler of the Year: Martin Gauthier & Gabriel Fisette – Monsieur Muffler Mont-Laurier
•OCTO Auto Service Plus of the Year: Roger Asselin – OCTO Beaumont
•Vendor of the Year: Mevotech
20-, 25- and 30-Year Anniversaries:
•20 Years
Auto Value Parts Store: Miron Auto Dépôt
Auto Value Parts Store: Centre de l’auto J. Nolin
•25 Years
OCTO Auto Service Plus: Silencieux de l’Est
•30 Years
Monsieur Muffler Jonquière
Monsieur Muffler Mont-Laurier