ACE AWARD 2017 NATIONAL PRONTO ASSOCIATION The Auto Care Association Education Committee, sponsors of the Auto Care Career & Education Award, (ACE) has been interviewing winners of the 2017 award to learn more about each company's philosophy and success with its education and training investment. This article has information provided by Mike Peace, vice president, National Accounts & Business Development, National PRONTO Association. For more info, visit www.autocare.org/ aceaward. 10 AUTO CARE INSIDER | VOL. 109 What have you learned from implementing training and professional growth objectives? The benefits from these objectives have and continue to pay rewards. We have seen our associates grow in key skill sets and knowledge. A continuous training initiative and an associate-specific career development plan have taught us to further invest in our associates. Our associates are now more engaged in the aftermarket industry than ever before. Many associates sit on various industry committees and boards as a service to our members. Many are active in the Auto Care Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and are involved in legislative actions as well as being active in the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) Inc. Why do you think it's important to encourage education and professional growth in your employees? At the end of the day, it is the people in the business that make the difference in success or failure. Ongoing education is key and critical in the personal growth of our associates. By learning new skillsets, or just sharpening existing ones, it continues to foster this personal growth. This provides a motivated and engaged associate that drives success.https://www.autocare.org/What-We-Do/Professional-Development/Education/auto-care-career-and-education-award/