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The 2012 winners, designated by aftermarket category, are:
- Manufacturer (Large): The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio
- Manufacturer (Mid-Size): Gold Eagle Company, Chicago, Ill.
- Warehouse Distributor: Automotive Parts Headquarters, St. Cloud, Minn.
- Jobber (Education/Training of Employees of Company Owned Stores): Crow-Burlingame Company, Little Rock, Ark.
- Retail: VIP-Parts, Tires & Service, Lewiston, Maine
- Repair Shop: Gustafson’s Auto Clinic, Inc./Tirecraft, Athabasca, AB, Canada
“It is inspiring to discover how forward-thinking aftermarket companies are empowering their people through the adoption of education programs and by encouraging participation in continuous learning opportunities,” says AAIA Education Committee chairman Mike Mohler, National Pronto Association. “These companies understand the transforming power of employee education in terms of profitability, relevance and the strategic positioning of their business in a crowded and competitive marketplace. These companies don’t look at training merely as an expense; rather, they consider employee education to be one of the many essential ingredients in an overarching plan for operational excellence. Join us in applauding the efforts of this year’s Head of the Class winners for their vision and steadfast commitment to the continuous improvement of their most precious resource… their people.”
Winners were selected based on the education and training practices of the company, including what prompted the company to invest in training, the types of training accomplished, the initial goals, their experiences, results of the training and any future plans. Each of the winning companies exhibited a dedicated and continuing investment in enhancing the quality and level of learning and skill development in their companies.
The recipients will be recognized at AAIA's Town Hall http://www.searchautoparts.com/aftermarket-business/distribution-news/aaia-town-hall-online-registration breakfast at AAPEX, Wednesday, Oct. 31 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nev. They will also receive an award to display at their place of business and information on their winning programs will be posted on the AAIA website at www.aftermarket.org. More information about these companies and their education initiatives will be featured in upcoming issues of Aftermarket Insider.
The AAIA Education Committee invites companies to submit their company education and training stories for the 2013 Head of the Class Awards. More information on how to apply will be available in spring 2013. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.
