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Current Events/News: E-newsletter: 2002 Archives

REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR I-CAR'S INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING

Registration for the I-CAR 2002 International Annual Meeting is currently underway. The deadline for hotel room registration is June 26, 2002. A complete schedule of events for the meeting and hotel registration information are available on the I-CAR web site.

I-CAR’s International Annual Meeting brings together leaders of the collision industry from across the United States and Canada to address current trends and issues in the industry. The theme for this year’s meeting is "I-CAR… Reaching New Peaks Through Training!"

Highlights of the two-day meeting include an Instructor Day for I-CAR instructors; the Education Foundation golf tournament and dinner; a networking breakfast; the Heber Valley railroad tour; and an awards banquet. On Friday, July 19, 2002 the General Session will be held, featuring the outgoing Board Chairman’s address, executive staff report, Education Foundation staff report, and presentation of the results of the I-CAR value proposition survey in a ‘game show’ format. I-CAR’s new Executive Vice President and CEO Tom McGee will give the executive staff report which will provide a summary of the present status and future direction of the organization. Outgoing I-CAR Chairman Roger Foss will give the highlights and accomplishments of I-CAR during his past year as chairman.

The sponsoring organizations for the I-CAR 2002 International Annual Meeting include ABRA Auto Body & Glass; ADP/Claims Solutions Group; Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc.; Allstate Insurance Company; CARSTAR; DuPont Performance Coatings; General Motors Corporation; Nationwide Insurance; PPG Industries; SAFECO Insurance; SCRS; Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes; Spies Hecker Inc.; Standox; State Farm Insurance Companies; Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.; Travelers Insurance Company; and USAA.

The sponsoring organizations and individuals for the I-CAR Education Foundation golf tournament include: ADP/Claims Solutions Group; Akzo-Nobel Coatings, Inc.; BASF Corporation; Caliber Collision Centers; Car-O-Liner Company; CARSTAR; Chuck Sulkala; Copart; CSi Complete; FIX Auto U.S.A.; ICI; Jeff Hendler; Lou DiLisio; Mitchell International; PPG Industries; SCRS; Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes; and Sports and Imports.

The sponsoring organizations for the Instructor Day include: 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division; BASF Corporation; Kent Automotive; Mo Clamp/Pull-It Corp.; SEM Products Inc.; Team Blowtherm; Urethane Supply Company; and Valspar Refinish.

Any questions regarding registration should be directed to Pat Perren at 847.590.1198, Ext. 209.

2002 GOLD CLASS PROFESSIONALS SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

Out of the 3,000 Gold Class surveys that were sent out at the end of January 2002, a record 37 percent were completed and sent back to I-CAR! The first 50 people who filled out the survey and sent it back to I-CAR received a free Gold Class calculator. This year’s Gold Class survey has provided I-CAR with a profile of Gold Class Professionals business locations across the United States and Canada. The following are several highlights:
  • When asked what is the most important reason for being Gold Class, the top response was "technical training needs." The next two most common responses were "DRP requirement" and "competitive advantage."
  • Eighty-four percent of responding shops indicated that they are a DRP shop for at least one insurance company.
  • When asked what level of technician turnover they experience annually, the numbers from respondents were:
    • Up to 10% turnover – 77% of respondents
    • Up to 20% turnover – 15% of respondents
    • Up to 30% turnover – 5% of respondents
    • Over 30% turnover – 3% of respondents

I-CAR would like to thank those of you that took the time to fill out the survey and send it back to us. Your input is very important to the future of I-CAR and the Gold Class program. If you have any questions about the survey or the Gold Class Professionals program, please contact Marketing Specialist Jennifer Wilkens.

NORTH CENTRAL REGION HOLDS GREAT LAKES EXTREME 2002 EVENT
By North Central Field Manager Lon Baudoux

The I-CAR North Central Region held its first Extreme Event in Lansing, Michigan on June 1-2, 2002. The hard work of all the volunteers and participants led to an incredible event.

Several I-CAR Enhanced Delivery courses were made available for attendees during this event. Courses ran consecutively from 8:30AM to 4:30PM on Saturday and Sunday. The courses offered included Fundamentals of Collision Repair Program 1; Damage Analysis Programs 1 and 3; Glass Replacement; Measuring Program 1; and Tools and Equipment Program 1.

The trade show ran Saturday from 10:00AM until 8:00PM and Sunday from 10:00AM until 3:00PM. Vendors representing the following product and equipment manufacturers: Altra Products of Wayland, Michigan; Finish Master of Michigan; Weller Auto Parts of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Enterprise Rent-A-Car of Fraser, Michigan; Snap-On Tools; Chisum Repair Systems of Alexandria, Minnesota; Universal Equipment of Howell, Michigan; DHI of Redford, Michigan; Automotive Recyclers of Michigan; and PPG.

