Grote Named AWDA Leader of The Year

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 29, 2007) -- William D. Grote III, chairman and CEO of Grote Industries, was named the 2007 recipient of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Leader of the Year Award.

Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way.

Bill began his career at Grote as a district manager, then worked his way through several sales and marketing positions. In 1969, as a third generation of family took the helm at Grote, he was elected to the board of directors. In 1972 Bill was appointed director of OEM sales and in 1979 was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. This diverse experience served him well when he became president and CEO in 1989. Since 2004, Bill has served as chairman and CEO.

Now well into its second century of business, Grote Industries continues to focus on developing new technology and is currently involved in obstacle detection research.

In addition to running a great company, Bill is extremely active in community and industry affairs. He is a founding director of Friends of Shawe and Pope John XXIII Schools. He also serves on the boards of Madison Industrial Development Corporation and Ivy Tech Foundation. He is a past president of the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute, a former Chairman of MEMA, and has held board seats with the Automotive President’s Council, Automotive Sales Council and the Heavy Duty Business Forum.

Grote Industries has been the recipient of the Tri-state Family Business of the Year Award, the Madison Chamber Business Citizenship Award and the Governor’s Half Century Business Award.

Said Tim Lee, AWDA’s 2005 Leader of the Year, “In an industry dominated by giant corporate consolidations, Bill Grote has maintained his company’s independence and family heritage through hard work, high quality and a solid commitment customers and employees. It is a distinct pleasure to introduce William D. Grote III as AWDA’s 2007 Leader of the Year.”

Grote Electronics, an ISO/TS16949:2002 facility joins other Grote Industries' North American operations in the United States and Monterey, Mexico.

 Grote Industries is a QS-9000, TS 16949 and ISO 14001 certified company. The leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety systems products, Grote Industries makes LED, fluorescent and incandescent lamps, mirrors, wiring systems, turn signal switches, connection accessories and reflective accessories. For more than 100 years, Grote has provided state-of-the-art solutions for OEM and after-market customers worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, USA, Grote also maintains joint venture operations in Europe and Asia.

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