October 25, 2010
October 2010 Newsletter
Special points of interest:
> Recycled Rides Update
NABC— 191 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 — 888-66-PRIDE (Toll Free)
Web site: www.autobodycouncil.org — E-mail: info@autobodycouncil.org
> F.R.E.E. Update
Recycled Rides Heads to Vegas > Letter From E.D.,
President, and The
The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides™ initiative is
NABC Office
continuing to gain inter-industry traction through the NACE and SEMA
shows. > Upcoming Meetings
It started with NACE, where the Recycled Rides committee hosted the NACE
2010 Ride-Away Day event on Tuesday, October 12, in the Mandalay Bay
convention center at 1:00 p.m. Five deserving families were the recipients of
vehicles donated by the following insurance companies: AAA of Northern
California, Allstate and State Farm. The vehicles were refurbished to look like
new by Gerber Collision and Glass, 911 Collision Centers and Sterling Auto
Body Centers.
The SEMA show is a new venue for NABC as well as Recycled Rides and its
sister program, FREE. The SEMA Ride-Away Day event is scheduled for
Thursday, November 4 at the Las Vegas convention center. It kicks off at 1:00
p.m. Another five deserving families will receive vehicles donated by Allstate,
State Farm, Esurance and American Family. American Family will be partici-
pating as a first year donor to Recycled Rides.
Family Promise of Las Vegas, a non-profit interfaith network that provides
support to families in crisis, was selected as the charity for both shows. Direc-
tor Terry Lindeman is a Recycled Rides veteran and will present the families
to those who attend the events. Inside this Issue:
Following the NACE event, Family Promise and the NABC hosted a reception Recycled Rides 1
for Recycled Rides vehicle recipients, past and present. All those in attendance
heard directly from the families regarding how having a dependable vehicle
changed, and will continue to change, their lives. F.R.E.E. Program 2
“The offers of help this year from repairers, insurers and suppliers has truly Letter From the 2
been inspirational,” said Nick Notte, Recycled Rides chairman for 2010 and Executive Director
president of Sterling Auto Body Centers. “I’ve lost track of the number of re-
pairers who have called with questions about the program. Their excitement Letter from the 3
and zeal to participate is infectious. My hope is that we can find enough vehi- President
cles for all of our shops to experience the joy one gets when helping these
worthy recipients.” Letter from the Office 3
National Ride-Away Day is scheduled for Monday, November 22—the Mon- Upcoming Meetings 3
day before Thanksgiving.
NABC Mission/Vision 4
For more information on Recycled Rides and FREE, please contact us at
info@autobodycouncil.org
NABC— 191 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 — 888-66-PRIDE (Toll Free)
Page 2
From the Desk of the
Executive Director FREE Program Catching Fire!
This sentiment may come a month late but,
just the same, welcome back from summer. The reception across the country to the First Responder
Emergency Extrication (FREE) program has been extremely
This fall has proven to be a very busy one, enthusiastic. FREE is a community service project whereby
especially because we are working a booth at both members of the NABC deliver new vehicle technology to first
SEMA and NACE. Our five-vehicle donation to responders across the country. The program, which started in
Family Promise at both events, combined with the January of this year, has been presented at 24 locations to ap-
FREE demonstration we will be putting on at proximately 1,500 first responders.
SEMA, underscore our major commitment to
these worthy initiatives. If you have heard about Shops and insurers who host FREE events have received
these programs, but want to get more information high praise in their communities for delivering this valued ser-
about them or—better yet—experience them first- vice. Given the rapid onslaught of advancements in vehicle
hand, this is the perfect time. Stop by our booth design, including high-strength steels, passenger restraint sys-
and you’ll also get a chance to find out what tems, multiple air bags and the growing popularity of high-
we’ve been up to lately. voltage hybrid vehicles, FREE events have also been given
high marks by the rescue community.
As happens each year, we will be holding our
annual meeting including a year-end review by “We want to thank all of the participating NABC member
the president and our election of the seven dele- shops and especially the insurers that have donated late model
gates that will represent you on the NABC board salvage for these events,” stated FREE Chairman Michael
of directors. After the election, the new board will Quinn of 911 Collision Centers. “We provide a complete work-
move to executive session where they will elect book and all the necessary tools to help make the shop’s event
officers for next year. While some of our officers a great success. We have even identified over 87 vehicle mod-
and board members will not be around next year, els with a high propensity for high strength or exotic steels,
and they will be missed, it is a very exciting time making the identification of vehicles fit for the program that
because membership gets a chance to express much easier.”
who they would like to lead us this coming year. To be effective and save lives at the scene of an accident,
Two board members that have worked hard first responders—such as firemen—constantly require the most
for the association have decided to take a sabbati- current vehicle information. FREE helps keep them up to date.
cal because of other commitments. We want to The course incorporates both classroom and hands-on instruc-
thank John Bosin and Troy Holm for their past tion, including demonstrations in vehicle cutting techniques.
service to the board and look forward to working The NABC would like to thank the following insurers for
with them in the future. Their efforts have been their strong support of FREE programs:
huge in helping us become what we are now.
Remember, the annual meeting starts immedi- Allstate Nationwide Insurance
ately after the open board meeting to be held at
the Hilton Hotel right beside the convention cen- American Family Insurance Progressive Insurance
ter on Tuesday, November 2. The board meeting Farmers Insurance State Farm Insurance
starts at 9 a.m. and the annual meeting starts at
GEICO Insurance
noon. IF YOU CAN MAKE IT, PLEASE MAKE
IT A POINT TO STOP BY AND GET A FIRST-
HAND VIEW OF WHAT'S GOING ON. NABC would also like to thank Toby Chess and Holmatro
Rescue Equipment, specifically Western Regional Manager
Thank you so much for your support both as
Bob Brown, for their invaluable assistance in delivering these
a dues paying member and as a participant in the
programs that are helping change the image of programs.
our industry by way of local programs benefiting For more information on hosting a FREE event or to contribute
the communities in which you do business. vehicles contact the NABC at 888-66-PRIDE
Michael Quinn
You are special people.
