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Current Events/News: E-newsletter: 2002 Archives

GREETINGS FROM I-CAR NEW ZEALAND
By New Zealand I-CAR Course Coordinator Robert Renwick

A general concern in the collision repair industry is how to keep informed about each new model vehicle as it becomes available to the public. New Zealand has open import restrictions on most right-hand drive motor vehicles manufactured, which makes it even more difficult to keep up with all the new vehicles. Although the bulk of those being imported are from Japan, New Zealand has vehicles imported from almost everywhere in the world. For this reason, it is vital to have a very broad understanding of proper collision repair methods.

New Zealand also has government regulations stating that any structural repair being undertaken on a vehicle registered after 1990 must comply with manufacturers' specifications. However, in many cases, these specifications are not available or don't appear to have been written. This is where I-CAR's collision repair training becomes so important. Through I-CAR's training, people can be assured that their vehicle will be repaired properly.

I-CAR has been a part of New Zealand since 1988 and is now a recognized training arm in the New Zealand collision repair industry. A variety of the I-CAR training courses are offered through I-CAR New Zealand and more will be made available later this year.

For more information about I-CAR New Zealand, please contact Robert Renwick.

GOLD CLASS SHOP OF THE MONTH: ANDY'S AUTO BODY, ALTON, IL

Andy's Auto Body has been selected as June's Gold Class shop of the month. They became a Gold Class Professionals business in September 1997, and have been involved with many different aspects of I-CAR and the Gold Class Professionals program for many years. According to their web site at www.andysauto.com, "Andy's Auto Body was founded on May 4th, 1979 in a small four car garage." A new facility was built in 1999, and the business has now expanded into four different Illinois locations in the cities of Alton, Chester, Hardin and Flora. Shop Owner Andy Batchelor and his wife, Nancy Batchelor, have been running Andy's Auto Body for 28 years together.

Andy's Auto Body decided to become a Gold Class Professionals business because of Batchelor's belief in ongoing education. He feels that the more training his employees have, the better they will perform in their everyday jobs. The better his employees perform their jobs, the better the business does financially. Because of this strong belief, Batchelor made the choice to make his employees as educated as they could be. This dedication and commitment to training led Andy's Auto Body to qualify for the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals program in 1997.

Batchelor was a member of the Gold Class Professionals Steering Committee from 1998 to 2001. The Gold Class Steering Committee was established to provide advisory input to I-CAR with regard to the future direction of the Gold Class Professionals program. Batchelor has also been an I-CAR volunteer for many years, and currently holds the position of Southern Illinois Coordinator. He continues to stay active with I-CAR and training. In 1998, Batchelor received the I-CAR Founders Award for the South Central Region. The I-CAR Founder's Award is presented to one volunteer from each region who most exemplifies the I-CAR volunteer spirit. Batchelor states, "I have a great respect for I-CAR and all of its people." He believes that all of the new programs I-CAR has been developing throughout the years are very exciting, and it is important to continue to get more people to believe in training. Batchelor feels that, "It makes us better people when we're trained and people feel better about themselves when they are trained."

I-CAR would like to thank Andy and Nancy Batchelor for all of their hard work and continued support of I-CAR and ongoing education in the collision industry. Every month, one Gold Class shop is chosen as the shop of the month. If you have any recommendations or requests, please contact Marketing Specialist Jennifer Wilkens.

THE SOUTHEAST REGION AND THEIR CLASS OF 2002
By Southeast Field Manager Jerry Sopkowiak

The Southeast Region has trained a record number of students during the fiscal year compared to any other time in the region's history! This high level of delivered training is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Southeast Region's volunteers and instructors.

After transitioning from the traditional I-CAR training courses to the new Enhanced Delivery programs last year, the volunteers and instructors picked up the ball and ran with it in a big way! Many people in our industry are not aware of the amount of time and commitment that goes into providing an I-CAR class. There are the many hours after work and on weekends these volunteers spend planning, marketing and conducting classes. They volunteer this time because they believe in I-CAR's mission.

The next time you meet an I-CAR volunteer or instructor, take the time to say thank you for all of their hard work and unselfish dedication to our industry. The "Class of 2002" is a special one indeed! Records are being broken and memories are being made in one of the most dynamic years in the history of the Southeast Region! In a few short weeks, the final numbers of students taught in fiscal 2002 will be tabulated. It is going to be a photo finish between the Southeast and Southwest Regions to see which region taught the most industry professionals! Although the bragging rights are fun, the fact is that everyone and every industry entity associated with I-CAR have won!

For more information about this article please contact Southeast Field Manager Jerry Sopkowiak.

I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION INTRODUCES NEW RESOURCE LINKS

The I-CAR Education Foundation has introduced new resource links on its web site. Visitors can now view a short description of participating associations/companies and then link to their web site.

The new links include key members of the recruitment and education segments of the industry. This will provide additional resources for students, instructors and related industry personnel that are looking for more information on recruitment or available collision repair programs.

"Representatives of associations including SkillsUSA-VICA, the I-CAR Education Foundation, CCAR, NATEF, ASE, AYES and ASA met during 2001 to focus on recruiting efforts. During that meeting, they unanimously realized that since the I-CAR Education Foundation mission is "To attract entry-level candidates and assist in preparing them for careers in the collision repair industry," they would be right in line to develop a composite list of the various available resources. These include career brochures, career days, videos, CD-ROMs, mentor programs, newsletters, publications and scholarships. This not only parallels with the Foundation's mission, it also helps everyone to understand who to contact and what assistance material is available," said Sharon Merwin of ASA.

Other associations or companies interested in being included in this listing of industry resources may contact the I-CAR Education Foundation at 888-722-3787 Ext. 283. For additional information on recruiting or to view the current list of related links, visit the I-CAR Education Foundation web site.

ENHANCED DELIVERY PROGRAM STATUS

As we introduce new Enhanced Delivery training programs, we will continue to update you on recently completed programs, as well as those in development. For a list of the latest Enhanced Delivery programs available, you can view or download the PDF below. Available programs are highlighted in red. You can also search our online class schedule to find an Enhanced Delivery program near you.

Enhanced Delivery Courses and Programs Development Enhanced Delivery Courses and Programs Development -12/02/2009 ( 32K) in Adobe Acrobat Format
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