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Bill Long Named Northwood Outstanding Business Leader
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By Counterman
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA) announced the retirement of its esteemed president and CEO, Bill Long, to be effective January 3, 2026. Under Bill Long’s visionary leadership, MEMA has seen significant growth and transformative changes that have solidified its position as a leading association in the industry.
“Throughout his tenure, Bill Long has been instrumental in fostering innovation, advocating for industry interests and strengthening
link hidden, please login to view role in shaping the future of motor and equipment manufacturing through some of the most challenging and transformative times in automotive history. His leadership, dedication and expertise have earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and industry partners alike during his more than 40-year career,” said MEMA Chairman Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.
In conjunction with Bill Long’s retirement, the link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarthy as the new president and CEO, effective January 3, 2026. Paul McCarthy brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep commitment to advancing MEMA’s mission. With his remarkable leadership skills and extensive industry knowledge, the MEMA Board is confident that in Paul McCarthy, they have selected the right leader to drive the association forward and take it to another level, building upon the strong foundation laid by Bill Long.
Paul McCarthy has been an integral part of MEMA’s leadership team, contributing significantly to its success as MEMA’s senior vice president of strategy and president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. In his almost three decades in our industry, he has extensive experience in all of MEMA’s member segments: original equipment, commercial vehicles and the aftermarket. His vision for MEMA will enhance our value of member-centricity and our objectives of a powerful supplier voice, strong industry advocacy, innovation and excellence.
“I am deeply honored to have served as MEMA’s president and CEO and am proud of what we have achieved together,” said Bill Long. “I have full confidence in Paul McCarthy’s ability to lead MEMA into a bright and successful future.”
Paul McCarthy added, “I am excited to take on this new role, champion the supplier industry I am so passionate about and lead the talented team at MEMA. Together, we will serve our members and drive a growing, profitable, innovative and influential vehicle supplier community. We seek to be an association that is vital to our members’ success, protects suppliers and helps our members see the road ahead in a time of change.”
As MEMA embarks on this new chapter, the MEMA board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bill Long for his exceptional service and contributions to the vehicle supplier community during his 13-year tenure at MEMA and his six years as president and CEO, and we look forward to the dynamic strategic vision of Paul McCarthy to lead us forward. The post
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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) recently hosted its annual conference with 500 attendees. Store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff came together.
Held under the theme “Say Yes,” the event spotlighted 2024 accomplishments.
link hidden, please login to view also recognized APH outstanding team members who made significant contributions to the company’s success. Leadership Presented Awards to APH Outstanding Team Members
An awards banquet was a major highlight of the conference. APH leadership personally honored top performers across multiple categories.
CEO Corey Bartlett presented the awards with key leaders. These included Jim Gruber, general manager of BENCO Equipment; Lonnie Kocmick, president of Refinish Supply Co.; Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores; Tim Gardner, vice president of stores, western division; and Rick Lease, vice president of stores, eastern division.
APH’s store operations team and support center staff selected the recipients after thorough evaluations.
CEO Commends ‘Say Yes’ Spirit and Team Dedication
“We are delighted to celebrate our outstanding team members who truly embody the ‘Say Yes’ spirit,” said Bartlett.
“Their exceptional dedication to supporting their teams and customers has been essential to our success in 2024. We are proud to honor them and share in their achievements with our industry partners.”
Store Manager of the Year Among APH Outstanding Team Members
The evening’s top honor went to Matthew Shupick, who earned the 2024 Store Manager of the Year award. He has managed the Eagle Butte, South Dakota, location since 2015.
“Matthew quickly demonstrated his leadership skills, rising to manager in record time,” said Gardner. “He is genuine, down-to-earth and has made a lasting impact on both his team and his community. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Matthew’s commitment to his team’s success and the community that raised him is truly inspiring.”
