Thank you all for the comments/advice, greatly appreaciated.

 

good points to keep in mind...
If you are under any manufacture warranty 98% of the time you should go to a dealership for repairs, under some circumstances outside shops can perform warranty work and bill GM for it, or you and you get reimbursed. (nearest dealer is 150 miles away)

Even if you have a dealer you go to for repairs warrantied or not you should have an idea of a shop(s) you would feel comfortable going to... don't wait till your vehicle is broken down.

I would strongly recommend against the quickie/stick-it-to-you lube tire battery places, those are not real shops or mechanics. (my .02)

Look for shops that have:
been around for some time (find a balance between local and chain)
that do automotive repairs bumper to bumper (body paint optional)
have certified techs that have current certifications (many times posted in the waiting area)
shops that are willing to do preliminary investigation/troubleshooting for no or minimal fee and are willing to put it on paper for you.
Check the BBB for complaints and check for resolutions
If you know or have access to Angies list check out real people's reports.

Try a shop out for a minor service or repair to get a feel for them..
Ask if they use OEM or generic parts (this can be important on how they address the bottom line)

Where and when possible ask for the old parts back or to at least see them when they are removed.

(for gods sake don't hover over the tech but checking progress /seeing what they are doing is okay, they should have no problem with you being escorted into the shop for a update but not every 5 minutes)

MDTAHOE can probably better fill in some other pointers

 

Another good source to check is who do your friends use for service work.