AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas announced it will begin the process for accepting nominations for the 2009 Most Influential Women (MIW) award. The recognition program – typically held during the first week of November in Las Vegas – will be staged in 2010.
“2009 has been an extraordinary business year,” said Tim Loden, Director of Marketing for AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas. “This year has required many difficult choices to be made. We recognize the positive social impact that the MIW program has brought to the collision repair industry. Therefore, we are choosing to sustain this commitment
to the industry by recognizing the leaders that work to make it better. In addition, we will maintain our endowment to the I-CAR Education Foundation honoring the MIW recipients and providing needed financial assistance for those wishing to become a part of our industry.”
In 2008, the MIW program marked its 10-year anniversary. During the 10-year history, the program has highlighted the contributions of approximately 80 industry leaders. Through the I-CAR Education Foundation MIW Scholarship Fund, the program also has assisted an array of students aspiring to make the collision repair industry a career destination.
In addition, alumnae members of the MIW program provided the stimulus for the formation of the Women’s Industry Network (WIN). This new industry association is targeted at promoting both workforce expansion and knowledge of women within collision repair.
“The MIW program has escalated to become one of the most respected and revered accolades that our industry bestows on its members,” said Geralynn Kottschade, co-owner of Jerry’s Body Shop in Mankato, Minn., past NACE chair, past Most Influential Women award honoree and past chair for the WIN Association. “Few companies and even fewer programs have had the influence on our industry which MIW has provided. AkzoNobel is to be commended for their efforts to nurture this worthy effort.”
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