Additional Award Winners Recognized
In addition to Shupick,
link hidden, please login to viewhonored several other standout contributors: Impact Player of the Year: Doug Thompson, Minot, North Dakota Outside Sales Representative of the Year: Tony Serr, Aberdeen, South Dakota BENCO MVP of the Year: Shane Zahn, Bismarck, North Dakota Refinish Supply Co. MVP of the Year: Tim Christensen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Counter Sales Representative of the Year: Mike Schenk, New Glarus, Wisconsin Driver of the Year: Don Vanderberg, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Regional Manager of the Year: Derek Goblirsch, Southern Minnesota Support Person of the Year: Kris Stelling, St. Cloud, Minnesota Annual Conference Reinforces Team Spirit and Growth
APH emphasized that the annual conference strengthened the company’s collaborative culture. It showcased both the achievements of APH outstanding team members and the teamwork behind APH’s ongoing growth.
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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Associates (APA) congratulates Dennis Daniel, location manager at Factory Motor Parts (FMP) in Dickson, Tennessee, for winning Third Grand Prize in WIX’s 85th Anniversary Sweepstakes.
A news release from
link hidden, please login to view explained that FMP, a valued APA shareholder and supplier partner, has been a long-standing supporter of WIX, an APA supplier partner known for its high-quality filtration products. APA said that Dennis, who has been with FMP since 2023 and has worked in the automotive industry since 1975, was shocked when he learned he had won. “I couldn’t believe it,” Dennis shared. “I went home and surprised my wife with the news — I’ve never won anything like this before!”
As part of his prize, Dennis received a brand-new Polaris Sportsman Touring 570 ATV. Having previously owned used 4-wheelers, he’s especially excited to enjoy his new ride with his son and grandkids, APA added.
“I really appreciate WIX,” Dennis said. “They’ve always been good to us, and I’m grateful for this incredible prize.”
“Factory Motor Parts is thrilled one of our dedicated team members has won this fantastic prize! WIX has been an invaluable partner to FMP, and we truly appreciate their programs and promotions that support and celebrate our employees,” said Dave Schumacher, director of marketing for FMP.
link hidden, please login to view said it “congratulates Dennis on this exciting win, Factory Motor Parts on one of their team members winning, and WIX on their 85th anniversary!” The post
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By Counterman
The Meineke Dealers Purchasing Cooperative Inc. (MDPCI) announced Advance Professional as the winner of the 2024 Vendor of the Year Award. Advance has been a member of the Meineke Dealers Purchasing Co-op (MDPCI) for many years.
Over the past few years, the program has grown at unprecedented rates, MDPCI said. The MDPCI Vendor of the Year is determined based on several factors, with one being survey results from the Meineke dealer group. In addition to non-subjective categories that are measured, the dealer survey is based on criteria ranging from the cost and quality of parts and services, to vendor support, to the overall ease of working with the vendor. Selection for this award is a testament to the commitment
link hidden, please login to view has made to the MDPCI program and Meineke Dealers throughout the US and Canada, according to MDPCI. Ron Soto, executive director of the MDPCI, said, “The growth of our program with Advance and their support of our efforts has been tremendous over the past year. It is a testament to the true partnership they have provided our dealers and the delivery of the commitment they made to the MDPCI to help increase profitability of the Meineke Service Centers nationwide. Advance has developed an exceptional program working with the MDPCI as partners and helped Meineke dealers across the country. We look forward to continued growth in 2025 and beyond.”
Upon receiving the award, Pete Masini, Advance director of strategic accounts, said, “On behalf of the entire Advance/Carquest Professional team that supports Meineke Dealers every single day, I’d like to express how honored we are to be named ‘Vendor of the Year’ for Meineke Dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in 2024. Moments like this do not typically happen by accident, and it takes an effort on both sides to build partnerships like the ones we have with our Meineke partners. Our relationship has been a journey to reach this point, and every day, more and more Meineke dealers are giving
link hidden, please login to viewProfessional the opportunity to earn their business. Thank you for your support. Our promise is to continue our passion for providing you with industry-leading service that you can rely on, quality parts, solutions to support your business growth, and a partnership to last for many years to come.” The post
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