The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) announced that Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Anderson won ALI’s Facebook giveaway for an ALI/Petty’s Garage hat autographed by NASCAR legend Richard “The King” Petty. (ALI) announced that Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Anderson won ALI’s Facebook giveaway for an ALI/Petty’s Garage hat autographed by NASCAR legend Richard “The King” Petty. In appreciation of this support, Anderson flew a U.S. flag over FOB Geronimo in Afghanistan on ALI’s behalf. While on leave May 25, Anderson presented that flag to R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president, at the Petty’s Garage Spring Fling Car Show in Level Cross, North Carolina. The flag was accompanied by a U.S. Marine Corps certificate that read: “This certifies that the accompanying United States Flag was flown over FOB Geronimo, amid the battlefields of Afghanistan, during the decisive operations against enemy forces in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 15 March 2013. Presented to Automotive Lift Institute.” Automotive Lift Institute, Cortland, NY; 607-756-7775.

Maradyne High Performance Fans named Chuck Clayton the company’s national sales representative.

Clayton will supervise Maradyne’s sales, marketing, technical support, customer relations, business and product development as well as oversee all manufacturer’s rep groups nationwide.

Prior to joining Maradyne, Clayton spent six years with All-Midwest Sales LLC, where he represented 25 different product lines, including Maradyne High Performance Fans in North and South Carolina. Earlier in his career, Clayton worked for MBNA America for 12 years as the company’s motorsports coordinator, where he was responsible for all aspects of race support.

Most notably, Clayton worked with the Bill Davis #22 NASCAR team with driver Ward Burton. Maradyne High Performance Fans, Cleveland, OH; 800-403-7953.

“Motorz,” produced by Duke Networks, announced that Brigitte Patton will join the “Motorz” crew as it begins its sixth season. A former host of “Hawaii Hi-Lights,” Patton was also selected as an extra in HBO’s “Entourage,” CBS’ “Hawaii Five-O,” Lifetime’s “Flirting With 40” and NBC’s “The Event.” Most recently from Hawaii, Patton relocated to San Diego in 2010. She is employed full time as a civilian auditor for the Department of the Navy. Duke Networks, San Diego, CA; 858-935-7300.

RealTruck.com received one of two Growing Jamestown Awards from the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. (JSDC). JSDC cited the strong business growth of RealTruck.com in 2012 and its positive influence on the local economy as reasons for the award. The company finished 2012 with a record-breaking $17.5 million in sales and has reportedly kept that upward trajectory well into 2013. RealTruck.com was founded in Spokane, Washington, in 1998 and relocated in 2000 to the JDSC’s I-94 Business Park in Jamestown, North Dakota. RealTruck.com, Jamestown, ND; 877-216-5446.

Don Bickle Jr., president of S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc., was recently presented the Industry Advocacy Award from Federated. “Don Bickle truly exemplifies the idea of giving back for the betterment of everyone,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts.

In the late ’80s, Bickle joined the board of governors of Federated and served as chairman in 1991. He currently serves on the Federated executive committee and is chairman of the Federated audit committee. He also previously served on the AWDA board in 1998–2001 and 2008–2011, and he represented Federated on AAIA’s government affairs committee.

Hastings Manufacturing Co. announced that the company added Marion Holt to its global sales and business development team. Holt was named vice president of business development and will report to Bob Kollar, president and CEO. In this capacity, Holt will be responsible for complete management of the company’s sales and marketing in the U.S., Canadian and Australian aftermarkets. Holt brings more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience to Hastings. He most recently served as vice president of sales for Melling Engine Parts. Holt has also served as program chair and on the board of directors for the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA).

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded scholarships for 110 students pursuing automotive aftermarket careers. The scholarship winners will receive $1,000 scholarships to advance their educations, either at two-year vocational/technical colleges or four-year colleges and universities. All of the students are either attending or entering vocational programs to become mechanical, collision or heavy-duty repair professionals. “The University of the Aftermarket Foundation considers scholarships a valuable investment in the future of our industry,” said Rusty Bishop, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “We wish these students all the best as they pursue their aftermarket careers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the GAAS applicant reviewing teams for their help in selecting these worthy scholarship recipients; we appreciate their dedicated involvement in this process.”

ASA Automotive Systems appointed Mike Provencher director of customer services. In this new position, which was created to increase the company’s focus on providing customer value, Provencher will direct and manage ASA’s customer-service organization, including the installation and training group, the documentation group and the software support group.

A key focus of Provencher’s appointment is to enhance support to ASA customers through improved process development, including internal and external communications and timely responses to customer needs.

ASA Automotive Systems, Merrimack, NH; 603-889-8700.

Vantage Parts and Service has joined the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors as a stockholder. The company is the only independent heavy-duty warehouse distribution company in the area. Vantage Parts and Service offers a complete selection of parts and service for class 6 through 8 trucks and tractor-trailers. Vantage Parts and Service is led by Mark “Whitey” Caudy, CEO, a veteran of the heavy-duty industry who spent 10 years as the general manager of a truck dealership and as a heavy-duty truck technician. VIPAR Heavy Duty, Crystal Lake, IL; 815-788-1700.

A new web series produced by American Collectors Insurance, “American Detours,” highlights some of the most scenic roads and favorite detours across America while behind the wheel of some of the most classic American rides available. During the show’s recently added third episode, “American Detours” hosts cruised around Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley in a head-turning ’68 Shelby Cobra. The vehicles planned for upcoming episodes were a ’65 MGB Roadster and a ’70 Plymouth Road Runner. American Collectors Insurance, Cherry Hill, NJ; 800-360-2277.

Sarah Burgess and BMI Racing formed a partnership with WyoTech, a technical school that offers training in the automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, motorcycle, marine and construction trades. WyoTech is the title sponsor of a ’13 Ford Mustang for the Xtreme Drift Circuit and Hot Import Nights this year in which Burgess will compete. In addition, Burgess will head to WyoTech campuses during orientation in Laramie, Wyoming, and Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and will speak to new and returning students about her career and about working to achieve goals. WyoTech, Laramie, WY; 307-742-3776.

Ringbrothers LLC has selected Kahn Media to handle the company’s public relations, media outreach, strategic communications and social-media marketing. Specifically, Kahn Media will work with Ringbrothers to promote vehicle debuts and product announcements, ramp up the company’s social-media presence and publicize its accessories and exterior-styling components. “Promoting our products to the right audience is crucial to the success of our company,” said co-owner Mike Ring. Ringbrothers, Spring Green, WI; 608-588-7399. Kahn Media, Reseda, CA; 818-881-5246.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has selected JMPR Public Relations to handle all strategic communications for the organization in the United States and internationally. As the show’s agency of record, JMPR will also be responsible for supporting the launch of the organization’s inaugural Connected Car Expo, November 19–21, as well as corporate communications for the parent company, ANSA Productions, which produces both shows. JMPR handled all media relations for the L.A. Auto Show from 1980–1996. JMPR Public Relations, Woodland Hills, CA; 818-992-4353.

ESAB Cutting Systems announced that it was recognized as the “Sales Turnaround of the Year” from more than 1,200 entries from organizations in various industries around the globe. The Gold Stevie Award recognizes excellence in sales and customer service. This year’s award ceremony was held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. The accomplishment was attributed to the sales group’s weekly team meetings, where it analyzed what produced results with customers. ESAB Cutting Systems, Florence, SC; 888-372-2288.