Utah Distributor Receives Global Symposium Special Achievement Award

BETHESDA, MD - November 5, 2002 --  Steve Hoellein, president of Felt Auto Parts in Ogden, Utah, is the first-ever recipient of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) "Special Achievement Award."

Mort Schwartz, chairman of GAAS, says Hoellein was honored for his "extraordinary efforts in recruiting students to apply for Global Symposium scholarships." Schwartz explained that, "Each year when we sit down as a committee to award scholarships, there are literally dozens of applications with Steve’s name listed as ’industry sponsor.’ The industry needs more ambassador’s, like Steve, who are dedicated to the cause of attracting talented young people to join the automotive aftermarket."

Hoellein was presented with a Special Achievement Award plaque that read: "For his enthusiastic and dedicated support of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship program, including dynamic leadership in recruitment and promotion of the program to students, teachers, and the community in which he lives."

Hoellein started out as a driver with Felt Auto Parts in 1966. He became manager of the company’s machine shop operations in 1971. Hoellein became a company owner in 1985, taking over management of the company’s entire operations. A member of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), he received his Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation in 1994. Hoellein is quite active in the Ogden, Utah community, serving on various educational committees. Several years ago he helped start the Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Council in his community. The Council is comprised of local aftermarket businesses with the purpose of getting the industry’s name out in the community and to work in promoting automotive technology in the high schools.

"Being involved in the Global Symposium scholarship program has been a highlight of my career," says Hoellein. "It is an honor to receive this award and to be recognized for the work I’ve done in promoting the program to promising young people."

The GAAS scholarship program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket.

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For more information, contact:
Gary D. McCoy, Fairway Communications
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gmccoy@fairwaycommunications.com