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HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (February 6, 2020) – CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC) donated over $6.7M in software subscriptions to secondary and post-secondary technical schools offering collision repair programs in 2019. Through the support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, CCC’s donation will help future collision repair technicians learn on the same software widely used by the shops where they will soon seek employment. Software subscriptions come at no cost to the students or the schools.

 

“CCC is proud to support collision repair programs that help students develop their knowledge and skills,” said Mary Jo Prigge, president, Service Operations for CCC.  “Training and education are critically important as vehicle technology continues to advance, and repairs become increasingly complex. Our tools help collision repairers keep pace with today’s sophisticated vehicles and consumer demand for service.”

 

The CCC ONE® Estimating software package donated to the schools includes digital imaging capabilities and access to tire and recall databases, paintless dent repair guidelines, and frame specifications. It also grants access to CCC ONE® Touch, CCC’s mobile estimating solution that allows estimates to be written right at the car.

 

“The Collision Repair Education Foundation is proud to once again partner with CCC Information Services to provide this invaluable opportunity for schools,” said Clark Plucinski, Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director. “With very limited funding, collision schools are not always able to purchase the latest programs and technologies to teach their students. Now they will have the chance to teach their students on a program that they will encounter after graduation, which will ultimately help make them better entry-level employees.”

 

The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s initiative connects secondary and post-secondary high schools and colleges with software providers, like CCC, to enhance their collision repair education programs. To qualify to receive donated software, schools must complete the Collision Repair School Solutions Survey, available at collisioneducationfoundation.org. Annual completion of the survey is required for subscription renewal.

 

The information garnered from the Collision Repair School Solutions Survey allows the Foundation to track important details about school programs, including key academic indicators and crucial program demands for the new tools and equipment needed to train students for successful careers in today’s technologically advanced collision repair industry.

 

The survey also enables CREF to better comprehend schools’ evolving capabilities in response to the Foundation’s initiatives and local industry involvement with the schools’ collision repair programs, as well as changes within the schools and the communities they serve.

 

Industry members interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 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.

 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (February 6, 2020) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation invites industry supporters to tee up “fore” some hole-in-one style fun on Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2020 at Topgolf in Jacksonville, Florida. The golf fundraiser will be held in conjunction with the Collision Industry Conference meetings taking place later that week in Jacksonville and offers a prime opportunity to help support future collision repair industry professionals.

 

Christen Battaglia, Director of Strategic Partnerships, stated, “Take your customers and your team out for some fun during the week of the Collision Industry Conference, while supporting the next generation entering the field to ensure that they receive the proper education to repair vehicles for your customers. We already have quite a few sponsors lined up: Insurance Auto Auctions, Advanced Automotive Equipment, AirPro Diagnostics, BASF, Lord Fusor, S/P2, Spears Consulting, GEICO and Tom Bush Collision.”

 

Proceeds from the event will benefit local Jacksonville high school collision programs as well as other high school and college collision programs around the country. In addition to a fun night of high-tech golfing, participants will enjoy an unlimited buffet and drinks (beer, wine and soda). Golfers can register to attend the Foundation’s Topgolf Fundraiser on Apr. 7^th for only $150 by visiting collisioneducationfoundation.org, under News and Events.

 

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are now available, starting at just $500. For more information on sponsoring this event, or to learn about other opportunities to support the Foundation’s efforts to help future collision repairers, contact Christen Battaglia at (302) 377-5202 or via email at Christen.Battaglia@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.

 

