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Year: 2019

2019 Techs Rock People’s Choice Grand Prize Winner

 

NEWS RELEASE

TechForce Announces the 2019 Techs Rock People’s Choice
Grand Prize Winner – Melina Algier of Farnsworth Chevrolet

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — December 10, 2019 — TechForce Foundation, announces that Melina Algier, a service technician at Farnsworth Chevrolet in Canandaigua, New York has been named the 2019 People’s Choice Grand Prize Winner of its second annual Techs Rock Awards. The awards recognize working technicians who are striving to mentor and inspire the next generation of technicians, bringing excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrating passion and commitment to the profession. TechForce is a non-profit organization focused on championing students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians.

Algier prevailed over four other finalists who competed in an online, people’s choice vote in which more than 4,000 votes were cast. In addition to the TechForce $1,000 tool voucher sponsored by Snap-on® that she received for winning Rookie of the Year, Melina will receive roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations to Scottsdale, Arizona to enjoy Arizona Auto Week 2020 and be honored at the annual TechForce Foundation Summit.

When Melina Algier heard she won the Grand Prize vote, she exclaimed, “That’s amazing! I’m honestly shocked… it’s an honor.” According to Algier, “I have dedicated myself to proving that women can work in the automotive industry and that a young adult could have the strength and ability to learn hands-on through their peers and an open understanding mind. Given the opportunity GM gave me, I’ve been able to move up to line tech in under a year. They’ve given me every resource I need to move up such as: training, special tools, resources and a friendly environment.”

“The fact that the public chose Melina as it Grand Prize Winner shows that attitudes about women techs are changing as they are being recognized for their capable contributions. She sets a great example for others to follow,” states Jennifer Maher, Executive Director of TechForce Foundation.

About Melina from her nomination: “Melina joined the shop a year and a half ago with only one year experience as a lube tech at an establishment that told her that was all she could do because she was a girl. As the first female technician in our dealership, she quickly graduated from maintenance work to a line technician. In 12 months she has completed over 70 GM certified courses and is now ready to start testing for ASE certifications. Melina now trains new incoming students and interns… She simply gets along with everyone. Mel has a great ability to work smarter, not stronger. She is very ingenious in using tools and research to make heavy jobs easier. She has a tremendous work ethic, arrives on time every day, and is eager to listen and learn from senior technicians. On days with heavy snow, Melina is the first to work and helps clear snow from sidewalks and customers’ cars. Melina has broken a lot of stereotypes around the industry being only for men. She is a wonderful example of dedication and pursuing the career that you want, not the one others think you should have…”

“It’s been amazing to see the energy, enthusiasm and engagement the industry’s had for the Techs Rock Awards,” shares Julia Landauer, participating judge and NASCAR race car driver. “This award isn’t about how fast they can turn a wrench or their technical achievements, but about giving back, being involved in the lives of future techs, and helping others who want to follow in their steps succeed.”

More than 280 working techs nationwide were nominated for one of five categories. TechForce Foundation’s panel of industry judges selected category winners who then competed in a national online vote for Peoples’ Choice Grand Prize Winner. Category judges included Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Greg Rintala, Snap-on Tools; Lyn St. James, race car driver; Tommy and Stephanie Pike, Tommy Pike Customs; and Julia Landauer, NASCAR driver. Category winners were:

  • Pay It Forward – Jason Katzenberger, Kunes Country Ford in Delavan, Wisconsin
  • Rookie of the Year – Melina Algier, Farnsworth Chevrolet in Canandaigua, New York
  • Die Hard Tech – Christopher Owen,M. Burritt Motors in Oswego, New York
  • Outstanding Mentor – Michael Owens, Fullerton Ford in Somerville, New Jersey
  • Barrier Buster – Samantha Britton, Billy Howell Lincoln Ford in Cumming, Georgia

To learn more about the 2019 Techs Rock Awards and the other category winners, please visit: www.TechForce.org/TechsRock

Photos at:

About TechForce Foundation(www.techforce.org)
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce awards more than $2.0 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads FutureTech Success®, the industry-wide initiative to encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Media Contact:
 
TechForce – Mike Pressendo, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer
TechForce Foundation
623-445-9354
mpressendo@techforce.org

-end-

 

Announcing 2019 Techs Rock Awards Category Winners

 

NEWS RELEASE

TechForce Foundation Announces its 2019 Techs Rock Awards Winners

Five transportation technicians recognized as outstanding mentors, role models and professionals – now compete for People’s Choice Grand Prize Award.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — December 2, 2019 — TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on championing students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians, announces the 2019 winners of its second annual Techs Rock Awards. The awards recognize working technicians who are striving to mentor and inspire the next generation of technicians, bringing excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrating passion and commitment to the profession.

