GAAS Leadership Transition Official at AAPEX 2011; Scholarship Program Continues to Grow

LAS VEGAS, NV –  November 4, 2011 – Dennis Welvaert, recently retired president of the North American division of Dayco, officially took over as chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) during AAPEX 2011 in Las Vegas. Welvaert replaces Dave Caracci, who announced his retirement as GAAS chairman earlier this year. Caracci had served as chairman of GAAS since 2007, and worked with Welvaert during the past three months in a leadership transition role. 

Welvaert chaired his first GAAS Steering Committee meeting today, as the group solidified plans for GAAS 2012 which is set for Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago.

"We have an outstanding program committee that meets monthly to plan this event," said Welvaert. "I'm delighted to take over chairing the group and want to thank Dave Caracci for his great leadership, especially during the challenging economic climate of the past three years. We already have some great educational sessions planned for next year's event."

Welvaert retired as president of the North American aftermarket division of Dayco in August, after serving in that post since 2003. He had been with the company for 30 years and held numerous executive-level positions in the OEM, industrial and aftermarket divisions of Dayco. A former executive of Bosch and other distinguished aftermarket companies, Caracci’s industry experience includes service as past president of the National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association, past chairman of the Engine Repower Council, past president of the Automotive Sales Council, director on the board of the Car Care Council and past chairman of AAIA.

In addition to the GAAS Steering Committee meeting, the GAAS Scholarship Committee met during AAPEX led by chairman Pete Kornafel. Kornafel reported that with one organization still finalizing its awards, the 2011 scholarship award total is 99 U.S. students who received scholarships from GAAS and its donors in a range of $1,000 to $2,500 each. In addition, there were eight Canadian GAAS award winners at $1,000 each, and 60 awards from other collaborating organizations (56 financial awards between $250 to $2,500 and four Women's Board Tool Grants). The grand total of 2011 awards to date is $ $166,500 from GAAS, its donors and collaborating organizations. 

Kornafel announced that 2012 scholarship applications are now being accepted through March 31, 2012 at the organization's newly redesigned website at www.automotivescholarships.com. The website enhancement was completed by Venture Interactive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, earlier this summer. Already to date, nearly 100 students have begun the 2012 scholarship application process.
"One of the best developments with the GAAS scholarship program has been the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations in our industry," said Kornafel. "When students apply for a GAAS scholarship, they are automatically eligible for consideration by every organization where they meet the qualifications. In 2011, more than 80 percent of the applicants qualified for consideration for more than one organization."

Kornafel notes that in 2011, 18 students received multiple awards including the Women's Board Tool Grants. Nicole Kelsey, a marketing student at the University of Arizona, became the first student ever to receive three awards. Kelsey received a $2,000 Breslow Foundation Scholarship, a $1,000 Automotive Communication Council scholarship and a $300 scholarship from the California Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA).

New organizations collaborating with GAAS in 2012 include the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) and Mitchell 1.  

The annual two-day Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the worldwide automotive aftermarket and influencing its future GAAS 2012 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. For more information, visit www.GlobalSymposium.org or phone (301) 654-6664.