At the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) Annual Meeting on October 30, Ricca Auto Body of Hackensack was awarded the Stan Wilson/New Jersey Automotive Shop of the Year award.
“Every year we try and honor one body shop that has met the goals and ideals of our association,” said Treasurer Tom Elder, who introduced the award. AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell stepped up to the podium to distribute the honor, named in memory of one of his closest friends.
According to McDowell, “Stan loved auto body repair, and he loved all of the people who work in this field. This award means a lot to me personally, and I am proud to give it each year in Stan’s memory.”
The award was accepted by part owner, Carl Ricca. “I just want to thank AASP who have given my brother Robin and I support throughout the years. They do a wonderful job at what they do. I thank God for these guys because they’ve helped me so many times in the past. Whenever I had a problem, before I spoke to the insurance companies, I spoke to them. But the most important thing – I have to thank all of my fellow body men because if it weren’t for you, [the association] wouldn’t be here. We work together as a team. God bless you.”
Robin Ricca added shortly after the meeting, “The auto body industry has been most excellent to the entire Ricca Family and we never forget that. Our relationship with AASP/NJ has been amazing. AASP/NJ has been, and continues to be, an integral part of our business for legal issues, continuing education, licensing assistance and so much more. Carl, our staff of seven and I accept due to all the good AASP/ NJ and our industry friendships have done together and the fact that we do actually care about our industry and most importantly, our customers! The customers, the ones who literally keep our doors open. Thank you very much.”
For the latest on AASP/NJ’s flagship event, NORTHEAST® 2015, visit www.aaspnjnortheast.com, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show on Facebook, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show YouTube page (www.youtube.com/user/AASPNJNORTHEAST) or on Twitter @AASPNJNORTHEAST.