The mission of APSA of Illinois is to provide communications, education, legislative and regulatory advocacy and group purchasing of services for its members while promoting the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. 

Serving the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Since 1958

                            About APSA of Illinois

APSA of Illinois Board of Directors

2007 - 2008 Board of Directors

Committees:

   Branding Committee

   Legislative Committee

   Membership Growth Committee

   Programs Committee

   50th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Conference Committee

                                    APSA of Illinois History

Like so many good organizations, Automotive Wholesalers of Illinois was "born out of necessity". Earlier attempts , such as Illinois Automotive Association, to organize the automotive aftermarket were failing and were not all encompassing to truly represent the industry. It was felt that a promising future awaited the aftermarket, yet future growth needed direction...direction that could only be found by wholesalers helping wholesalers. This vision was common with a handful of industry leaders, who channeled this insight into the formation of an Association.

In the waning days of 1958, five men met at the Hotel Pere Marquette in Peoria and laid before the industry people the first meeting outline for Automotive Parts & Service Association of Illinois (APSA of Illinois). Those leaders included Lou Guenther of Triangle Engine Re-builders; Earl Hylen of Andrew Johnson Co.; Morrill Palmer of Trackman Auto Supply Co.; Ralph Silverman of National Auto Supply: and Harold Halfpenny of Halfpenny & Hahn. From this meeting, and two subsequent meetings in Springfield & Chicago, the successful groundwork of APSA of Illinois organization was made. By January 1959, APSA of Illinois was already in business and well on it's way to becoming an outstanding state automotive aftermarket association.

To accomplish it's intended goals, APSA of Illinois quickly set forth statewide representation. It's first Board of Directors was established and the ten members took on the challenge of making the Association a viable organization.

Shortly after it's incorporation as a not-for-profit association, APSA of Illinois hired it's first Association Executive Secretary, Harry Bellmer, and moved into the Ridgely Building on the corner of Fifth & Monroe in Springfield. Harry would remain in this administrative position for 16 years. From a two person staff and rather modest surroundings it would not take long for the association to begin growing.

The founding companies of APSA of Illinois number 79, however, from this small but solid core of members, would rise the needed enthusiasm to strive onward. In March of 1959, a statewide membership campaign called "Every member get a member", was launched.  In six short months, APSA of Illinois was 200 members strong and growing daily.

One major reason for rapid growth was APSA of Illinois implementation of a group health insurance program. Underwritten by New York Life, this service saw instant success.  Under the guidance of the original insurance trust committee; Ralph Silverman, Leo Renfrow and Burton Printz, initial registration reached nearly 400 people. This basic insurance coverage would become the forerunner to the multi-million dollar multi-facet insurance program currently available to APSA of Illinois members.

                                        APSA of Illinois Code of Ethics

WE AGREE to be guided on our business policies and practices by the time-tested standards of truth, integrity, honor and dependability.

WE WILL STRIVE, to the best of our ability, for truth, clarity and correct information in our advertising and selling.

TO RECOGNIZE that, in the long run, the survival and success of our business and that of fellow members, depends on the quality and performance of the products we sell and on the excellence of the service we render to our customers.  We pledge to make this a guiding principle in the conduct of our business.

WE PLEDGE to conduct our business and ourselves in a manner best calculated to bring credit and honor to ourselves and out industry, and to act unselfishly in matters which concern the building of a healthier business climate and a better automotive parts and service industry.