AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas has announced the first recipients of the “FIT” Sustainability Awards. Receiving the 2010 awards will be Park Place Bodywerks of Dallas, Texas, and the California Autobody Association (CAA) headquartered in Sacramento, Calif.
“FIT” is an acronym for the three key measurement criteria of the award: Focus, Innovation and Talent. AkzoNobel says it created the award to promote the leadership role and unique contributions the collision repair industry is making to generate a more sustainable future.
“While each of two entities receiving the 2010 FIT award are different in business scope and focus, they share a common bond in their aggressive pursuit to deliver sustainable, environmentally focused business solutions to the collision repair industry,” said Tim Loden, director of marketing for AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas. “They have found innovative ways to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.”
Gigi Walker, CAA president and owner of Walker’s Auto Body Fleet & Repair in Concord, Calif., said there are many ways in which collision repairers can contribute toward a more sustainable future.
“The collision repair industry can help contribute to a healthier environment in many ways, by working smarter and adopting lean practices, using eco-friendly waterborne paints, and recycling materials like metals and cardboard. And in these economically challenging times, we realize that energy efficiency also results in significant cost savings,” she said. “California Autobody Association is honored to be recognized by AkzoNobel with an award that will help to raise awareness of the great strides our industry is making to improve sustainability, reduce our environmental footprint and preserve natural resources.”
Eric McKenzie, director of body shop operations for Park Place Bodywerks, said businesses and communities alike will benefit from efforts to go green.
“As an industry, we have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens, and finding greener ways is good for the environment and good for business,” he said. “Even the smallest actions add up to make a significant impact.”
More information:
AkzoNobel Opens Nominations for FIT Sustainability Award
