At the annual California Nevada Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) dinner Sunday evening in Las Vegas, the group's achievements were highlighted by travel prizes and keynotes from industry leaders.

Along with appointing its new Board of Directors and wrapping up some of the year’s highlights for the distribution group, President and CEO Rodney Pierini acknowledged CAWA’s many achievements in government affairs.

For example, the association has successfully fought to keep R-134a refrigerant on retail shelves, to the chagrin of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CAWA also was instrumental in countering a bill that would have prevented the aftermarket from putting aftermarket replacement parts on a car that was 3 years old or younger, he says, adding the group has remained steadfast in minimizing the negative business impact of emissions reduction legislation, among many other notable legislative accomplishments.

The night’s featured speaker was Kenneth Walker, president and CEO of Driven Brands, the parent company of Meineke Car Care Centers.

The program also included the association’s traditional red vest ceremony, as well as comments from David Finley, of Finley Industries, chair of the board of directors, and induction of the 2010 officers, which was presented by Mort Schwartz, of Schwartz Advisors.

The incoming 2010 officers were recognized at the group’s dinner:

• Chair of the Board - Tim Gerrity, General Auto Parts

• Vice Chair - Mary Davis, NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc.

• Treasurer - Steve Sharp, WORLDPAC

• Past Chair - David Finley, Finley Industries

At the annual dinner, the association also held a live auction, 100 percent of whose proceeds benefit the group’s memorial scholarship.

On the block were vacation packages to Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and Napa Valley, sponsored by KYB, CAWA and NSA Starters and Alternators, among other companies. The packages also included transportation, American Express gift cards and hotel stays, among other amenities.

Motorcar Parts of America was the exclusive sponsor for the second year.