Press Release

Hoffman Estates, IL – April 12, 2019 – The Collision Repair Industry Snapshot Survey, co-sponsored by the Collision Repair Education Foundation and I-CAR^©, has launched and is open for responses from collision shop owners and managers. The data collected by this year’s study will be compared to previous research going back to 1995. Collision industry training, employment, pay and benefits trends over the years will be analyzed and results shared with the industry.

Collision shop owners or managers (one per location please) are invited to take the survey at this link: https://www.cvent.com/d/tbq2lk?refid=cref

Survey respondents can enter to be eligible to win one of three Gift Cards valued at $300, $200, and $100 respectively.

All responses will be kept confidential and results will be reported in aggregate; respondents will not be contacted; and the list will not be sold or shared.

Any specific questions regarding the survey can be directed to the Collision Repair Education Foundation at info@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 – April 9, 2019 – I-CAR^© expanded its support of collision schools and students, making a $225,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The contribution was made as part of I-CAR’s 40^th Anniversary Volunteer & Instructor Conference held March 1-3 in Orlando, Fla. The financial contribution by I-CAR is in addition to the support to the Education Foundation’s mission by local I-CAR committees across the country. The monetary contribution assists Education Foundation’s ability to offer collision school tool, equipment and instructor training grants and student scholarships across the U.S.

“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 I-CAR CEO & President John Van Alstyne. “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.”

I-CAR’s support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation is longstanding and continues to grow. The Foundation began operating in 1991 as the I-CAR Education Foundation to address the collision industry need for qualified entry-level employees by support career and technical schools and colleges. Today, the Collision Repair Education Foundation provides support to schools with more than 20,000 students studying for a career in the industry.

Since 2012, I-CAR has provided financial donations to the Foundation totaling more than $1.3 million dollars; I-CAR’s source of funding for these donations is the accrual of a portion of annual industry training proceeds, which is why I-CAR refers to this donation as being “on behalf of the industry.” The funds 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.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation Benchmark grant supports collision schools and instructors by providing tool, equipment and instructor training support. In 2018, the Foundation provided more than $500,000 to schools through the Benchmark Grant. This spring, the Foundation will award more than $200,000 in scholarships to students studying for a career in the collision industry. Last year, ten local I-CAR committees raised funds to support student scholarships through the Foundation.

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. I want to personally congratulate I-CAR as it celebrates its 40 years of service to the industry.”

Members of local I-CAR committees, 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: I-CAR continued its support of the collision industry pre-employment education system with a $225,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. (L-R) John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President, presented the donation to Jeanne Silver, from Butterfield Bodyworks CARSTAR and the chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees, Clark Plucinski, executive director of the Foundation and Brandon Eckenrode, director of development, during the I-CAR 40^th Anniversary Volunteer & Instructor Conference in Orland, Fla on March 2.

 

About I-CAR:

Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR is focused on improving the quality, safety and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

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 – March 21, 2019 – – KSI Auto Parts has contributed over $250,000 in financial and in-kind support for collision repair schools through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. KSI contributed $25,000 to support the Foundation last year and initiated a program to donate parts to collision school programs. Through the parts donation program, they have contributed $240,000 in parts to schools, The monetary contribution assists Education Foundation’s ability to offer collision school tool and equipment grants and student scholarships across the U.S.

At many schools, students have to practice on parts that have been in use for many years and practiced upon by previous students. The parts donations by KSI Auto Parts help students work on parts for newer vehicles that they are more likely to see when they join the collision industry workforce.

According to Joe Pantano, an auto collision repair instructor with Bergen County Technical Schools in Paramus, N.J., the donations helped him provide his students with a vastly improved learning experience.

“Prior to receiving this very generous donation from KSI, our students were using the same parts over and over again for years. As you can imagine, the parts were pretty worn out. The new parts allow us to have each student practice his or her skills individually as opposed to bringing in an entire vehicle, taking up a large amount of shop space,” said Pantano. “Overall these parts have made a tremendous improvement in the learning by providing quality repairs and showing the students that the industry does think about helping future technicians.”