While raising funds is imperative for the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to finance its goals, none of the work would be possible without the help of volunteer partners.   There are many industry partners who offer varying levels of assistance in these endeavors, and the Enterprise Holdings Foundation stands out as a partner dedicated to CREF’s initiatives to ensure collision repair students receive the education necessary to successfully enter the industry as entry-level technicians. The Enterprise Holdings Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Enterprise Holdings, which, through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries and franchises, operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.   Christen Battaglia, Director of Strategic Partnerships for CREF, stated, “In addition to receiving donations from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, CREF enjoys a lot of support from local Enterprise employees who volunteer to facilitate various events. The Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Enterprise employees truly excel at supporting CREF’s goals at both the local and national level.”   CREF has far-reaching goals and ongoing endeavors spread across the country. As a result, collision repair industry professionals have many options for demonstrating their support of CREF and its efforts to enhance the educational experience of collision repair students across the country.   One way to get involved with CREF is joining a local I-CAR Committee. Glenn J. Zeldin, Replacement Rental Director for Enterprise in Chandler, Ariz., has been with the company for nearly 30 years and started attending local I-CAR Committee meetings in 2000. He became more involved with CREF seven years later when he joined the committee’s board of directors as the Vice Chair of Marketing. “Between golf tournaments, Recycled Rides events, the skills challenge and local career fairs, I’ve participated in around 50 events that benefit CREF,” Zeldin stated. “I’ve also helped students get to national events and assisted local schools in submitting scholarship applications.”   In Boston, Mass., Enterprise Replacement Rental Director Amy Blair has worked for the company since graduating college over 16 years ago. She also learned about CREF through her involvement with her local I-CAR Committee and currently serves as Vice Chair for the Massachusetts I-CAR Committee. “I-CAR’s goal is to create more industry awareness, especially at the career and technical level, and encourage organizations to work together to spread the word about the great opportunities available in the collision repair industry.”   Gary S. Jefferson, Replacement Rental Director for Enterprise in Chicago, Ill., and a 26-year company veteran, became involved with CREF 15 years ago. Over the years, he has supported dozens of CREF events,  including golf outings, career fairs and a variety of industry meetings. “Getting involved with CREF was a simple decision to make, because we should all support the collision repair industry,” he said. “There is a shortage of technicians in the automotive industry. When I talk to collision shops, the number one challenge is people,” Jefferson continued. “We need to make the investment so this industry can continue to attract and retain talent. Doing so is important for the future of the collision industry.”   Working with students is a rewarding experience for Blair who enjoys helping to educate them on the industry, as well as the opportunities available with Enterprise. “There’s a lot of awareness that needs to be brought to the younger generation around getting involved in collision and mechanical repairs,” she said. “Right now, there aren’t enough people who want to work in collision repair, and we need to attract them into this industry. We’re off to a great start by working with CREF, where we’ve been able to get funding for new floors in local schools and have already done so much at the local level. I truly feel that we are impacting the community and the people we know, and that’s a great feeling.”   CREF is grateful for the support it receives from Enterprise employees at the local level, and Zeldin, Blair and Jefferson also express gratitude to CREF for its invaluable role in the industry. According to Zeldin, “What the Collision Repair Education Foundation does is vital for the industry. CREF helps collision students become capable, qualified technicians by supporting schools in local communities. They provide grants, tools, and I-CAR training for classrooms.”

 

 

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 (January 21, 2020) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) 2020 grant and scholarship application period is now open to high school and post-secondary collision students who will be attending career and technical schools and colleges in the fall. The Foundation and its industry supporters offer over $150,000 in grants and scholarships annually, as part of their mission to promote collision repair education and create quality candidates for entry level job opportunities.

Application information for CREF grants and scholarships is posted online. This year’s deadline to apply is February 20, 2020 and winners are chosen and notified by phone or mail in April and May.

Melissa Marscin, Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Operations and Administration, said, “Thank you to the industry for continuing to step up and support collision students around the country with these awards. We have seen direct impact of these awards for future collision industry employees. Those students without debt or with a filled tool box upon graduation definitely have an advantage.”

The Collision Repair Education Foundation aims to support collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For more information, contact Melissa Marscin at scholarships@ed-foundation.org or 888.722.3787, Ext. 282.

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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.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – January 21, 2020 – The Collision Repair Education Foundation has selected the recipient of its “Instructor of the Year” award. The award recognizes the achievement of secondary and post-secondary collision school an instructor who has gone above and beyond their role and responsibility as an educator to become a true leader, role model and mentor to the students they teach.

The recipient of this year’s Instructor of the Year award is Brian McDonnell, a collision instructor at the Greater Southern Tier BOCES Cooper Education Center in Painted Post, N.Y.

“I really found out the caliber of teacher Brian is when I was his mentor,” said Tammy Divens, a registered nurse and New Visions Medical Teacher at the GST BOCES Cooper Education Center. “Brian works tirelessly to provide the most up to date skills and education for his students.”

The collision instructors working at career and technical schools and colleges across the U.S. have one of the most important and challenging jobs; to teach and guide young men and women towards becoming a successful asset to the collision industry and to have a thriving and fulfilling career.

 “The Instructor of the Year Award recognizes an instructor who has gone above and beyond his/her roles and responsibilities as an educator to become a true leader, role model and mentor of the students they teach,” said Melissa Marscin, director of operations and administration for the Foundation.

McDonnell received a trip to SEMA 2019 and was honored at the Education Foundation’s evening reception on Tuesday, November 5th.

 

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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.

Hoffman Estates, IL – January 22, 2020– LKQ Corporation, the leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to the automotive industry, continued its support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) with an end-of-year, 2019 contribution of $25,000. LKQ’s annual contribution allows CREF the ability to work on attracting students to local technical programs, support the students while in school, and help connect the students to local/national industry employers.

Terry Fortner, LKQ Vice President – Insurance, Sales and Marketing noted, “The shortage of collision repair and refinish technicians, combined with the 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.”

CREF Executive Director Clark Plucinski noted, “LKQ’s continued support of CREF provides crucial support to the industry’s efforts to help collision schools across the country. These schools graduate productive, efficient, and capable staff members Day 1 on the job within the collision industry. LKQ’s support assists in our ability to help high school and post-secondary collision instructors provide the quality technical education their students need to succeed in the industry.”

Companies interested in joining the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting high school and college collision programs, and instructors should contact Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or 312.231.0258.

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About LKQ:

LKQ Corporation (www.lkqcorp.com) is a leading provided 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.