Press Release

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 3, 2021) – To better engage with K-12 school guidance counselors nationwide and ensure they have accurate collision industry career information to share with their students, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is looking to collaborate with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) on several initiatives this upcoming school year, beginning with an online interview with ASCA Deputy Executive Director Eric Sparks on Thursday, June 24th at 2pm (CST). The interview will be conducted through CREF’s Instagram page, and industry members are invited to join the conversation by following CREF on Instagram.

 

CREF Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “CREF has several upcoming projects focused on ‘influencing the influencers’ to help students better understand what career opportunities are available to them within the collision industry. I want to thank the ASCA and Mr. Sparks for agreeing to this initial online conversation to discuss what misconceptions there may be about the technical trades and how we can work closer together moving forward.”

 

CREF has the opportunity to showcase the industry to K-12 counselors nationwide through the ASCA. Industry members are invited to help fund a marketing campaign through the ASCA and are encouraged to contact Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-founation.org or 312-231-025

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 3, 2021) – With in-person events returning around the country, the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) would like to recognize the St. Louis, Atlanta, and Nashville I-CAR volunteer committees who are organizing fundraisers that will benefit their local high school and college collision programs. Industry members are encouraged to support these events, which will gather hundreds of local industry members, to help local collision instructors that face limiting program budgets.

 

The upcoming local I-CAR committee fundraiser events include: · Wednesday, July 21st – St. Louis I-CAR Committee Helicopter Golf Fundraiser · Thursday, September 16th – Atlanta I-CAR Committee Annual Golf Fundraiser · Wednesday, September 22nd – Nashville I-CAR Committee Annual Golf Fundraiser

 

Shelly Jones, St. Louis I-CAR Committee Chair & Ranken Technical College Industry Relationship Coordinator noted, “The St. Louis I-CAR Committee is excited to bring industry, schools, and students together for our Helicopter Golf Ball Drop on July 21st. This event will take place during the MV-TAP Golf Tournament. Both events benefit area collision programs!”

 

Gerry Poirier, Georgia I-CAR State Chair & Farmers Insurance National APD Strategy Manager noted, “The pandemic had limited any in person events, but the ability to fundraise in new virtual ways, for great organizations such as CREF made the committee continue to help the schools we support during a trying time for all. The ability to get back to an in-person event will be a welcome sight for attendees and our committee to get back to some sense of normal. The Atlanta golf fundraiser has always been well supported by this great industry to provide needed funds for CREF and our local schools. We are expecting a great turnout for this premier Atlanta tournament in September and look forward to seeing all our industry partners in this fun filled event.”

 

Kyle Medeiros, Nashville I-CAR Committee Chair & Entegral North American Business Development Account Manager noted, “In a city that thrives from entertainment and hospitality, the Nashville I-CAR Committee is ecstatic to be hosting another fundraising event at Topgolf Nashville later this year. What a moment it will be when the larger Nashville collision repair industry comes together! We’re also excited to welcome the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) to Nashville and look forward to having them join us at our event as we raise funds that will be directly reinvested in our local high school and collegiate collision repair programs.”

 

Industry members looking to support these events are encouraged to visit the event web sites or contact Brandon Eckenrode, CREF Director of Development.

 

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.

By Chasidy Rae Sisk

Tech shortage. Talent crisis. These are hot topics in the collision repair industry that all stem from a lack of qualified technicians entering the workforce. Technicians, though, must begin as collision students, and without receiving a proper education on the industry’s ongoing technological advances, these students may never become “qualified!” Because limited budgets prevent many instructors from being able to teach students the newest technology, the Collision Repair Education Foundation is excited to announce that it’s partnering with the 3M Collision Repair Academy to make April “3M Training Month” for instructors and students.

“We’ll bring 3M professionals, collision repair instructors and students together to learn more about the foundational elements of collision repair,” said Jason Scharton, Global Expertise Delivery Manager, 3M Collision. “We are happy to see a lot of engagement for these sessions already, and we expect high participation across all of our sessions during 3M Training Month. In collaboration with CREF, we selected five courses that take students and instructors through the entire repair process. Our intent is to focus on the fundamentals that lead to high-quality repair work, but don’t always receive the emphasis or specific training for new technicians to implement when they start in the field. This has informed the entire curriculum,”

 

Scharton continued, “The 3M Training Month provides future technicians with the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving industry of collision repair. The industry is in constant need for skilled new talent, and these training sessions aim to strengthen the talent pool, which will contribute to a stronger and more efficient industry and, ultimately, drive profit for collision repair shops as well as customer satisfaction.”

