May 12, 2022 – Bestbuy Distributors’ held their Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference in Toronto on May 6-7, 2022.
The two-day event brought together Bestbuy shareholders from across Canada and vendors from across North America to meet and network for the first time since 2019.
A highlight of the meeting was the annual gala dinner and entertainment. Aaron Paterson, Magician and illusionist, captivated the audience with his unique and mind-bending interactive show.
President & Chief Operating Officer Bill Hay introduced the newly elected Bestbuy Board of Directors. Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer Doug Wilson, Fat Guys Auto Parts; Vice-Chair Gary Thibault, The Partsman; Treasurer Tony Racioppo, Fincham Automotive; Douglas Squires, Colonial Auto Parts and A.P.M. Limited; Michael MacPherson, Down East Auto Parts; John Brunelle, Parts Stop Auto & Industrial; Will Wiebe, Central Transport Refrigeration; and Scott Anderson, Peterborough Automotive.
Wilson and Hay had the honour of announcing and presenting several vendor Awards of Excellence during the gala evening. Hay stated, “These awards officially celebrate the vendor community who are instrumental in Bestbuy’s success and growth.”
Robert Bosch was the recipient of the prestigious Horace J. Pratt 2021 Vendor of the Year to recognize their excellence in service, sales performance, and support. Cameron Young and Dave Carter of Robert Bosch accepted the award.
Other paramount vendor award categories were presented: The Marketing Partner Award was awarded to SMP Blue Streak. The Bestbuy Partner Award recipients were Magnacharge and ProMax, and the Cornerstone Award went to BBB Industries. AIT Automotive received the Rising Star Award.
The Bestbuy Board of Directors presented its annual contribution in support of the SickKids Family Heart Centre, which is among the world’s top three pediatric heart centres. Bestbuy has been supporting this worthy cause since 1986 and has contributed $813,950.00 to date. Dr. Hamilton was on-hand to accept the $13,950 donation from 2021 online contributions.
The meetings and celebration concluded on Saturday with Bestbuy’s annual trade event at their Mississauga distribution centre. Bestbuy’s top vendor companies’ were on-hand eager to discuss new business developments directly with Bestbuy shareholders.