Aftermarket Insider - February/March 2009 - (Page 9)

Money Well-sPenT iNDUSTRy NEwS gAAS: graduating an Aftermarket Workforce “The best part of my job is knowing in 1996, the annual Global Automotive that what I do helps people. I’d tell any student considering a career in the industry Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) has to go for it – it’s been great for me!” awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarship aid to benefit more than Area sales manager for Meguiar’s Inc. 1,400 students pursuing careers in the industry. And those scholarship dollars in Gilbert, Ariz., Stephanie DeAnda received her scholarship in 1996, and have gone to good use. In a recent has been in the aftermarket for 11 years. survey of past scholarship recipients (2000-2005 awardees), 56 percent of “As I became entrenched in the automorespondents who listed an employer tive aftermarket it was then that I saw are working for aftermarket compathe true importance of what the scholnies. Of 2004-2005 recipients, more arship meant. Hundreds of aftermarket than 70 percent are making, selling, companies had invested in my future buying or consuming auto parts – 41 and the future leaders of our industry,” percent specifically aftermarket – and DeAnda said. “It is out of the passion many more are sons and daughters of that these companies have for what industry families. they do that they can help students see the immense opportunity ahead in the “The results of this survey are good aftermarket. I would tell those who are confirmation that the majority of considering an aftermarket career that Never Stop Learning GAAS scholarship dollars are reaching it is hard work, it requires the ability our ‘target audience,’ and helping This year’s GAAS features a host of to change and adapt to new technology new seminars, topics and speakers, young people enter our industry,” quickly, it is exciting and demanding, said Pete Kornafel, vice chairman, including, “What Will The DIY but rewarding and fulfilling.” CARQUEST and chair, GAAS Market Look Like in the Next Five Scholarship Committee. Years?,” “Consumer Insights: Just Ask!” Applications for the 2009 gAAS and “Long-Term Effects of Fuel Prices,” In Their own Words Scholarship applications are being as well as SEMA’s John Waraniak accepted through March 31, 2009. presenting, “Don’t Waste This Crisis” “The aftermarket can provide any When a student completes a GAAS and Dr. John Wormald of autoPOLIS student with a challenging, enjoyapplication at www.automotivescholdiscussing, “The Environmental able career,” said Tyson Herald, sales Crisis, The Auto Industry and The manager for Herald Automotive Group arships.com, the symposium’s affiliaAftermarket.” in Avon, Ind., and 2001 GAAS scholar- tion with other industry groups puts students in consideration for scholarship recipient. “I appreciate my job’s competitiveness and how there is some- ships from more than 10 organizations. This Year’s Winning Strategies Visit the Web site for the requirething different every day.” Don’t miss GAAS 2009: “Winning ments of each group. Preference for Strategies in a Changing Aftermarket,” these scholarships is given to students “My career allows me to meet people, May 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare entering the automotive aftermarket. and help motorists,” said Chance in Chicago, Ill. Support today’s Conger, auto technician at Kyle’s industry, and protect tomorrow’s afterService Center in Ogden, Utah, who market workforce, at GAAS 2009. Visit received his GAAS scholarship in 2005. www.globalsymposium.org. Since its first event in Chicago AFTERMARKET INSIDER | FEBRUARY • MARCH 2009 | 9 http://www.globalsymposium.org http://www.automotivescholarships.com http://www.automotivescholarships.com http://www.automotivescholarships.com http://www.globalsymposium.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider - February/March 2009

Aftermarket Insider - February/March 2009
Contents
President's Message
Primetime News: “Be Car Care Aware”
Industry News
Member Profile
Toolbox
International Focus
Association News
Super SmartBrief: Even More News You Can Use
Government Affairs
Technology Update
Market Research

Aftermarket Insider - February/March 2009