About I-CAR - Current Events/News: E-newsletter: 2008 E-newsletter Archives: November 25, 2008

I-CAR, the Inter-industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced the untimely passing of Instructor Development Manager Lon Baudoux on Tuesday, November 11.

Mr. Baudoux, 53, of Saginaw, MI took his current position with I-CAR in July, 2007 after serving as North Central Regional Manager since 1997. Prior to that, he had instructed I-CAR courses for over a decade.

I-CAR President and CEO, John Edelen has appointed Jeff Peevy, Director of Field Operations, and Todd Hank, Network Support Administrator to oversee Baudoux’s responsibilities until further notice.

“Lon’s passing is a great loss to I-CAR, its associates, and to me, personally,” Edelen said. “He represented the best of I-CAR – energy, focus, and great pride in the ability to contribute to the success of I-CAR and to the collision inter-industry. His work with our instructors over the past months has been an important aspect of our progress.”

Baudoux is survived by his wife Mary, son Leon, and daughter Kimberly.

If you would like to make a donation to the American Heart Association in memory of Lon Baudoux, please do so by clicking here.

COLLISION INTER-INDUSTRY GIVES POSITIVE REVIEWS OF I-CAR’S NEWEST TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

Inter-industry professionals who completed I-CAR’s newest course, Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02), at its premiere at NACE in Las Vegas, Nevada, had a lot to say about the program aimed to increase industry professionals’ knowledge of hybrid-electric technology and alternative fuel vehicles.

“This program gave a great breakdown of electric and electric/gas combination vehicles already here and the new technology on its way,” said Kevin Czar, Appraisal Unit Team Leader for TD Meloche Monnex Insurance in Edmonton, Alberta. “A key takeaway for me was how to disable an electric vehicle. This is especially important because if a vehicle is not disabled properly it could be dangerous for the technician and the appraiser writing the estimate. I want all of our appraisers to take this course because it is so rich in information.”

“I found the step-by-step procedures to disconnect an electric vehicle highly beneficial,” said Kendell Karlson, Estimator for Larry Chris Auto Body, Inc. in Burley, Idaho. “As an estimator it gave me a better understanding of the charges associated with completing these procedures and others. The program is very vehicle specific and to-the-point,” said Karlson.

“There is an extensive amount of information on electric vehicles and the components of the vehicle that are also electric-powered such as electric air conditioning and power steering and the safety issues in disconnecting an electric battery properly. It also covers what can and can’t be done on a hybrid vehicle and the real safety issues for whoever touches an electric vehicle. There’s also a real focus on the changes ahead in the industry with additional information on propane and hydrogen powered vehicles,” stressed Scott Balogh, Material Damage Supervisor for Safeway Insurance Company in Westmont, Illinois.

“I’ve already highly recommended this class to my appraisers. In the insurance industry, a lack of knowledge can hurt you in the long run and can cost more money based on items and procedures that are necessary and unnecessary in the repair process,” he added.

Harry Raleigh owner of Raleigh Auto Body in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts added, “This program supplies the proper procedures and warnings we need to stay safe while on the job. I also sent this information to our local fire department because it is a matter of safety for them to know and properly shut off hybrid vehicles.”

Additional information within the program includes:

Saving time and money by understanding electric air conditioning systems and the unique compressor oil used in hybrids.
Protecting yourself by learning unique damage analysis and repair considerations regarding electric-assist power steering systems and inverter/converter cooling systems.
Protecting yourself by learning how with each new hybrid vehicle there is a twist on the conventional hybrid system technologies.
Gaining insight into the future with alternative fuels, from the current ethanol blends, propane, and compressed natural gas fueled vehicles, to future technology such as plug-in hybrid electrics, the new pure electrics, and hydrogen fuel cell test vehicles.

Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) is now available across North America. For 2009 dates and the most up-to-date listing of the currently scheduled classes, visit www.i-car.com and register for a class scheduled near you!