TechForce Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on championing students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians, announces the 2019 winners of its second annual Techs Rock Awards. The awards recognize working technicians who are striving to mentor and inspire the next generation of technicians, bringing excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrating passion and commitment to the profession.

“Our country’s technicians are skilled professionals who also give generously of their time and talent –both at work and in their communities– to inspire the next generation of qualified technicians,” states Jennifer Maher, Executive Director of TechForce Foundation. “They deserve our appreciation and recognition. We are pleased to see women win two categories this year as we continue to raise awareness around their capable contributions.”

More than 250 working techs nationwide were nominated for one of five categories, including Pay it Forward, Rookie of the Year, Die Hard Tech, Outstanding Mentor, and Barrier Buster. TechForce Foundation’s panel of industry judges included Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Greg Rintala, Snap-on Tools; Lyn St. James, Racecar Driver; Tommy and Stephanie Pike, Tommy Pike Customs; and Julia Landauer, NASCAR Driver. Each celebrity judge selected a category winner, who will receive a TechForce $1,000 tool voucher sponsored by Snap-on®.

Congratulations to Pay It Forward winner Jason Katzenberger – Kunes Country Ford in Delavan, Wisconsin; Rookie of the Year winner Melina Algier – Farnsworth Chevrolet in Canandaigua, New York; Die Hard Tech winner Christopher Owen – R.M. Burritt Motors in Oswego, New York; Outstanding Mentor winner Michael Owens – Fullerton Ford in Somerville, New Jersey; Barrier Buster winner Samantha Britton – Billy Howell Lincoln Ford in Cumming, Georgia.

These five category winners now compete in an online, people’s choice award vote that will run through Friday, December 6 at 5 PM EST. The public can vote at techforce.org/vote. The Grand Prize Winner will receive roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations to Scottsdale, Arizona to enjoy Arizona Auto Week 2020 and be honored at the annual TechForce Foundation Summit.

About the 2019 TechForce Foundation Techs Rock Award winners:

“Pay it Forward” Category Winner:
Jason Katzenberger – Kunes Country Ford in Delavan, Wisconsin
Why Jason was nominated: “As a diesel tech, most of his clients rely on their vehicles for work and can’t necessarily get a loaner or rental. Jason often stays late, comes in early and works through his lunch breaks to ensure customers vehicles are completed when they need to be. When a customer could not afford their repairs, Jason talked to the dealership owner and arranged to repair the vehicle without being paid for his work as long as the dealership covered the parts cost. Jason even stayed late to complete the repair. He not only loves his work, he genuinely cares for his community.”

“Rookie of the Year” Category Winner:
Melina Algier – Farnsworth Chevrolet in Canandaigua, New York
Why Melina was nominated: “Melina joined the shop a year and a half ago and is the first female technician in the dealership. She quickly graduated from maintenance work to a line technician. In 12 months she has completed over 70 GM certified courses and is now ready to start testing for ASE certifications. Melina has broken a lot of stereotypes around the industry being only for men. She is a wonderful example of dedication and pursuing the career that you want, not the one others think you should have…”

“Die Hard Tech” Category Winner:
Christopher Owen – R.M. Burritt Motors in Oswego, New York
Why Christopher was nominated: “Chris has been employed at Burritt Chevrolet-Buick, for 10 years. In that time he has risen to the top of the ranks. He holds the highest long-term production average of any employee, and will soon achieve World Class Technician (WCT) status. Chris is an excellent mentor to our apprentice technicians. He is sparking a passion for production and education in the next generation. Chris has participated in EVERY employee volunteer day available, and is typically the one leading the charge.

