Centerpoint Newsletter Fall 2016

Fall 2016

CENTER POINT news from the center for automotive education & training

Since the Center first opened its doors, automotive manufacturers have used its state-of-the-art facilities to hold trainings for dealership personnel. No OEM has had a steadier presence at the Center than Toyota. Toyota has leased one bay and one classroom, full-time, since the building’s operations started in 2005. Toyota recently announced an agreement with GNYADA to renew its lease and expand its use of the CAET. As of August, 2016, Toyota’s space now includes a second service bay and an additional classroom. Toyota is in the process of finalizing new equipment — alignment machine, wheel balancer, etc. — to be installed in both its new and existing space. Classes are expected to start in November, after renovations are completed. One of the goals of this expansion is to provide better training services to Toyota dealers throughout Greater New York and Connecticut. They will also add more specific training courses, including engine repair, hybrid vehicle work, front-end and suspension work, and more. Toyota Adds to its Presence at the Center

Toyota’s training team at the Center has been steadily growing as well. In the past year, Vincent Favorito, who oversees Toyota’s operations at the Center, brought on four new instructors (pictured below) to execute brand-specific training. Building New Relationships The CAET continues forging new hospitality arrangements with various manufacturers. Jaguar recently held a Land Rover training session in one of the Center’s classrooms on August 18th and 19th. Representatives expressed that they enjoyed the two-day class, and that they intend to continue booking the facility. The fall calendar also includes a day-long training program by Maserati, returning to the Center after holding a similar program last October, and Honda, which has scheduled a three-day customer loyalty conference in November. Several other OEMs are in negotiations with GNYADA to become longterm tenants of the Center, similar to Toyota.

TOYOTA’S INSTRUCTORS

John Loira

Christopher Homentosky

Joe Bingaman

Nicholas Antoniello

center for automotive education & training 15-30 Petracca Place, Whitestone (Queens), New York 11357 • 718-640-2000 • www.autoedcenter.com

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The Center News

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LINCOLN TECH AND GNYADA: Staffing Dealerships with Top-Trained Techs for More than a Decade

The CAET is the proud hub for automotive education in metro New York. A key piece of that hub is Lincoln Technical Institute. LTI Whitestone opened its doors at the Center on June 14, 2006, during the facility’s first year of operation. Ever since, the building’s south wing has housed LTI’s 13-month, industry-leading auto tech training program, as well as serving as their New York headquarters. The ongoing goal of GNYADA’s relationship with LTI is creating an employment pipeline that places qualified graduates in jobs at greater New York dealerships. “Our focus, once students begin, is to get them trained and get them placed,” says Campus President Jim Morrissey. “We call it ‘G&E’ — Graduation and Employment.” Regarding the value of Lincoln Tech’s decade-long relationship with GNYADA, LTI’s Director of Education, Herman Dawkins, says, “We want to know what dealers are looking for, so we can train our students to meet those requirements. We make certain that our standards meet their standards.” Establishing Early Relationships When dealers are seeking to recruit the next generation of top automotive technicians, they don’t have to look far. The Center is a regular meeting spot for GNYADA’s Board and the location of numerous classes attended by dealership management. Visiting Lincoln Tech is as easy as walking next door. “That’s a major item we tell applicants about when they’re taking the tour,” adds Morrissey. “GNYADA Board Members like Gary Schimmerling and Nick Toomey have been here quite a number of times. They stop in and get to know to our students. You can’t put a price tag on that.” According to Dawkins, LTI’s students are every bit as eager to go to work in area dealerships, as dealers are to employ them. “Presenting students with the likelihood of working for a dealership makes Lincoln Tech more appealing to them.” He adds, “What GNYADA has done for our veteran students has been amazing, providing scholarships to make sure they continue their education and find success in the automotive industry.” Dawkins credits Lincoln Tech’s Early Student Engagement (ESE) program to the school’s collaboration with GNYADA’s dealer members. The program teaches the importance of nontechnical or “soft” skills like time- management, leadership traits, and critical thinking. “These graduates are professionals, they’re courteous and they respect the business,” says Babylon Honda Dealer Principal, Gary Schimmerling, who currently has for LTI-trained technicians working for him. “They understand where we need to be, and they want to work for a dealership that’s going to move and progress.” Shared Commitments and Goals This collaboration has payed huge dividends for local dealers, Lincoln Tech, and the students themselves. “Our first graduates from the class of 2007 are now earning up to $70,000 a year,” says Kathryn Clymer, LTI’s Director of Career Services. GNYADA dealerships — led by Penn Toyota, Rallye BMW, and Acura of Westchester — currently represent the top twenty employers of Lincoln Tech grads.

