ASSOCIATION NEWS FULL THROTTLE: ACCELERATING COMPANY GROWTH THROUGH YOUR YOUNG LEADERS RESEARCH shows that when companies invest in their employees, they tend to have higher retention rates. One of the best practices in keeping employees is providing training and development. "If employees are not given opportunities to continually update their skills, they are more inclined to leave." 1 The Auto Care Association offers resources and events that provide young auto care professionals with opportunities to broaden their knowledge, develop their skills and expand their networks. One of these resources for young professionals is the association's Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG). 16 Through membership with YANG, young professionals can access programs like the Next Step scholarship program, which is designed for talented individuals who have the ambition to mingle with leaders in the auto care industry and who demonstrate an interest in growing both personally and professionally. Next Step Scholarship Program The Next Step program offers future leaders in the industry the opportunity to become involved in the industry and trade association by awarding scholarships to attend the Auto Care Association's annual Spring Leadership Days event. Next Step program participants gain first-hand industry experience at Spring Leadership Days through participation in committee meetings and networking events with veteran industry leaders. The scholarships cover up to $1,100 per recipient to offset most expenses for travel and accommodations to, from and during the event, and most meals are included. Many past program participants have gone on to serve on the YANG Advisory Council and multiple standing and community committees including the Auto Care Association Board of Directors. The Next Step scholarship program is not the only resource available 1 Source: Society for Human Resource Management; AUTO CARE INSIDER | VOL. 109 https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/managingforemployeeretention.aspxhttps://www.autocare.org/What-We-Do/Professional-Development/young-auto-care-network-group/