“Outstanding Mentor” Category Winner:
Michael Owens – Fullerton Ford in Somerville, New Jersey
Why Michael was nominated: “Over his 30 years as a member of the Fullerton Ford team Michael has shown leadership and compassion. He is always there for anyone that needs guidance, and leads the team by example. For the past 20 years Michael is the main technician that trains all the new hires. He is always willing to help and also willing to learn. He is a very positive influence. Michael has a calm way of helping new employees, and will always stop what he doing to help somebody else…”

“Barrier Buster” Category Winner:
Samantha Britton – Billy Howell Lincoln Ford in Cumming, Georgia
Why Samantha was nominated: “Samantha is the only female technician in our dealership. She started her career 13 years ago as a porter, and is now one of our lead technicians. She has a tireless attitude toward growing our younger technicians’ knowledge and abilities. …She has eclipsed the barrier that female technicians often face in this industry and has earned the respect of her peers and co-workers through her outstanding work ethic and attitude. She shares in her team’s success and failures, and puts the needs of the team in front of her own.”

To learn more about the 2019 Techs Rock Awards, please visit: www.TechForce.org/TechsRock

About TechForce Foundation(www.techforce.org)
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce awards more than $2.0 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads FutureTech Success®, the industry-wide initiative to encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Media Contact:
 
TechForce – Mike Pressendo, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer
TechForce Foundation
623-445-9354
mpressendo@techforce.org

 

 

Strategic alliance announced between America’s Automotive Trust and TechForce Foundation

 

NEWS RELEASE

TechForce Foundation and America’s Automotive Trust Announce Strategic Alliance and Shared CEO

  • The integration of complementary missions and overall cost efficiencies promise more value to the constituents served by both organizations

  • Jennifer Maher will lead wide-ranging efforts for the new alliance as CEO

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and TACOMA, Wash. — October 29, 2019 — TechForce Foundation and America’s Automotive Trust have announced a new strategic alliance that unites the organizations under the leadership of one shared vision and CEO. The new alliance focuses on programming that celebrates the past, present and future of mobility and inspires future generations of students to consider a career path in automotive technology.

“The alliance between America’s Automotive Trust and TechForce underscores both organizations’ commitment to being as efficient as possible while making the largest contribution we can in furthering our respective goals,” said Warren DeBardelaben, Chairman of TechForce Foundation. “Bringing these two groups together leads to a stronger collaborative impact on the auto industry, the culture and celebration of the car culture – and to our collective ability to provide career paths in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, motorsports and restoration industry.”

“Working synergistically allows both of our organizations to make a greater impact on the automotive industry as a whole, whether that’s new or vintage automobiles,” said Corry McFarland, Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust. Chairmen DeBardelaben and McFarland announced the strategic alliance, naming nonprofit management veteran Jennifer Maher as the dually-appointed CEO of the entities.

“The strategic alliance is designed to achieve three primary objectives – unite complementary goals under a single unified vision, streamline cost efficiencies, and concentrate those efficiencies on providing a greater impact on the missions set forth by TechForce and America’s Automotive Trust,” said Maher. “I’m both honored and excited to be leading this innovative collaboration.”

Maher added that the alliance shares the common vision of being “the” anchor point for those already in the industry – enthusiasts/collectors, technicians and other workforce professionals – while nurturing and developing interest for a next generation of participants. “Through such collaboration, our alliance can effectively balance celebrating automotive history with an exciting future that includes automation, electrification and other new technologies and services,” said Maher.

Maher assumed her new post effective August 1, serving as CEO for America’s Automotive Trust and its partnering service organizations, RPM Foundation and LeMay-America’s Car Museum. She takes over the CEO duties from David Madeira as he retires after 17 years with the organization. Madeira remains Vice Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust’s board of directors and now also serves on TechForce’s board of directors. Likewise, Barry Fodor, a current director of TechForce Foundation, has joined America’s Automotive Trust’s board of directors.

Maher enjoys a 27-year career in nonprofit management, corporate strategic alliances, fundraising, membership, marketing and communications, having served on the national staff for Make-A-Wish America, YMCA of the USA and The Nature Conservancy. Heading up strategic alliances, Jennifer has personally negotiated over $100 million worth of cause partnerships with Disney, General Motors, Nissan North America, Ford Motor Company, PepsiCo, NASCAR, Kimberly-Clark, JCPenney, ESPN, Advance Auto Parts, Sports Illustrated, Universal Technical Institute and Shell Pennzoil, to name a few.