 

Collision repair instructors can register their classes to virtually attend five individual courses, taught on each Thursday in April 2021, beginning on April 1. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance which can be applied toward their annual Continuing Education Unit requirements.

April 1 at 1pm CST – “Foams, Weld-Through Coatings, and Cavity Wax” will provide students with insight into the science behind weld-through coating and the critical role cavity wax plays in the corrosion protection process.

April 8 at 10:30am CST – “Repair Mapping: Causes and Prevention” focuses on helping students understand and refine OEM paint layers, plus the course touches on common misconceptions seen within the industry.

April 15 at 11:30am CST – “Feather, Prime, and Block Explained” will highlight best practices in featheredging, which can reduce primer consumption to avoid repair mapping.

April 22 at 12:30pm CST – “Art and Science of Masking” is a refresher on 3M’s masking portfolio and the nuances at play.

April 29 at 10am CST – “Focus on Finishing – Expert Tips for Improved Jobs” aims to provide students with the tools and skills to tackle any paint job and achieve the perfect finish.

Scharton stated, “3M Training Month is a great example of giving back to the industry in a thoughtful way. We are taking our expertise in the field, combined with high-performance products, and teaching future repair technicians the professional skills that will serve them in their careers. This industry is built on passing down expertise so that’s a great starting point for any industry professional looking to engage with CREF. We find it rewarding to shape the future leaders of the industry through our customized and timely training sessions, tools and products.”

 

“Education and training are fundamental to keeping pace with the talent demands and changing needs in our industry,” Scharton continued. “We created the 3M Collision Repair Academy not only to address the needs of today, but to evaluate and fill skill gaps in the future, producing better quality, higher margin results for repair shops. 3M Training Month, in partnership with CREF, is just one part of our overall commitment.” Learn more about the 3M Collision Repair Academy.

Industry members interested in getting involved and 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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

By Chasidy Rae Sisk

 

Tools and uniforms and new floors – oh my! These are just some of the items that Enterprise teams around the country have helped provide to their local collision repair educational facilities, through their support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation.

 

“We’re committed to helping provide opportunities for the next generation of vehicle repair technicians to receive high-quality, hands-on repair training through access to the latest vehicle models and technologies,” said Mary Mahoney, Vice President, Replacement & Leisure Division at Enterprise Holdings.

 

“As the world’s largest car rental provider and an industry leader in mobility and technology, we have a huge stake in the health of the automotive repair industry,” Mahoney continued. “Through our support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, we’re proud to support the students who are vital to the future of the collision repair and automotive insurance industries. We’re encouraging other industry leaders to join us in shaping the future of automotive repair.”

 

Upgrades in Chicago

 

Recently, the collision repair program at Thornton Fractional High School Center for Academics and Technology in Calumet City, IL received brand-new epoxied floors, an upgrade made possible by Enterprise. Thornton has also received a new paint booth and student uniforms through the Foundation’s facilitation of the industry’s generosity.

 

Jorge Navarrette, Collision Repair Instructor at Thornton, shared some thoughts on the impacts this support has had on his program and his students. “The flooring donation through CREF has impacted our program in a positive way – not only does it look more modern, but the new floor gives our shop a more professional appearance. Donations and networking through the Foundation have created opportunities for other improvements and updates that our school board has decided to fund for our program. For example, because we received the CREF flooring donation, the school board decided to also repaint the walls and update the lighting, which I had requested for years and don’t think would have happened without the flooring donation.”

 

“It may not seem like much, but for a program like mine, new flooring, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and new lighting make for a totally transformed, professional learning environment,” Navarrette continued. “These investments improve students’ learning experience by not only feeling more professional and in touch with today’s industry standards, but tool and equipment donations help students learn with the same technology in the shops they will work in after graduation.”

 

Gary S. Jefferson, Enterprise Replacement Sales Director in Chicago, explained why he has been involved with CREF’s efforts for nearly two decades. “Supporting local collision repair programs is the right decision because all industry partners benefit in the long run. With a shortage of technicians in the automotive industry, we need to continue to educate students about the career opportunities that exist within dealerships and body shops. The programs offered through schools are the best way to attract talent and open doors for students with full-time positions. CREF’s activities and support are vital to the collision repair industry because they bring the industry together to support our future employees. I am pleased to see the investment Enterprise continues to make with CREF to help secure the future of the industry.”

