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By Counterman
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) is celebrating 40 years of funding scholarships, grants and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable industry work force.
To commemorate the special occasion, UAF is conducting a 40th Ruby Anniversary fundraising campaign that will run throughout the year, culminating with a celebration on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas. Roger McCollum, MAAP, UAF chairman and Rick Schwartz, UAF marketing committee chair announced the campaign at last week’s MEMA Vision Conference and encouraged support from industry members.
“Over the past 40 years, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has made an indelible mark on our industry by annually funding hundreds of scholarships for deserving young people who have gone on to successful careers in the aftermarket,” said Schwartz. “We thank everyone who has championed the UAF mission since 1986 and ask all industry members to support the Ruby Anniversary Campaign so that UAF and its work can continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”
To support the
link hidden, please login to view 40th Ruby Anniversary campaign and attend the special reception held on Oct. 31, 2026 at The Venetian Las Vegas, visit link hidden, please login to view. “Reaching this major milestone would not have been possible without all those who volunteer their time and resources to ensure a bright future for the aftermarket,” said McCollum. “By supporting the Ruby Anniversary Campaign today, you can make a lasting impact by helping young people who aspire to enter our industry or continue their professional development.”
Contributions to the UAF 40th Ruby Anniversary
link hidden, please login to view are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law and count toward UAF lifetime status. UAF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. To learn more, apply for a scholarship or grant, or make a donation, visit link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By Counterman
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) announced it will award a record amount of automotive, heavy duty and tire industry scholarships. Interested students may submit applications by the March 31 deadline at the foundation’s Aftermarket Scholarship Central websites at
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view. Hundreds of scholarships totaling more than $900,000 will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year to students enrolled in four-year and two-year colleges as well as ASE/NATEF certified automotive, collision and heavy-duty/diesel post-secondary programs. This record-setting amount includes scholarships for students planning a wide variety of automotive careers, including service and repair, engineering, supply chain, finance, IT/cybersecurity and other fields of study.
The foundation’s AutomotiveScholarships.com and HeavyDutyScholarships.com websites are streamlined, mobile-ready portals with easy navigation and a simplified online application process for students interested in careers in the motor vehicle aftermarket. By completing a single
link hidden, please login to view online, students will be considered for multiple scholarships for which they are eligible. The websites allow applicants to view the details of all scholarships available and continue to update their application until the March 31 deadline. Scholarship Information
UAF and affiliated organizations provide a full list of scholarships on their websites, with links that explain the scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and awards. UAF encourages applicants to review each page carefully and submit all required information to be considered for the widest range of scholarships.
“We encourage all those who are interested in applying to visit the website soon to complete and submit their applications in advance of the March 31 deadline,” said Mike Buzzard, AAP, trustee and chairman, UAF scholarship committee. “The UAF scholarship program will have another record year in 2026. We will be awarding more scholarship funds than ever so the recipients can get the education and training they need to begin a successful automotive or heavy-duty career.”
To receive information, reminders and updates about the UAF scholarship program, interested parties can text their name and email address to 720-903-2206. To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm to Bill Long, President and CEO of MEMA. The award was presented by AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold on November 2nd at AWDA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Martin Fromm.
Few individuals in the motor vehicle aftermarket have left a mark as deep, enduring, and far-reaching as Bill Long. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill has not only led respected organizations and industry initiatives—he has helped shape the direction, reputation, and long-term health of the aftermarket itself. From his earliest days delivering parts in high school to his current role as President and CEO of MEMA, Bill Long has exemplified what this award was created to honor: a life’s work defined by integrity, leadership, service, and impact.
Bill’s leadership journey began with a foundational understanding of the aftermarket’s front lines and evolved into senior executive roles across every corner of the supply chain. At Echlin/DANA, where he spent over two decades, Bill built his reputation as a principled leader with an operational mindset and a strategic vision. He would go on to lead North American Operations at Proliance International and later serve as a consultant and advisor through Long Strategies LLC—always staying close to the people and companies that define this industry.
In 2012, Bill joined MEMA, where he first led the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) division before rising to lead the entire organization. Today, MEMA represents one of the most critical sectors of the American economy—vehicle suppliers—through four divisions: AASA, the Heavy-Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA), and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). Under Bill’s leadership, MEMA has strengthened its voice in Washington, D.C., expanded its impact across all vehicle segments, and become a more unified force for progress across the supply base.
A hallmark of Bill’s career has been his deep commitment to advocacy. He has helped elevate the aftermarket in national conversations, building strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators to ensure industry perspectives are heard on issues ranging from vehicle data access and diagnostics to sustainability and workforce development. He has played a visible and consistent role in advancing Right to Repair, including vocal support for the REPAIR Act. He also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, offering guidance and strategic insight on behalf of one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation.
