As the leaves turn and the air sharpens across the Pacific Northwest, November arrives not just as a season but as a pause. A moment to look back, take stock, and recognize the resilience and progress of our industry.
At the NorthWest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA), we’re reflecting on what 2025 has meant for our members from bustling shop bays in Spokane and Portland to apprenticeship breakthroughs in Boise and community wins in Coeur d’Alene. This wasn’t just another year. It was a defining year. And as we wrap it up, we want to honor the grit, growth, and unmatched community spirit that make NWACA more than an association—it’s a movement.
2025: Where Grit Met Growth
No one gets into auto care because it’s easy. We do it because we love the challenge, the craft, the problem-solving. This year tested that love—and strengthened it.
We heard from independent shop owners who faced staffing shortages and still hit record customer satisfaction scores. From technicians who started the year unsure of their next step—and finished it by mentoring the next generation. From owners balancing the books late at night, attending training sessions on weekends, and still showing up to lead their teams with integrity.
That’s what this industry is made of. Hard work. Smart decisions. And heart.
And that’s what NWACA exists to support.
iTAC Apprenticeship: The Spark Behind the Next Generation
At the core of our educational mission is the iTAC Apprenticeship Program—and in 2025, it ignited real change.
More shops than ever became certified iTAC training sites, welcoming apprentices into their bays and watching them flourish. These aren’t just jobs—they’re careers in the making, shaped by hands-on experience, mentorship, and nationally recognized credentials.
One NWACA member from Central Oregon shared:
“I didn’t know what to expect taking on an apprentice, but the support from iTAC made it seamless. And seeing our apprentice’s growth he went from shy and unsure to diagnosing complex issues with confidence it reminded me why I started this shop in the first place.”
It’s not just about filling a position. It’s about building a legacy.
Advocacy: Fighting for Fairness, Every Step of the Way
While you were managing your day-to-day—quotes, diagnostics, customer calls—NWACA was in Olympia, Salem, and Boise, ensuring your voice was heard.
This year, we:
- Continued the fight for Right-to-Repair legislation that protects your access to vital repair data.
- Worked alongside environmental agencies to shape policies that are both effective and fair to independent shops.
- Provided clarity on evolving regulations, so members weren’t left guessing.
You shouldn’t need a law degree to run your shop. That’s why NWACA serves as your watchdog, your translator, and your megaphone—amplifying your needs and defending your future.
ATE Events: More Than Training—They’re Transformations
Let’s talk about ATE Spokane and ATE Seattle—our flagship training expos that drew record-breaking participation this year.
Yes, the technical classes were cutting-edge. Yes, the management sessions were packed with actionable insights. But beyond the sessions, something even more powerful happened:
- Shop owners swapped stories over coffee.
- First-timers found mentors they didn’t know they needed.
- Long-time members reconnected, shared wins, and sparked new ideas.
These weren’t just conferences. They were reminders that we’re not doing this alone. Behind every shop is a network ready to help you thrive.
Real Value, Real Tools: Hot Deals That Made a Difference
2025 also brought practical wins. Like the wildly popular Free Host PC offer from Mitchell1—available only to NWACA members.
It’s proof that your membership isn’t just about community and advocacy. It’s about resources that save you time and money, whether it’s equipment, tech tools, or exclusive member training rates.
Expect even more of these high-value partnerships in 2026. We’re always working to bring you more because you deserve it.
The Heartbeat: Dateline and Daily Support
If you’ve been reading the Dateline Newsletter, you already know—this monthly pulse of updates, shop highlights, and industry news has become a favorite among members.
Why? Because it’s built around you. From policy alerts to promotional opportunities to real-life success stories, it’s everything you need, delivered in one place.
👉 Subscribe to Dateline here
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in 2026?
We’re not slowing down. In fact, we’re revving up.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead:
- ATE Seattle 2026 with even more live demos and roundtables.
- A new mentorship platform to connect young shop owners with veterans.
- Enhanced digital tools for member communication and training.
- Continued legislative advocacy with a focus on shop sustainability and technician equity.
And most importantly, we’ll continue to listen to you because NWACA only grows when its members do.
A Final Word for November
If you’ve read this far, you’re part of something special.
You’re not just an auto care professional—you’re a builder, a mentor, a community leader. And whether you joined NWACA years ago or are still thinking about it, we want you to know:
You belong here.
Thank you for your grit. Thank you for your growth. Thank you for making 2025 unforgettable.
Let’s take this momentum into 2026—together. https://www.nwautocare.org/join
