Joe Amato Inducted into AASP/NJ Hall of Fame

Longtime Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) Board Member Joe Amato of the Amato Agency was inducted into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame late last month at the Holiday Inn of Clark. Amato became the 30th recipient of the association’s highest honor.“Every year, we honor someone who is special to our association by granting them a spot in the Hall of Fame,” Executive Director Charles Bryant said in his induction speech. “If somebody asked me five years ago if we would consider putting an insurance guy into our Hall of Fame, I would have said, ‘No way.’ But Joe Amato has earned this award, our confidence and our trust. Joe sticks up for what’s right.”

“This is a big surprise,” Amato began after accepting his plaque. “I’ve never fixed a fender. I’ve busted a lot of them, but I’ve never fixed any of them. When I first joined this Board, I knew nothing about body shops or body shop programs. But I’ve learned over time what you guys have to go through. That’s why I’ve worked with the rest of the Board to create programs that benefit you.” Amato went on to recognize the association members and their overall importance in the industry and encouraged others to get involved.

“I think you should all try to make a meeting or try to participate on this Board,” he urged. “These are a great bunch of guys to work with. They do a lot to help you guys. We’ve dedicated a lot of time working to improve this industry, improve your benefits, but also to represent you in Trenton.”

He finished off his acceptance speech by thanking the Board again and promising to continue his work to benefit the industry.

For the latest on AASP/NJ’s flagship event, NORTHEAST® 2015, visit www.aaspnjnortheast.com, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show on Facebook, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show YouTube page (www.youtube.com/user/AASPNJNORTHEAST) or on Twitter @AASPNJNORTHEAST.