This event would not have been possible without the following Michigan-based sponsoring organizations: Weller Auto Parts of Grand Rapids; Motor Information Systems of Troy; Crest Industries of Rochester; Greenfield Collision of Washington; Greenfield Collision of Detroit; Dotten Collision of Madison Heights; American Wheel of Madison Heights; Innovative Recyclers of Detroit; Jerome Duncan Ford of Sterling Heights; Dix Auto Recyclers of Lincoln Park; Page Toyota of Southfield; Birmingham Chrysler of Troy; Ram Power of Madison Heights; Don Massey Cadillac of Plymouth; Mitchell International of Grand Rapids; Lord Corporation; Finish Master of Grand Rapids and Lansing; Keystone Automotive Grand Rapids; Fender Bender Times of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Metro Ford of Lansing.

I would also like to express appreciation to the volunteers and instructors that worked very hard on this event. They are

  • Ray Fisher – Courtesy Dodge
  • Leo Maki – Michigan Appraisal
  • Dennis Rivett – Allstate
  • Rod Timmins – Metro Ford
  • David Solmes – Dewey’s Auto Body
  • Mark Bono – Cawood Pontiac
  • Tim Apsey – Saginaw Career Complex
  • Jim Witt – Jim’s Collision
  • Bob Macomber – Trans Auto Glass
  • Bob Novak – Allstate
  • Don Lane – Greenfield Collision

The event was fun, offered an opportunity to reach and deliver training to additional industry professionals and provide excellent industry awareness to all the attendees and participants. Contact North Central Field Manager Lon Baudoux for more information about this specific event or contact your Field Manager if you would like to host an awareness even such as this in your area.

CANADIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE A SUCCESS
By Canadian Field Manager Tracey Blouin

The Canadian Regional Conference was held May 2-4, 2002 at the International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, ON. This meeting was unique as it was held in conjunction with the CCIF Spring Meeting and the AIA Automotive Show. This joint venture allowed for a true inter-industry experience.

Meetings started off on Thursday with Instructor Day. Larry Hults from Allstate Insurance, in the United States, led the 13 active I-CAR instructors through a series of issues and concerns with the newly available Enhanced Delivery courses. The group was also given an update on the new web site and the I-CAR web site-based Instructor Bulletin Board.

fig 1. Photo

The I-CAR Board of Directors: from left, back row: Tracey Blouin, Dana Alexander, Gilles Dauphinais, Gloria Mann, Dave Potter, Philippe Fugere, PJ Hnatiuk; from left, front row Robby Robbs, Roger Foss, Will Kukelko, Rick Tuuri, Tom McGee. Not present: Derek Vettese, Stacey Bernier, John Brosda, Earl Cameron.

The last official meeting of the I-CAR Canada Board of Directors was held on that Thursday and the main agenda item was the dissolution of the charter. I-CAR International Chairman Roger Foss and Immediate Past Chairman Rick Tuuri attended this important meeting to honor the group and to communicate words of encouragement and special thanks for all the time and hard work the individual members gave to I-CAR and the Canadian Collision Repair Industry throughout the years.

Canadian Field Manager Tracey Blouin led the general session on Friday. The critical issue that was addressed was the national shortage of instructors.

I-CAR’s Executive Vice President and CEO Tom McGee continued with the international presentation. Topics discussed included the changes in today’s technology and how they relate to I-CAR’s programs, products and services. Tom also discussed changing training needs and how we are addressing these with the new Enhanced Delivery courses. Tom really impressed the audience with an "online" instructor training electronic simulator demonstration. Although this simulator is still in the development stages, the technology will lead to many other training aids.

A special awards luncheon followed the general session and gave the opportunity to nationally recognize some outstanding individuals. The Webster’s Dictionary defines the word "Volunteer" as:

Volunteer: noun. – one who chooses freely to do something
verb. – to offer of one’s own free will

The following people were honored for the giving of "one’s own free will:"

  • Ed Cafferty, Royal & SunAlliance Canada – Mississauga, ON
  • Lindsay Gates, Retired – Halifax, NS
  • Steve Hudey, MPI – Winnipeg, MB
  • Reagan Mock, Carlson Body Shop Supply Ltd. – Regina, SK
  • Brian Rauw, Northgate Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. – Edmonton, AB
  • Rob Rukavina, Advantage DS – North York, ON
  • Brian Slaunwhite, Ferguson Auto Parts – Halifax, NS
  • Don Treschak, Treschak Enterprises – Welland, ON

fig 1. Photo

I-CAR volunteer award winners: Ed Cafferty, Reagan Mock, Rob Rukavina, Steve Hudey, Lindsay Gates, Kevin Czar accepting for Brian Rauw. Not present: Brian Slaunwhite, Don Treschak."

