The Mobile Air Conditioning Society is proud to announce the recipients of its 2013-2014 scholarships for students entering the automotive aftermarket.   

• Ashley Bosch of Blanchard, Idaho: Lewis-Clark State College automotive mechanics program

• Keith Baker, Walnut Ridge, Ark.: Black River Technical College automotive service technology program

• Sara Lohnes, Eaton, Ala.: Ivy Tech Community College automotive technology program

• Shazim Nasim, Jamaica, N.Y.: Suffolk County Community College automotive technology program

“MACS is pleased to assist these applicants as they start their education in pursuit of careers in the automotive aftermarket,” said Andrew Fiffick, MACS chairmen and CEO. “The NYSAAA Committee also would like to thank and congratulate Pete Kornafel and the GASS Scholarship program for the automotive scholarship Web site that makes it easy and enjoyable to rate and review applicants with information that is up to date and valuable.“

Founded in 1981, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) is the leading non-profit trade association for the mobile air conditioning, heating and engine cooling system segment of the automotive aftermarket. MACS represents a growing membership in North America and 47 countries around the world, and is affiliated with the Vehicle Air Conditioning Specialists of Australia (VASA). MACS also provides information and services to more than 60,000 industry shops, suppliers and technicians. The Society serves the industry through informational tools, self-paced educational materials, leader-led training clinics, advocacy and other member services. Since 1991, MACS has assisted more than one million technicians to comply with 1990 Clean Air Act requirements for certification in refrigerant recovery and recycling to protect the environment. To learn more about MACS Worldwide and the upcoming 2014 Training Event and Trade Show, Power up!  at the Sheraton New Orleans January 16-18, 2014 visit the MACS website at www.macsw.org.

In addition to MACS, the following foundations and organizations also collaborate with GAAS to award scholarships:

• Automotive Communication Council

• Breslow Foundation

• Dayco

• Gates Corporation

• Larry McCurdy Memorial Fund

• Leadership Development Network

• Michael Busch Memorial Fund

• Mitchell 1

• Multi Parts Supply

• National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

• Polk

• Standard Motor Products

• Stant Corporation

• Women’s Car Care Council (WB)

GAAS also collaborates with these state associations and other automotive groups:

• Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN)

• Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS)

• Automotive Aftermarket Association of the Carolinas and Tennessee (AAACT)

• Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS)

• Automotive Parts & Services Association (APSA)

• Automotive Parts and Service Association of Illinois (APSA of IL)

• California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA)

• Kentucky / Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association (KIAWA)

• Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA)

• New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association (NYSAAA)

• Ohio Valley Automotive Aftermarket Association (OVAAA)

• Wisconsin Automotive Part Association (WAPA)

Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions provided by individuals, companies and foundations. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664, or [email protected].

About the GAAS Scholarship Program

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. Polk is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The event is made possible through the generous support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.