The Benson Hotel in Portland, Ore., is where more than 200 members of the collision repair industry converged for the 20th annual AkzoNobel Sikkens Acoat Selected® Summer Conference. The event was held Sept. 25-27, 2013. Collision repair centers and distributors alike celebrated successes, discovered innovative solutions to today’s unique business issues and developed relationships with some of the most progressive businesses in the collision repair industry.
As one of the most senior programs of its type, the Sikkens Acoat Selected program has long been noted for the comprehensive insights and knowledge sharing that occurs within the network of members. The 2013 summer program continued the legacy of delivering knowledge through breakout sessions, individual consulting and performance group experience. Special guest speakers and industry experts at the event were:
- Michael Giarrizzo – President of DCR Systems
- George Avery – State Farm Insurance
- Cory King – Partner at Fine, Boggs & Perkins LLP
- Steve Schoolcraft – Phoenix Solutions Group
- Frank Terlep – Summit Software Solutions
More than 20 awards were presented to numerous businesses recognizing those that had demonstrated outstanding performance during 2013. Businesses receiving top honors were:
- Action Award: Mike Grant, Collex Collision Experts – Shrewsbury, N.J.
- Pride Award: Lee & Leila Bates, Bates Collision Centers, Baytown & Channelview, Texas
- Business of the Year: Don Cox, Elmer’s Autobody, West Collingswood, N.J.
“For over twenty years the AkzoNobel Acoat Selected program has focused on shop efficiency, productivity and profitability in order to create sustainable business practices. It is a unique program within the North American collision repair market,” commented Barry Rinehart, North American Services Manager of AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas. “We pioneered programs that looked at the entire collision repair experience. Our members will attest to the fact that our programs offer content that is practical, relevant and creates business environments that enable our customers to grow and prosper.”