 

Another member of the Chicago Group, Aimee B. Kam, Replacement Rental Sales Manager at Enterprise, explained why the industry needs to support collision training programs: “When I am out in the field talking to our business partners at both dealerships and body shops, their biggest challenge is the technician shortage. It’s so important for our industry to continue supporting the training and recruitment of both auto body and mechanical technicians.”

 

Navarrette agreed, “Without the Foundation’s continued support, programs like mine wouldn’t have the same opportunities and networking abilities available. The students, the industry’s future technicians, feel more supported/motivated to pursue careers in the collision repair industry. It’s so important that the collision repair industry supports CREF – that continued support helps collision programs continue to adequately educate and prepare the next generation of industry professionals.”

 

Supporting Two Schools in Southern California

 

In Southern California, an Enterprise donation to CREF was equally divided between two local schools: El Camino College in Torrance, CA, and Cerritos College in Norwalk, CA.

 

“The funds donated by Enterprise through CREF were used to purchase new hand tools, DA sanders, welding helmets and more for our collision repair program. We were able to replace much of our ‘tired’ inventory with new pieces, and everyone likes new equipment! Having the appropriate tools and equipment helps students’ motivation, retention and learning in the shop,” stated Anthony Chisum, Instructor of Automotive Technology at Cerritos College. “Each student now has the necessary tools and equipment needed to complete the required tasks for labs. There is something about holding new, quality equipment in your hand that helps to facilitate the learning environment; our students seem to get motivated by newer equipment because they can see that the industry is willing to invest in them.”

 

Mitchell Shenkin, Enterprise’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing in Southern California, noted, “The industry has struggled for many years to find new talent. Collision repair offers so many opportunities, but getting the word out is the challenge. A healthy stream of talented, enthusiastic, and well-trained employees for the collision industry is critical for all of our futures, and that’s why I got involved with CREF. The Foundation is an important partner for Enterprise because helping to support the collision industry is a top priority.”

 

Chisum agreed, “We all know our industry struggles to find the necessary human resources required to fill needed positions. Investing in local schools helps to fill that gap by gaining student interest in the CTE trades. One point of caution to collision shops: our industry has not kept up with similar industries in terms of starting wages, or for that matter, journeyman wages, which is a major factor in students’ decision making when they’re looking to get into a trade. It’s the 21st century, so students can easily research wages and see the disparity between body and mechanical wages. I know this is challenging, but to draw these students into this industry, you need to show them the ‘promised land,’ or they’ll pursue a different career path.”

 

These donations were granted to CREF at the request of employees by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, which allows Enterprise employees of to give back to their local communities by requesting donations for nonprofit organizations in which they’re actively involved.

 

Industry members interested in getting involved and 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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

By Chasidy Rae Sisk

In recognition of Women’s History Month, author Rachael Alfonso has partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to raise funds in support of female collision repair students. When industry supporters purchase a copy of Alfonso’s new book, “What Cars Say,” through the dedicated link, a portion of the sale will be donated to a fund for future female technicians.

“This is a great book for any auto enthusiast,” Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development for CREF, said. “The Foundation is proud to endorse Rachel, a female automotive professional and author, and we’re excited to announce a new fund geared towards supporting female collision students during the 2021-2022 school year. Women’s History Month may be ending, but our efforts to generate support for female collision students are just getting started, and we invite the industry to join us by buying a copy of this fun book.”

Created for car lovers aged three to 93, “What Cars Say” features 21 authentically recorded vehicle engine sounds guaranteed to bring a smile to any motorhead’s face. Alfonso, a Florida native, shared, “Growing up, and even now, cars are a huge part of my life. They bring a smile to my face, whether I am sitting in the driver’s seat – or if I’m underneath the hood, getting my hands dirty. I created this book because I believe a love for cars is inside all of us, and that love should be encouraged.”

Like so many automotive afficionados, Alfonso’s obsession began at a young age. Raised by a single dad, she never missed an opportunity to attend a local car show with him or to play Hot Wheels with her younger brother. “I was six when I went to my first car show with Dad, and though I had no interest before we got there, I ended up thinking it was so cool!” Alfonso reminisced. “My dad was into old-school American muscle cars, like the Firebird and Chevelle, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the Lamborghini.”

