Check out our Upcoming Events | | | | |
Happy first full week of March, NWACA family! 🌼
As we start to see a little more daylight and feel that shift toward spring, there’s a real sense of momentum in the air — and around here, that means one thing… ATE Seattle is just around the corner!
This season is all about growth, fresh ideas, and investing in ourselves and our teams. There is incredible value in stepping away from the day-to-day to gain training, sharpen our skills, and reconnect with our NWACA community.
We are truly grateful for each of you and the commitment you make to learning, leading, and being part of something bigger. Thank you for being the heart of NWACA.
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ATE Seattle 2026 - Get Registered Today
Classes are filling up fast!
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ATE Seattle 2026 - Get Signed Up Today
Classes are Filling Up!!!
Great News for our Educators
You will get Clock Hours (15 Stem and 5 Regular)
for attending this training event!!!
The Pacific Northwest's largest automotive training event is back,
and you don't want to miss it!
Join us March 27-29, 2026 at the DoubleTree Seattle Airport for three full days of industry-leading training, networking, and the best deals of the year.
Get the best pricing with All-Inclusive NWACA Member pricing of just $485
(non-members $585).
NWACA Members, call our office for special discounts!
Your all-inclusive package includes training by top industry instructors, access to 50+ exhibitors showcasing the latest tools and technology, keynote speakers, Friday and Saturday lunches with presentations, evening receptions with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and no-host bar, and invaluable networking opportunities with shop owners, managers, technicians, and service advisors from across the region.
Don't miss your chance to save. Register now at www.ateseattle.com
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Never Miss Out!!!
Calendar of Events!
NWACA Member Training Page
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AI for Auto Repair - The Tools, the Stack,
and the Step-by-Step Plan
Thursday, March 5th, 2026 - Join us In-Person or on Zoom
Pierce County Chapter Meeting
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation/Zoom
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Big Things are Coming to the Whatcom/Skagit Chapter!
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 - Join us In-Person or on Zoom
Whatcom/Skagit Chapter Meeting
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation/Zoom
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15 "If not, why not" tactics to leverage the power of marketing
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
Yakima Chapter Meeting - In-Person Only
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation
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15 "If not, why not" tactics to leverage the power of marketing
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
Tri-Cities Chapter Meeting - NEW LOCATION! - In-Person Only
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation
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Find Your Pot of Gold - Roundtable & Chapter
Meeting for Shop Solutions
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 - Join us In-Person or on Zoom
Olympic Peninsula Chapter Meeting
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation/Zoom
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Turn Reviews Into Raving Fans: Win the Google Game
(Even with 1-Stars!)
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 - Join us In-Person or on Zoom
Sno-King Chapter Meeting
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation/Zoom
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Building Value Today, Retiring Confidently Tomorrow
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Spokane Chapter Meeting - In-Person Only
6:00 pm Social - 6:30 pm Presentation
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Mental Health & Employee Performance
Thursday, March 19th, 2026
ACA Webinar - NWACA Members Come Join Us!!!
Free for Everyone
11:00 am PST - Zoom Only
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Bainbridge High School Future Fair
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Bainbridge High School, Paski Gym
12:15 pm - 3:00 pm
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White River High School Trades Fair
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
White River High School, Enumclaw, WA
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
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Our Education Spotlight is Aaron Klesick,
ASE Master Certified automotive professional
at Skagit Valley College
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1. What inspired you to teach future technicians?
While a student at Skagit Valley College, doing a running start, I was inspired by the instructors and learned so much that I knew before I graduated, I wanted to come back and teach. I told the Department Chair, Scott Hall when I graduated, I was going to come back and take his job when he retired, and sure enough, that's what happened. Being an instructor is such a privilege and responsibility that I do not take lightly. Every day that I get to help change the future of our industry is a great day.
2. What makes your program unique?
We have taught electric and hybrid vehicles for over 15 years in our program, and we have recently expanded our courses in that area. We have a 10-credit industry-leading EV course built into our curriculum that all students must graduate with. Along with this, we have a full machine shop and are excited to begin offering courses on engine machining and building.
