Of the more than 759,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 20 outstanding individuals have qualified for the prestigious 2012 World Class Technician Award. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (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, NY

•  Thomas R. Bowles, Heathsville, VA

•  Michael C. Cain, Grapevine, TX

•  Stephen P. Clark, Sr., Kingwood, TX

•  Paul T. Dawson, Highland, UT

•  Timothy W. Feldhaus, Kettle Falls, WA

•  Ricardo G. Garcia, Crystal Lake, IL

•  David D. Houk, Springtown, TX

•  Victor A. Jackson, Mount Laurel, NJ

•  James W. Kendig, Springfield, OH

•  Craig A. Lampe, Grapevine, TX

•  Kirk A. Mahaffy, Grapevine, TX

•  Robert A. McNamee, Hinckley, IL

•  Dale B. Nicholson, Shakopee, MN

•  Guy H. Rennow, Grapevine, TX

•  Jeremy K. Richardson, Windsor, PA

•  Thomas A. Southward, San Diego, CA

•  David M. Utz, Villa Ridge, MO

•  James R. Whelan, III, Petersburg, VA

•  Jeremy J. Wiggins, Huffman, TX

“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, MI.