AASP/NJ awards $5,000 to young technicians at NORTHEAST 2026

Awarded to one collision and one mechanical technician, the monies will go toward tool and equipment purchases to help advance their careers

Nutley, N.J.—For the sixth year in a row, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) awarded $5,000 in tools and equipment to two technicians during the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show, held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, N.J., last month.

The awards were made possible through the support of World Insurance Associates and SPARK Underwriters, so AASP/NJ could grant tool kits and supplies, valued at $2,500 each, to one collision and one mechanical technician to help them in their growing careers. 

Shamar Lewis, of Livingston Collision, in Livingston, and Christopher Edmonson, of Westview Service, Ridgefield, were the recipients of Sixth Annual Young Technician awards.

“I’m so appreciative,” said Lewis. “The tool kit is going to help me get better and improve my trade. Now, I’ll have easy access to do things the right way and with the right equipment.” 

Edmonson felt similarly, saying, “It’s awesome. I’m lost for words. It’s so nice because it’s not every day you get to receive something. To all the young guys out there, keep doing it. Let’s keep it rolling.”

AASP/NJ President Ken Miller commented, “This is such an important thing to keep these young men and women coming into our industry and advancing our momentum here.”

Both sponsors said they were excited to see the 2026 awards go to such hardworking recipients.

“We looked into what things shop owners have a hard time with outside of insurance and one of the most common responses was finding qualified employees,” stated Joe Amato Jr., of World Insurance. “If we can help younger people get into the industry, that helps the industry overall. If we can help them build a career out of it, then it’s all worth it.” 

David Willett, of SPARK Underwriters, said, “We’re all about making [the industry] better. And being able to inject new talent by giving them tools to allow them to have a big step forward is an exciting opportunity to be involved with.”

NORTHEAST 2027 is scheduled for March 19–21, 2027.