Mecum Archives - TechForce

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024

CRC-Sponsored GTO Goes to Auction to Support the Trades Through TechForce Foundation

Supercharged, resto mod 2006 GTO to be auctioned by MECUM Auto Auction on May 15, 2024.

April 9, 2024 — Horsham, PA — A modified, upgraded, and perfectly preserved 2006 Pontiac GTO sponsored by CRC Industries will be auctioned May 15, 2024 with all proceeds going to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds education for and champions young people aspiring to work in the trades. Tuned by a famously-skilled crew, including NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Clay Millican, Jeff Lutz of Street Outlaws and Jeffrey Lutz of Lutz Race Cars, the GTO will be auctioned by MECUM Auto Auction at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Bidders can register online at: www.mecum.com/lots/1110407/2006-pontiac-gto/.

CRC Industries launched the “CRC Build for the Future Scholarship” program in cooperation with TechForce to inspire young men and women to explore a rewarding career in a technical trade and empower them through strong community, scholarships and career placement programs to achieve their dreams. CRC sponsored the GTO build to provide TechForce Foundation with funds for scholarships. The higher the bids, the more the scholarship will be granted as 100% of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to TechForce. At a minimum, Five scholarships will be awarded for industrial/welding, five for automotive education, and at least three of the scholarships will be awarded to women.

In announcing the auction, TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher noted, “We’re thrilled to partner with CRC Industries on this initiative. We share the same mission of helping young people find rewarding careers in the trades. We’re tremendously grateful for CRC’s financial support and the time and effort their team has put into helping to make the TechForce Foundation scholarship program a success.”

Raquel Wenger, CRC Director of Marketing, Americas, added, “We believe that investing in the next generation of technicians is vital to the sustainability of the trades. We partnered with TechForce, Clay Millican, and Jeff Lutz on the 2006 Pontiac GTO not only to provide scholarships for technical education, but also to shine a light on the opportunities available for young people looking for a rewarding long-term career.”

To apply for the CRC-sponsored scholarships, applicants can register through TechForce at: techforce.org/app/sign-up. By joining TechForce’s online network, applicants gain access to many other scholarships offered through TechForce™ in addition to the CRC scholarship.

To learn more about TechForce scholarships and the CRC-sponsored GTO build, visit: crcbuildforthefuture.com.

To learn more about CRC Industries, visit www.crcindustries.com or follow the CRC brand on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

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About CRC
CRC Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the production of specialty products and formulations for the do-it-yourselfer and maintenance professional—the people who keep everyone moving forward in a world that never stops. For more than 65 years, we’ve been rolling up our sleeves to create products and solutions that are born from, and tested in, the important work that gets done every day around the world. Serving the automotive, industrial, electrical, marine, heavy truck, hardware, and aviation markets, CRC trademarked brands include: CRC®, Brakleen®, Evapo-Rust®, K&W®, Marykate®, SmartWasher®, Sta-Lube®, and Weld-Aid®.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $4 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024

TechForce Announces Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winners, Honors Future and Working Techs for Commitment to Industry

Indianapolis High School Student and San Antonio CarMax Technician Celebrated Nationally for Inspiring Next Generation of Techs in Event at Mecum Glendale

March 7, 2024 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation has announced Misael Rodriguez of Ben Davis High School and Dustin Thomas of CarMax as Grand Prize Winners in the 6th annual Techs Rock Awards, recognizing both technical students’ and professional technicians’ commitment to the profession. The Future Tech and Working Tech winners were honored Thursday in a ceremony hosted at Mecum Glendale 2024 at State Farm Stadium. Read the winners’ bios at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

TechForce Foundation’s Techs Rock Awards is the premier awards program honoring student and professional technicians’ dedication to their craft and to motivating others to pursue technical education and careers. An expert panel of celebrity judges reviewed hundreds of nominations to select ten Finalists representing categories including Automotive & Motorsports; Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine; Collision, Restoration & Welding; Diesel; and Emerging Technologies. Misael Rodriguez and Dustin Thomas were selected by popular vote to receive the Grand Prize, with over 10,000 votes cast.

The pressing national demand for top-tier technicians–nearly three job openings for every tech school graduate–drives the Techs Rock Awards. Honorees serve as true role models, inspiring the next generation and fueling the pipeline of future technicians.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize Misael Rodriguez and Dustin Thomas in person and with the nation,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Their commitment to the technician profession inspires others, and their success is a testament to the opportunities afforded by professional technician careers. Join TechForce in congratulating all of the Techs Rock Awards honorees who keep America moving and help our communities thrive.”

Future Tech Grand Prize Winner Misael Rodriguez is an 11th-grade automotive technology student at Ben Davis High School and Area 31 Career Center in Indianapolis. “I felt the calling to be a technician at age 13 when my uncle and I replaced the starter solenoid on my dad’s truck. I will always remember the feeling I got when the truck started because we fixed it.”

As a first-generation Mexican-American, Misael has had to find his own connections to the industry. SkillsUSA has presented him with these opportunities, and Misael is all in. “I’ll compete for SkillsUSA Auto Maintenance Light and Repair this year with my group of 4. I’m the only first-year student in my group, and we hope to win Regionals!” He is also in the running for SkillsUSA Indiana State Officer and is on a team competing for the organization’s community service award by providing no-cost auto services.

Misael reflected on winning the Future Tech Grand Prize, “Winning the Grand Prize is a milestone achieved with the help of friends, family, community and God. This award will help me with tools and motivate me to continue what I love. I want this opportunity to motivate more students and technicians not to give up and see that anything can be achieved. No matter what race, age, or gender you are, anything is possible with commitment and dedication. My goal is to become a leader, help others, and help my community and peers grow and prosper!”

