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Letter to the Editor
Tuesday January 23
AAIA Launches Aftermarket Education Center Capitol Campaign
BETHESDA, MD -- The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has announced plans to construct a $5 million state-of-the-art Automotive Aftermarket Industry Education Center at Northwood University in Midland, Mich. The exclusive education complex will house Northwood's growing aftermarket program and the offices of the University of the Aftermarket.
"I'm extremely proud that AAIA is spearheading this ambitious fund-raising campaign on behalf of the automotive aftermarket industry," said Alfred L. Gaspar, AAIA president and CEO. "Northwood University is the ideal home for the education center with its proud history and close relationship with our industry."
The 25,000 square foot modern facility will be prominently located in the heart of the scenic campus that is home to the world's only four-year Bachelors Degree program that is focused on the management side of the automotive aftermarket. The university system has a total enrollment of 6,000 students at its Michigan, Florida and Texas campuses, 2,000 of which attend the Midland, Mich. campus, and 37 University College program centers located throughout the country.
"Smart classrooms" in the new building will link to interactive classrooms on the Texas and Florida campuses. This feature will allow resident faculty or visitors on any campus to simultaneously address aftermarket students on all campuses.
"With the new signature facility on the Midland campus, Northwood will be in a position to contribute further to the successful future of the automotive aftermarket," said Dr. David Fry, Northwood University president. "A dedicated building will establish an impressive and identifiable presence for the aftermarket and help attract greater numbers of students to the program and thus be able to supply more qualified people to the industry."
The land, parking, entrance facilities and utility infrastructure will be provided by the university, according to AAIA. The estimated $5 million that will be sought through donors will be used solely on the structure. A fund-raising committee is being formed to solicit donations from aftermarket companies, organizations, foundations and individuals.
"AAIA is extremely pleased with the initial feedback and interest from a number corporate leaders in the industry to help sponsor this one-of-a-kind project. The education center will truly make a difference in people's lives and help produce the caliber of executives who will ensure the future prosperity of our great industry," said Gaspar.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose member companies manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. The organization is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, jobbers, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturer's representatives and other companies doing business in the automotive aftermarket. AAIA formerly served the aftermarket as APAA and ASIA.
Northwood University is a private, accredited university specializing in managerial and entrepreneurial education offering two and four year degrees in a variety of enterprise fields, including Automotive Aftermarket Management. The university's Executive, Full-Time and Managerial MBA programs make Northwood's free market-based degree offerings in management and enterprise the most complete anywhere. The university emphasizes the importance of free enterprise and is dedicated to the preservation of the free market and the important relationship between business and the arts.
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