Bethesda, MD — Oct 12, 2007 — The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee and the Leadership Development Network (LDN) will collaborate in creating an online scholarship resource for students planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.

LDN, in cooperation with the GAAS Scholarship Committee, will be awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students who submit a 2008 application at www.automotivescholarships.org. Applicants must meet the specific scholarship qualifications to be considered. Awards will be announced at GAAS, May 20-21, 2008, in Chicago, Ill.

"In speaking on behalf of the LDN Committee and membership, we are very pleased to be collaborating with the GAAS scholarship program,” said Don Keeling, LDN chairman, N.A. Williams Company. “By teaming our resources to offer five additional scholarships, it allows LDN to further our mission of giving back to the aftermarket industry."

“LDN would like to thank GAAS and Mr. Kornafel for allowing us the opportunity to be involved with the philanthropic efforts of their organization and distribute our scholarships at their events,” said Jason Porrini, LDN vice chairman, Technologue.

About LDN
LDN consists of individuals helping junior- to mid-level aftermarket professionals grow professionally through networking, educational and philanthropic endeavors. LDN holds a “Fun Walk & Run” each spring to raise money for these scholarships. Generous support from companies in the aftermarket industry allows LDN the ability to continue the tradition of encouraging individuals, through education, to enter and stay in the automotive aftermarket industry. LDN is a standing committee of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information about LDN, visit www.aftermarket.org/ldn.

About the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium
The annual two-day Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. The 2008 event is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20-21, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago, Ill. Details are at www.globalsymposium.org.

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 Rebuilders 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.