AASP/NJ Elects New Board Members, Celebrates Achievements at Annual Meeting

10.28.24 – The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) brought collision repair and automotive professionals from all over the Garden State to celebrate achievements, elect new Board of Directors members and double over in laughter courtesy of legendary comedian Rich Vos during its Annual Meeting held at the Gran Centurions in Clark, NJ on October 23.

Nick Barbera (Union Collision; Union), Todd Fontana (Proline Body & Chassis; Elmwood Park) and Dean Massimini (Autotech Collision Service; Sewell) were elected to their first three-year (2024-2027) term on the AASP/NJ Board of Directors.

“These men will broaden what we have currently in our association,” said AASP/NJ President Ken Miller. “They bring a totally different perspective, and it’s unique from any other shop that we have [on our Board]. I’m looking forward to working with them.”

At every Annual Meeting, AASP/NJ presents the Russ Robson scholarship – named in memory of the former president known for his dedication to training – to a promising automotive worker employed by a member shop in good standing. This year was no different, except the 2024 award was given to two aspiring young professionals: Brayan Colomer (K&L Auto Body; Somerville) and Erick Garcia (Krehel Automotive Repair; Clifton).

Daniel Brandt, Jr., owner of DJ’s Restoration (Ewing) was presented with the 2024 Stan Wilson/New Jersey Automotive Shop of the Year award named in memory of Wilson, an AASP/NJ member who was known for his dedication to the association.

Immediate Past President and current Collision Chairman Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision & Repair; Edison) was inducted into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame.

“I worked as a Board member under Jerry, and no one has more passion about this industry than he does,” shared Miller, who accepted the award on McNee’s behalf. “He’s out there helping members all the time. I have a hard time getting him on the phone because he’s always helping somebody. I also work with him nationally, doing things to represent our state. He served as president of AASP/NJ for six years and as board member for I don’t know how many years. It’s an honor for me to give this award to Jerry.”

Following the presentations and dinner, attendees enjoyed comedic performances by newcomer Danny Braff followed by the legendary HBO, Netflix and Last Comic Standing comedy star Rich Vos, who had the audience roaring in laughter throughout the entire 75-minute set.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Annual Meeting in upcoming issues of New Jersey Automotive, available at grecopublishing.com.

Photo captions: (Featured image) L-R: AASP/NJ Board of Director members Todd Fontana, Ken Miller (President) and Nick Barbera