AOCA Annual Meeting

Hit it Big with a Full House in Vegas

By Tammy Neal NOLN Staff Writer tammy.neal@noln.net

he Automotive Oil Change Association held its Annual Membership Meeting last month at the Monte Carlo hotel in Las Vegas. The meeting was a great success, with nearly 100 members present. President Pat Wirth covered the happenings of the last year and gave an in-depth state of the industry report. She reported that AOCAs Donate Life campaign was successful, raising nearly $75,000 for the cause. AOCA handed out three awards during the meeting: the AOCA Member of the Year, AOCA Associate Member of the Year and the Edward S. ONeill Community Service Award. Adam Sturdivant, of Avis Lube, headquartered in Midland, Texas, won the Member of the Year award for his dedication to this years inaugural Regional Meetings. Amber Kossak, of Solid Start, was awarded the Associate Member of the Year for her dedication to the industry and assistance in the organization. For the first time ever, the Edward S. ONeill award was given to two worthy recipients. The first of these recipients was Len and Debbie Minco, operators of two Kwik Kar locations in Texas. The Mincos choose one day per month at each of their two stores to donate 10 percent of their sales from the day to one local charity. The other recipient was Steve Berkman, operator of Foothill Carwash Lube and Oil Center in La Canada, California. Berkmans business is shining green. Sixty-seven percent of its electricity is produced from

(Left) At the Annual Meeting, attendees were treated to a continental breakfast, an update from the president and participated in board member elections. (Above) AOCA president, Pat Wirth, presented the Associate Member of the Year Award to Amber Kossak, COO of Solid Start/ True Brand.

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solar panels on its roof. Also, they host community recycling programs. Last year, they were able to recycle 400 pounds of household batteries and 500 ink and toner cartridges for their customers. Also, they participate in the Wash Away Thirst program, where Foothill donates clean drinking water to children in third-world countries. Last year alone, they provided clean drinking water to more than 50,000 children in need. Also, taking place at the annual meeting were this years board of directors elections. Three regular member spots were up for election, as well as one associate member position. Pat Wirth and Scotti Lee were re-elected to their positions on the board, while Jim Grant filled the position vacated by Scott Morrison. Amber Kossak was elected to fill Steve Hurts expiring term. NOLN extends a big thank you to the current AOCA Board of Directors: Pat Wirth, president; Potomac Falls Express Lube and Carwash,PotomacFalls,Virginia Harold Smith, vice president; Express Lube, Schertz, Texas RandyGroover,treasurer;ProOilShop,Inc.,Belden,Mississippi JimGrant,secretary;EastRidgeFastLube,Chattanooga,Tennessee ScottiLee,director;OilChangers,Wilmington,Delaware BobFalter,director;MultiManagement,ForestHill,Maryland SeanKrassman,director;TheOilDrop,Calgary,Alberta,Canada ScottJameson,associatedirector;Bosch,Broadview,Illinois AmberKossak,associatedirector;SolidStart,Lakeland,Florida ScottMorrisonandSteveHurtwerepresentedwithCertificates of Service to commemorate their service on the board and their respectivecontributions. ThecardsturnedjustrightforAOCAinLasVegas,andtheAnnualMeetingscoredajackpotwithitsfullhouse.S
(Top right) AOCA president, Pat Wirth, presented Adam Sturdivant, of Avis Lube in Midland, Texas, with the Member of the Year Award. (Middle right) Director Sean Krassman presented Steve Berkman, of Foothill Carwash Lube and Oil Center in La Canada, California, with the Edward S. ONeill Community Service Award. (Bottom right) AOCA elected a new board of directors at its annual meeting. Pictured (l. to r.) are Amber Kossak, associate director; Scott Jameson, associate director; Pat Wirth, president; Harold Smith, vice president; Sean Krassman, director; Jim Grant, secretary. Directors not pictured are Scotti Lee, Bob Falter and Randy Groover, treasurer.
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