I-CAR ANNOUNCES 30TH ANNIVERSARY INDUSTRY EVENT TO TAKE PLACE IN WASHINGTON, DC, FOR JULY, 2009; ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL OFFICE, FEBRUARY, 2009

Given current market realities, I-CAR has revised its plans for 2009, and has announced that it will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its industry event, July 28 through August 1, 2009, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“We had planned initially to coordinate the 30th anniversary celebration with Board and Membership activities in early February, and to hold that meeting at the Omni in DC, as well,” said I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen. “However, we believe that this revised schedule is better for the meeting attendees and the many corporate and individual sponsors who make the I-CAR events possible.”

“In these times, when we are all sorting out the impact of the latest developments in the economy on our businesses and on our families, it is unrealistic to expect that customers, sponsors, employees, volunteers, instructors, can support the expense associated with two major events,” said Edelen.

The I-CAR International Board of Directors and I-CAR members will be gathering in February at the I-CAR Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, IL for their Annual Meeting.

Robby Robbs, I-CAR International’s Board Chairman offered, “This is the responsible thing to do for the industry. The Board and our Membership will tend to governance responsibilities in February. Come July, we will take the opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the inter-industry founding of I-CAR. We will share this celebration with the inter-industry and seize the opportunity to recognize the contributions of our supporters, customers, sponsors, volunteers, and employees over the past thirty years.”

“Thirty years of servicing the inter-industry is a significant accomplishment and we look forward to this momentous occasion by celebrating this milestone with our many industry supporters,” noted Mr. Robbs.

Mark your calendars now! Additional details on the I-CAR 30th Anniversary Industry Event will be forthcoming.

CANADIAN COLLISION INTER-INDUSTRY GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE CONTROL OF FUTURE OF I-CAR INDUSTRY TRAINING

I-CAR International Board Chairman Robby Robbs has provided updated comments on the future of I-CAR in Canada.

“Following the Canadian Collision Repair Industry Survey and ensuing Town Hall meeting in Montreal, it is sufficiently clear that the market is seeking changes to the current I-CAR structure in Canada,” noted Mr. Robbs. “This recognition that the industry in Canada is seeking a different direction has prompted the I-CAR International Board to take measures designed to support the Canadian auto collision inter-industry in furthering options for the future.”

The I-CAR International Board of Directors has established a Canadian Transition Task Force (CTTF) to receive and evaluate potential options offered by the industry to address its future training needs.

“The Board established a Canadian Task Force roughly a year ago, to engage with the marketplace on business-model options that might better serve the needs of the marketplace and incorporate I-CAR products and services,” said I-CAR International Board Chairman Robby Robbs. “At the request of that group under the Chairmanship of Roland Taube, work was undertaken and has led us to conclude that the market is indeed ready to support a different model for I-CAR in Canada in the near future.”

Robbs went on to clarify: “The role of Mr. Taube and his task force of inter-industry leaders has changed and is to now engage with the market on the development of proposals for a new business structure in Canada, and to evaluate these options.”

Over the course of the next sixty days, the newly formed CTTF will support Mr. Taube and his team by providing a Position Paper on I-CAR, and by supporting the development of a structured Request for Proposal to be used by Mr. Taube’s team in soliciting and providing a consistent structure for the potential options offered by the industry. This should facilitate, ultimately, a fair and consistent comparative analysis of proposals submitted, and the development of recommendations based on a consistent set of scoring criteria.

Robbs indicated that, “We would hope that proposals will be forthcoming in early 2009, for Mr. Taube’s team to consider and score. Once they are comfortable that they have solid proposals from which to review and recommend for Board consideration, they will turn them over to the CTTF. The CTTF will review the proposals and the recommendations of Mr. Taube’s Task Force, and take a ‘short list’ to the Board to decide with whom I-CAR will consider a licensing agreement.”

When asked further about the timeline, Mr. Robbs stated that, “The Board has indicated that this must be resolved by the end of 2009. Beyond that point, we will no longer operate in Canada as a region of I-CAR International. This is why we have moved to establish this Canadian Transition Task Force (CTTF). We want to make sure that any transition to a different model for the Canadian market takes place in an orderly, constructive, and positive way. The market continues to invest in I-CAR training and in the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual programs, and we must ensure that the value of these is sustained and continues through this transition, and beyond.”

