Of the more than 871,000 automotive technicians working in the U.S., nine outstanding individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association announced recently. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2006 test administrated by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

The nine World Class Technicians are: David R. Clark, Hollywood, FL; Glenn A. Costello, Las Vegas; Jason Dube, The Woodlands, TX; Steven L. Franklin, Oxnard, CA; Matthew M. Gareis, Round Lake Beach, IL; Chuck Harvey, Hackettstown, NJ; Neil R. Martin, Clinton, MD; Gary S. Stonestreet, Fontana, CA; and Albert B. Unruh, Philadelphia.

Recipients receive a certificate, an engraved toolbox plate and an embroidered shoulder insignia, and their names are permanently inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI.

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