“Kids no longer tinker in the garage; they’re less likely to get their driver’s license when they turn 16; and they view the car more as a vessel to get from here to there than as an extension of their personality or their ‘freedom’ like other generations did,” reflects Maher. “Couple this with the generalization that a four-year degree is the only road to success, and we’ve drastically reduced our skilled trade workforce. This deficit is what this new collaboration will attempt to influence by ensuring a future workforce that keeps America rolling.”

For more information on AAT, visit www.aat.org. More information on the TechForce Foundation can be found at www.techforce.org.

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About America’s Automotive Trust (www.aat.org)
America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to secure America’s automotive heritage and to transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles and the enthusiast community for generations to come. AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club.

About TechForce Foundation(www.techforce.org)
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and is spearheading FutureTech Success®, the industry-wide initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Contact:
 
TechForce – Mike Pressendo (602) 363-8861 mpressendo@techforce.org
AAT/ACM/RPM – Mike Bush (253) 779-8490 mike.bush@aat.org
PCG – Shane Smith (424) 903-3685 ssmith@pacificcommunicationsgroup.com

 

 

TechForce Foundation Honors Technicians at Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance Opening Gala

TechForce Foundation Honors Technicians at Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance Opening Gala

At historic inaugural event, TechForce highlights important role technicians play in classic car restoration;
Receives financial support for scholarships and technician training programs through gala fundraiser

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — October 25, 2019 —TechForce was honored to be the charity beneficiary of the inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’ Elegance Gala on October 25th. It was a spectacular evening representing some of the most significant car collectors, judges, and our esteemed sponsors, including Shell, Pennzoil and UTI.

Jennifer Maher at the Concours d'Elegance Las Vegas 2019
TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher addresses the audience at the inaugural Las Vegas Concours dElegance Opening Night Gala, October 25th, 2019.

The evening celebrated technicians highlighted by Christ Morillon, who spoke about her educational journey and career as a technician. It also featured high school students from Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) along with technicians from area dealerships including Gaudin Porsche, Findlay Cadillac, and Mercedes Benz of Henderson.

UTI Graduate and Tesla Service Technician Crist Morillon addresses Gala Attendees. TechForce Foundation was honored to turn the spotlight to local technicians, to recognize their accomplishments.

 

Cassini family pose with artist, painting, and technician students from the highschool benefitting from the painting’s sale. Top row from left to right: Jennifer Maher (CEO, TechForce Foundation), Joe Cassini, Margie Cassini, Caroline Cassini, Kevin Paige, Scott Berger (Instructor, SECTA). Bottom row from left to right: Students in SECTA’s Transportation Technology program

The big surprise of the evening was the auction of a live painting by automotive artist Kevin Paige, a 1938 Phantom Corsair at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. The art purchased by Joseph Cassini, III, his wife Margie, and their daughter Caroline, who share interests in the automobile hobby. The Cassini’s have attended numerous Concours d’Elegance events, in the U.S. as well as Europe. The Cassini’s have had the fortune of having their cars judged as some of the best in the world, including winning Best of Show twice at the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

 

Monies raised through the auction will benefit future scholarships and support the garage makeover of SECTA, the oldest automotive tech high school in Nevada.

 

 

 

 

 

TechForce auction to support CTE & STEM with LV Concours d’Elegance

 

NEWS RELEASE

Online Mobile Auction to Benefit Educational Non-profit
TechForce Foundation® Begins October 18 at 6 p.m. PT

Auction Items Include Once-in-a-Lifetime Sport and Driving Experiences

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — October 18, 2019 – An online mobile auction to support TechForce Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that supports students pursuing transportation related technical careers – will begin October 18, 2019 at 6 p.m. ET. The auction coincides with the naming of TechForce as the official charity beneficiary of the inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance (LVCE) Opening Night Gala and will last through the Gala’s conclusion on Friday, October 25. The gala itself will be held at the Keep Memory Alive Center and is expected to draw more than 700 guests. To bid in the auction after it goes live at 6 p.m. PT click here>>.

TechForce Foundation champions students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. “The automotive industry is an exciting place for young people, and by encouraging their education and training we not only keep a real hands-on profession alive, but we help students to pursue a good-paying life-long career,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO. “The funds we hope to raise from the mobile auction will aid in scholarships and the expansion of continued grants.”

