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The Group Holds Successful National Membership Conference in Nation's Capital
With a theme of “We the People,” the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) held a highly successful national membership conference this week at the Gaylord National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.
With over 1,000 members, suppliers and associates in attendance, the conference kicked off with a special opening event that celebrated the nation’s history, linking it to the challenges and opportunities facing the aftermarket today, including Right to Repair. A drum and fife corps started off the evening and was followed by a unique, informative take on the past and present through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt as well as a musical stage production by The Newsies. The evening capped off with an opening night dinner and vendor expo.
Day two of the conference began with Sue Godschalk, CEO of Federated Auto Parts, Robert Roos, CEO of The Pronto Network and JC Washbish, President and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. welcoming the attendees, sharing the size and scope of The Group, and outlining the industry initiatives they support. Jeff Koviak, CEO of The Group, then addressed the audience with an inspiring speech about building a collaborative culture that benefits all members of the supply chain through combined strength, collective action and shared innovation.
The four-day meeting featured a vendor expo and over 4,800 one-on-one sessions held between members of The Group and supplier partners. Also on the agenda were meetings specific to each banner-marketing brand and a closing D.C. Block Party Afterglow Reception and Celebration.
“We thank all that attended the 2025 Automotive Parts Services Group conference who helped us conduct a very positive, productive and collaborative meeting,” said Koviak. “The event gave us the opportunity to review objectives, set goals and strengthen partnerships, putting into perspective the importance of ‘We the People’ to our mutual success.”
The Group Membership Conference Set for April 28
The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) will hold its membership conference April 28 to May 1 at the Gaylord National Harbor in National Harbor, Maryland.
“This year’s conference promises to be a very productive meeting between members of The Group, supplier partners and associates. It gives us the opportunity to interact, collaborate and build growth initiatives that benefit all,” said Jeff Koviak, CEO of The Group. “We look forward to visiting our nation’s capital, learning how history influences our industry and joining forces to set a win-win course for the future.”
The four-day meeting will feature a variety of informative sessions covering pertinent topics such as tariffs, inventory management, sales training and Right to Repair legislation. Also on the agenda are a vendor expo, one-on-one sessions held between members of The Group and supplier partners, and constructive breakout sessions for each banner-marketing brand.
“By coming together as ‘The Group,’ we can harness our combined strength, share our ideas and innovations, develop plans for mutual success and profitability, and take collective action to achieve our common goals,” concluded Koviak.
The Group to be Diamond Sponsor of YANG in 2025
The Group is proud to once again be a diamond sponsor of the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG). As a diamond sponsor, The Group supports YANG within the automotive aftermarket to help support the initiatives of this dynamic community of young professionals. YANG facilitates member growth through industry networking and professional development opportunities.
“We are enthusiastic about the potential of our future leaders,” said Jeff Koviak, CEO of The Group. “By collaborating with YANG and other Auto Care communities, we are ensuring the cultivation of a skilled workforce for the automotive aftermarket.”
Podcast: Federated Auto Parts CEO Sue Godschalk Reflects on 50+ Years in Automotive
Sue Godschalk is one of the most respected people in the automotive aftermarket. In this episode, she talks about her time in the industry and winning the 2024 AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Imagine being employee number three at one of the automotive aftermarket premier auto parts distributors. My guest today was just that. I’m talking to Sue Godschalk of Federated Auto Parts. Sue’s 39-year career at Federated and 52 years total in the aftermarket has made her one of the most respected people in the industry. Today, Sue talks about her time in the industry and winning the 2024 AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hear the podcast at https://bit.ly/3W3tgsp.