3. Advice for shop owners considering entry-level hires?
I always tell shops that the best students get hired early. Don't be afraid to hire a first-year student in the program and help mentor them from day one. Because the best students will have jobs by the time they graduate. We don't normally have any second-year students looking for jobs, because they all start during year one. We also have seen time and time again that students who are working from year one in the program are further advanced than students who wait until year two to get a job.
Thank you for supporting students and our industry!
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May 1st-2nd, 2026
CTE - Collision Training Expo - LIVE
Registration is now live for the CTE Collision Training Expo at Clover Park Technical College, taking place May 1–2, 2026. Join us on the Lakewood campus at 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 for two days of hands-on training, education, and industry connection designed specifically for collision repair professionals.
Get Registered Here
Download Full Training Schedule
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June 25-28, 2026
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
15347 Suquamish Way NE
Suquamish, WA 98392
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NWACA Semi-Annual Summer Retreat & Leadership Conference
June 25-28, 2026 - Mark Your Calendars
The NWACA Summer Retreat takes place June 25–28 at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, bringing members together for education, collaboration, and connection in a relaxed waterfront setting. It’s an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, engage in meaningful conversations, and spend time with fellow members while focusing on growth and leadership.
Registration Coming Soon!!
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August 5, 2026
Auburn Golf Course
29630 Green River Rd SE, Auburn, WA 98092
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NWACA Annual Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Get ready to tee it up at the NWACA Golf Tournament on August 5, 2026, hosted at Auburn Golf Course in Auburn, WA.
Enjoy a day on the scenic par-71 18-hole course at as you connect with fellow members, test your game, and support NWACA’s community spirit. Whether you’re chasing birdies or just enjoying the camaraderie, this tournament is a great chance to mix competition with fun and networking.
Registration Coming Soon!!
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ATE Spokane
September 18–19, 2026
Get ready for ATE Spokane on September 18–19, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Spokane, WA.
Join us for two days of industry-leading technical, management, and service advisor training, plus an engaging expo event designed to elevate your shop’s performance and profitability. Invest in your team, strengthen your leadership, and gain the momentum you need to stay ahead.
Registration opening soon at ATESpokane.com.
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Let’s Get Social, NWACA!
We’re not just an alliance, we’re a community, and the conversation doesn’t stop when the event ends!
Follow NWACA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to:
- See what’s happening behind the scenes
- Catch event highlights and shop spotlights
- Meet our members (and their pets!)
- Stay in the loop with upcoming training, news, and giveaways
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Be part of the action, like, follow, and tag us so we can celebrate you and the incredible work happening across our industry!
Join us today and keep the momentum rolling!
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NWACA Board of Directors:
Mike Hall, President - Contact Mike
Kandie Jennings-Molloy, Immediate Past President - Contact Kandie
Todd Ainsworth, President Elect- Contact Todd
Micah Strom, Treasurer & Collision Chair- Contact Micah
Kirill Plyushko - Secretary - Contact Kirill
Thomas Richardson, Mechanical Chair- Contact Thomas
Dan DeBusk, Associate Chair- Contact Dan
Ed Tuck III, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ed
Ryan Weld, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ryan
Richie del Puerto, Education Chair - Contact Richie
Contact Information for Northwest Auto Care Alliance
Brenda Jorgenson, Executive Director - (253) 653-2334 - brenda@nwautocare.org
JoAnna Sohnrey, Project Coordinator - (253) 676-9222- joanna@nwautocare.org
John (JT) Tenney, Membership & Meeting Coordinator - (253) 676-9222 - info@nwautocare.org
Pamela Meyer, Membership Support Specialist - (208) 964-1605 pamela@nwautocare.org
Danica Hickok, Bookkeeper - (253) 676-9222 - admin@nwautocare.org
Robert Stickroth, iTAC Coordinator - (253) 660-4822 - iTAC@nwautocare.org
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