John Edelen, I-CAR’s President and CEO commented, “I want to assure the Canadian market that it is still ‘Business as Usual’ in Canada, for our current operation. We will continue to support the training needs of the Canadian market while the Task Forces and Board sort through the new look of I-CAR in Canada. We will ensure on-going communications with the industry to keep you abreast of developments and more importantly want to reinforce to stakeholders that we will honor our commitments. I-CAR will not turn its back on the Canadian collision inter-industry while this process is under way. We are looking to structure our activities in Canada in ways which will be more responsive to, and sustained by, the industry. The role of the Transition Team will be to guide us through this period, so that we don’t lose the momentum and the good will of the industry, and so we come out of this stronger and better positioned to continue I-CAR training, programs and services in Canada, albeit under a different organizational model.”

“This isn’t about a loss of a commitment to the Canadian market,” said Edelen. “This work has been about identifying and recognizing the need for change, so that I-CAR’s commitment can be sustained by the Canadian market. We believe that the steps the Board is taking will lead us to the right and sustainable solutions for the Canadian inter-industry. In the meantime, our commitment remains high and we are doing everything under our current structure to continue to address the training needs of the industry.”

CLEVELAND COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE TRAINING DAY PROMOTION

The local I-CAR Cleveland committee recognizes that many shops, particularly those that are new to I-CAR, often cite cost as a major obstacle to attending classes.

"That may be due to the fact some shops don't yet understand the true value of I-CAR training," said committee chair Tom Clark. Clark continued, saying the real benefit is repairs done right the first time--something we all agree on. Overcoming this objection would bring many to the table that need and deserve I-CAR classes.

Fortunately, Cleveland committee member Frank Lanza developed a solution. Frank secured commitments from area industry partners to sponsor training for these shops, so the local committee could offer a special promotion at 2 classes for the price of 1. This was only possible due to sponsors covering a portion of the cost of training for attendees.

Past events have been such a success that the committee is planning its next event for Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Sherwin Williams in Warrensville Heights, OH. This event will consist of:

Class offerings of Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07), Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08), newly rewritten eight hour Color Theory, Application, Tinting, and Blending (REF03)
A brief tour of the Sherwin Williams Automotive Technical Center, showcasing new waterborne technology.

If you are interested or would like to learn more you may contact Frank Lanza directly at 440.708.0600.

I-CAR PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR TOBY CHESS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF WELDING QUALIFICATION TESTS TO CIC

I-CAR Program Instructor Toby Chess addressed the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) on the importance of having all technicians complete an I-CAR welding qualification test during their meeting in Las Vegas on November 4.

Chess’ technical presentation included examples of seemingly good welds that when tested proved not to hold up. He noted that the quality of the weld plays a significant role in the safety of passengers on the road.

“It should be mandatory that all technicians complete a welding qualification test,” explained Chess. “Too many technicians do not know how to complete a proper weld. The safety of others requires that all who work on vehicles every day get the proper training.”

As a part of his presentation Chess discussed the proper methods of welding high strength steels that are becoming more common in newer model vehicles and the I-CAR live training program Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07).

Chess is the recipient of Auto Body Repair News 2008 Industry Leadership Award presented to him at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Collision Industry Achievement Awards ceremony in Las Vegas on November 4.

The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) is a forum where collision industry stakeholders come together to discuss issues, build broad understanding, find common ground and communicate to the industry at-large, findings, and possible solutions.

GOLD CLASS PROFESSIONALS DESIGNATED BUSINESSES EARN 15 YEARS

An elite group of only 84 businesses has qualified for the Gold Class Professionals designation for at least 15 consecutive years! I-CAR would like to congratulate and thank the following businesses for their exceptional commitment to collision repair training.

Businesses that have earned 15 consecutive years of the Gold Class Professionals status are listed below in the order that they joined the program.

