The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, headquarters for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, invited industry members to support the University of the Aftermarket Foundation’s (UAF) Coffee Club from the stage at the annual Winter Shareholder Meeting.
With more than 400 attendees gathered at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry in Aventura, Florida, it was the perfect setting for John R. Washbish and JC Washbish to formally make the ask that industry members support the UAF.
The mission of UAF is to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket workforce through education, by funding scholarships and educational initiatives. In 2021 alone, the UAF awarded 427 scholarships to vocational, two-year and four-year college students, totaling over $706,000.
“While these numbers are impressive, for the size of our industry, there is much more work to do,” said Jennifer Tio, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “By coming together to support education for the next generation of aftermarket professionals, we can strengthen the future of our great industry.”
With Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper shareholder members and industry channel partners gathering in Miami, it was a great opportunity to promote and offer support of a valued and important industry organization in the UAF.
“The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is an important part of our industry that needs our support,” said John R. Washbish. “With the collection of key industry executives joining our members in Miami, this was a great event to promote the UAF Coffee Club, recognize the work of the UAF team, and “pour it forward” together as a group.”
Since 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket workforce. The foundation encourages industry support, including donations for the purpose of honoring or memorializing individuals or otherwise recognizing special events, to help ensure the continued availability of training and education that strengthen the industry.
For more information or to join the UAF Coffee Club, visit: https://automotivescholarships.com/.