During high school, Alfonso attended – and participated in – racing events around the state, and though she continued to be involved with races once she got older, she also pursued her automotive passion by promoting car shows and working in shops and dealerships. While working at a luxury dealership, Alfonso made the acquaintance of Pejman “PJ” Ghadimi, who hired her to curate his collection of exotic cars.

In addition to her interest in cars, Alfonso has also always been passionate about children and teaching, and during a trip to Italy, she came up with the concept for “What Cars Say,” an idea that joined both of her passions in a flash of ingenuity. “There were no books that teach kids about cars in this capacity,” she explained. “I shared my idea with PJ, and he loved it! His mentorship and support made this book possible – working for him is like living in a motivation board. He’s been a huge part of getting me to where I am today.”

While Ghadimi has been very supportive of Alfonso and “What Cars Say,” he’s the first person to tell people that she is the author, not him. “The crazy thing about being a female who wrote a book in the automotive industry is that people don’t believe it’s mine! People always thank PJ, but he corrects them, ‘No, Rachel’s the author, it’s her book.’ It’s so hard for people to believe a woman can make her way in automotive, in whatever capacity.”

This mentality that women don’t belong in automotive tragically carries over to children as well. “I wrote ‘What Cars Say’ for children, but a lot of parents tell me the book is cool, only to follow that up with ‘but I have a little girl.’ It’s so frustrating!” Alfonso understands that “it’s rare to see women in the automotive industry, but I always encourage parents to give the book to their daughters – start them off early, innocently, organically. Even if they don’t wind up pursuing an automotive career, they might develop enough interest to learn to change their own tire and check their oil.”

Alfonso believes that women are just as interested in cars as men are, if only that interest is encouraged. “Everyone should be able to pursue whatever interests they have. Whenever I’m in a shop, there’s always that one guy who asks, ‘Who’s letting their little sister play with the cars?’ or who will tell me, ‘Be careful so you don’t break a nail.’ I may not be the badass chick that can personally lug a door across the shop, but that woman who can? I’m going to be her number one fan and constantly hype her up! People often talk about how strong men are, but if they’re honest, they’ll admit there’s nothing quite like the feminine touch; women bring grace, charm and beauty to this male-dominated industry, and that’s a perfect complement to the beauty, charm and grace of these vehicles.”

“It’s so important for women to be in the automotive industry,” Alfonso added. “It’s 2021, and we need gender equality across the board, yet there is still sexism in this industry. I’d like to see more women in all areas of automotive – in the dealerships, in the body shops, as mechanics, in technical positions. We need more women in this industry. It should be normal and appreciated for women to take interest in automotive, but unfortunately, it’s not.”

Ultimately, Alfonso believes that automotive should be taught to all students: “I would have loved the opportunity to take shop in high school. Dad took auto shop in school, and he’s never stuck or stranded; he can fix any car well enough to get it somewhere safe. As long as our society is relying on motorized vehicles, we all need to have a certain know-how. Schools mandate computer classes, but it’s okay that most of us know nothing about the large, dangerous computers that transport us? Cars may change, but they aren’t going anywhere. Everyone who drives should learn how to operate their vehicle inside and out – and everyone means everyone, regardless of gender.”

When Alfonso learned about the Collision Repair Education Foundation and its mission to support the future generation of collision repair technicians, she believed, “It’s something I can get behind. It felt serendipitous – here was an organization focused on educating children and interested in empowering women, two things I’m passionate about. It felt so right, so perfect, that I had to do it. I love what CREF does, and I’m so excited to be part of promoting the industry to young women.”

When you purchase a copy of “What Cars Say” using this link, 15% of your purchase will be donated to CREF’s fund to support female collision students during the 2021-2022 school year. Funds raised will be applied towards scholarships, purchasing student uniforms, female spray suits, tools, and equipment for young women studying collision repair.

Get your copy at https://shop.whatcarssay.com/?sca_ref=666870.tSypnMeT2w.

To learn more about CREF, visit CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

By Chasidy Rae Sisk

Ensuring the next generation of collision repair professionals receive an education that allows them to successfully enter the workforce after graduation requires the support of the entire industry. I-CAR, a long-time supporter of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, recognizes this and encourages its committees across the country to get involved with their local collision repair educational programs.

In 2020, I-CAR donated $145,000 to assist the Foundation’s ability to provide tools, equipment, school grants and student scholarships to collision programs nationwide. “On behalf of the industry, I-CAR is pleased to make this contribution that helps bolster the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing students with grants and scholarships that launch their careers in the collision repair industry,” said John Van Alstyne, CEO and President of I-CAR. “The Foundation has a very important mission on behalf of our industry; everything they do helps schools do a better job of developing the talent necessary to sustain our industry.”

