Association Updates

We Need You! 

AASPMN is looking for automotive industry professionals who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leadership positions on the AASPMN board of directors and advisory committees in 2026. 

Several positions will be open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government & Regulatory Affairs Committee. There will also be seats on the AASPMN Board of Directors.

Volunteer service is a fantastic way for AASPMN members to get more involved in the organization, influence the direction of projects and priorities, and positively change the association and the industry. 

If you have a personal interest or would like to nominate someone else, contact the Nominating Committee Chair Aaron Swanson at (612) 817-9651 or aswanson7575@icloud.com or the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org. Nominations must be received by February 15, 2026. 

Current Board Members & Term Expiration Date 

Randy Notto, Lenfer Automotive & Transmission, President – 3/31/27 

Aaron Swanson, CARSTAR Collision, Immediate Past President – 3/31/26 

Brandon Wistrom, Deano’s Collision & Mechanical, Secretary/Treasurer – 3/31/27 

Andrea Ossowski, Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, Associate Division Director – 3/31/28 

Shannon Christian, Shannon’s Auto Body, Collision Division Director – 3/31/26 

Ashlan Kaplan, Cannon Auto Repair, Mechanical Division Director – 3/31/27 

Scott Miller, Collision Specialists, Collision Seat – 3/31/27 

Dan Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair, Mechanical Seat – 3/31/26 

Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Mechanical Seat – 3/31/28 

AASPMN Announces 24th Annual 

Race for Automotive Education 

The 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education is planned for February 23 – 26, 2026 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville. The event serves as the Alliance’s primary fundraiser for its Automotive Education Fund, which provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its start, the fund has disbursed over $360,000 directly to students and automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and Skills USA competition. 

AASPMN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in karts racing at speeds up to 40-miles per hour. When the final checkered flag waves, the Race for Automotive Education is expected to raise up to $15,000, which is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in ASE-accredited automotive program (collision repair or auto service) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be announced in the spring of 2026. 

Sponsorship Support Needed for AASPMN Education & Events 

Sponsorships are now available for AASPMN education and events in 2026. Sponsorships help AASPMN deliver quality programs and keep registration fees affordable. Sponsors are rewarded with increased visibility and recognition within the association’s membership and industry at large. It’s a terrific way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry. 

Sponsorship package details can be found on the association’s website, aaspmn.org. 

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2025 Sponsors 

Our sponsors play a key role in our organization. They support us. They provide us with extra resources to deliver exceptional programs, education, and networking opportunities to members. They help us keep our costs and fees reasonable and affordable. Please acknowledge those companies that support us in this way! 

PLATINUM 

LKQ Minnesota 

Lube-Tech 

Optimize Digital Marketing 

GOLD 

3M 

Auto Value/Benco Equipment 

BASF 

NCS/Single Source 

PPG Automotive Finishes 

SILVER 

Axalta Coating Systems 

Colonial Life 

Enterprise Mobility 

O’Reilly Auto Parts 

Sherwin Williams 

Suburban GM Parts 

Vestis 

BRONZE 

aaa Auto Parts 

Apple Ford White Bear Lake 

C.H.E.S.S. 

Dentsmart PDR 

Gallagher 

Heartman Insurance 

Langer Construction 

Precision Diagnostics