U.S. Senate candidate Linda E. McMahon was the keynote speaker at the recent Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists (CCRS) annual banquet in Orange, Ct.
McMahon, who announced her candidacy for the United States Senate this month, is the former CEO of WWE. Linda helped grow the company from a modest 13 person operation to a global enterprise headquartered in Stamford, Ct., with over 600 employees and offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
McMahon has been widely recognized as one of the country’s top female executives. In 2007, she was named one of Multichannel News’ “Wonder Woman,” recognizing her accomplishments as a leader in the U.S. cable television industry. In addition to her work in the boardroom, McMahon has been instrumental in nurturing a wide variety of community and charitable programs. In 2009, she was appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell to serve on the Connecticut Board of Education.
The topic for the night was “Connecticut Industries: Succeeding in a Challenging Environment,” where Linda shared her experience in building a business, failing and restarting.
“I know what it is like to start and maintain a business," she said. "I also know how it feels to fail.”
Linda and her husband, Vince, filed bankruptcy in 1976.
CCRS represents collision repair professionals throughout the state of Connecticut.
“CCRS members employ over 1,275 people. As with many small businesses in Connecticut, we face challenges with increased taxes, employee benefits and sustaining an adequate profit margin,” states Lisa Siembab, CCRS executive director. “Linda is a great reminder of how determination and commitment to excellence will work.”
“Linda is exactly what we need in Connecticut,” said Mike Tarzia, CCRS vice-chairman. "She isn’t afraid of hard work, and she really cares about the issues we are facing as small business owners. She isn’t a career politician; she is a business owner, just like us.”
In closing remarks, Siembab addressed the attendees: “We are honored to host Linda and certainly appreciate her support. We look forward to another great year as our members will be challenged more than ever with the current economic climate. But, this is why we exist. CCRS seeks to serve our industry – one repairer, at a time.”
More information:
The Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists
