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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Giving Rally brought together more than 850 distributor members, suppliers, and industry partners for a week of connection, collaboration, and industry advancement, while raising $70,000 for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). “The generosity and engagement we saw this week was truly inspiring,” said Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride. “Raising $70,000 for AACF reflects the powerful heart of this network—coming together to support our own when it matters most.”
Tina Hubbard, president and CEO, HDA Truck Pride. The event kicked off with a welcome reception, live auction, and the annual Giving Rally Cornhole Tournament, setting the tone for a week centered on purpose and community. Proceeds from activities throughout the week directly benefit AACF, which provides critical support to families within the aftermarket industry facing hardship.
“Spending time with the
link hidden, please login to view Truck Pride community at their Annual Meeting was incredibly meaningful,” shared John Kairys, executive director of The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). “The conversations, the willingness to help, and the genuine care for others in our industry really stood out. That kind of support allows AACF to step in quickly and make a real difference for families facing difficult moments.” Trade Show And Breakout Sessions
Monday’s agenda featured a trade show where attendees connected on new product innovations to drive business forward. A series of breakout sessions delivered actionable insights on key topics including artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity preparedness, digital visibility, operational efficiency and workforce development.
USS Midway And Cornhole Tournament Finals
An evening aboard the historic USS Midway brought attendees together for laughter, friendship, patriotism, and a tribute to veterans. The cornhole tournament finals were held onboard, with Joe Brooks and Dan Harbut of Acme Truck Brake & Supply taking home the championship title.
Network Growth, CVL Warehouse, And Right-To-Repair
Tuesday’s general session highlighted the continued strength and growth of the HDA Truck Pride network, which now includes more than 220 member companies, more than 1,000 distributor locations, and more than 550 service affiliates across North America. Leadership emphasized ongoing investments in the new HDA Truck Pride CVL Warehouse with expanded product access, digital transformation, and workforce development.
Advocacy efforts included Right-to-Repair initiatives and building future talent pipelines.
HDA Truck Pride EDDY Awards
The meeting recognized excellence across the network through several HDA Truck Pride EDDY Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and professional development.
“HDA Truck Pride is a great place to be—because of our people,” Hubbard said. “Every member who chose to invest in us. Every supplier who chose to partner with us. Every staff member who chooses to show up every day. We built this. And we are only getting started. We’re especially grateful to our supplier partners, including our Annual Meeting Valor sponsors — Gates, Milwaukee, Old World Industries, Valvoline, and Bendix, without whose support we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Pictured above (from left): Jon Owens, president, AACF Board of Trustees; Tina Hubbard, president & CEO, HDA Truck Pride; John Kairys, executive director, AACF.
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view (AACF) announced Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) as the recipient of its Humanitarian Award during a presentation at the link hidden, please login to view. Presentation at MEMA Vision Conference
The award recognizes individuals and organizations in the automotive aftermarket who demonstrate outstanding compassion, generosity and service to others.
link hidden, please login to view was selected from a group of nominees representing the industry’s commitment to giving back. The award was presented on stage to Corey Bartlett, president and CEO, on behalf of APH by AACF President Jon Owens, alongside Joe Stephen of NEXUS North America and AACF Executive Director John Kairys. Corey and his brother, Lee, thanked the audience with a
link hidden, please login to view. “
link hidden, please login to view truly represents the heart of the aftermarket,” said Owens. “Their commitment to helping others and bringing people together to make a meaningful impact is an inspiration to us all.” Community Impact and Fundraising for WACOSA
APH was recognized for its longstanding dedication to community impact, including leading an annual fundraiser supporting adults with disabilities. Through its efforts—alongside supplier partners and the Bartlett family—APH has helped raise more than $3.2 million over the past 13 years, with a record $482,000 raised in 2025.
Proceeds from these efforts benefit WACOSA, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that empowers adults with disabilities to gain skills, find meaningful employment and thrive within their communities. APH’s leadership and collaborative approach have helped expand opportunities for hundreds of individuals each year.
