About I-CAR - Current Events/News: E-newsletter: E-newsletter: December 21, 2001

Two I-CAR employees were recognized by the industry for their contributions and dedication, in ceremonies held at NACE 2001 in Las Vegas. Technical Director Tom McGee was inducted into the industry’s prestigious "Hall of Eagles," the collision industry's equivalent of the "Hall Of Fame." Manager of Corporate Administration Margaret Knell was also recognized as one of the "Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry."

Tom McGee was inducted into the Hall Of Eagles at an annual NACE awards ceremony titled the "Industry Night of Achievement" on November 28, 2001. This honor is given to individuals in the collision industry in recognition of their exemplary leadership, dedication and outstanding contributions.

Margaret Knell was designated one of the Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry, an award created by Akzo Nobel in 1999. A large number of women are nominated each year, from which a panel selects an elite group as the Most Influential Women. Each woman is chosen because she excels as much in her community and the industry as in her business.

Executive Vice President Tom Mack stated, "Margaret and Tom are both outstanding, dedicated individuals who have made tremendous contributions both to I-CAR and the industry. We feel very proud and fortunate to have them both on our staff."

GOLD CLASS SHOP OF THE MONTH: EXCEL AUTO BODY, INC., MARION, INDIANA

Excel Auto Body, Inc. of Marion, Indiana has been chosen as December’s Gold Class shop of the month. They became a Gold Class Professionals shop in October 1990, and have maintained the Gold Class designation for 11 years! Excel Auto Body, Inc. has been in the collision repair business for 42 years. They’ve worked hard to build their reputation in their community, and their customers know that they can count on Excel to keep current on the latest technology and training in the industry.

Shop Owner George White, Jr. has always been impressed with I-CAR training. He learned about I-CAR in his early years with the collision repair industry, and later decided it was important for everyone in his shop to have I-CAR training. White believes that the Gold Class designation is very important because "Gold Class emphasizes quality. Everyone in my shop is very sharp and up to date because they are being educated with the latest technical information from I-CAR."

Excel Auto Body And Auto Glass Excel Auto Body has really noticed the benefits of being a Gold Class business. They are always using the Gold Class logo in their advertising programs, helping them attract more customers and better employees. White knows that being a Gold Class shop shows the industry and his customers their commitment to ongoing training and professionalism. They proudly advertise their Gold Class status in many different publications, including brochures and the yellow pages. They also display their Gold Class metal sign in front of their shop to show their dedication to ensuring complete and safe repairs for their customers.

George White, Jr. believes that Collision Repair Technician Cameron Haynes deserves special recognition for his hard work and continued collision repair training over the years. Haynes has been with Excel Auto Body, Inc. for 33 years, and has a total of 27 Gold Class points! He is always signing up for the latest programs that I-CAR has to offer and is even willing to travel to enhance his collision repair education. Thanks for all of your dedication, Cameron!

Every month, one Gold Class shop is chosen as the shop of the month. If you have any recommendations or requests, please contact Marketing Specialist Jennifer Wilkens at jennifer.wilkens@i-car.com.

UPDATES TO THE INDUSTRY TRAINING ALLIANCE

PPG Automotive Refinish has recently had additional training programs approved as part of the Industry Training Alliance. These programs include PPG Color 21 and PPG Recertification Training.

Added training programs from Car-O-Liner Company have also been recently approved, including Damage Appraiser Collision Repair Training Program I and Damage Appraiser Collision Repair Training Program II.

A complete listing of Industry Training Alliance members and their approved programs is available online. To receive Gold Class points for Alliance training programs you’ve completed, fill out the online student application.

I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARDS MBNA CREDIT CARD SCHOLARSHIP

For the third year, the I-CAR Education Foundation awarded a scholarship funded by proceeds earned from its MBNA Affinity credit card program. Tony Maled, a student at Walker Career Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, received $1,000 to continue his education in auto collision repair. Maled is currently part of a school-to-work program and is incredibly motivated. Maled also received the 2001 Beginning Collision Student of the Year award at Walker Career Center. "Tony shows up to school every day with a great attitude to learn and is constantly striving for perfection in all areas," said Greg Gambrel, auto collision instructor at Walker Career Center.

The I-CAR Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of entry-level employees for the collision industry. "Becoming a card holder is an effortless way to help improve our industry. We are providing young adults with an opportunity to continue their education and further develop their career interests in auto collision repair, which is a big part of our mission" said Ronald W. Ray, executive director of the Foundation.

The I-CAR Education Foundation began offering the MBNA Bank Affinity MasterCard to the auto collision industry in January 1999. For each new card issued and after every transaction, MBNA makes a contribution to the Foundation – at no additional cost to cardholders. To date, 594 individuals and businesses have become cardholders. The credit card has no annual fee and proudly displays the Foundation’s name and logo. Anyone interested in obtaining the card can apply by calling (800) 739-5554. Please mention priority code VTTY when speaking with an MBNA representative.

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