Big Turnout for 2016 AASP/NJ Annual Meeting

This past Wednesday, over 115 industry members came together for a night of celebration, appreciation and awareness at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) 2016 Annual Meeting, held at the Gran Centurions Banquet Hall in Clark, NJ. AASP/NJ Executive Director, Charles Bryant expressed his gratitude for such an amazing turnout and before breaking for dinner, Bryant introduced the association’s president, Jeff McDowell to say a few words.

“I would like for our Board of Directors around the room to please stand so that they can be acknowledged. Come on, guys don’t be bashful,” said McDowell as the room filled with laughter and the board members began to rise from their chairs. “These are the guys who do all the hard work and don’t get paid for it. Thank you so much for your commitment.”

After dinner, Tom Elder, AASP/NJ treasurer and Thomas Greco, AASP/NJ secretary announced the Slate of Officers who were up for reelection for 2016-2018, Mike Kauffman, Anthony Sauta, Dave Laganella and Dennis Cataldo. They were reelected unanimously and following their congratulations, Bryant and McDowell presented Dean Massimini of Autotech Collision Service Inc., with the award for Stan Wilson New Jersey Automotive Auto Body Shop of the Year.

“Stan was my best friend and he was a fighter just like you,” said McDowell. “I’m so honored to have you get that award with his name on it because he would be very proud to have it go to someone like you.”

Elder carried on the sentimental momentum with the next award in memoriam of his dear friend and former AASP/NJ president, Russ Robson.

“Russ Robson was one of my best friends and after he suddenly passed away in 2001, we immediately created the Russ Robson scholarship award for him so that we could honor his name and all that he did for the industry,” continued Elder.

Robson’s wife, Luci, presented a young and ambitious Kyle Bossick of Ocean Bay Auto with the plaque and scholarship money. The third and final recipient of the evening was Phil Dolcemascolo of B&C Auto Services, who received the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame award, presented by Greco. Following the award ceremony, Bryant introduced attendees to the evening’s special guest, Allan Smith, Northeast Regional Manager of I-CAR.

After the I-CAR presentation, Bryant announced the remainder of the evening would be spent having an open forum to discuss any industry issues, concerns or questions. The topics varied from pre- and post-repair scanning to insurance interference.

“It is events like this that make our association possible. Without all of you supporting us, we wouldn’t be here,” said Bryant in his closing message as he addressed the room. “Thank you so much to everyone who came out to spend the evening with us. ASSP/NJ is proud to call everyone in this room a friend and we look forward to what the next year has in store for this great industry.”

For more information on AASP/NJ contact Charles Bryant at (732) 922-8909.

For more information on the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, please visit www.aaspnjnortheast.com.