(Nov. 2, 2007) Dave Caracci, president of Caracci Aftermarket Strategies and past chairman of AAIA, was appointed chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Wednesday at AAPEX. He also is chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

"GAAS is truly a collaborative project among the leading trade associations in our industry," Caracci says. "I look forward to working with each o f them to produce a first-class event that brings the issues of our industry to the forefront, whether they are here in the United States or around the world."

Caracci's industry experience includes service as past president of the National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association, past chairman of the Engine Repower Council, past president of the Automotive Sales Council, director on the board of the Car Care Council and past chairman of AAIA.

Caracci said he believes that constant learning through associations with others in the industry can and should be sued as a competitive advantage in today's aftermarket. Caracci backs up that passion by teaching classes for the Northwood University undergraduate program and as a contributor to industry magazines.

The net proceeds from the symposium go toward funding industry scholarships. In 2007, the GAAS scholarship fund awarded a total of 154 students with scholarships, bringing the total number of recipients to more than 1,304 students, which represents more than $1.3 million in funding in its 13-year history.

A rapidly growing number of organizations will collaborate with GAAS on scholarships inn 2008, Caracci says.

"We are pooling applications and the application process to give every applicant access to more potential awards," Caracci adds. "Our goal is to make the Web site a sort of scholarship central for automotive scholarships. A student applies once online at the Web site and their application will be considered by every organization where they meet the eligibility requirements."

GAAS will continue to award scholarships using the net proceeds from the GAAS and other unrestricted donations. Additional scholarships are being funded in 2008 by the following organizations in collaboration with GAAS: Automotive Communications Council, ASC Industries Inc., Breslow Foundation, Association of Diesel Specialists, Leadership Development Network of AAIA, Michael Busch Foundation, RL Polk, University of the Aftermarket Foundation, and Zurich High Octane Scholarships.

Applications for scholarships for 2008 are being taken now through March 31, 2008 on the GAAS Web site.