Press Release

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (JUNE 12, 2018) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation and the National Auto Body Council (NABC) are proud to announce the recipient of the Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship. The Sulkala scholarship program honors NABC Founder and longtime executive director Chuck Sulkala who retired earlier this year. Sullkala is also a Trustee Emeriti of the Foundation.

The 2018 Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship recipient, Cody Bayless (Washburn Tech, Topeka, KS) will receive a $2,000 scholarship to fund his education in the collision industry. Bayless has participated in numerous activities including Recycled Rides, SkillsUSA and Toys for Tots.

“It is an honor to have the Collision Repair Education Foundation give out the first of what we plan to be an annual scholarship in the name of a family that has given so much to this industry,” said Stacy Bartnik who is both a past chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees and of the National Auto Body Council. “Chuck is one of my mentors and has been an influence on not only my career, but those of many of us in the industry. This scholarship will help ensure that the Sulkala Family influence continues to help our industry into the future.”

How to donate to the Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship

Individuals and companies who wish to contribute to the Sulkala scholarship fund can:

• Donate online on the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) website and select the Sulkala scholarship.
• Text SULKALA to 91999.
• Mail check to CREF at 5125 Trillium Blvd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192.
• Contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847-463-5244.

Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL:

The National Auto Body Council is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve.

The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council has gifted over 1,700 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 1,000 First Responders and contributed to thousands of distracted driving pledges in communities through NABC Recycled Rides™, First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the Distracted Driving Initiative. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC membership dollars.

The National Auto Body Council is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Hoffman Estates, IL – JUNE 12, 2018 – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and Service King Collision Repair Centers announced the recipients of the “The Service King Way Grant: In Honor of Mario Malacara”.

Malacara was a highly admired and respected 14-year Service King teammate who tragically passed away in December 2016. The Service King Way Grant was created last year in memory of Malacara’s dedicated service, loyalty to the industry and the indelible impact he had on countless people during his career.

According to Sean Huurman, Chief Human Resources Officer at Service King Collision Repair Centers, “He embodied the values we have at Service King, referred to as The Service King Way, so we could not think of a better way to memorialize this connection than through a scholarship in his name. Mario fought diligently to ensure talented entrants were provided the opportunities that exist within the industry. It’s our hope that this scholarship extends Mario’s passion to students and families for years to come.”

This year’s recipients of the Service King Way Scholarship, in memory of Mario Malacara ($1,000) include:

• Rysheek Cobb (UTI, Houston, TX)
• Raymond Nguyen (UTI, Houston, TX)
• Moises Merlos (Holmes High School, San Antonio, TX)
• Julian Martinez (Holmes High School, San Antonio, TX)

During his time at Service King Collision Repair Centers, Malacara was influential in many ways: whether mentoring a co-worker or fighting for legislation change at the State Capitol, he continually strived to be an advocate for the industry.

Huurman said, “We sincerely hope this scholarship honors the legacy of Mario Malacara and his family by transcending his passion for the collision repair industry to future students across the country. Mario’s spirit and love for the industry, and the young people who enter it, will surely continue to impact students and future generations of technicians.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation supports collision repair education programs across the country to help schools and students prepare and create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with career opportunities. Through in-kind and monetary donations, CREF is able to support high school and college collision programs, instructors, and students in North America.

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ABOUT SERVICE KING COLLISION REPAIR CENTERS

Service King Collision Repair Centers®, with more than 40 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, is a leading national operator of comprehensive, high-quality collision repair facilities. The organization is consistently recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and giving back to the industry through innovative training and recruiting initiatives. Service King traces its roots back to Dallas, Texas and founder Eddie Lennox who opened the very first Service King in 1976. Today, Service King operates locations in 24 states across the U.S. In 2015, Service King was named the No. 1 Best Place to Work by both the Dallas and San Antonio Business Journals. For more information and to find a local Service King, visitwww.ServiceKing.com and follow Service King news on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Hoffman Estates, IL– June 12, 2018 – This spring, through a grant and scholarship program with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, the Nashville I-CAR Committee is awarding three TCAT Livingston students with a $1,000 tool grant each and four Lincoln Tech students with a scholarship toward their post-secondary collision repair education.

 

This year’s recipients include two students studying at TCAT Livingston who will be awarded a $1,000 tool grants.

• Jordan Rodgers
• Justus Lynn

 

“As Chairman for I-CAR Nashville Committee, I first and foremost want to thank our industry partners that support our Collision Repair Education Foundation events that make these student tool grants possible. I am honored to be a part of a committee who strives for the improvement of Middle Tennessee technical schools and students,” said Kayla Clark, Chairman for the I-CAR Nashville Committee. “The goal of our committee is to make sure that the students entering the industry are successful and have the tools and support they need, and one small way we can do that is through raising funds through the local events. Our committee looks forward to continuing our efforts in supporting these programs and watching the continued success of these recipients.”

 

Those interested in working with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to support secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact CREF Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us on the Internet at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 12, 2018) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation and CCC Information Services Inc., (CCC) are proud to announce three exceptional students as winners of the CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship. The CCC scholarship program has been in place since 2006 and awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in a repair program and who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. 

 

The 2018 CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship recipients will each receive a $3,000 scholarship. This year’s recipients are:

• Cayden Bailey (Utah Valley University, Orem, UT)
• Kirtis Woolfolk (Kennedy King College, Chicago, IL)
• Monaque D. Hoover (Kennedy King College, Chicago, IL)

 

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their academic accomplishments and commitment to excellence in collision repair,” said Mary Jo Prigge, President, Service Operations, CCC. “More than ever, education and training are needed to keep pace with the rapid advancements of technology and evolving business practices within our industry. We’re proud to support the next generation of collision repairers as they work to prepare for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.”