“Although I-CAR donates these funds to CREF, we’re really just the conduit for the donation; funds are reserved from all our industry training activities, and I-CAR facilitates that donation on behalf of all the organizations and individuals who take our training,” Van Alstyne continued. “Everyone has financial constraints, but the health of our industry is vital to every participant in it. Without a healthy industry, we cannot have healthy businesses. It’s incumbent on all industry organizations to support initiatives like the Collision Repair Education Foundation.”

Through its efforts with collision repair educational facilities around the United States, the Foundation provides support to over 20,000 collision repair students. Since 2012, I-CAR has provided financial donations to the Foundation totaling over $1.6 million dollars, which assist the Foundation in its mission to support collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities

“CREF has an excellent track record of efficiently deploying funds to ensure they are channeled where they are most needed, and that’s something the industry can feel good about,” Van Alstyne noted. “But I-CAR joins CREF in advocating for industry professionals to get engaged with their local schools on a more personal level. Your involvement – giving shop tours, joining advisory committees, or even participating in an apprenticeship program – reaps major benefits for the schools and the students. Proof of this can be seen in the work of the I-CAR committees.”

I-CAR believes that local engagement with schools and students is so important that many of their committee goals are related to these efforts. Committees are encouraged to get involved with school advisory boards, the “Adopt-a-School” program, host or attend a local career fair, and collaborate with CREF to hold a fundraising event to benefit a local school.

According to I-CAR Director of Field Sales Terry Ticel, “As the I-CAR Field Sales team became immersed in the career and technical school segment, we realized the impact that some of our committees have with schools in different markets. The more we engaged with these schools, we found that an opportunity existed for us to do a lot more with and for them. Already participating with CREF in many events, we sought to fortify our connection and collaboration. Many of our committees were already involved heavily with schools and CREF, yielding significant results. Based on those results, we wanted to make our participation more robust across the country.”

“Our committees love the school participation and we found it fitting to align the I-CAR Committees goals to support CREF’s initiatives and outreach to help do our part in improving the talent crisis across the collision industry. Our alignment surrounding participating in the adopt a school program, fund raising events and advisory board participation, allows us to work closer with CREF and support their efforts, while being visible in the schools and support the industry,” Ticel added. “This allows industry experts to provide students and instructors with insight into what the collision repair industry is truly seeking in entry-level technician. That connection and communication is so important for these students’ success, and their success will be the industry’s future success.”

Schools are desperate for support and collaboration from the collision repair industry to ensure their educational programs stay relevant as the industry advances. “Communication between schools and shops is vitally important. If the industry wants the schools’ help with the talent crisis, we need to assist them,” Ticel said, urging industry professionals to get involved:

“Research CREF and understand what their mission is. You can support them not only with financial contributions, but also with tools, equipment and supplies. We often hear about good functioning equipment, tools and supplies being just thrown away, but these schools need those tools and equipment – CREF can identify a school that needs your shop’s used goods. Also, get involved with your local schools. Participate on their advisory council, tour their facility, and present to the students the opportunities that exist in the collision repair industry. Lastly, get involved with the local I-CAR committee. We are always looking for new members.”

Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director Clark Plucinski said, “The Collision Repair Education Foundation literally would not exist without the foresight and investment by I-CAR on behalf of the collision industry to support collision schools and students across the country. Since our founding in 1991, I-CAR staff, its volunteers and its board and industry supporters have worked side by side with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to support the pre-employment education system the industry relies upon for its future workforce.”

Supporting the schools training future collision repair professionals is vital because “it’s all about sustainability,” Van Alstyne said. “Today’s students will drive our industry tomorrow, and we applaud the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s longtime focus on expanding and promoting quality collision repair educational opportunities for them. Our two organizations have a close relationship, and we are excited to help shape the future together. We encourage the entire industry to get involved with helping schools become more successful and properly educate the industry’s future employees. That’s the only way to solve this industry’s talent crisis.”

Industry members interested in getting involved and 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 Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)

Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed by the Collision Repair Inter-Industry to support the evolving technical, knowledge and skills requirements involved in vehicle repair today, and in the future.  I-CAR’s focus is on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the collision repair industry and importantly the consumer.  www.i-car.com  

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)

CREF, 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 email info@ed-foundation.org.