Due to the shortage of instructors across the country, we relied on those that are able to do additional traveling. These special instructors are:
  • Lawrence Danylchuk, West Kildonan Collegiate – Winnipeg, MB
  • Gary Kemash, MPI – Winnipeg, MB
  • Ken Friesen, MPI – Winnipeg, MB
  • John Poot, Retired – Ancaster, ON
  • Paul Santos, Riteway Auto Body – Georgetown, ON
  • Sid van Oeveren, MPI – Winnipeg, MB

fig 1. Photo

I-CAR instructor award winners: Lawrence Danylchuk, Gary Kemash, Ken Friesen, John Poot, Sid van Oevern. Not present: Pau Santos.

Honorable mention was given to the Golden Triangle Committee for the incredibly successful open house. The Manitoba Committee was also honored for their annual fundraiser. Both of these committees did tremendous work toward keeping I-CAR in the minds of their respective marketplaces.

Canadian Representative of the I-CAR International Board of Directors, Robby Robbs, of Vital Innovations, was also honored. Over the last year and a half, Robby has worked closely with Tracey to ensure the Canadian marketplace is fully represented on the I-CAR International Board. Robby has dedicated a great deal of his energy and time towards the continued success of I-CAR in Canada. We are truly thankful and appreciative of all Robby has put forth.

Saturday began with a lively panel discussion, which was held with the attendees asking questions and receiving answers from I-CAR Executive Vice President and CEO Tom McGee, Canadian Field Manager Tracey Blouin, Director of Field Operations Dave Heckeler, and Welding Qualification Test Manager Audie Swedeen.

If you have any questions or have suggestions for next year’s conference location, please contact Canadian Field Manager Tracey Blouin.

ADDITIONAL TEST SITES FOR I-CAR AUTOMOTIVE GMA (MIG) WELDING QUALIFICATION TEST

The number of welding qualification test sites available for the I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test continues to grow throughout the United States and Canada. Ten sites have opened in the past 12 months, and six more are scheduled to open this summer and fall.

Steel welding sites opened in the past year include:

Bishop State Community College – Mobile, AL
Delgado Community College – New Orleans, LA
Macomb Community College – Warren, MI
Maxwell High School of Technology – Lawrenceville, GA
Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX
Orange Coast College – Costa Mesa, CA

Aluminum welding sites opened in the past year include:

Contra Costa College – San Pablo, CA
Dakota County Technical College – Rosemount, MN
Francis Tuttle Technology Center – Oklahoma City, OK
Welding Machine & Torch Repair – San Antonio, TX

Aluminum welding sites expected to open soon:

Career Institute of Technology – Easton, PA
Lex La-Ray Technical Center – Lexington, MO
Macomb Community College – Warren, MI
Santa Monica Community College – Santa Monica, CA
St. Cloud Technical College – St. Cloud, MN
Universal Technical Institute – Houston, TX

The I-CAR Automotive GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test is a "hands-on" method of qualifying the welding skills of collision repair technicians. Welds must pass both visual and destructive tests. Major vehicle damage requires repair to structural parts. Welding is one of the most critical skills used in repairing this type of damage. The quality of a technician’s welds will impact structural integrity, vehicle value and passenger safety.

To find an I-CAR welding test near you, visit I-CAR class schedule search or call I-CAR Customer Care at 800.422.7872.

I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW COLLISION REPAIR INSTRUCTOR NETWORK BENEFITS WITH COLLISIONWEEK AND NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL

Collision Repair Instructor Network (CRIN) members will now receive a complimentary subscription to CollisionWeek and a complimentary membership to National Auto Body Council (NABC). These benefits have a combined value of $129 per CRIN member. "We are fortunate to have the industry contacts and ability to work with related entities to offer more benefits to our CRIN members," said I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director Ron Ray.

CollisionWeek is a publication devoted to providing all Collision Repair Industry participants the news, statistics and trend analysis they need on a global basis to compete and prosper. They were founded in 1999 and draw on the over 12 years experience of the publisher, Russell Thrall III, to seek out and identify the important events, issues and trends impacting today’s collision repair industry.

NABC is a not-for-profit organization committed to the goal of improving the image of all dedicated professionals in the collision repair industry. The NABC provides consumer educational material to industry members to help them improve their image at the local level. The NABC coordinates with national charities to provide the industry with the means to achieve national recognition for their commendable work. The NABC also sponsors the Pride Awards that recognize the community volunteer efforts of industry members.

CRIN, sponsored by the I-CAR Education Foundation, is a national organization designed to facilitate the exchange of technical and professional information among collision repair instructors, school administrators, and industry partners. The network enables CRIN members to stay-up-to-date on the newest technology, teaching techniques, and recruitment and retention methods. CRIN meets nationally twice a year, during the International Auto Body Congress and Exposition (NACE) and the SkillsUSA-VICA National Competition. CRIN is able to keep abreast of issues affecting members across the country primarily through its strong relationship with the I-CAR Education Foundation. Bi-annual seminars, workshops, student scholarships, donations, corporate receptions, and community activities also keep members informed, involved and connected throughout the year.

If you are interested in receiving discounts and other benefits as a CRIN member please call 888.722.3787 Ext. 283 or visit the I-CAR Education Foundation web site.

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