Working Tech Grand Prize Winner Dustin Thomas is an automotive technician with CarMax in San Antonio. “After seeing from friends how unique and cool the automotive world could be, I was hooked… I worked at a small shop for two years after completing my Associate in Automotive Technology in 2015, and later continued my growth by accepting a position with CarMax.”

Dustin has established himself as a leader in his shop and his community. “I have attained all A1-A8 and L1 ASE advanced certifications, allowing me to be promoted to CarMax’s highest level of technician positions.” Dustin has worked with high school auto tech students and volunteered to support youth as far as 2+ hours from his home.

Dustin remarked on being named Grand Prize Winner, “I’m just amazed and so happy for this opportunity I’ve been given! I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, friends, and incredible work family at CarMax. CarMax has allowed me tremendous growth in the past 6.5 years, and I’m grateful to be recognized and supported by my leadership. I’d like to thank TechForce for helping shed light on our industry and promote further growth for our future techs. I feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen. I hope my story can inspire our up-and-coming generations to work hard and pursue an education and career in the technical industry.”

As Grand Prize Winners, Misael and Dustin each received a trip to Glendale, Arizona to enjoy Mecum Glendale 2024 and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit. The Grand Prize Winners will also receive a NAPA Carlyle toolbox stocked with Carlyle tools valued at $8K each. Thanks to TechForce partner Hertz, Grand Prize Winners will also receive a week-long rental of a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) and experience the thrill of eco-friendly, high-performance driving in style! Each of the eight Runners Up will also receive a $500 AutoZone gift card and a GEARWRENCH Modular Tool Set valued up to $1,000.

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November 21, 2023November 21, 2023

TechForce Foundation and Mecum Auctions Partner to Open Nominations for 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards

6th Annual TechForce Awards to honor students AND technicians for the first time

November 21, 2023 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, has joined forces with Mecum Auctions to announce the opening of nominations for the highly anticipated 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards. This year, the Awards will honor both working and aspiring student technicians, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. Nominations are now being accepted until January 14, 2024, at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

The Techs Rock Awards will recognize outstanding students and professional technicians in five categories: Automotive & Motorsports; Diesel; Collision, Restoration & Welding; Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine; and Evolving Technologies.

Category Winners will go on to compete in a public vote, with the one student and one professional tech Grand Prize Winners to each receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona to enjoy Mecum Auction Glendale and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit.

Mecum Auctions, a first-time partner of the Techs Rock Awards, is “thrilled to be part of this initiative during a time when there is a growing public interest in high-tech, hands-on technical careers,” says David Magers, CEO of Mecum Auctions.

TechForce established the Techs Rock Awards to honor the dedication and passion for the profession demonstrated by aspiring and working technicians. These individuals serve as true role models, inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts.

“The Techs Rock Awards are special because they celebrate those committed to keeping America rolling. We need skilled technicians so that our cars start, airplanes fly and trucks move,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “After 5 years of honoring students and technicians separately, the 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards are the greatest opportunity yet for the industry to recognize their workforce of today and tomorrow.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 75 technicians and technician students, providing over $131,000 in scholarships and prizes. This program has been instrumental in promoting the importance of technical education and highlighting the immense value that skilled technicians bring to our world.

“Your nomination matters,” continues Maher. “By submitting a nomination your institution demonstrates a dedication to your industry’s excellence and growth, elevates your brand to align with excellence and innovation, and helps foster a culture of appreciation and motivation within your institution and industry.”

Nominations for the 6th Annual Techs Rock Awards are now open until January 14, 2024. Eligible nominees include professional transportation technicians and technical students studying or working in any of the award categories. To learn more about the nomination process and to submit a nomination for yourself or someone you know, please visit TechForce.org/TechsRock.

About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. Mecum Auctions is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has specialized in the sale of collector cars for more than 35 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $2.3 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

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September 6, 2022December 8, 2022

Mecum, TechForce, Dallas ISD provide student experience designed to spark interest in transportation tech careers

MEDIA ALERT

Mecum Auctions and TechForce Foundation Team Up with Dallas ISD to Provide Autotech Students Experience Designed to Spark Interest in Transportation Tech Careers

Students get revved up for futures working on muscle cars, Hot Rods and customs as auctioned at Mecum Dallas 2022 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

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WHO:

200 autotech students from four Dallas Independent School District high schools

WHEN:

Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT

WHERE:

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202

WHAT:

The autotech students, part of the Career and Technical Education programs, will begin this school year visiting Mecum Dallas 2022, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Dallas Convention Center this Sept. 7-10 featuring an estimated 1,500 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to cross the auction block.

Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company and TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to workforce development for technician careers, have teamed with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) to provide CTE students a tour of the auction venue and display of the consigned vehicles. Representatives of Mecum Auctions and TechForce will welcome the students and teachers.

TechForce coordinates events to provide students the opportunity to explore rewarding and high-tech careers such as transportation technicians. The national shortage of trained techs is critical with five open jobs for every tech school graduate. Mecum Auctions partners with TechForce on student experiences at other auction venues, also. Someday, these aspiring techs will build and tune these rolling works of art that are the result of their passion for craftsmanship, hands-on skills and technology.

About TechForce:

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially-disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

About Mecum:

The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for more than 30 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars offered at auction, No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars sold at auction, No. 1 in the U.S. with number of auction venues, No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the world’s largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas.

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