Gold Class 15 + ( 25K ) in Adobe Acrobat Format

I-CAR RECOGNIZES NEW AND LONG-TERM GOLD CLASS BUSINESSES

The following businesses have maintained their Gold Class Professionals designation for at least ten consecutive years as of September 1, 2008. They are listed alphabetically by the zone's state or province. I-CAR would also like to recognize businesses that have maintained the Gold Class Professionals designation for 5 consecutive years. They are also listed alphabetically by the zone’s state or province.

The Gold Class Professionals program continues to grow and welcome new businesses that have maintained the Gold Class Professionals designation fewer than 5 consecutive years. I-CAR would like to commend these businesses on their commitment to collision repair training.

I-CAR is grateful for the dedication shown by all of its Gold Class Professionals designated businesses, and looks forward to the time when every person in the collision industry, current and future, has the necessary technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve complete and safe repairs.

		Gold Class 10 + ( 37K ) in Adobe Acrobat Format
		Gold Class 5 + ( 49K ) in Adobe Acrobat Format
		Gold Class 5 - ( 116K ) in Adobe Acrobat Format

I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND AKZONOBEL’S “THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE COLLISIN REPAIR INDUSTRY” ANNOUNCE 2008 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc. and The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry, are proud to award eight young women with scholarships to assist in their education and advancement in the collision industry.

The top scholarship winner in the Secondary category is Nina Hunter, a student at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ. Hunter will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and career in the collision industry. Neil Carroll, an instructor at East Valley Institute of Technology said, “Nina has had several challenges in her life. She is a Russian orphan and was adopted at seven years old. She has had to acclimate to several changes as well as learning a new language. It is exceptional to see any females succeed in our collision program due to the diverse ethnic and social structure of our students. [Nina] has learned to stand up for herself and is prepared to face the social challenges in the industry…I have been teaching for seventeen years and can’t think of any student more deserving.”

The top scholarship winner in the Post-Secondary category is Bonnie Peterson, a student at Cypress College in Cypress, CA. Peterson will also be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and further her career. Dan Snook, an instructor at Cypress College said, “Bonnie has always strived to do her best in a male dominated industry, completing assignments and given duties on or before due dates with great enthusiasm. A typical school day for Bonnie starts at 7:30 am and finishes at 10:00 pm long after many other students have gone home.”

In addition to Hunter and Peterson, six runner-up scholarships were awarded to students from career and technical schools and colleges around the United States. All of the runner-ups will receive a $2,500 scholarship to continue their education. In the Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Brittney Baker from Rolla Technical Institute in Rolla, MO; Tiffany Dunn from Orange/Ulster CTEC in Goshen, NY; and Tynika Howard from Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, MI.

In the Post-Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Jennifer Engelbrecht from Butler Community College in El Dorado, KS; Melissa Jamie Strong from Aims Community College in Greeley, CO; and Alicia Wade from Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL.

“Scholarships, like AkzoNobel’s ‘Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry,’ make a significant positive impact in the lives of students enrolled in a collision education program,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. “Students, like the young women honored here, are making a considerable commitment to their education and training – the I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to have partners like AkzoNobel who recognize their commitment and are willing to invest in their future. Congratulations to all of these talented young women and thank you to AkzoNobel for their generosity in recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who are the future of the collision industry.”

A total of 339 career and technical schools and colleges that are ASE-certified to the NATEF standards in collision repair and refinishing received a letter and student application for this scholarship. Both the female student applicant and instructor were asked to write a short essay explaining why the student should be awarded the scholarship.

Established in 1999, The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry program annually recognizes the leadership contributions that are made by a unique group of individuals that have dedicated themselves to the betterment of this industry and their communities.