The most important priority shared by GNYADA and LTI is the pursuit of educational excellence. Through this alliance, Lincoln Tech has been working closely with UFT Career and Technical Education Schools over the past year, and has also begun training instructors to achieve ASE certifications. The end result of this commitment is a generation of highly skilled workers, dedicated to keeping dealerships functioning in high-gear. “Cars are becoming more and more technically advanced, and these men and women are coming in already understanding the technology,” says Schimmerling. “To me, they’re the new class of dealership leaders.”

Acura of Westchester. Left to right: Service Tech, Glenn Valdez (LTI class of ’08); Service Manager, Johnny Lee.

Babylon Honda. Left to right: Service Tech, Justin Creegan (LTI class of ’14); Dealer Principal, Gary Schimmerling; Service Tech, Armell Hunter (LTI class of ’16).

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www.autoedcenter.com • 718-640-2000 • 15-30 Petracca Place Whitestone, NY 11357

For the second straight year, GNYADA hosted a conference for the International Motor Press Association. IMPA Con16 took place on July 19, as dozens of automotive media representatives visited the Center for the daylong event, which focused on social media, content monetization and the future of the digital experience. “The mission of the IMPA Conference is to give our members — leading automotive media and communications professionals from auto companies — insight into the future of communications and storytelling and access to the best tools and resources,” said IMPA President Scotty Reiss, after the event. “Members learn directly from the experts and have the chance to ask questions, problem solve and elevate their skills.” The day started with welcomes delivered by Reiss and GNYADA President Mark Schienberg. Schienberg highlighted some impactful media stats from the 2016 New York Auto Show, including 1.7 billion social impressions, as well as reaching 51% female attendance for the first year ever. The day’s keynote speaker was Robert Scoble of UPloadVR, who gave an eye-opening presentation about how technology is shaping the future. Specifically, Scoble explained how virtual mapping — essentially using simulated reality to communicate, pull up data, watch videos, etc. — is changing how people interact with content. More than ten other speakers, representing OEMs, tech innovators and top media companies, delivered panel discussions and workshops throughout the day. There were also scheduled breaks and receptions, giving attendees important opportunities to network. The conference was jointly sponsored by Chevrolet, Kia, Mazda, Subaru and FCA. CAET Hosts Automotive Journalists for IMPA Con16

GNYADA recently held two gatherings with New York State Senators at the Center. These meetings allowed GNYADA’s Board Members to converse with lawmakers and discuss the state of business. There were scheduled meet-and-greets with members of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) as well as the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee (SDCC). In addition to speaking with the local dealers present, the visiting politicians were also able to tour Lincoln Technical Institute, where they met students going through their technician training. CAET Welcomes State Senators for Legislative Meet-and-Greets

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-East Northport) with the GNYADA Board.

State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers)

The Center News

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CAET Welcomes Cars and Stars to Queens

“The building is beautifully designed and it is versatile for filming. The Center has secretly doubled as The Museum of Natural History, FBI/CIA/ NSA headquarters, JFK airport and more. We understand what the film industry needs, and we make it very easy to film here.” Liggio continues, “Some of our regular automotive clients have been very excited when they recognize our famous silver wall in the atrium on TV. They get a real kick out of it!” In addition to these film/media shoots and its flagship automotive career development training, The Center welcomes enquiries from anyone wishing to host an event or seminar in a modern, fully catered, state of the art facility in Queens. For more information about renting space at the Center visit www.AutoEdCenter.com or contact Jayne Ruconich at Jayne@autoedcenter.com or 718.640.2000

As a highly equipped and flexible space, the Center has become a surprising hit with movie, TV, advertisement and music video producers, particularly over the last eight years. “We have been working with the film industry since the Center first opened ten years ago,” says Kristine Liggio, CAET Executive Director.

Good Wife The GoodWife joined us to shoot a late-season episode, shortly before

The Americans The fourth season of

The Americans—an FX drama about two KGB spies posing as Americans in D.C. —premiered in March. The show did a full day shoot at the Center, utilizing the parking lot, the atrium, and room

the beloved seven-season series went off the air. The Center was transformed into a Canadian

airport and a courtroom. Characters Alicia (Julianna

Margulies) and Lucca (Cush Jumbo) are featured here, in the converted airport scene.

