IOWA
R Jones Collision Repair of Des Moines wasrecently honored by Sikkens Acoat as one of five collision centers receiving its Growth & Achievementaward.
KANSAS
Jay Hatfield Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac in Columbus has recognized Jeremy Horton as a GM World Class Technician.
Carl Hill hasopened Hill's Automotive Service and Speed Shop with son Vince Hill at 1415 S. 21st St. in Parsons. Carl Hill won the Mark of Excellence award for GM last year as a service manager. His son has also won the award as the service manager at another dealership.
Michael Garrison has opened High Torque Racing Auto Body & Paint at 3245 82nd St in Meriden. It is a restoration business specializing in Buicks.
Louisburg Ford has earned Ford Motor Co.'s highest honor, the 2006 President Award. "Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff's commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible," said Louisburg Ford Owner John Gudenkauf.
Three Kansas teens are among the 100 students nationwide awarded scholarship money this year from Toyota Motor Sales. Connie Hu of Olathe, Ashley Kongs of Washington County, and Mallory Mahoney of Russell were selected as Toyota Community Scholarsfor their dedication to education and service.
After 26 years of servicing vehicles in Manhattan, Import Car at 315 S. Third St. has closed. Owner Doug Rassmussem, whose operation was forced out of its location by the downtown redevelopment project, said he was closing because he couldn't find a suitable location with an affordable lease.
MISSOURI
Nearly 600 auto shops have signed up so far to conduct emissions and safety tests under a new program that begins in September. "I am pretty pleased with those numbers," said Leanne Tippett Mosby, deputy director for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Quality division.
Darell Jones of Bourbon has opened Darell's Auto Service and Customs. His shop has 4,000 square feet and five bays with separate rooms devoted to rebuilding engines, painting, and car maintenance. Jones graduated from Ranken Technical College. In 1997, Jones served as crew chief and chief fabricator for Carl Webster, Winston West Series NASCAR driver, car chief for an ARCA Series NASCAR team, and general manager for NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup Series.
NEBRASKA
Automotive Service Solutions of Ogallala held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new business. Pam Palser and Kerry Fenwick are co-owners of the business at 2808 Spruce Acres. Automotive Service Solutions offers repairs on all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles.
Dean Cerny, owner of Columbus Auto Mart Auto Sales and Rent-a-Car of Columbus, was recognized as the Nebraska State Quality dealer during the National Independent Auto Dealers Association held in Nashville, Tenn.
Ernst Toyota Jeep and Ernst Auto Body Repair in Columbus have hired three new employees. Mikel Kildare was hired as a lube technician, Cora Dawn Colson was hired as a receptionist, and Lucy Lutjelusche was hired as a secretary for the body shop.
Mini of Omaha has exceeded sales goals in its first four months. Sales Manager Tony Caputo saidthe Mini has a growing fan base that includes clubs such as the Cooper Owners of Rural Nebraska. In its first month, Mini of Omaha sold 47 vehicles, he said.
Lee Janssen of McCook and sons Dan and Dave Janssen of Holdrege have signed a letter of intent to purchase controlling interest in Kool Honda of McCook. The elder Janssen has been involved, along with his sons, with the Ford dealership and Chevrolet-Cadillac in Holdrege since 1998.
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