Current Events/News: I-CAR Press Releases: 1998 Press Releases
August 31, 1998
1998 I-CAR INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING
(Rolling Meadows, IL) The 1998 I-CAR International Annual Meeting offered an excellent opportunity for important industry communication, networking, and the presentation of new information about the future direction of I-CAR. From the release of the new Executive Seminar on Thursday to the closing workshops on Saturday afternoon, the message was clear - I-CAR is on a mission to fulfill the future of training by linking its people with new technology.
Some major announcements took place at this year's meeting. The first announcement was that Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. has agreed to provide I-CAR with collision repair manuals for both its Toyota and Lexus vehicles, to be included in I-CAR's Uniform Procedures for Collision Repair (UPCR). This information will begin to be available on the January 1999 issue of UPCR.
Another major development for UPCR was announced as well: 20th Century Insurance Company has contracted to purchase UPCR for its entire material damage staff. This is a very important event for the Industry and for UPCR.
Next, it was announced that Ron Ray, formerly of American Honda Motor Company, Inc., has been hired as the new Executive Director of the I-CAR Education Foundation. This announcement was made at the Education Foundation luncheon, which was held on Friday. Ron had the opportunity to talk with many of the participants throughout the meeting and to better understand the issues facing the Education Foundation.
The last announcement was made by Tom McGee, Technical Director of I-CAR. He released preliminary information about the future direction of I-CAR Training. He spelled out the big picture of where I-CAR Training is headed. More information on plans for I-CAR's Enhanced Delivery system will be available soon.
Joe Landolfi, I-CAR Chairman of the Board, gave an engaging presentation addressing many concerns facing I-CAR. He explained what the Board and Executive Staff at I-CAR are doing to influence change and make I-CAR a more efficient organization.
During the Executive Staff Report, Tom Mack, Executive Vice President of I-CAR, covered many of the projects underway to increase and improve the service and support to the I-CAR Volunteers and Instructors. The 1999 theme for I-CAR staff activities was announced to be "Reaching New Heights in Products, Services, and Support," which was supported with a listing of the activities to be undertaken in the coming year. At the conclusion of Mack's address, he announced that the I-CAR facility located in Rolling Meadows, IL will be officially names the "I-CAR Volunteer and Instructor Support Centre."
At the General Session, a panel discussion was held between the I-CAR Executive Committee, the I-CAR Executive Staff, and attendees to address any questions or concerns attendees had. This is the first time that a panel discussion of this kind has been held at the International Annual Meeting, and it proved to be a very beneficial exchange of information. It is expected that this will continue to be a part of future I-CAR International Annual Meetings.
Another highlight of the meeting was the Awards Banquet. Congratulations to all the award winners. Attendees were entertained that evening by Bob Higa, an illusionist from Chicago. The illusions he performed were amazing, and the message he shared about loyalty and dedication was inspiring. The performance received a standing ovation from the banquet attendees.
Guest speaker presentations were well attended. Speakers Pam Gordon, Patty Kitching, Dr. Barry Asmus, and Dr. Richard Sullivan were well-informed on important issues facing I-CAR Instructors and Volunteers, and they centered their messages around those issues. The presentations focused on problem-solving, finding solutions, and making things run smoothly.
Next year's I-CAR International Annual Meeting will be the 20th Anniversary Celebration of I-CAR and will be held in Chicago, July 22 - 25, 1999.
I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international, not-for-profit, training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.
 |
I-CAR Press Release () in Adobe Acrobat Format | |
 Acrobat Reader is available for a variety of operating systems. |
||
Page Last Revised: Friday, January 26, 2001
webmaster@i-car.com