KSI Auto Parts CEO, Christopher Patti commented, “As KSI continues to grow and pursue its long-term growth strategy we want to make sure that we become a more active participant within industry.  We are excited to partner with the CREF through these donations and look forward to building a stronger partnership over the years that will continue to benefit the students in these programs for years to come.”

Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director Clark Plucinski said, “KSI Auto Parts’ support for both the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and collision schools helps improve the training and preparation entry-level employees receive prior to starting their career in the industry. School collision repair programs need the industry’s support to graduate qualified and properly trained students. On behalf of the schools, students, and instructors that will benefit from this support, we thank KSI Auto Parts for their support.”

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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About KSI Auto Parts:

Founded in 1984, KSI is an industry-leading distributor of quality replacement auto body parts servicing over 20,000 collision repair shop customers across 25 locations in 14 states. In addition to top quality products, KSI has succeeded in providing superior customer service, rapid order turnaround and competitive pricing over the last three decades. Headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey, KSI has over 700 employees across the U.S. For more information regarding KSI, visit www.ksiautoparts.com.

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 13, 2019) – Registration for the 18th Annual Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Golf Fundraiser, co-hosted by the automotive refinish business unit of PPG, is now open. The event will be held Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019. Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind., voted in Top 100 American Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest and Golfweek. This course has 4 holes inside the oval and 14 holes adjacent to the backstretch of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Organizers anticipate the Golf Fundraiser selling out during the spring, so early registration is encouraged. The event supports the Education Foundation in its mission to provide support for collision repair programs at high school and colleges across North America.

Participants can register online through the Education Foundation’s website.

(https://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/collision-education-foundation-golf-tournament/)

Registration for the fundraiser includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, beverages and snacks on the course, lunch, dinner, promotional items, and opportunities to participate in contests throughout the day.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Collision Industry Conference and MSO Symposium events taking place that week in Indianapolis.

“PPG takes pride in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation and such a worthy industry challenge. The industry wide shortage of people in our industry has been highlighted as the #1 hurdle we face when staffing for consistent quality repairs. We challenge the entire collision industry repair community to join us in Indianapolis this July to help raise additional funds, support, and awareness for high school and college collision school programs through this great event,” said Tom Wolf, PPG, Director Business Development USCA. “Through the event’s sponsors, players, and volunteers we are able to not only have a great afternoon of golf fellowship but assist the Foundation in supporting the future professionals of our great industry.”

Brandon Eckenrode, Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development, said, “Our annual golf fundraiser is an incredible event that helps us raise funds to provide crucial support to collision school programs across the country. We anticipate that we will be sold out within a matter of a few short months, so please register early.”

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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, 2019) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation 2019 grant and scholarship application period will close next Thursday, February 14, 2019. The application period is open for 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 $200,000 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 on their website, at https://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/student-scholarship-and-grant-application-2/. This deadline to apply is February 14, 2019, and winners are chosen and notified by phone or mail in April and May.

“I encourage all collision students to apply for these awards,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations/Administration for the Foundation. “The deadline is fast approaching for the life-changing opportunity for students to graduate with lower or no debt and possibly a tool box ready for employment.”

Collision repair facilities, insurance companies and suppliers interested in supporting scholarships or school grants should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or (312) 231-0258.

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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 30, 2019) –  The Enterprise Holdings Foundation continues its support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation with a contribution of $75,000 to support collision education. The donation benefits the entire industry by enhancing the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s ability to offer grants and scholarships to career and technical schools and colleges and the students attending these schools. The Enterprise Holdings Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the company that operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent and regional subsidiaries and franchises.

“These students are vital to the future of the collision repair and automotive insurance industries, as well as our own business and vehicle service centers, and through our support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, we can help students pursue their careers in the industry,” said Mary Mahoney, vice president of Insurance Replacement for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “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.”

Clark Plucinski, executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, added, “Enterprise’s continued support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation 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 one on the job within the collision industry. Enterprise’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.”

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 Brandon Eckenrode, the Education Foundation’s Director of Development, at (312)231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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About ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS:

Enterprise Holdings – 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 at more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations. Combined, Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management accounted for $24.1 billion in revenue and owned 2 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2018. Enterprise Holdings’ regional subsidiaries and Enterprise Fleet Management currently employ 100,000 worldwide. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America’s Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune’s list of the 500 largest American public companies.

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.