Seventeen automotive technicians have qualified for the 2017 World Class Technician Award.
The Auto Care Association and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recognize these technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2016 test administrated by ASE. The 2017 World Class Technicians are:
- Dale Banfi, Downers Grove, Ill.
- James Bennett, Jr., Norfolk, Va.
- Justin Buckler, Mechanicsville, Md.
- Karl Chabowski, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
- Joe Gould, Hastings, Fla.
- Kenneth Grabowski, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
- Kelley Hatlee, Gillespie, Ill.
- Matt Krull, Lester Prairie, Minn.
- Andrew Lewis, Island Lake, Ill.
- James Mcleod Sr., Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
- Dwayne Myers, Woodsboro, Md.
- Gary Sapp, Pensacola, Fla.
- John Steinacker, Lamy, N.M.
- Tony Tasillo, Moffat, Ontario, Canada
- Lewis Vicinus Jr., Millville, N.J.
- John Villa, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
- Ernest Worner, Plantersville, Texas
There are more than 895,300 automotive technicians working in the United States,according to the Auto Care Association.
“Recipients of the World Class Technician Award are truly the best of the best and the Auto Care Association is proud to recognize these professionals with ASE,” says Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Passing 22 ASE tests is a monumental achievement requiring exceptional knowledge and skills.”
The recognition partnership between the Auto Care Association and ASE represents one of the most significant achievement awards available to ASE-certified professionals, according to Tim Zilke, president and CEO, ASE.
“ASE is grateful for the support the Auto Care Association provides to our service professionals in recognizing these outstanding individuals each year. We celebrate more than a quarter century of this commitment to excellence with the Auto Care Association.”
Since the World Class Technician recognition was established more than 30 years ago, only 1,931 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association and an embroidered shoulder insignia.
About ASE
Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, there are more than 300,000 ASE-certified professionals working in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit www.ase.com.
About the Auto Care Association
Based in Bethesda, Md., the Auto Care Association has nearly 3,000 member companies that represent some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service and repair. Visit www.autocare.org.