Newly appointed Connecticut DMV Commissioner Melody A.
Currey was the
keynote speaker at the recent Connecticut Collision Repair
Specialists membership meeting in Hartford, Conn.
Commissioner Currey, former mayor of East Hartford Conn., met
with the CCRS members and gave an overview
of her goals and objectives for the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Commissioner Currey shared her vision for
the DMV by saying, “We are seeking feedback from our
constituents on the role municipal government can
have in delivering DMV services closer to communities while
providing technological innovation in those
services.” The commissioner was nominated on Dec. 30, 2010, by
Governor Dannel P. Malloy. This
marked her return to state government following her election
in 2005 as mayor of East Hartford.
Commissioner Currey pledged to constantly improve
customer service and to provide quality services to the
public. This means greater use of technology, close
examination of how work is done so that DMV can bring
services closer to customers either online or through
partnerships in their communities.
The subject matter at the CCRS meeting centered on
improvements in the current standards for shop licensing
and asked Commissioner Currey to share her thoughts on the
process. She encouraged the attendees to
develop a process in which a more comprehensive and creditable
definition of industry standards is established.
“It is crucial to identify how the collision repair standards
will affect all of the individuals involved, including the
use of both aftermarket and original parts, repair processes,
shops, insurance companies, product companies,
etc.”
Lisa Siembab, CCRS Executive Director said, “We are seeking
to improve the standards, ultimately for the
safety of the consumer. It is crucial, when considering
today’s technology in vehicles, that shops have the latest
in equipment and training to conduct safe repairs. Today, the
standards for licensing are very basic and are in
need of updating to meet the changes that have occurred with
advanced technology. In today’s industry, many
times the focus is on training, rather than a “standard-
setting”.
The Collision Industry Conference is currently establishing a
committee to address industry standards.
Commissioner Currey said her door is
always open and looks forward to additional
discussion on the standards regulation issue. Currey stated,
“Because of your investments in the community
and especially the collision repair industry – it is clear
that CCRS has their “finger on the pulse” of the collision
repair industry in Connecticut. I will continue to listen, to
address concerns and look for ways that everyone’s
interests can be served. “
“In closing remarks, Lisa Siembab addressed the attendees. “We
are most honored to host Commissioner
Currey and certainly appreciate her support. We look forward
to another great year – our members will be
challenged more than ever with the current economic climate –
but this is why we exist. CCRS seeks to serve
our industry – one repairer, at a time.”
For more information visit www.ctcrs.com.
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