“We are honored to receive this award from AACF,” said Bartlett. “It’s fantastic recognition for the entire APH team and our supplier partners, who have been incredibly generous in helping support the communities that we serve. Giving back is important to us, and we’re proud to be part of an industry that cares so deeply about helping others.”
Support From NEXUS North America
The AACF Humanitarian Award is supported by
link hidden, please login to view, whose partnership helps shine a light on the people and organizations making a difference across the aftermarket. “At NEXUS, we believe the strength of our industry lies in how we support one another here in North America and around the globe,” said Stephen. “Automotive Parts Headquarters is a powerful example of that commitment in action, and we’re honored to help recognize their incredible impact through this award.”
AACF also extended its appreciation to all nominees, noting that the selection process reflected the strength, compassion and generosity that define the automotive aftermarket community.
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view is encouraging industry supporters to participate in its promotional campaign, which combines its ongoing 1969 Pontiac Firebird sweepstakes with a limited-time April giveaway. Throughout April, entrants in the Firebird sweepstakes are automatically entered for a chance to win an Advance Professional Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit with Stand. April promotion and giveaway details
The promotion includes an added incentive: 30% more entries into the Firebird sweepstakes during the campaign period. The flash giveaway winner for the Solo Stove will be selected in early May.
1969 Pontiac Firebird grand-prize specifications
The featured grand prize is a restored 1969 Pontiac Firebird finished in Champagne Gold Metallic. It includes a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, TH350 automatic transmission, dual exhaust, front power disc brakes, 17-inch Yokohama tires and an updated air conditioning system using R134a refrigerant.
Mission and entry information
AACF noted that the April promotion is designed to increase engagement while continuing to raise awareness and support for the foundation’s mission. Participants can enter the sweepstakes online, with proceeds supporting AACF’s efforts to provide financial assistance to automotive aftermarket professionals and their families in times of need.
For more information or to enter, visit www.aftermarketcharity.org or
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view honored the suppliers shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket at its 15th annual 2026 Partnership Event, Thursday, March 12, in Atlanta. This gathering has long served as a milestone moment that brings together the industry’s most valued partners to celebrate shared achievements, align on strategy, and deepen the relationships that drive the business forward. “Our Supplier Partnership Event isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reflection of what we believe at NAPA: that the most successful businesses are built on a foundation of trust and collaboration,” said Danny Huffaker, senior vice president product & marketing. “Bringing our partners together each year is how we align on our plan to win and strengthen our relationships. We’re grateful to our partners for their continued investment in NAPA and for their shared commitment to innovation that is defining the future of our industry.”
Among the evening’s honors, the Spirit of NAPA Award carries a particularly rich legacy. Established more than 30 years ago, it recognizes an individual who truly embodies NAPA’s values, work ethic, and commitment to deep, lasting partnership.
The full list of this year’s winners is below:
Spirit of NAPA Award, Premium Guard Inc. (PGI)
Spirit of NAPA Award Recipient – Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) is honored with the Spirit of NAPA Award for demonstrating exceptional overall performance, deep partnership, and a sustained commitment to NAPA’s success. Through industry-leading service levels, strategic investment in dedicated NAPA sales support, and strong collaboration on new product launches and market expansion, PGI has consistently aligned its efforts with NAPA’s goals.
Following one of the most significant product transitions in NAPA’s history, PGI stepped up in a meaningful way, working cross-functionally with our teams to support training, sales enablement, and market adoption. Their partnership has helped expand product coverage, drive market share growth, and ensure NAPA remains well positioned to serve customers across our network.
Through performance, collaboration, and shared commitment, PGI truly embodies the Spirit of NAPA.
Partnership Award, Chris Pruitt
Partnership Award Recipient – Chris Pruitt Chris Pruitt is recognized for decades of leadership. Over a remarkable 31-year career at East Penn Manufacturing, Chris helped guide the company through significant growth while strengthening its relationship with NAPA at every level.
Under his leadership, East Penn consistently supported key NAPA initiatives that drove market share growth through innovative and collaborative programs. Chris also demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back, proudly supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund through fundraising efforts that honored those who have sacrificed for our country.
