I-CAR Announces New Chief Staff Executive
The International Board of Directors of the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) announced that it has appointed John W. Edelen to fill the position of president and chief executive officer of the organization. Edelen has served as interim chief executive since November 2007. “Since last November, at the request of the I-CAR Board,
Auto Body Association of Connecticut Elects Officers
The Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) today announced the election of its slate of new officers for 2008-2009. Bob Skrip, owner of Skrip’s Auto Body in Prospect, was elected president. Mike Walsh of T & J Auto Body in East Hartford was elected vice-president, and Tony Ferraiolo of A & R Body Specialty
Consumers Finally Changing Driving Patterns, Says Market Research Company
Americans are making lasting changes in their driving patterns as a result of two-and-a-half years of record gas prices, according to a new survey conducted by market research company The NPD Group. And that all adds up to less miles driven, which of course means fewer collisions. The survey of 43,000 drivers captures the temporary/short-term
Col-Met Spray Booths Expands Distribution Into Mexico
Col-Met Spray Booths has expanded its reach into Mexico and select Latin American countries since Q4 2007. The company says that since last year’s hiring of Manuel Diaz-Marta to be its Latin America sales manager, its initiative to grow and enhance its distribution capabilities in Mexico and Latin America has met with great success. Col-Met
Avery Says State Farm Still Overcapacity
State Farm Consultant George Avery made a few collision repairers nervous at the Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists Spring Conference when he said that State Farm was still overcapacity despite slashing the shops in its Select Service program from 20,000 to about 11,000. The logical question, then, which was asked by a repairer in the
Anti-Steering Video Public Service Announcement Now Available to SCRS Affiliate Associations
A broadcast quality video public service announcement (PSA) informing consumers of the illegality of insurance company steering is being made available by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) to its affiliate associations. The 30-second spots were developed by Ozone Advertising, Design and Strategy, a San Francisco Bay Area firm. Developed to be aired
CBS News Shines Spotlight on Steering
Local television station WRGB CBS 6 out of Albany recently aired a report featuring Ed Kizenberger, executive director of the New York State Auto Collision Technician’s Association/Long Island Auto Body Repairmen’s Association, speaking out against steering. Also featured in the report is Tony Mancini, owner of Mancini’s Auto Body, who says that 50 percent of
LaFontaine Automotive Group Goes Green With PPG Waterborne Refinish System
The LaFontaine Automotive Group, headquartered in Highland, Mich., has announced that it has converted from a solvent-based system to PPG Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat for vehicle paint repairs. The transition is part of an overall LaFontaine initiative to sell, service and repair vehicles in an environmentally-friendly way. The company is one of the first
LKQ to Host Open Houses in Stockton, California
The LKQ and Keystone facilities in Stockton, Calif., will host open houses June 20-21, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2041 Navy Drive and 1627 Army Court to show their appreciation for past business and welcome all new customers as well. A free shuttle bus will be available to take guests between the
Kansas Body Shop Owner to Keep Working Despite Winning $5.26 Million Jackpot
A report out of the Joplin Globe of Pittsburg, Kan., says a body shop and towing business owner won a $5.26 million Hot Lotto jackpot but is not going to stop working. “I’m most comfortable where I’m at, getting in my wrecker and going out on calls,” said the 59-year-old Larry Barrett. “I’ve been that
ASA Member Shop Donates Car to School PTA
Brad’s Deer Valley Collision Center of Phoenix, Ariz., recently donated a 2005 Dodge Stratus that it repaired to the Boulder Creek High School PTA. Tickets were sold for $10 each to raise money for the PTA, which provides funding for school materials in order to provide a quality learning environment for students. The collision repair
911 Collision Centers Donates “Overhauled” Vehicle to High School Grad
911 Collision Centers of Tucson, Ariz., recently made one high school graduate’s summer by donating an "overhauled" 2000 Toyota Camry to a raffle at an area high school. The donation was part of Project Graduation, a program that promotes partnership between school administration, parents, law enforcement and the business community in Tucson. A