Bill’s belief in people and education has also been a defining thread. He has supported professional development across every level of the industry, and his leadership helped bring about “Leadership 3.0: The Global Aftermarket,” a pioneering education program developed in partnership with Northwood University and the University of the Aftermarket. His efforts have helped build future leaders, prepare companies for change, and ensure that learning and mentorship remain central to the aftermarket’s success. For these contributions, he has been recognized with both the MEMA Triangle Award—bestowed only when an individual’s service is deemed truly extraordinary—and Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
Outside of the boardroom, Bill’s passion for motorsports has mirrored his professional values: community, innovation, and a love of the industry. He has held executive positions with NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and continues to support grassroots racing today. His work in this space earned him the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award.
Bill Long is, in every sense of the word, a backbone of the motor vehicle aftermarket. He has built organizations, led people, driven advocacy, and left an indelible legacy. He has done so with humility, consistency, and a tireless commitment to making the industry stronger, smarter, and more united.
For his decades of distinguished service, his contributions to business, education, and advocacy, and his enduring impact on the people and progress of our industry, Bill Long is a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm.
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By NAPA
Daniel Hemric’s afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway ended early after a flat right rear tire triggered an accident and an early retirement. The driver of the No. 19 Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet Silverado RST finished 34th after suffering hard contact following a cut tire and sits 32 points below the cut line in seventh position in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series playoff standings with one race remaining in the Round of 8.
Hemric took the green flag in 17th position on Friday afternoon and wasted no time moving towards the front. He utilized both lanes of the draft to advance inside the top-10 just three laps into the event. On lap four, Hemric suffered severe contact to the right side of his Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet as a multi-truck accident triggered beside of him on the frontstretch. He sustained damage to the right-side door and significant harm to the right front and right rear fenders.
Crew chief Kevin Bellicourt took command of the damage control efforts as Hemric made multiple pit stops to address the harm. He restarted at the tail of the draft on lap eight and rebounded to charge into the top 10 by the end of Stage 1 to collect one point on lap 20.
The Gates Hydraulics crew made additional repairs during the stage caution to address the right-side fenders and mitigate the rubs on both right-side tires. Consequently, Hemric restarted 34th on lap 27 and went forward once again in Stage 2. He advanced to 15th by lap 32 and restarted ninth on lap 36. Hemric’s maneuvers to progress forward came up just shy of additional points as he ran 11th at the end of Stage 2 on lap 40.
Under the subsequent stage caution, Hemric made two more pit stops as he continued to endure tire rubs from bodywork contacting the right rear tire. Despite the repairs, Hemric cut a right rear tire in the middle of the draft on lap 53. He also sustained terminal damage to the rear of his Chevrolet after absorbing severe contact from the No. 5 truck. Upon assessing the damage on pit road, Hemric drove to the garage area and was dealt a 34th-place finish.
“We cut a right rear tire,” Hemric said after the incident. “We had damage from lap five or six and really the Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet was destroyed. We were fortunate enough to just constantly getting it more and more clearanced. We were out of right rear tires, and being out of tires, we needed more so we didn’t have a used tire where the side wall was almost worn through from the damage. We didn’t have any to put on and NASCAR wouldn’t give us one, so it was a bunch of things for a while there. Finally, one of the tires we put back on, it blew down the back straightaway and felt like I was going to have to get to pit road. There was no yellow and I got smoked from behind, 15 or 20 seconds after the tire went down. That was strange and kind of unfortunate that we were in that situation.”
Hemric will enter the final race of the second round at Martinsville Speedway 32 points behind the provisional cut line to advance to the championship finale.
Start / Finish: 17 / 34
Points Standing / Total: 7th / -32 below cutline
Next Race: Friday, Oct. 24, Martinsville Speedway
How to Watch or Listen: 6:00 p.m. ET on FS1 or SiriusXM
NAPA:
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Daniel Hemric: link hidden, please login to view
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view appointed Todd Pearce as its new chief financial officer, effective Oct. 6, 2025. The company said Pearce brings extensive financial leadership experience and a proven record of driving strategic success and operational excellence. “We’re thrilled to welcome Todd to the ATD leadership team,” said Ira B. Silver, president and chief executive officer at ATD. “His financial acumen, strategic mindset and collaborative approach make him a great fit for our culture and our ambitions. I’m confident he will play a pivotal role in shaping our future.”
Pearce Brings Proven Financial Leadership to American Tire Distributors
Pearce joins American Tire Distributors from Continental Tire the Americas, where he most recently served as chief financial officer. ATD said his deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, improving financial performance, process optimization and cross-functional collaboration will strengthen ATD’s leadership.
ATD continues to expand its market presence and invest in long-term innovation. The company said Pearce’s leadership experience supports these goals and enhances the company’s financial strategy as it builds for the future.
Focus on Growth, Innovation and Operational Excellence
“I’m excited to join ATD at such a dynamic time in its journey,” said Pearce. “The company’s commitment to innovation, customer and vendor success, and operational excellence aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to working with the team to build on its strong foundation and drive financial success.”
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