Known for his accessibility and collaborative spirit, from the store level to the executive team, Chris fostered a culture of open communication and true partnership. Now serving as Chairman of the Board, he leaves behind a legacy defined by trust, integrity, and a long-standing relationship between East Penn and NAPA built to endure for years to come.
Service Award, Valvoline
Service Award Recipient – Valvoline Valvoline is recognized for delivering exceptional service performance to the NAPA network, maintaining industry-leading fill rates and dependable on-time delivery. Their reliability and responsiveness ensure NAPA customers consistently receive the products they need when they need them.
Catalog Award, CRC
Catalog Award Recipient – CRC CRC is recognized for excellence in catalog content and data quality, demonstrating exceptional completeness, correctness, and reliability in product information. Their commitment to maintaining high standards ensures NAPA teams and customers have the accurate information they need to confidently identify the right products.
Quality Award, Old World Industries (OWI)
Quality Award Recipient – Old World Industries (OWI) Old World Industries (OWI) is recognized for its outstanding commitment to product quality and transparency, working closely with NAPA to provide comprehensive testing data and detailed quality documentation. Their proactive collaboration and dedication to continuous improvement help ensure the reliability and performance that NAPA customers expect.
Innovation Award, Milwaukee
Innovation Award Recipient – Milwaukee Milwaukee is recognized for driving innovation and growth within the NAPA network through the launch of more than 600 new SKUs in 2025 and the creation of exclusive trade in promotions that generated significant incremental sales. Their continued investment in new product development and sales enablement demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and partnership with NAPA.
Indirect Supplier Award, The Variable Agency
Indirect Supplier Award Recipient – The Variable Agency The Variable Agency is recognized for its exceptional partnership and creative leadership in the brand transformation of Carlyle Tools. Through strategy, distinctive visual identity, and powerful storytelling, TVA helped reimagine Carlyle as a modern professional tool brand designed to resonate with the next generation of technicians.
Marketing Award, Dorman
Marketing Award Recipient – Dorman Dorman is recognized for outstanding collaboration with the NAPA marketing teams, investing in innovative campaigns and strong social media engagement that increased visibility and traffic at NAPA for the Dorman brand. Their commitment to creative marketing initiatives continues to expand awareness of Dorman products among technicians and customers across the industry.
Sales Award, Dorman
Sales Award Recipient – Dorman Dorman is honored for delivering exceptional sales growth with NAPA, generating significant incremental revenue through strong product innovation, inventory support, and close collaboration with NAPA teams to capture new opportunities and serve customers more effectively.
Market Disruptor Award, Carlyle Tools Suppliers (ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, FNA)
Market Disruptor Award Recipient – Carlyle Tools Suppliers ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, and FNA are recognized for their partnership with NAPA in relaunching the Carlyle Tools brand—bringing together product expertise, supply chain strength, and collaboration to create a differentiated professional tool offering that is reshaping expectations in the market.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced it will host the Fantastic Voyage 2027: The Alboran Sea Odyssey, a 10-night cruise event for top customers, partners and guests. The full-ship charter aboard the Norwegian Dawn is scheduled for April 19-29, 2027, with an itinerary across Southern Europe and North Africa. Registration Timeline
Registration opened Jan. 13, 2026. Early registration incentives are available to customers who enroll by Jan. 31, 2026.
For details or to register, visit the
link hidden, please login to view or contact a Worldpac sales representative. Highlights of the Fantastic Voyage 2027 include:
Full-ship charter aboard the Norwegian Dawn, reserved exclusively for Worldpac guests; Visits to iconic destinations: Lisbon, Portimão, Malaga, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Cagliari, Valletta, Messina and Rome; Round-trip airfare and ground transportation included; All meals and select beverages, with special pricing on the Unlimited Beverage Package; One premium dining experience at any specialty restaurant; Exclusive onboard events: receptions, parties, networking, supplier meet & greet, and more; Curated cabin gifts and dedicated cruise staff; and Flexible monthly payment plans and earn-back opportunities for qualifying customers. Company Background
Worldpac operates more than 300 branches and eight distribution centers and offers an inventory of more than 200,000 OE and quality aftermarket parts covering over 40 import and domestic car lines.
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