Inaugural class of ACP graduates reocgnized at catalog conference

The University of the Aftermarket bestowed the Automotive Catalog Professional (ACP) designation on seven members of the National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) at their 39th annual Knowledge Exchange conference on Tuesday, April 24 in Las Vegas, Nev. The ACP certificate program was created by the University of the Aftermarket and the NCMA to recognize the most skilled and professional among the members of NCMA.

The recipients of the first-ever ACP certificates were:

• Mark Berner, Continental Corporation
• James Carr, CARDONE Industries
• David Moilanen, Continental Corporation
• Denise Perkins, US Auto Parts Network
• Mark Richardson, Exide Technologies
• Ricky Robertson, Beck/Arnley World Parts Corp
• Mike Wickless, Spectra Premium Industries

NCMA is the industry's only organization devoted exclusively to the interests and professional development needs of automotive catalog and product content professionals. The Knowledge Exchange conference, now in its 39th year, includes education, technical training, a vendor trade show and valuable professional networking. The ACP certificate program was announced in 2010 by Brian Cruickshank, director, University of the Aftermarket, and then-president of NCMA, Mark Richardson, director of catalog, Exide Technologies.

To qualify for the ACP certificate, an NCMA member must attend at least two Knowledge Exchange conferences, complete prescribed technical training in the Aftermarket Industry Standards (ACES and PIES), complete University of the Aftermarket CEU electives, fulfill a service requirement to NCMA and submit a term paper. Brian Cruickshank described the ACP designation as a way to recognize catalog professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their profession and a commitment to continuing education.

"NCMA is extremely proud of the class of 2012 ACP recipients and expects many more deserving graduates to be recognized in the future," said Milt Grimes, NCMA president and coordinator, global catalog services, CARDONE Industries. "Catalog and content management is a vital component of any aftermarket marketing and sales strategy. NCMA members are among the best in their profession. And the ACP recognizes the best of NCMA."