For Immediate Use
September 10, 2009
GAAS PR 02-09



Media contact:
Emily McConnell, AASA
919-406-8828
media@mema.org

NYSAAA Collaborates with
Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium
On Industry Scholarships

Research Triangle Park, N.C. – The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that the New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association (NYSAAA) will be collaborating in creating an online scholarship resource for students planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.

This industry association cooperation will allow students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application for 2009 scholarships online at www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for scholarships from a variety of different automotive organizations. A complete list of scholarships available can be found online at the application Web site. Applicants must meet the individual scholarship qualifications to be considered.

“We are pleased to have NYSAAA join our collaborative efforts to create a ‘one stop shop’ for students interested in automotive aftermarket careers. With NYSAAA’s involvement, we are now one step closer to this important industry goal,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee.

“NYSAAA is excited to join with GAAS in their online application procedure for a scholarship in an automotive aftermarket field of study. We feel that this is the best way to make possible applicants aware of the industry scholarships available and this is also a great opportunity to support the automotive aftermarket by helping potential employees with their educational goals,” said Richard Shea, executive director of NYSAAA.

115 GAAS scholarships were awarded in 2008, including 10 awards received by students from Canada. Including this year’s awards, GAAS has presented more than 1,400 scholarships and more than $1.4 million since it was formed. Details about the GAAS scholarship program are available at www.automotivescholarships.com.

Over its 14-year history, the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) has become the premier industry conference for senior-level aftermarket executives. All of the net proceeds from the event go toward funding industry scholarships. The 2009 event is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Ill. Details are at www.globalsymposium.org.

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