The Executive Committee of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees made the final selection of winners. The Executive Committee consists of:

Chairman	Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance Companies
Vice-Chairman	Roland Taube, AkzoNobel Canada
Treasurer	Doug Webb, CSi Complete
Secretary	Steve Seidner, Seidner’s Collision Centers
Trustee-at-Large	Bill Daly, Allstate Insurance Company
Trustee-at-Large	Gregory Settle, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Immediate Past Chairman	Clark Plucinski, True2Form Collision Repair Centers

I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES 2008 INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

The I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to announce the 2008 Instructor of the Year. The Honoree is Fred Steeves, a collision repair instructor from Oxford Hills Technical School in South Paris, ME. Steeves received an expense-paid trip to NACE 2008 where he was recognized for this achievement and honored with a plaque during the Education Instructor Feedback session.


	Fred Steeves (pictured on the left) accepts the Instructor of the Year award from I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director Scott Kruger.

Steeves has worked in the collision industry for 23 years and has been an instructor for 10 years. Among his many activities, Steeves serves as a SkillsUSA Advisor and is Chairperson for the State SkillsUSA competitions. He is also an I-CAR instructor and the Chairperson for the Maine Auto Collision Repair Instructors tech update meetings. He has worked tirelessly to continue to recruit students to the collision repair program and place them in jobs within the industry.

Steeves was nominated by Garry Carr, an instructor at Maine Vocational Region Tech in Brunswick, ME. Carr stated in his recommendation, “Fred Steeves is a model citizen in every way. He is the type of guy you can count on. Always busy with students or family stuff, but never too busy to lend a hand to a friend…Fred has been and continues to be the single most positive influence in Maine with regards to I-CAR and education with students in the auto collision industry here.”

“The I-CAR Education Foundation exists to help students on the path to a rewarding career in collision repair, yet we realize our efforts mean nothing without the drive and dedication of career and technical school faculty like Fred,” said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. “Congratulations to Fred Steeves with thanks for his devotion to education, his enthusiasm for his students, and his tireless contributions to the future of the collision industry.”

GEICO PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTES $15,000 TO THE I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation contributed $15,000 in September to support the
I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation’s Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

"The I-CAR Education Foundation would not exist without dedicated donors like the GEICO Philanthropic Foundation," said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. “Knowing that an esteemed company like GEICO is investing in the future of the collision industry really makes me proud to be a part of the I-CAR Education Foundation and the work they are doing.”

“GEICO understands the important role the I-CAR Education Foundation plays in the collision repair industry. We applaud the continued activities and educational success of the Education Foundation and are proud to support such a worthwhile organization,” said William DeGrocco, GEICO Assistant Vice President.

More information about GEICO can be found at www.geico.com.

AAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEVADA & UTAH GIVES $5,000 TO THE I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah has contributed $5,000 to support the I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation’s Industry Partners Annual Fund will support the Education Foundation and fuel the future of the industry by enriching opportunities for students in collision education.

“Support from organizations like AAA allows the Education Foundation to subsist,” said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. “We want to thank AAA for their contribution and support as it is critical to be able to meet the Education Foundation’s goals and objectives supporting collision education. In essence, the future of the collision industry is being funded by the Education Foundation donors of today.”

"Our AAA club is very pleased to support the I-CAR Education Foundation’s continuing work in educating future collision repair professionals,” said Eric Andel, Manager of Claims.

AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.

BASF CORPORATION CONTRIBUTES $5,000 TO THE I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

BASF Corporation contributed $5,000 in September to support the I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation’s Industry Partners Annual Fund will support the Education Foundation and fuel the future of the industry by enriching opportunities for students in collision education.

“On behalf of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees and the Education Foundation staff, I want to thank BASF Corporation for their continued support,” said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. “Together with donors like BASF Corporation, we will continue to offer the benefit of curriculum grants, instructor training grants, and scholarships to collision repair schools and colleges and their students.”

“We’re proud to support the I-CAR Education Foundation. Making the collision repair industry an attractive career choice is crucial for its ongoing health,” says Joe Skurka, Manager of OEM and Industry Relations for BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings. “We feel the I-CAR Education Foundation is aligned with BASF’s vision of supporting sustainable business environments. Initiatives like this ensure the collision repair industry will thrive, not just survive.”

Further information on BASF is available at www.basf.com.

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