 

For additional information about CCC visit www.cccis.com. Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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About CCC:

CCC, together with its affiliates, combines strategic foresight, dynamic partnerships, and smart technology to power its customers forward. Founded in 1980, CCC is a leading provider of innovative cloud, mobile, telematics, hyperscale technologies and apps for the automotive, insurance, and collision repair industries.  CCC’s solutions and big data insights are delivered through the powerful CCC ONE™ platform, which connects a vast network of 350+ insurance companies, 24,000+ repair facilities, OEMS, hundreds of parts suppliers, and dozens of third-party data and service providers.  In addition, CCC provides access to car-related services to millions of consumers via carwise.com, and Auto Injury Solutions Inc., a CCC company, provides customizable, end-to-end, casualty solutions to auto insurers for the handling of first and third-party claims. The collective set of CCC’s smart, flexible, and intuitive solutions make connected car, vehicle, and accident data actionable, informing decision-making, enhancing productivity, and helping customers deliver faster and better experiences for end consumers.  Learn more about CCC at cccis.com.

 

The CCC logo is a registered trademark, and CCC and CCC ONE are trademarks, of CCC Information Services Inc.

 

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (May 24, 2018) – 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, along with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, have launched their 2018 fundraiser to help support programs to attract and support military veterans seeking a career in the collision repair industry. Since 2013, the 3M Hire Our Heroes program has generated more than $1,065,500 that was used toward scholarships and tool grants for military veterans and their family members pursuing a career in the collision repair industry.

 

This year, donors have two ways to show their support and win: The “Show Your Support” campaign and the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500.

 

Show Your Support Campaign

All donations of $200 or more made to the Collision Repair Education Foundation, earmarked for the “3M Hire Our Heroes fund” made before August 30, 2018 will receive a full size 3M Hire Our Heroes Flag designed by Chip Foose and be entered into a drawing for the following prizes:

1st Prize- Authentic Racing Helmet, autographed by 40 Cup drivers from the 2017 season, including Dale Earnhardt Jr, and NASCAR legend Richard Petty!

2nd Prize- Authentic Racing Helmet, autographed by 40 Cup drivers from the 2016 season, including Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, and Jeff Gordon!

3rd Prize- NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you!

4th Prize-NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you!

5th Prize- NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you!

6th Prize- Petty’s Garage Sign Autographed by “the King”, Richard Petty!

7th Prize- Patriotic hood designed by Ryan “Ryno” Templeton!

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3M Hire Our Heroes 500

You can be one of 24 donors of $5,000 or more to Collision Repair Education Foundation for the 3M Hire Our Heroes campaign and you can drive a real stock car from the NASCAR Racing Experience in Las Vegas in the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500. Twenty-four drivers will compete against their peers for the fastest lap at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As an additional bonus, the first 10 donors who donate $8,000 or more will drive a car wrapped in their own company branding. Donations to the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500 program can be made between May 15 and July 15, 2018

 

More information about the programs including a link to donate online is available at:

http://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/hire-our-heroes/

 

“We are committed to helping our military veterans get started off on the right foot in a rewarding career in this great industry of ours, and are proud to partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to help accomplish that objective” said Dale Ross, US Marketing Operations Manager for the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “This year’s campaign offers a different twist and fun rewards for those who donate to support this worthy cause.”

 

Clark Plucinski, Executive Director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, said, “I want to thank 3M for their support of the Education Foundation’s work improving the opportunities for our Nation’s veterans pursuing a career in collision repair. With more than $1 million in grants and scholarships funded since 2013, the 3M Hire Our Heroes program has made a difference in the lives of over 300 veterans and their families.”

 

Industry members interested in joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s roster of supporters to assist high school and post-secondary collision school programs and students should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5245 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org

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About 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division:

3M automotive products keep the world on the move, with innovative solutions for building, repairing and maintaining vehicles.  From the collision repair professional to the individual vehicle enthusiast, people around the world trust 3M products to protect, repair and keep their vehicles looking showroom new.  And our commitment to this industry extends beyond product performance to a careful stewardship of the world’s resources and environment. Serving the needs of our customers has made 3M a trusted leader in vehicle care and repair, and we are dedicated to earning that trust each and every day. 

For more information, contact 1-877-MMM-CARS, contact your local 3M Distributor or 3M Sales Representative or visit the website at www.3Mcollision.com.  Follow 3M Collision Repair Solutions on Facebook, on twitter @3M_Collision and Instagram @3MCollision.

About 3M

3M is a science-based company with a culture of creative collaboration that inspires powerful technologies, making life better. With $32 billion in sales, 3M employs 90,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNewsroom on Twitter.

 

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (April 19, 2018) – Sears have donated over $160,000 to support collision school students through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The donation included nearly $137,000 worth of tool boxes that will be distributed to students studying for a career in the collision repair industry. Sears also donated $25,000 to the Foundation to support it work to assist high school and college collision programs, instructors, and students nationwide and help connect graduates with employers.

 

Sears will also be participating in all of the Education Foundation’s 2018 career fair events to engage students with their Vo-tech program.

 

“It’s been a privilege to partner with CREF this year, and Sears is committed in providing the best tools for our new and existing members in the mechanic field,” said Steve Orozco, Project Manager-Tools Division for Sears.

 

Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development said, “The Foundation would like to thank Sears for their continued support of the Education Foundation’s work improving high school and college collision school programs, providing students with the training they need to succeed, and connecting those students with the array of career opportunities in our industry. Students who have graduated from schools supported by the Foundation are better prepared to enter the industry as productive, efficient entry-level employees.”

 

Industry members interested in joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s roster of supporters to assist high school and post-secondary collision school programs and students should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5245 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org

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About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.