Bedford, Texas, Sept. 10, 2004 - The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and Babcox Publications announced jointly today that Loren J. Estwick, owner, Loren's Collision Plus, LLC, Foley, Minn., is the recipient of this year's "BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship."

AMI and Babcox present the scholarship annually to recognize management-oriented members of the Automotive Service Association Collision Division. The recipient receives $1,000 to be applied toward expenses to attend the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in Las Vegas, Nov. 3 - 6.

Estwick has worked in the automotive service industry for 12 years and has been a shop owner for the past two. He is an ASE Certified Master Refinish Technician and has earned multiple I-CAR certifications. He also recently completed the necessary requirements to earn AMI's Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. He will officially receive his AAM during the Institute's formal graduation ceremony to be held during ASA's "Celebration of Excellence" on Nov. 5, at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

"I am very excited and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this year's BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship. Attending NACE will provide me with the opportunity to meet and learn from others in the collision industry and attend management courses that will help me become a better manager and leader. It will also give me the opportunity to see the latest tools, equipment and trends that can benefit our business," said Estwick.

AMI was established to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 125,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 233, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.