AASA Honors Retiring MEMA President Steve Handschuh by Establishing University of the Aftermarket Foundation Fund

The association received a Lifetime Trustee Award at AAPEXin recognition of the contribution.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has established a fund through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in honor of MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh, who is retiring at the end of this year.

“It is fitting to recognize Steve’s passion, dedication and service to the aftermarket to establish this fund to help support and attract new people to our industry,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer and MEMA executive vice president, government affairs. “Steve’s career is marked by his devotion to the most important element of our industry’s success – its people. This fund will serve as a lasting tribute to him and as an investment in the future of the aftermarket.”

Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, commended AASA for establishing the fund. “AASA’s contribution will help attract and educate talented individuals and future leaders to the industry,” he said. “We applaud AASA for choosing this way to honor Steve for his long, successful aftermarket career.” 

AASA received a University of the Aftermarket Foundation Lifetime Trustee Award recognizing its contribution to the scholarship fund during the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Luncheon on Oct. 29 in Las Vegas, prior to the opening of AAPEX 2018. The Lifetime Trustee designation is reserved for those donating $100,000 to $249,999 to support the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships and educational opportunities to the next generation of industry leaders.

Chris Gardner, AASA vice president, accepted the award on behalf of the association. He was recently named AASA’s representative for the Lifetime Trustee position with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”

About the University of the Aftermarket Foundation

Since 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force. The foundation encourages industry support, including donations for the purpose of honoring or memorializing individuals or otherwise recognizing special events, to help ensure the continued availability of training and education that strengthen the industry. For more information about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit www.UofAFoundation.com.

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. To make a donation, visit www.uofafoundation.com.