FREE Co-Founder
— Chuck
NABC— 191 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 — 888-66-PRIDE (Toll Free)
Page 3
Letter from the NABC Office
As the cooler weather approaches, we think of many things—beautifully changing landscapes,
hayrides, football, and upcoming holidays. It is the time of year when the hustle and bustle of Hallow-
een, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas seem to blend right into each other.
It is a busy time for NABC, too. Aligning fittingly with the seasonal theme of giving back, NABC’s Recycled Rides™ program
has kicked into high gear, with vehicle donations occurring at the NACE Expo in Las Vegas earlier this month. The program contin-
ues into November with additional Ride-Away Days at SEMA and the nationwide Ride-Away Day on the Monday before Thanksgiv-
ing.
The First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) program is also starting to move forward. Many have already committed to
participating. We are working diligently with our FREE Committee Chairperson Mike Quinn to ensure that it becomes yet another
successful NABC initiative. We hope all of you take the opportunity to participate in such a rewarding community service event.
The change of seasons brings with it internal changes to NABC. The annual board meeting and the elections that are part of it are
fast approaching. There are seven vacancies on the NABC board of directors this year. Elections at the annual meeting will take place
on November 2 at 9 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. We urge all members to attend and take part.
We are also getting underway with preparations for our annual golf outing in Palm Springs, CA on January 12, 2011. There are
sponsorships still available and information on registration will be available very soon. We hope to see all of you on the green! For
additional information please contact the NABC office at info@autobodycouncil.org.
From all of us here at the NABC office, we are thankful for all that you do, and look forward to a great season!
Upcoming NABC Events
Letter From the President
and Meetings
Trick or treat came early this year!
November 1-4—SEMA Expo
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center
Although the NACE show was a little smaller this year, it was another big Las Vegas, Nevada
year for the National Auto Body Council (NABC). Our new 10x20 booth along
with new signage for Recycled Rides™ and First Responders Emergency Ex- November 2, 2010—Board Meeting and Elections
trication (FREE) provided a wonderful image of what the NABC is all about. Held at the Hilton Hotel from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The new 40x50 booth space across the walkway displayed the cars we gave Las Vegas, Nevada
away to five deserving families. The entire area drew a lot of attention and
served as a great place to discuss the purpose of the NABC. It was amazing!.
October is known as the month of trick or treat, but NACE moved its con-
vention date up a few weeks so we started ringing doorbells early this year. We
received complements on our enhanced presence at NACE, followed by a
number of new membership treats dropped in our goodie bag. We signed over
“We are
ten new members the first day but it didn’t stop there. Mary Lou Silveira took committed to
our annual golf outing trick or treat bag out on the NACE floor and did not
return until it was filled with golf event sponsorships. Stacy Bartnik knocked
improving the
on the door of the NACE sponsor and ASA dropped a membership in her bag image of the
along with an individual membership from ASA President Ron Pyle himself.
collision
The NABC continues to get more and more attention because we have
great people and everything we do is focused on improving the image of the industry.”
industry.
The NABC continues to get more and more attention because we have
— NABC
great people and everything we do is focused on improving the image of the
industry.
Next stop, SEMA!
NABC President George Avery
NABC— 191 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 — 888-66-PRIDE (Toll Free)
Page 4
What is the National Auto Body Council?
The National Auto Body Council is a not-for-
profit organization committed to the goal of
improving the image of all dedicated profes-
sionals in the collision repair industry. 191 Clarksville Road
We’re on the Web! Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
NABC Vision Statement:
www.autobodycouncil.org
USA
The collision repair industry is recognized as
an essential profession serving the commu-
nity. Phone: 888-66-PRIDE
Fax: 609-799-7032
NABC Mission Statement: E-mail: info@autobodycouncil.org
To develop and implement programs and
activities to enhance the image of the colli-
sion repair industry.
Current NABC Diamond Level Sponsors
2010 NABC Officers
George Avery, President Stacy Bartnik, Vice President Karen Fierst, Treasurer Janet Chaney, Secretary
State Farm Insurance Company 1249 Jack Pine Court KerenOr Consultants 143 Middle Burnt Fork Road
One State Farm Plaza, A4 Palatine, IL 60067 614 Sisson Street Stevensville, MT 59870
Bloomington, IL 61710 224-210-0052 / 847-991-6576 Silver Spring, MD 20902 480-720-2565
309-766-8627 Phone/Fax E-mail: stacybartnik@comcast.net 301-681-4383 / 301-455-8820 E-mail:
E-mail: E-mail: janet_chaney@earthlink.net
george.avery.aa0j@statefarm.com kferst@kerenorconsultants.com
Michael Quinn, Director at Large Russell Thrall III, Chairman of Chuck Sulkala, Executive Di-
911 Collision Centers the Board rector
140 S. Euclid Collision Week / I-Car 12 Carriage Lane
Tucson, AZ 85719 P.O. Box 538 Walpole, MA 02081
520-791-9119 Tannersville, PA 18372 617-803-1120 / 617-522-8661
E-mail: mikeq@911collision.com 570-629-8010 / 216-274-9040
E-mail: russ@thrall3.com
NABC— 191 Clarksville Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 — 888-66-PRIDE (Toll Free)