The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, headquarters for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, has kicked off its annual Winter Shareholder Meeting.
Nearly 100 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper shareholders and more than 300 valued channel partners have convened at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry in Aventura, Florida.
The event includes a Latin America shareholder meeting; department updates; networking and meals; a joint general session for shareholders and channel partners; and some unique engagement opportunities for all attendees, which for many is the first face-to-face industry meeting since early 2020.
The meeting will culminate with the awards banquet Tuesday evening (Dec. 7), when the Alliance announces its Supplier Award and Channel Partner of the Year winners.
On Sunday afternoon, the Alliance kicked off a Latin America shareholder meeting that included guest speakers and presentations from several key product and information technology partners. The evening included a reception at the resort’s stunning Cascata Pool area.
“The Winter Shareholder Meeting is a great opportunity to get together and be in person conducting business with our industry peers and friends,” said Danny Chessin, co-president and co-CEO of Hahn Automotive Warehouse. “The networking and blending of Alliance shareholder members with our valued channel partners is important to our group and it is a chance to plan and build for the coming year.”
Monday began with a headquarters report from John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance, and continued with a mix of other Alliance and shareholder representatives presenting on product initiative, IT updates, the powerhouse heavy-duty program, the Aftermarket Jackpot Convention in 2022 and more. In the evening, a poolside mixer and dinner event (with a “conga”-like atmosphere) was on the schedule.
Tuesday, shareholders and channel partners will collaborate in joint meetings; enjoy a leisurely afternoon of golf, fishing or poker; and then join together at the Tuesday-night banquet, where the channel partner awards will be announced.
“2021 was a fantastic year for the Alliance membership, but also for our channel partners. It is important that we celebrate together as we wrap up the year and acknowledge the industry partnerships who have helped us be so successful.” Washbish said. “More importantly, we are preparing for the future, leveraging our industry-leading information technology resources, and getting ready for a very special 2022.”