The TechForce Foundation mobile auction is available for bidding or donations in two ways:

Techforce.givesmart.com
Text: techforce to 52182

Among the notable auction items are sports and driving packages ranging from VIP excursions at the 2020 Acura Grand Prix in Long Beach, 2020 Toronto Indy Car Race, Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas, Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2020 and Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2020, to meet-and-greets with racing legends such as Richard Petty and Bobby Rahal, afternoons with automotive celebrities including Chip Foose, Mike Brewer and Bogi Lateiner, a live painting by preeminent motorsport artist Kevin Paige, and Kentucky Derby, Barrett-Jackson and ESPY Award experiences. To view a full list of auction items after it goes live at 6 p.m. PT visit the auction website>>.

Dollars raised through the Las Vegas Concours d’ Elegance Auction and Gala support TechForce Foundation’s charitable purposes, including high-school auto shop makeovers, starting with Southeast Career Technical Academy* (SECTA), Nevada’s oldest career and technical education (CTE) high school; scholarships for post-secondary technical training; and TechForce’s campaign to break the harmful stigmas that plague the technician profession.

In addition to the online auction, $50 of every Gala ticket purchased goes directly to TechForce Foundation. To purchase Gala tickets click here>>.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $2.0 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and is spearheading FutureTech Success®, the industry-wide initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

About Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance (LVCE)
In the inaugural year, the 2019 Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance brings the historic automobile show to the entertainment capital of the world. LVCE exhibits over 20 classes of rare and unique automobiles invited from around the world, most never before shown in Las Vegas. The four-day event will be hosted at some of Las Vegas’ most prestigious locations including, the Keep Memory Alive Event Center, DragonRidge Country Club at MacDonald Highlands and the iconic Las Vegas Blvd (The Las Vegas Strip). For more information, visit lasvegasconcours.com or follow @LasVegasConcours on Facebook and Instagram.

Links
Online mobile auction: https://techforce.givesmart.com

Opening Night Gala tickets: https://techforce.org/lasvegasconcoursgala

Media Contacts
For TechForce Foundation: Mike Pressendo, mpressendo@techforce.org, 602-363-8861

For Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance: Julian Lupo, julianl@quillinlv.com, 702-818-1637

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John Force Racing joins Advance Auto Parts in supporting TechForce Foundation

Arranged in a line horizontally from left to right, logos of TechForce Foundation, John Force Racing, and Advance Auto Parts

 

NEWS RELEASE

John Force Racing Joins Advance Auto Parts in supporting
TechForce Foundation’s FutureTech Success® Initiative

Organizations will kick off expanded partnership at 2019 NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing Series

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — October 10, 2019 — Advance Auto Parts, a major sponsor of John Force Racing, is bringing the team’s popularity and influence to TechForce Foundation®’s FutureTech Success Initiative, which seeks to educate young men and women, as well as their parents and influencers, about the myriad of opportunities existing in transportation technician careers. John Force Racing will support Advance and TechForce Foundation at races throughout the 2019 NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing Series.

During the 2019 NHRA Mellow Yellow Drag Racing season, Advance Auto Parts, TechForce Foundation and John Force Racing will host local students enrolled in transportation technical programs for a day at the races. These students will be treated to special hospitality events at the John Force Racing pit with the opportunity to meet the team’s drivers. Through this event, students will see for themselves what it takes to be NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car superstars.

“It is imperative that we work as hard as possible to recruit and train the next generation of automotive technicians,” said Lauren Beaulieu, VP of Professional & Product Marketing at Advance Auto Parts. “Advance is proud to partner with John Force Racing to continue our support of TechForce Foundation’s FutureTech Success Initiative, giving young people the opportunity to see the many opportunities available to them when they choose a career in the automotive aftermarket.”

Developed by leading educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) TechForce Foundation, the FutureTech Success® initiative is an industry-wide effort driving tomorrow’s workforce of technicians by inspiring, supporting and connecting middle and high-school students and their influencers with the resources necessary to support their technical education and career development. Since joining in 2016 Advance Auto Parts has pledged $200,000 in support of the campaign.

