BEDFORD, TEXAS, Sept. 26, 2006 - - The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) jointly announced today that Lisa Gibson, business manager for Old Town Auto Body, Inc., Trotwood, Ohio, is the recipient of this year's Emil Stanley Merit Award.

The award honors Emil Stanley who was publisher of Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) until his death in 1989. Mr. Stanley was committed to strengthening the professionalism of the collision repair industry through education. He was recognized as a strong advocate of the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), the world's largest collision repair event sponsored annually by ASA.

Gibson has worked in the collision industry for eight years. She is currently working toward a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Business Management. She has received I-CAR training in the following areas: metal and plastic bonding, collision repair, finish matching, and steering and suspension. When not in the shop, she contributes her time to various community activities and organizations.

As the scholarship recipient, Gibson will receive complimentary registration, air transportation, and hotel accommodations to attend NACE 2006, Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas.

"I am proud to be recognized for my commitment to continuing education, and look forward to attending NACE 2006. The training I have received through AMI has enabled me to become a stronger leader, understand the principles and values of strategic marketing, and run a more efficient and profitable business," said Gibson.

The Emil Stanley award is made possible by a grant from ASA to EXCEL, AMI's resource development program.

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 132,000 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. 241, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.