KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Automotive Service Association of Missouri/Kansas presented a new award during its 17th Annual VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo.   

In a commitment to recognizing and raising the professionalism of the automotive service industry, ASA Missouri/Kansas presented a service facility with the “Best Dressed Shop” Award. To qualify for consideration, shops had their group pictures taken at the ASA Missouri/Kansas booth at the center of the VISION exhibit hall. A panel of judges reviewed the pictures to select the shop with the best professional image.  
       
The 2009 Best Dressed Shop award was presented to Rick’s Automotive of Springfield, Mo. Rick’s Automotive had 23 employees dressed in khaki pants and blue dress shirts embroidered with the Rick’s Automotive logo. Tim Cummings, general manager of Rick’s Automotive, was presented with the award on Sunday morning and his employees joined him on stage for recognition. The award is now proudly on display in their Springfield, Mo., service facility.  
       
“We are excited to continue raising the image of our industry. Many shops will have their owners, managers and technicians attend VISION in company dress shirts. They have a very clean and professional image,” said Jerry Holcom, ASA Mo/Kan Awards Committee chairman. “We want to recognize those shops and their employees, as well as encourage other service professionals to help us raise awareness and professionalism in our industry.”
       
ASA of Missouri/Kansas will hold the Best Dressed Award again in 2010. Winners are not eligible to compete for this award in future years. The 18th Annual VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo will be held on March 5-7, 2010 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan.  More information about the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo can be found at www.visionkc.com.