2.02. The latter was converted into a 1980s-style office, and is pictured here.

Difficult People Difficult People is a Hulu comedy series. Creator Julie Klausner stars alongside Billy Eichner as two struggling and jaded New York comedians, who essentially hate everyone but each other. The series filmed at CAET in January and streamed on Hulu this summer.

The New York Lottery The New York Lottery shot ads in several areas of the building. Believe it or not, this staged massage parlor was created in the Atrium!

Madame Secretary Madame Secretary shot the

LifeLock Identity theft protection company LifeLock shot a commercial featuring our famous silver wall as their command center.

beginning of season 1, episode 22 in our Atrium and Catwalk. Two minutes in, you’ll notice the familiar settings doubling as CIA headquarters.

Recent Show and Commercial Shoots at the Center:

THE CENTER IS READY TO BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT!

The Center offers beautiful, modern space, available to host corporate conferences, media shoots, holiday events, and more. No matter what you’re planning, the Center’s service, amenities, in-house catering and free parking will make your experience memorable and hassle free.

To reserve space or to arrange a tour of the facility, contact Jayne Ruconich at Jayne@autoedcenter.com or 718.640.2000.

The Center News

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GNYADA Awards Scholarships to Outstanding LTI Students

Scholarship winners with GNYADA Chairman Nick Toomey, at the Association’s 2016 Charity Golf Outing

On June 20, 2016, GNYADA distributed $25,000 among five U.S. military veterans who are currently enrolled in technician training at Lincoln Technical Institute. This ceremony took place at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, during the Association’s 11th Annual Charity Golf Outing. GNYADA began its scholarship program when it first opened the Center in 2005. Since then, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in student grants, which are awarded through the Center. The following individuals received GNYADA’s Automotive Education Scholarship for U.S. Veterans, worth $5,000 each: - JOSEPH ROSARIO’S service with the U.S. Army, for part of which he was stationed in Korea, earned him the Army Accommodation Medal as well as a Certificate of Achievement. One of his long-term goals is to become a franchised new car dealer himself. Joseph received this scholarship for his excellent performance at Lincoln Tech, and in honor of his distinguished military service. - YONGLIE LI spent five years as a General Mechanic in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Korea. As a skilled mechanic and a multilingual serviceman able to communicate with local forces overseas, Li’s talents earned him the Army Commendation Medal. Li then enrolled at Lincoln Tech, where he has a 3.98 GPA, in addition to achieving four ASE certifications during the first few months of 2016.

- CHRIS DELPESHE’S six years with the U.S. Army brought him to Iraq to fight the global war on terrorism, where he earned multiple army recognitions, as a field artillery specialist. These recognitions included the Army Commendation Medal, the Extra Mile Award, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and others. (He also spent 17 years as a corrections officer in a federal prison, prior to his military service.) At Lincoln Tech, Chris enjoys a perfect 4.0 GPA. - JOSEMARTINEZ served with the U.S. Marines, where he specialized in the modification and preventative maintenance of military trucks. His service earned him recognitions such as the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. At Lincoln Tech, Jose has a perfect 4.0 GPA and is also enrolled in BMW’s STEP Program for auto techs. His goal is to use his experience as a diesel tech to become an A-technician at a dealership. - ALEXANDER ZVYAGIN emigrated to the U.S. from Russia at nine years old. After graduating from Villanova University, he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force, where he worked with Air Force Intelligence. Alex was twice named Airman of the Year, in his Wing. At Lincoln Tech, Alex has a 4.0 GPA and a 98% attendance record. He is also a volunteer with the United War Veterans Council, which puts on the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade.

If you would like to recommend an individual pursuing a career in the automotive industry for a 2017 GNYADA scholarship, or apply for a scholarship yourself, please visit gnyada.com/education/scholarships.

