News & Events

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL (February 26, 2020) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) continues its efforts to connect high school and college transportation (collision, auto service, etc) students with local and national industry employers through their career fair events. There are 10 events remaining this spring school semester, with the Oklahoma City and Denver events taking part in conjunction with their Auto Shows. Not only do these Auto Show events help connect the hundreds of attending students but also showcases the industry to the attending general public. The remaining spring career fair schedule includes:

• Chicago, IL  (3/6) – Donald E. Stephens Convention Center – Part of World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 1,200 students anticipated

 

• Oklahoma City, OK  (3/6)  – Part of Oklahoma Auto Show – 900 students anticipated

 

• Salt Lake City, UT  (3/13)  – Mountain America Expo Center (Sandy, UT) – Part of World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 500 students anticipated

 

• Boston, MA  (3/20) –Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center – Part of World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 500 students anticipated

 

• New York City, NY  (4/2)- NYADI College of Automotive & Diesel Technology (Jamaica, NY) – 250 students anticipated

 

• Denver, CO  (4/3) – Colorado Convention Center – Part of Denver Auto Show – 300 students anticipated

 

• Orlando/Tampa Bay, FL  (4/9) – Hillsborough Community College Ybor Training Center (Tampa, FL) – 400 students anticipated

 

• Atlanta, GA  (4/21)- Maxwell High School of Technology (Lawrenceville, GA) – 250 students anticipated

 

• North & South Carolina (4/30)- Gateway Conference Center (Richburg, SC) Part of Carolinas Collision Association Educational Conference – 200 students anticipated

 

• Philadelphia, PA  (5/7)– Technical College High School Brandywine Campus (Downington, PA) Part of ACE Event – 200 students anticipated

 

Kim Jackson, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Marketing & Communications Director noted, “When the CADA partnered with CREF last year, and put the automotive career fair on the Denver Auto Show floor, we gave students who were about to graduate from tech school career options. Like any of us, students wat a choice in their careers. At the career fair, they got a chance to talk at length with franchised new car dealers and collision repair shops to determine which path was best for them. Our dealers loved the event! One dealer said this was the best way for his team to identify auto tech students. Another dealer hired a couple students on the spot and was the first company to register for the event this year.”

 

Peter Hodges, President of the Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association (MADA) of Oklahoma City, noted, “We are excited to be working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to be organizing our first career fair event on the Oklahoma City Auto Show floor and the fact that nearly 900 students are registered for the event is incredible. Both the auto service and collision industry’s are facing the same issue of an aging workforce and need for entry-level staff so collaborating on this initiative will help introduce students to local and national employers at the event. Having the employers on the show floor when the OKC Auto Show is open to the public also helps showcase the need to attending parents and younger attendees.”

 

For additional information and/or to register for a career fair event, contact Collision Repair Education Foundation Development and Marketing Coordinator Tiffany Bulak at Tiffany.Bulak@ed-foundation.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, Ill. (February 12, 2020) –

As part of its dedication to the future of the collision repair industry and safe and proper repairs, Audatex, a Solera Company, donated over $2 million in software subscriptions to schools with collision repair educational programs in the United States in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, an initiative that provides students with the opportunity to learn on the same software utilized in today’s shops.

An additional $25,000 donation from Audatex provides unrestricted funds to support collision repair students. Audatex made a five-year commitment in 2018 to provide these funds to ensure collision repair training programs have access to the tools and resources needed to successfully train the next generation of technicians in the ever-evolving repair industry.

“We are proud to partner with organizations like CREF to invest in the future of the automotive repair industry and create innovative opportunities for hands-on learning using our industry-leading technology,” said Don Mikrut, Vice President, Solera Global SMR Service Sales.

The software donations from Audatex are part of the company’s collaboration with the Foundation on the Audatex Educational Institutions Program which also provides eligible schools with access to online courses and training, a custom curriculum that includes CEUs and I-CAR points, and technical support. This partnership has provided Audatex estimating software to nearly 300 schools’ collision repair programs in 41 states, a number that increases each year.

Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development for the Foundation said, “I would like to thank Audatex for their continued support of the industry’s pre-employment education system. Access to the latest technology during their training is a key driver of student success when they start their career in the collision industry.”

To qualify for the Audatex Educational Institutions Programs, technical schools in the United States and Canada offering a collision repair program must complete the Educational Institutions Program contact form found at Audatex.us.

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.

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.

###

If you would like more information about this topic, please call 888-722-3787 or email info@ed-foundation.org.

 

 

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.

 

###

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 .

###

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.