AIA Canada honours award winners at its 2019 Annual General Meeting
Ottawa, Ontario – May 8, 2019 – On May 8, members of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) gathered for the presentation of a number of prestigious association awards. John MacDonald, formerly of Ideal Supply Co., is this year’s recipient of the AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award. Paul Prochilo, CEO of Simplicity Car Care, received the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Young Leader of the Year Award.
AIA Canada also recognized those that have made outstanding contributions to the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation.
The awards were presented at AIA Canada’s 77th Annual General Meeting being held at the Novotel Toronto Mississauga Hotel.
The AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding service and leadership, which contributes to the growth and development of Canada’s automotive aftermarket industry. It is the highest award presented by AIA Canada to an individual member.
The YPA Young Leader of the Year Award is presented annually on behalf of the YPA Committee to an outstanding young aftermarket professional for their dedication to the industry, leadership, and innovation.
John MacDonald – 2019 Distinguished Service Award Recipient
John MacDonald, a 35-year industry veteran, joined his family’s business, Ideal Supply Co. Ltd, in 1983. He retired in October of 2018.
John is a graduate of Georgian College and holds a diploma in business administration. In 2002, John received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Georgian College. He was nominated for the Premier’s Award that same year.
John has sat on the boards of numerous organizations and is currently the incoming chair of Listowel Memorial Hospital’s Foundation Board.
John has been a strong and active supporter of AIA Canada and has served on many committees and councils including chairing AIA Canada’s WD/Wholesalers Council and the Young Executive Society (now known as Young Professionals in the Aftermarket) in 2008. He was chair of the AIA Canada Board of Directors in 2012.
John also served as a director on the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation Board and actively raised funds for this charity.
Paul Prochilo – YPA Young Leader of the Year Award Recipient
Paul Prochilo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Simplicity Car Care franchise, where he has been instrumental in establishing Simplicity as a major upcoming car care organization. Prior to Paul’s appointment with Simplicity Car Care, he held the position of Director, Corporate Strategy with Prochilo Brothers Auto Collision, a multi-shop operation located in Toronto, Ontario.
Paul graduated from Ryerson University in 2003 earning his Bachelors in Commerce and then completed his Certificate in Change Management.
Paul is an active player in the aftermarket industry. He has been a member of the CCIF steering Committee (2014-2016) and Chairman of the PPG Elite Performance Group (2013-2016). Most recently, a member of the AIA Canada Collision Industry Council. .
Paul’s belief that collaboration and active communication are integral to the successful development of industry and community are just part of what makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.
AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation Recognition Awards
The AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation Recognition Awards are given out to an individual, member company and AIA Canada division that demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fulling the Foundation’s mission of bringing positive change and improvements to the quality of life for children and youth in their local communities.
The recipients of the recognition awards are:
- Individual – Ken Coulter, President, Specialty Sales and Marketing
- Company – Vast Auto
- Division – AIA Canada Ontario Division
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About the Distinguished Service Award
The AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award is presented in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding leadership given to the growth and development of Canada’s automotive aftermarket industry. It is the highest award presented by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to an outstanding individual within the Association membership. Criteria for the award include outstanding leadership, community service, and personal contribution to the growth and progress of the aftermarket industry.
About the Young Leader of Year Award
The Young Leader of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding young employee for his/her dedication to the industry, leadership, and innovation. The Award was created in 2007 by the Young Executive Society (YES) Committee (now known as the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee) to provide member organizations with an opportunity to recognize employees that have made an impact on their companies, their communities, and the industry.
About the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation
The AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation reaches communities directly and offers help where it is needed. Under the championship of the AIA Canada members, the Foundation runs a number of campaigns that provide funding to smaller charities that may otherwise be overlooked. Working towards building local communities, the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation also wants to give back to the aftermarket industry. Scholarships are awarded annually across Canada to qualified students and monetary assistance is provided to those who wish to further their education in the automotive aftermarket field. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the website, follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook.
About AIA Canada
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) is the national trade association that brings together the entire automotive aftermarket supply and service chain. AIA Canada’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. To learn more, please visit www.aiacanada.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
AIA Canada Media Contact
AIA Canada Communications
1-800-808-2920 ext. 285
communications@aiacanada.com