Research Triangle Park, NC — Oct 17, 2007 — The Automotive Communication Council (ACC), a professional organization of individuals in the automotive aftermarket who specialize in marketing communications, has announced that it will donate funds for two scholarships in the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship program. The scholarships will be earmarked for students looking to practice marketing, public relations, journalism, advertising or a related field in the aftermarket.

The ACC is the latest organization joining the growing list of groups in supporting the annual GAAS scholarship program.

“One of the goals of the GAAS program this year is to integrate other scholarships within the aftermarket into GAAS in order to simplify the process for applicants and other companies and organizations in the aftermarket who offer scholarships,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Committee.

“Each year, GAAS organizers receive hundreds of applications from students looking to enter the industry – primarily to be technicians,” he added. “The Automotive Communications Council has decided that it wants to provide assistance to students who are looking to enter some aspect of marketing communications. These are important roles that companies within our industry need in order to survive in today’s global marketplace.”

“The ACC looks to fulfill a need in the aftermarket by encouraging continuing education for those seeking to advance their career as marketing professionals,” said Tom Marx, ACC president. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring needed new voices into the aftermarket.”

Founded in 1941, the ACC is the oldest continuously operating council in the aftermarket. Membership is open to individuals who are employed or have an interest in the automotive aftermarket. ACC provides a networking forum for the exchange of ideas, information and resources about issues, challenges and trends impacting companies and organizations throughout the aftermarket industry. For more information and upcoming events, visit www.acc-online.org.

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.