Multi Parts names SPARK2016 selectees

Aug. 31, 2016

Multi Parts announced the SPARK2016 selectees, students who will attend the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) being held in Las Vegas, Nov. 1 to 3, 2016.

This year’s selection process was hyper-focused on students who demonstrated an interest in pursuing professional careers in the core business areas of the automotive aftermarket, including product development, marketing, sales, finance, entrepreneurship, information technology and human resources.

“Industry growth is predicated on recruiting and retaining these positions,” says Multi Parts President Brian Cohn. “This is especially important in our narrow corner of the automotive industry. We know that when students experience the aftermarket from the inside out, interest follows. There is no better place than AAPEX for aspiring aftermarket professionals to see the reality and potential of this industry and explore its near endless career opportunities.”

The brainchild of Multi Parts Chairman Barry Cohn, the SPARK Initiative has grown from six participants in the 2014 inaugural year to 14 this year. The SPARK Initiative delivers SPARK2016 selectees specifically designed and developed programming at the AAPEX show, meet and greet opportunities with key industry leadership and in-show outings orchestrated and hosted by Multi Parts’ team members. Among the various activities planned for this year, the Luminary Lunch promises to include some of the biggest names in the aftermarket.

“Each year that we are able to connect more talented young people to the industry icons in manufacturing, distribution and the associations, is a win for the aftermarket,” says Barry Cohn. “When they see our industry presented on full display at AAPEX, they really get it and want to be a part of it. That’s the power of SPARK.”

Among this year’s selectees are present and former Global Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship recipients and U.S. Military Veterans and members. All SPARK2016 participants will wear Multi Parts’ shirts adorned with the U.S. flag, veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces will also have their branch of service embroidered on the sleeve.

SPARK2016 selectees:

Melina Amico

Northwood University

Charles Bennett

Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering & Computer Science

Rachel Berbert

Chipola College

Austin Beyer

Northwood University

John Coolidge

Indiana University Bloomington

Alesandra D'Agostino