East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), based in Mesa, Ariz., has partnered with Leading Edge Auto Refinishes and Kachina Automotive Equipment to add a collision repair technology education center and training program to the school. The renovated facility will begin hosting manufacturer’s training programs in January.
“We must bring the industry to the table if we are going to provide the finest training in the world, and to accomplish that goal we needed to partner with two of Arizona’s most influential market leaders,” said Dr. Sally Downey, EVIT CEO and superintendent. “Leading Edge and Kachina Automotive are recognized as innovative market leaders and industry visionaries in Arizona. When I asked them to outline their vision of what they believed our program could become, I was taken back at the depth, the vision and their comprehensive strategy of implementation that greatly exceeded EVIT’s short- and long-term vision for our collision program.”
It has long been a dream of John Rang, managing partner of both Leading Edge Auto and Kachina Automotive Equipment, to provide state‐of‐the‐art training for the collision industry in Arizona.
“When Dr. Downey approached us, we quickly realized that we shared a similar vision for industry training in Arizona,” Rang said. “Dr. Downey has big ideas, and by collaborating, we are going to have a significant impact on students and the industry.”
Dr. Downey presented Rang and Leading Edge the Sam and Olga Bender Award for Business, one of EVIT’s highest honors, at the annual EVIT Educational Foundation Breakfast on Nov. 7. The award is given to a business partner who makes the greatest contribution of time, energy and commitment to the school.
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