For nearly 60 years, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has been dedicated to promoting and enhancing the collision industry by offering educational opportunities, advocating for repairers and establishing a community for shops in the Garden State. AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee recently took a couple days away from the shop to learn more about what’s happening on a national scale when he attended Industry Week in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Each quarter, some of the brightest minds from all segments of the collision repair industry gather at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) to discuss and explore the issues plaguing shops, associations and other involved parties. A new face in the crowd, McNee sat among them to gain insights on the multitude of changes impacting the industry — and as a first-time CIC attendee, he was impressed.
“CIC is like the founders of this industry when it comes to looking out for the best interest of the shops and the consumer, represented by the ‘empty chair,’ and we should all be that focused on performing safe, proper and quality repairs,” said McNee. “It was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to come together, sit in on the seminars and listen to guest speakers who are the best of the best in our industry. It’s important to get out there and see what others are doing currently, what’s new on the horizon and what’s coming down the pike.”
Participating in association events — both locally and nationally — offers a chance for collision professionals to learn from their peers and strengthen their individual businesses while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of the industry as a whole. CIC’s next meeting will be held Nov. 1 in Las Vegas in conjunction with SEMA.
“Getting involved is a great way of truly showing your support for the industry because, without that support, we’ve got nothing,” said McNee. “Join us at the next CIC to be part of the elite. Being the best you can possibly be isn’t going to harm you … it’ll only work to your benefit!”
For more information on CIC, visit ciclink.com.
For more information about AASP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org.