“We are so excited to get involved with TechForce Foundation and their incredible FutureTech Success® initiative to solve the technician shortage,” said John Force. “This industry means so much to us and without our drivers and pit crew, none of this would be possible. It’s great that students came out to watch all that goes in to allowing us to race and do what we do best!”

“Experience is a key motivator in this industry, so having students out there in the pit atmosphere to watch what goes into transforming the Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars between races is inspiring,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO and Executive Director of TechForce Foundation. “Advance Auto Parts has been a fundamental connector in making this event happen for our students and we could not be more thankful! We are looking forward to continuing this great partnership with one of the biggest leaders in the industry!”

About John Force Racing

John Force Racing, Inc., based in Yorba Linda, Calif., and Brownsburg, Ind., is a professional sports dynasty, one that has earned 20 NHRA championships and claimed 278 professional victories in Funny Car (268) and Top Fuel (10). Led by team owner and driver John Force, a 16-time Funny Car world champion, 1996 Driver of the Year for all of American motor racing, 2011 International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee, and driver of the PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, JFR is additionally comprised of Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS driver Robert Hight, 2017 and 2009 Funny Car world champion and 2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year; Advance Auto Parts Top Fuel driver Brittany Force, 2017 Top Fuel world champion and 2013 NHRA Rookie of the Year; and Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist driver Austin Prock, 2019 Rookie of the Year candidate. For more information, please visit johnforceracing.com.

About Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of July 13, 2019, Advance operated 4,912 stores and 150 Worldpac branches in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also serves 1,250 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $2.0 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and is spearheading FutureTech Success®, the industry-wide initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Media Contacts

For Advance Auto Parts: Matt Johns, matt_johns@richards.com, 214-891-5707

For John Force Racing: Sara Slaughter, sara@johnforceracing.com, 951-212-9818

For TechForce Foundation: Mike Pressendo, mpressendo@techforce.org, 623-445-9354

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Bertoti Family announces memorial scholarship to continue in perpetuity

 

By Greg Settle, TechForce Foundation Director of National Initiatives

 

TechForce Foundation® Willy Bertoti Memorial Scholarship to Continue in Perpetuity

 

At Pottstown High School memorial gathering, Bertoti family
announces the Memorial Scholarship to continue in Willy’s memory

 

Pottstown, PA – October 5, 2019 – It has been five years since Willy Bertoti, an automotive instructor at Pottstown High School in Pottstown, PA passed away unexpectedly. Willy made an impact on everyone his life touched, and especially his students. To honor Willy, friends and co-workers set up the Willy Bertoti Memorial Scholarship Fund with TechForce Foundation, shortly after his passing. To date, there have been seven scholarship recipients receiving support to attend Universal Technical Institute in Exton, PA.

On Saturday, October 5th, a celebration was held at Pottstown High School in honor of Willy. The memorial was organized by the Federation of Pottstown Teachers, among which Willy counted many friends. A small grassy area next to the school’s football field was set aside and dedicated in his memory as a place for reflection and meditation. The special area now is home to a beautiful shade tree, surrounded by flowers. To complete the memorial setting, a very special bench was unveiled, hand-built over many hours by the current automotive class students, constructed mostly from truck parts.

The overarching theme throughout the celebration, as one person after another recalled their memories of Willy, was how much difference one caring person can make in the lives of others.

At the closing of the celebration, Willy’s widow Dolores, along with her son Christopher, announced that the Memorial Scholarship Fund is being set up as a perpetual fund to ensure Pottstown High School students will always benefit from the support of the fund, and to ensure Willy’s memory will live on.

Donations to the fund can be made to the Willy Bertoti Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/TECHFORCE/team/WilliamLBertoti

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Las Vegas School Benefits from Transportation Industry Collaboration

NEWS RELEASE

Las Vegas School Benefits from Transportation Industry Collaboration

TechForce and Las Vegas Concours supporting SECTA with an Extreme Shop Make Over

LAS VEGAS, NV, October 4, 2019 – TechForce Foundation announces its Extreme Shop Makeover of the auto shop program at Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) in Las Vegas. TechForce has brought together great brands like Shell/Pennzoil, Universal Technical Institute, Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance and Barrett-Jackson to provide SECTA students an inspiring learning environment. At 10:15AM on Friday, Oct 4, one-hundred and twenty students from SECTA will be unveiling their vison for the makeover at the TechForce STEM Center Presented by Shell Powered by Pennzoil at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction. They will all be treated to behind the scenes VIP tours accompanied by TV celebrities Bogi Latiner from Motor Trend’s All Girls Garage, and Jeff Allen of CNBC’s Car Chasers. Two lucky students will be opening the day’s auction by dropping the gavel on live television at 11AM.

