The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) 2016 Educational Conference was held May 2-4 in Tampa, Fla. This year’s program celebrated the 10th anniversary of WIN’s formation with the theme, “Power of the Past-Force of the Future.” In recognition of this industry milestone, AkzoNobel presented WIN with a $12,500 “WIN Technology Initiative Founder’s Sponsorship.”

This sponsorship recognizes AkzoNobel’s “Power of the Past” – specifically, its significant amount of investment in both cash and in-kind contributions in the formative years of WIN – and “Force of the Future,” to support a new initiative critical to WIN’s continued sustainability. As a method of ensuring that WIN is able to sustain and grow its mission of engaging women in the collision repair industry, AkzoNobel has provided the initial investment required to enable the organization to achieve one of its key strategic initiatives for 2016: moving the organization to a technology platform that can support all of its current and future needs.

“This resource delivers a method of networking and education at multiple levels which enables sustainable growth for those that actively choose to participate and for those yet to come,” said Jennifer Solcz, marketing manager for AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes in North America.

Added Petra Schroeder, WIN’s new chair, “We are extremely grateful to AkzoNobel. With this wonderful sponsorship, they have provided WIN with the opportunity to grow and further support diversity and sustainability in our industry through engagement of women in the collision repair industry.”

In the future, a WIN Technology Sponsorship will be established as an opportunity for other organizations and/or individuals to support WIN’s ongoing technology needs.

To learn more about WIN programs or for information on becoming a member, visit www.WomensIndustryNetwork.com. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact Susanna Gotsch at [email protected].