Voice Your Opinion!
Voice Your Opinion!
The 16th annual AkzoNobel Acoat selected conference brought together more than 90 businesses and 170 individuals for one of the longest running industry networking and education programs in the collision repair industry.
Workshops for the event featured topics pertaining to the reduction of energy consumption, business recession proofing, diplomatic negotiating and compensation methods in a process centered environment. The conference, held at Amelia Island, Fla., also included a panel discussion of automobile OEM experts addressing recent industry issues affecting the collision industry.
Participating attendees reported that cumulative year-to-date sales for the group outperformed the market by more than 12 percent. This was especially significant considering the collision repair industry as a whole reported a 15 percent decline in year-to-date business, according to AkzoNobel.
“AkzoNobel has long contended that businesses under the Sikkens Acoat selected umbrella represent some of the most competent, capable and most importantly profitable shops in the industry,” says Mike Sillay North American services manager for AkzoNobel. “Based on the numbers that were presented by the participating members we can now add the word 'prepared' to the list of accolades. It is proof positive that even in the most challenging of economic circumstances a well-run business can withstand and remain competitive.”
Several member shops were recognized for outstanding achievements. Businesses recognized for significant sales growth for the reporting period included:
Growth Awards:
101 Collision – Oxnard, Calif.
A1 Body and Glass – West Boca, Fla.
Auto Craft East – Wichita, Kan.
CARS INC. – Knoxville, Tenn.
Centre de Collision Laval – Laval, QC
Claude Nolan Cadillac – Jacksonville, Fla.
Ellis & Salazar Body Shop North – Austin, Texas
Glaser’s Collision Center – Jeffersontown, Ky.
Killeen Collision Center – Killeen, Texas
Mike’s Autobody – Waldorf, Md.
The Business of the Year Award went to:
Brandywine Coachworks – West Chester, Pa.
This is the most prestigious of all Acoat selected awards. It is presented to the business that has proven itself to be a true leader in the industry. Candidates for this award must demonstrate exceptional financial performance, customer service excellence and entrepreneurial flair.
This year’s Acoat selected Pride Award went to: Tony’s Body Shop – Oxnard, Calif. This award goes to the shop that aggressively seeks ways to promote the Acoat selected program. Consideration for receiving this honor includes positive community involvement, improving the image of the collision repair industry and demonstrated excellence in attracting, developing and retaining employees.
Eight shops representing 50 years of combined membership in the Acoat selected program were recognized with Longevity Awards. These businesses included:
Pohanka Body Shop – Marlow Heights, Md.
Elmer’s Body Shop – Elkhart, Ind.
Cook’s Auto Body – Normal, Ill.
North Park Collision – San Antonio, Texas
5 Star Erie – Erie, Pa.
Lee-Smith Inc. – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Lake Shore Int’l. – Milwaukee
International Trucks of Houston – Houston