TechForce is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the mission of championing students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. “We have a significant shortage of tech trained workforce in the automotive industry. Young adults have been encouraged for decades that the road to success is through a four-year college. Today more than ever opportunities for secure, well-paying careers in the automotive industry come through tech training,” shares Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “These are no longer blue-collar, but new-collar careers with a great paycheck. These jobs can’t be outsourced or shipped overseas, and are in high-demand. People talk about jobs, jobs, jobs: this is where good paying jobs are now and into the future.”

“We are so proud to have TechForce as our charity partner for the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance opening night Gala on Oct. 25th at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center.” Said Stuart Sobek, founder and chairman of the Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance. “It will be a spectacular night of entertainment and our goal is to leave a legacy in our community by supporting the garage makeover at the Southeast Career Technical Academy, we have dedicated a percentage of ticket sales, an online and silent auction that will support our efforts.”  For tickets: https://www.lasvegasconcours.com/tickets. Long-time supporters of the TechForce mission, Shell, Pennzoil and Universal Technical Institute, are the Gala’s sponsors.

Ryan Cordia, Principal, Southeast TECH said, "At Southeast Career Technical Academy we strongly believe in providing real-world job training for our students, and then getting them to work. We have awesome students who are ready to be leaders in the field thanks to our amazing instructors. Tech Force shares our vision to support high skill workforce development and job placement. We are very excited to cultivate this partnership and continue the workforce pipeline getting our high skilled students into high skill job opportunities."

Two other noteworthy industry developments include Jennifer Maher being named Woman of the Year by Women in Auto Care. Also, she was named the dually-appointed CEO of both TechForce Foundation and America’s Automotive Trust, two national nonprofits working collaboratively to promote car culture and to encourage development of a future workforce of technicians.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $2.0 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

About Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance (LVCE)

In the inaugural year, the 2019 Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance brings the historic automobile show to the entertainment capital of the world. LVCE exhibits over 20 classes of rare and unique automobiles invited from around the world, most never before shown in Las Vegas. The four-day event will be hosted at some of Las Vegas’ most prestigious locations including, the Keep Memory Alive Event Center, DragonRidge Country Club at MacDonald Highlands and the iconic Las Vegas Blvd (The Las Vegas Strip). Proceeds from the celebrity golf tournament will benefit the LVCE/ArtCenter Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit lasvegasconcours.com or follow @LasVegasConcours on Facebook and Instagram.

About Shell and Pennzoil

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. The Shell downstream organization manages a portfolio of top-quality brands, including the No. 1 selling premium gasoline, Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline, No. 1 selling gasoline, Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, and Pennzoil®, the best-selling, most trusted and preferred motor oil brand in America.

Media Contacts

For TechForce Foundation: Mike Pressendo, mpressendo@techforcefoundation.org, 623-445-9354

For Barrett-Jackson: Matt Ferguson, mferguson@barrett-jackson.com, 480-440-7316

For Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance: Julian Lupo, julianl@quillinlv.com, 702-818-1637

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TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher named Auto Care Woman of the Year

Originally published on TireBusiness.com October 1, 2019.

TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher named Auto Care Woman of the Year

BETHESDA, Md. — October 1, 2019 — Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association, has named TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher as its Auto Care Woman of the Year.

The 2019 Women of the Year Awards, which also include the “Auto Care Woman of Excellence” and “Female Shop Owner of the Year,” will be presented during the Women in Auto Care awards ceremony and reception on Nov. 5 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas during the AAPEX event.

Ms. Maher serves as CEO of TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofits working to promote car culture and to encourage development of a future workforce of technicians. TechForce provides scholarships and grants to support students pursuing technical education and technician careers. She previously served on the national team of Make-A-Wish America, YMCA of the USA and The Nature Conservancy. She personally raised over $100 million and launched the ESPN SportsCenter’s “My Wish” series, now in its 14th year.

