Bedford, Texas, Sept. 27, 2007 - The Automotive Management Institute (AMI), in conjunction with Automotive Video, Inc. (AVI), recently announced Ryan Sacha, Elizabeth Tidwell and Tami Wagster as the recipients of the “AVI Education Scholarship.” The scholarship recognizes automotive service professionals who have a strong desire to improve their management and technical skills. Each recipient receives $1,000 to be applied toward expenses to attend AMI seminars offered during the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-3.

Sacha, administrative manager for Automotive Excellence, Inc., Royalton, Ohio, has worked in the automotive service industry for 10 years and is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. He recently graduated from Bowling Green University with a B.S. in Marketing and Business Administration. When not working in the shop, he contributes his time to various community and industry organizations.

“I’m honored to receive this important and prestigious industry award. It offers me a great opportunity to attend this premier event and I look forward to attending the seminars and exhibits,” said Sacha.

Tidwell, office manager for Kittle’s Garage, N. Little Rock, Ark., has worked in the automotive service industry for nine years. She is an ASE Certified Service Consultant and a Certified Alldata Information Specialist. She is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s AAM designation. When not working in the shop, she contributes her time to various community and church organizations.

“I’m honored to receive this award and have the opportunity to continue working toward my AAM designation. I strongly believe that continuing education is essential in our industry,” said Tidwell.

Wagster, owner of Mobile Maintenance & Mechanics, Inc., Redmond, Wash., has worked in the automotive service industry for five years and is currently working on completing the necessary requirements to earn the Institute’s Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation. She is a member of ASA and currently serves as secretary for the Seattle/East King County chapter. When not working in the shop, she contributes her time to various community and industry organizations.

“I’m honored to receive this industry award. It offers me the opportunity to attend this educational event and share the knowledge I obtain with the rest of our team,” said Wagster.

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 160,000 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 http://www.AMIonline.org.