The “AVI Education Scholarship” from the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), in conjunction with Automotive Video, Inc. (AVI), has been presented to Ryan Sacha, Elizabeth Tidwell and Tami Wagster. The scholarship recognizes automotive service professionals who have a strong desire to improve their management and technical skills. Each recipient receives $1,000 to be applied toward expenses to attend AMI seminars offered during the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas, November 1-3.

Sacha, administrative manager for Automotive Excellence, Inc., Royalton, Ohio, has worked in the automotive service industry for 10 years and is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. He recently graduated from Bowling Green University with a B.S. in Marketing and Business Administration. When not working in the shop, he contributes his time to various community and industry organizations.

“I’m honored to receive this important and prestigious industry award. It offers me a great opportunity to attend this premier event and I look forward to attending the seminars and exhibits,” said Sacha.

Tidwell, office manager for Kittle’s Garage, N. Little Rock, Arkansas, has worked in the automotive service industry for nine years. She is an ASE Certified Service Consultant and a Certified Alldata Information Specialist. She is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s AAM designation. When not working in the shop, she contributes her time to various community and church organizations.

“I’m honored to receive this award and have the opportunity to continue working toward my AAM designation. I strongly believe that continuing education is essential in our industry,” said Tidwell.

Wagster, owner of Mobile Maintenance & Mechanics, Inc., Redmond, Washington, has worked in the automotive service industry for five years and is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. She is a member of ASA and currently serves as secretary for the Seattle/East King County chapter. When not working in the shop, she contributes her time to various community and industry organizations.

 “I’m honored to receive this industry award. It offers me the opportunity to attend this educational event and share the knowledge I obtain with the rest of our team,” said Wagster.

2007 Emil Stanley Merit Award

Raleigh Walker, manager for A.C. Proctor’s Paint & Body, Inc., Augusta, Ga., is the recipient of this year’s Emil Stanley Merit Award.

The award honors Emil Stanley who was publisher of Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) until his death in 1989. Mr. Stanley was committed to strengthening the professionalism of the collision repair industry through education. He was recognized as a strong advocate of the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), the world's largest collision repair event sponsored annually by ASA.

Walker has worked in the collision industry for 25 years and is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. He currently holds several I-CAR and ASE certifications. When not working in the shop, he contributes his time to various community organizations.

As the scholarship recipient, Walker will receive complimentary registration, air transportation, and hotel accommodations to attend NACE 2007, October 31 - November 3, in Las Vegas.

“It is an honor to receive this award. I have always believed that education and knowledge, as well as first-hand experience, are the keys to success in this industry.  I look forward to attending NACE and experiencing a variety of educational sessions and networking with other industry professionals, ” said Walker.

The Emil Stanley award is made possible by a grant from ASA to EXCEL, AMI's resource development program.