The 2019 Women in Autocare award winners are (clockwise, from top, left) Jamie Carlson, Female Shop Owner of the Year; Cindy Frasca, Auto Care Woman of Excellence; and Jennifer Maher, Auto Care Woman of the Year.

The other award winners are:

  • Auto Care Woman of Excellence: Cindy Frasca, chief operating officer of Kukui, a provider of software and websites for auto repair shops. She has spent the last seven years helping the company grow, culminating in the recent $27 million strategic funding by SSM Partners. She is responsible for the company’s financial functions, including accounting, audit, treasury and corporate finance, as well as its human resources activities. Ms. Frasca “is a passionate and active member of Women in Auto Care and a champion for the the advancement of women within the automotive industry,” the association said.

 

  • Female Shop Owner of the Year: Jamie Carlson, owner of Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid of Grand Rapids, Mich. Her shop was awarded the 2018 ACE (Auto Care Career and Education) Award in recognition of her dedication to investing in the growth of their employees’ knowledge and skills through access to professional development and career opportunities. “The Women of the Year Awards honor three outstanding female leaders who have made significant contributions to the auto care community,” Tammy Tecklenburg, president, Women in Auto Care, said. “This is the 16th annual presentation of the Auto Care Women of the Year awards, and we are honored to be able to continue to shine a light on the tremendous value women are bringing to our industry.”

The Women of the Year awards are administered by Women in Auto Care volunteer committee members. The Woman of the Year is chosen based on her significant leadership and contributions to the auto care community throughout her career.

The Female Shop Owner of the Year award is given to an outstanding woman who has a proven record of excellence in the automotive service industry, and the Woman of Excellence award recipient is the Women in Auto Care associate who has provided recent outstanding contributions to the auto care industry.

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Student profile: Daimler Trucks North America ‘Finish First’ scholarship recipient Twyla

 

Student receives Daimler Trucks North America ‘Finish First’ scholarship

 

Meet Twyla. Thanks to TechForce Foundation’s “Daimler Trucks North America ‘Finish First’ MSAT” Scholarship, Twyla completed her advanced technician training earlier this summer and is now pursuing her dream of a career as a professional transportation technician.

 

A portrait of Twyla, recipient of Daimler Trucks North America's Finish First Scholarship

TechForce Foundation heard from Twyla before her graduation, as she reflected on her career choice and the doors her scholarship opened for her.

 

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated with the concept of how things work, how they interact with each other, and being able to take things apart and put them back together. I used to watch my stepdad repair vehicles in his garage as a child.” Twyla said, explaining how she first discovered her interest in transportation technician careers. “As I got older, I became more and more interested in learning how components work and worked with each other. Now that I am pursuing my dreams of being a technician, I want to pass down the knowledge to my daughter.”

 

“…being a technician… is like doing a puzzle. You figure out what the problem is, and then you fix it. I love it!”

Like many aspiring technicians Twyla began her education on her own in her garage at home in New Mexico. When Twyla was admitted to a professional technician training program in Phoenix, Ariz. Twyla was faced with a new set of challenges, not the least of which was the time away from family.

 

“Moving away from home has, by far, been the hardest obstacle I have ever had to overcome,” said Twyla. “I put my life on hold to get an education so I can provide a good future for my daughter. Being away from her is a hard obstacle, but knowing how much she looks up to me is what motivates me to keep going.”

 

Despite facing these challenges, once on campus Twyla chose to donate her time, insight and technical expertise to support her classmates, “I am a Peer Mentor to other students here on campus. I listen and give advice whenever students come to me with questions or for help.”

 

Twyla completed her manufacturer’s advanced training earlier this summer. “I really enjoy working on diesels/trucks. To me, being a technician… diagnosing and repairing a fault is like doing a puzzle. You figure out what the problem is, and then you fix it. I love it!”

 

Congratulations, Twyla! Thank you Daimler Trucks North America for your support of transportation technician students and Career and Technical Education through TechForce Foundation’s scholarships.

 

To apply for TechForce Foundation scholarships, visit techforce.org/scholarships

 

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TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians.

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"By connecting students, instructors, industry pros and working techs, the TechForce Foundation provides unilateral support to the transportation industry’s technician recruiting needs… The administration of our Scholarships by the TechForce team has been instrumental in delivering us with a successful method to gain interest from qualified candidates as well as provide our students with additional assistance to complete their education."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager