Hoffman Estates, IL – November 16, 2018 – – LKQ Corporation has renewed its $25,000 contribution to the Collision Repair Education Foundation, as part of its continuing commitment to the future of the collision industry. The financial contribution is in addition to the in-kind donation of parts that LKQ donates to collision school programs each year. The monetary contribution assists Education Foundation’s ability to offer collision school tool and equipment grants and student scholarships across the U.S.
“The shortage of collision repair and refinish technicians, combined with declining budgets at technical schools, continues to be a serious challenge for our industry. LKQ is proud to support CREF in its work to support students and schools and connect people with industry employers,” said Terry Fortner, Vice President – Insurance, Sales and Marketing for LKQ.
Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director Clark Plucinski noted, “LKQ’s continuing support allows the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to work with collision schools to ensure they can deliver the entry-level employees critical to the industry’s continued success. Collision school programs need the industry’s support in order to graduate qualified and properly trained students. On behalf of the schools, students, and instructors that will benefit from this support, we thank LKQ for their continued support.”
LKQ local and regional staff is also helping promote the Foundation’s 2019 career fair schedule in local markets across the country.
Collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers interested in supporting school grants should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at (312) 231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.
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Suggested Caption: LKQ Corporation has continued its support of the collision industry education system with a $25,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. Nick Zarcone, chief executive officer of LKQ (2nd from left) along with Justin Jude (left) and Terry Fortner (right) from LKQ, presented Clark Plucinski, executive director of the Foundation, with the donation in Las Vegas during the recent SEMA show.
About LKQ Corporation:
LKQ Corporation (www.lkqcorp.com) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of replacement systems, components, equipment and parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles.
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.
