Happy 7th Birthday, MWACA! Celebrating Growth, Community, and Impact

Seven years ago, members and leaders of our association came together with a bold idea: create an association that truly put members first. Out of that vision, the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA) was born. Built for shop owners, by shop owners, MWACA set out to strengthen the independent automotive service industry through education, advocacy, community, and support.

Today, we proudly celebrate seven incredible years of growth, impact, and progress — thanks to the passion and dedication of our members, partners, and supporters.

Looking Back: Where It All Began

In 2018, MWACA was born from a bold decision — to break away from ASA and establish an recognized brand that would grow in strength, leadership, and impact on the industry. It wasn’t just a change in name or leadership; it was a turning point that gave automotive professionals in the Midwest a voice and a home of their own.

From day one, the focus was clear: to respond to our members and their needs, provide high-quality training, create a strong sense of community, and advocate for independent shop owners in ways no one else was doing. What started as a leap of faith quickly became a movement. Over the last seven years, MWACA has transformed from a regional association into a thriving alliance that’s recognized nationally for its innovation and impact.

This journey wasn’t always easy — growth never is — but MWACA’s ability to adapt, evolve, and stay rooted in its mission has made the past seven years a story of resilience and strength.

The Impact of Seven Years

In just seven years, MWACA has built a legacy of results:

Hundreds of events hosted — from chapter meetings to SOS groups, family picnics to career panels.
Hundreds of new members welcomed, growing our community of shop owners and allied partners each year.
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, our flagship event, continues to grow each year and establishes itself as the industry’s premier automotive service event.
Exclusive member benefits continue to expand — from mentoring programs to advocacy and education resources.

Each year has brought new milestones. Here’s some stats from our recent years:

2022: 108 new member shops and 24 new allied members joined, hosted 94 total events, and nearly 1,000 first-time attendees at VISION.
2023: Over 100 events hosted, 58 new member shops, and community favorites like the Cardinals game and holiday parties.
2024: 60 new member shops, a record-breaking VISION with 3,810 attendees and 360 first-time companies represented.

The Heart of MWACA: Our Members

More than numbers, MWACA is defined by its people. Shop owners, technicians, and allied partners who embody the mission of lifting each other up and driving the industry forward.

As Kim Auernheimer of CS Automotive shares:
“What truly sets MWACA apart is the sense of support and camaraderie among its members. MWACA is not just an association; it’s a community dedicated to uplifting and empowering its members.”

Or as Rico D. Kotrous of H.I.S. Auto Care reflects:
“When I joined MWACA I was a new shop owner and I needed so much guidance. All I can say is thank you, MWACA! This organization has been extremely valuable in helping me grow my business. It’s life-changing.”

These voices — and so many more — remind us that MWACA isn’t just an organization. It’s a family.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

MWACA’s growth and success wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. From industry-leading companies to allied businesses who believe in what we’re building, each partner has played a role in helping us achieve more for our members.

Our biggest supporter, Federated Insurance, has been with us every step of the way — investing in our vision and helping us provide resources that strengthen independent shops across the Midwest. Beyond Federated, dozens of allied members have contributed not only financial support, but also time, expertise, and resources that make events like VISION and member programs possible.

Their commitment has allowed MWACA to deliver world-class training, expand networking opportunities, and continue raising the bar for the automotive service industry. On this 7-year milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Every new initiative, every growth statistic, every success story is a reflection of their partnership and belief in our mission.

Looking Ahead

Seven years is a milestone — but it’s also just the beginning. MWACA’s commitment to innovation, education, and community is stronger than ever. From expanding member benefits and mentorship to continuing the legacy of VISION, we’re ready to shape the future of the automotive service industry together.

Seven years ago, MWACA began with a vision and a promise. Today, it stands as a thriving, respected, and impactful alliance. To our members, partners, and friends: thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the past seven years — and to the many more milestones to come!