ACDelco Names Top Tech

Motor, Dec 2003 by Nash, Tom

The ACDelco 2003 Technician Of The Millennium III was crowned recently at the partmaker's convention in Las Vegas. David Wiebe of Crestview Auto Service in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, became the third technician to earn the title, winning a new Chevrolet Silverado SS pickup for his efforts. Wiebe bested seven other finalists in a contest based on troubleshooting vehicles with problems they would face in their daily jobs. All eight technicians were provided with tools, parts, computers and diagnostic equipment to use to diagnose and repair identical 2004 Buick LeSabres in a timed, hands-on skills demonstration.

Each finalist won a regional competition, based on a 100-question written exam covering all aspects of vehicle repair. The ten highest scorers in each region then squared off in a hands-on contest for the right to represent the region at the national competition. Nearly 5000 onlookers and supporters attended the two-hour competition, cheering on the finalist of their choice. One gentleman traveled thousands of miles to support the technician who regularly works on his car.

Scott Mackie, ACDelco's General Director, said, "The purpose of the Technician Of The Millennium competition is to recognize and support the professionalism and expertise of ACDelco technicians. David Wiebe did a great job on Friday, and all eight contestants should be congratulated for making it this far. Each technician demonstrated an amazing ability to stay focused on the tasks at hand."

After winning the title, Wiebe said, "This competition is much bigger than I thought it would be when I entered last year. The other finalists are all extremely talented technicians." He added, "I've wanted to be a technician since I was a kid, and feel extremely satisfied to receive this recognition."

Runner-up Charles (Lee) Murphy of Russel's Automotive in Hampton, GA, received a $5000 gift certificate and other prizes. Second runner-up Curt Field, from B and T Auto Repair in Butler, PA, received a $2500 gift certificate and other prizes.

The remaining finalists received a vacation for two, a special tool package and other prizes. They were: Bruno Bellavance, Auto Diagno Centre Inc., Quebec; Scott Hager, Scott's Auto Service, Troy, MO; Ricky Kelley, Buck's Automotive Inc., Tucson; Edward Robertson, Davis Auto Care, Northville, MI; and Jeffrey Taylor, Eccles Service Center, Dundas, Ont.