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www.autoedcenter.com • 718-640-2000 • 15-30 Petracca Place Whitestone, NY 11357

Homestyle Caterers: The Center’s Resident Food Gurus

One of the Center’s proudest selling points as an enticing event space is the delicious gourmet meals and snacks it provides for its guests. The culinary creators behind the Center’s impressive menu are brothers Joe Ciuffetelli (pictured right) and Al Ciuffetelli of Homestyle Food Service and Caterers. Homestyle’s sophisticated food selection goes well beyond the standard sandwiches and wraps; although their snacks and finger foods are as top-notch as their decadent main dishes. Event attendees can regularly choose from buffets including options like crabmeat-stuffed sole, herbed pork loin, and penne arrabbiata, just to name a few. Al and Joe are well recognized as a family business focused on healthy, Italian-inspired cooking. Last year, the Putnam County-based brothers were profiled in WAG Magazine , a monthly publication devoted to high-end lifestyle trends in the tristate region. Having been in business for more than 17 years, Homestyle does considerable work with not-for-profit organizations and local causes. In addition to handling food service at the CAET, they also provide 2,000 lunches to schools and other institutions daily. They cater events at the Archdioceses of New York and Westchester, at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx and at multiple area golf courses. To inquire about having the Ciuffetelli brothers prepare a spread for your next event at the Center, contact Jayne Ruconich at 718.640.2000 or jayne@autoedcenter.com.

The Center has become a regular destination for events held by the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, these have included business card exchanges, official dinners, and more. Most recently the Chamber booked the Center for the ceremony to swear in its new officers. The Chamber works to advocate and raise visibility for Queens businesses. It currently has more than 1,500 members, including The Center and GNYADA. In fact, Association President Mark Schienberg has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors since 2012. GNYADA is proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility in Queens, to serve as a home-base of sorts for the borough’s business community. Center Hosts Queens Chamber of Commerce

(l to r) Former Chamber Board President Albert F. Pennisi, Executive Director Thomas J. Grech, and Chief of Operations Sophia Ganosis, at the Chamber’s swearing-in ceremony for new officers on April 20.

Center Stage

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Upcoming Seminars All classes are held at the Center. To reserve your seat, please contact the GNYADA Education and Training team by calling 718.640.2012, or register online at: www.autoedcenter.com/education

November Service Advisor Skills: How to Sell Service and Repair Instructor: Ken Carlson, Manage-Rite, Inc. When: 11/3, 10am - 4pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee: $250.00 Service advisors will learn how to communicate the importance of vehicle maintenance to customers while increasing service-driven profits. Effective BDC Management Strategies Instructor: Mark Rodriguez, Auto Client Care, Inc. When: 11/9, 10am - 4pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee: $250.00 Learn the strategies and methods that will optimize the skill and productivity within your BDC Department.

December GNYADA’s Billers’ Workshop Instructor: Jean Marie Rugg, General Manager, DMV-DIRECT When: 12/6, 10am - 4pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee: $250.00 Learn the requirements of the DMV desk in the dealership, and how to quickly and accurately submit items to the DMV. Effective Outbound Communication Skills Instructor: Mark Rodriguez, Auto Client Care, Inc. When: 12/7, 10am - 4pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee: $250.00 Learn how to use engaging telephone techniques, handle rejection, and motivate the receiver to engage in conversation. Managing Difficult People Instructor: Bill McAndrews, William D. McAndrews & Associates When: 12/8, 10am - 1pm Member Registration Fee: $85.00 Non-Member Fee: $150.00 Learn how to get adversaries to cooperate, bullies to back off, wallflowers to open up, and chronic complainers to think before they speak. Conquering Customer Objections Instructor: Frank Phillips, FCP-Sales masters When: 12/14, 10am - 1pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee: $250.00 Navigate the toughest customer scenarios and move quickly to the close. Successful Team Management Instructor: Bill McAndrews, William D. McAndrews & Associates When: 12/21, 10am - 1pm Member Registration Fee: $85.00 Non-Member Fee: $150.00 Get effective leadership tips that will inspire and influence your staff to achieve team goals.

Integrity & Profitability in F&I Instructor: Judy Vann Karstadt, JV Solutions LLC When: 11/10, 10am - 4pm Member Registration Fee: $125.00 Non-Member Fee : $250.00

F&I profitability is a product of complete integrity. Learn to handle every transaction honestly and in total compliance with the law.

The Management Transition: Key Skills for New Supervisors Instructor: Bill McAndrews, William D. McAndrews & Associates When: 11/16, 10am - 1pm Member Registration Fee: $85.00 Non-Member Fee: $150.00 Successfully adjust to the changing expectations of your boss, peers, and subordinates.