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WIX Filters Presents Counterman, Technician Awards

10/31/2011

WIX Filters names inaugural Best Tech during AWDA

Thomas Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists, Named 2011's Best Tech


WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, in conjunction with Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service magazines, named Thomas Palermo from Preferred Automotive Specialists in Jenkintown, Pa., the inaugural WIX Filters Best Tech during the annual AWDA Meeting and Conference in Las Vegas on October 31.

"Customers place an extraordinary amount of trust in professional technicians, from recommending the best parts to properly repairing and maintaining their vehicles,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. "During his 20-year career, Thomas has displayed a passion for his customers that rivals only his desire to continue learning while performing his best work every day — these attributes make him the ideal winner of the inaugural WIX Filters Best Tech award.”

Palermo is an ASE Master Certified Technician and has been recognized as an AIAA/ASE World Class Technician. During his career he has displayed a passion for staying in front of changing technologies, from biofuels to electric vehicles and hybrids, through a quest for knowledge sought both in the classroom and on the shop floor.

"Over the years I've seen our industry grow and move in a very positive direction,” said Palermo. "The unwavering desire to do our best has taken the automotive industry to the next level. I am truly honored to be involved in this industry and I am very optimistic for the future for both myself and the technicians who work with me at Preferred Automotive Specialists.”

WIX Filters and Babcox publications also named two Best Tech finalists: Douglas Andrew from Doug's Automotive Service in Miami and Kim Brant from Joe's Service in St Joseph, Mo.

As a sponsor of Tomorrow's Technician School of the Year, Counterman's Counter Professional of the Year and Babcox Publishing's Automotive Tech Group's Best Tech programs, WIX Filters supports excellence at every level of the automotive repair industry.

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

 
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Counter Professional of the Year named by WIX and Counterman magazine

Todd Carpenter, NAPA AUTO PARTS, receives 2011 honor


WIX® Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, in conjunction with Counterman magazine, named Todd Carpenter of NAPA AUTO PARTS the 2011 Counter Professional of the Year during the annual AWDA Meeting and Conference in Las Vegas on October 31.

"Counter professionals are a key component in the automotive aftermarket — they are a wealth of knowledge, a trusted partner, and a priceless resource to repair shops,” said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. "Through a distinguished career built on dedication to service and continuing education, Todd Carpenter represents the best of our industry.”

Carpenter, a 33-year NAPA veteran, is the Parts Specialist/Store Manager at the NAPA AUTO PARTS store in Pocatello, Idaho. At the age of 13 he started his career stocking shelves at his father's NAPA store in Cambridge, Minn. Having worked in four different NAPA store businesses during his career, he was promoted to Store Manager at each one. In 1996, his store in Pine City, Minn., was named Minnesota Farm Business of the Year.

Training and education are important to Carpenter. He is a graduate of Anoka Vocational Technical Institute in Anoka, Minn., in automotive repair, and he is currently ASE-certified parts specialist in P2 (automotive), P3 and P9 (medium/heavy truck) categories. He has completed more than 250 of NAPA's online courses and many classroom hours in technical, management and sales topics offered by NAPA, their suppliers and training partners.

Counterman magazine's Counter Professional of the Year Award is sponsored by Affinia Group Inc., WIX Filters and Raybestos®.

Since 1939, Wix® Filters has been an innovator in filtration products. WIX designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks, off-road equipment and manufacturing applications. For more information, visit www.wixfilters.com.

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2.0 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

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