The Alliance Closes Out 2025 Winter Meeting Announcing East Penn as Channel Partner of the Year

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. proudly announced East Penn Manufacturing as its 2025 Channel Partner of the Year award winner at the 2025 Alliance Winter Shareholder Meeting, held December 7–11, 2025, at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, FL. The four-day event brought together hundreds of Alliance shareholder members, channel partners, and industry leaders for a week of collaboration, innovation, and celebration.

The highlight of the meeting was the annual Alliance Channel Partner Awards Banquet, where the Alliance recognized outstanding channel partners across multiple categories — among them, the prestigious Channel Partner of the Year award, presented to East Penn for exceptional performance and partnership throughout 2025.

“We are thrilled to close another successful year with such an energetic and engaging Alliance Winter Shareholder Meeting,” said John C. Washbish, President & CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “Our channel partners continue to demonstrate outstanding commitment and performance, helping to advance our shared goals and drive innovation across the aftermarket. This event is not only about recognizing their achievements but also about strengthening the partnerships that move our industry forward.”

“Being recognized as the Alliance’s Channel Partner of the Year is an incredible honor,” said Bruce Herman, Vice President of Sales at East Penn. “We are proud to collaborate with the Alliance and its shareholder members to support their vision and contribute to the success of the entire network. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire East Penn team.”

Additional awards were presented across several key categories, celebrating channel partner excellence and their service across the Alliance member network.

The 2025 Winter Meeting served as a platform for business planning, networking, and idea exchange among the Alliance’s shareholders and channel partners.

“The energy and engagement at this year’s meeting were truly exceptional,” said Corey Bartlett, President & CEO of Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc. “Events like this allow us to build on our momentum, strengthen relationships, and align our strategies as a unified network. We are especially proud to recognize East Penn as this year’s Channel Partner of the Year—their partnership, dedication, and commitment continue to elevate our entire organization.”

Following the formal conclusion of the Winter Meeting, the Channel Partner Advisory Council (CPAC) convened to review insights from the week’s discussions and identify key priorities for the coming year.

“The CPAC continues to be a valuable forum for open communication and collaboration between the Alliance and industry partners,” said Colby Florea, Vice President of Sales at Gates. “It's another avenue for partnership growth and for all of us to stay plugged in on everything Alliance, but also a chance to discuss overall industry goals, initiatives, and ways we can work together.”

As the Alliance closes out 2025, the organization looks ahead to another year of partnership, progress, and shared success.