Auto Care Association and ASE select 2015 World Class Technicians

Of the more than 840,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 17 outstanding individuals have qualified for the prestigious 2015 World Class Technician Award. The Auto Care Association 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 2014 test administrated by ASE.  The 2015 World Class Technicians are: 

• Richard Bornhorst, Des Plaines, Ill.
• David Bourn, Las Vegas, Nev.
• Benjamin Brown, Joliet, Ill.
• Charles Cole, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Jerry Drake, Tucson, Ariz.
• Richard Forstner, Baltimore, Md.
• Fred Goodgame, Hesperia, Calif.
• Gary Harvey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Timothy Kennedy, Streamwood, Ill.
• David Lemeilleur, Kerrville, Texas
• Robert Macas, Oak Lawn, Ill.
• Scott Mcdonald, Hendersonvlle, Tenn.
• Bruce Morris, Spring, Texas
• Brian Perry, Houston, Texas
• Walter Ralph, Bradenton, Fla.
• Daniel Riley, Philadelphia, Pa.
• Philip Sonnenburg, Grapevine, Texas

“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,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Passing 22 ASE tests is a monumental achievement requiring exceptional knowledge and skills.” “This recognition partnership between the Auto Care Association and ASE represents one of the most significant achievement awards available to our ASE-certified professionals,” said 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 and we celebrate over a quarter century of this commitment to excellence with the Auto Care Association.” Since the World Class Technician recognition was established 29 years ago, only 1,902 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association, 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. About ASEIncorporated 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 AssociationBased in Bethesda, Md., the Auto Care Association has more than 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.