Of the more than 759,000 automotive technicians working in the United
States, just 20 outstanding individuals have qualified for the
prestigious 2012 World Class Technician Award, presented by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
AAIA and ASE work together to recognize these professional technicians
who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas
during the 2011 test administrated by ASE.
The 2012 World Class Technicians are:
· Chris M. Beckhans, Centereach, N.Y.
· Thomas R. Bowles, Heathsville, Va.
· Michael C. Cain, Grapevine, Texas
· Stephen P. Clark, Sr., Kingwood, Texas
· Paul T. Dawson, Highland, Utah
· Timothy W. Feldhaus, Kettle Falls, Wash.
· Ricardo G. Garcia, Crystal Lake, Ill.
· David D. Houk, Springtown, Texas
· Victor A. Jackson, Mount Laurel, N.J.
· James W. Kendig, Springfield, Ohio
· Craig A. Lampe, Grapevine, Texas
· Kirk A. Mahaffy, Grapevine, Texas
· Robert A. McNamee, Hinckley, Ill.
· Dale B. Nicholson, Shakopee, Minn.
· Guy H. Rennow, Grapevine, Texas
· Jeremy K. Richardson, Windsor, Pa.
· Thomas A. Southward, San Diego, Calif.
· David M. Utz, Villa Ridge, Mo.
· James R. Whelan, III, Petersburg, Va.
· Jeremy J. Wiggins, Huffman, Texas
“The AAIA World Class Technician Award is for automotive diagnostic and
repair professionals what the Super Bowl is for professional football
players or what the Stanley Cup is for hockey players,” said Kathleen
Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Just imagine the knowledge and skills
needed by a technician to pass 22 ASE tests. These folks are truly the
best of the best, and we are proud to be associated with them through
our annual recognition in conjunction with ASE.”
“This recognition partnership between AAIA and ASE goes back 26 years
and represents the most significant achievement award available to our
ASE-certified professionals,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO.
“ASE is grateful for the support AAIA provides to our service
professionals in recognizing these outstanding individuals each year and
we celebrate over a quarter century of this commitment to excellence
with AAIA.”
Since the World Class Technician recognition was established 26 years
ago, only 1,833 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a
special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and AAIA, a logo
medallion and embroidered shoulder insignia. Additionally, their name is
perpetually inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall
of Fame in Dearborn, Mich.
