LAS VEGAS — Automotive Parts Associates (APA) kicked off its AAPEX experience by honoring a major manufacturer with its first ever Vision Award.
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APA honored Bosch on Tuesday morning at the program group’s shareholders breakfast. Dan Freeman, APA president and CEO, presented the award to Bobby Bloom, Bosch’s vice president, independent aftermarket sales for North America.
“These service centers receive the training, diagnostics and service equipment to compete with new car and truck dealers,” Freeman said at the breakfast.
In order for businesses to retain a competitive edge, they must keep pace with technological advancements, utilize the latest test equipment and make certain that their employees are continuously engaged in training and development activities. Bosch provides all that with service training centers in 35 countries around the globe.
“We wanted to recognize Bosch in front of our shareholders and the aftermarket industry for their innovation, leadership in the industry, communication, and forward thinking,” says Freeman, who was honored himself later in the breakfast.
Bloom thanked APA for the award, and said while others often say that they couldn’t have achieved their milestones without their teams, he notes that it really is the case at Bosch.
“I believe whole-heartedly any organization…is only as good as its people, and I’m privledged to have a group of people” that is strong and focused, Bloom says.
“By being technology focused, Bosch equips the automotive technicians for today and tomorrow, and enables them to service and repair the ever increasing complexity of vehicle systems,” added Bill Cook, vice president of product development for APA.
In addition to the Vision Award, 20 year-plus APA member Bestbuy Distributors Limited honored Freeman for his years of service to APA. Freeman is edging into retirement, staying on for a year once his replacement is tapped.
Bestbuy is taking Freeman and his wife on its upcoming incentive trip to France. Dale Devlin, Bestbuy chairman and CEO, says it is something the distributor felt would be a great way to honor Freeman for his work. Devlin says while many times someone will be given travel as a retirement gift, allowing them to be with friends is a bigger honor.
Freeman thanked Bestbuy, adding it had been a great relationship.
“It’s a two-way street, and it’s very easy when it’s a two-way street,” he says. “You always seem to get more than you put out.
For details, visit www.boschtechinfo.com and www.professionalschoice.com.
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