The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) recognized several industry members and groups with five awards during a ceremony held in conjunction with its quarterly board meeting in Oklahoma City on April 24.
For only the second time in its 30-year history, SCRS awarded its Lifetime Honorary Membership award, this time to Bill and Rochelle Wicklund, who were founding members of SCRS. The award recognizes individuals for a lifetime of outstanding, unselfish contributions and dedication to the collision repair industry. Bill Wicklund, who has served the industry since 1959, was one of the original members of SCRS, inducted into the Hall of Eagles in 1991, and received the I-CAR Hall of Fame recognition in 1994.
“One of the great things about Bill and Rochelle is that they are still active in the industry through the SCRS Missouri/Kansas chapter,” said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of SCRS. Their son Gerald operates Wicklunds CARSTAR in Liberty, Mo.
The Industry Achievement award recognizes an individual who has helped move the collision repair industry forward in a positive direction. The award was presented to Scott Biggs, CEO of the Assured Performance Network.
Biggs has served on various committees with the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), produced videos that have enhanced training and education within the industry, and helped three major trade associations agree on collision repair standards development, SCRS said.
The Collision Industry Non-Individual Service award recognizes contributions to the collision repair industry that originate at a corporate or company level. The award was presented to the Auto Education Policy Institute (AEPI) and was accepted by Erica Eversman, and to the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP).
The Humanitarian award recognizes an individual or organization whose efforts to advance the collision repair industry also support humanitarian activities within local communities. The award was presented to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) for its efforts with the Recycled Rides program.
The Individual Service award recognizes an individual for their contributions, time and dedication specifically to SCRS. The award was presented to Jeff Hendler, who oversees membership and event coordination for the organization.
“This has been a great night with a lot of deserving people being recognized for their efforts,” said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the SCRS. “It’s humbling to look at the people in this room who have spent so much of their careers mentoring so many others. There are individuals who we may recognize once, but they continue to contribute in meaningful and moving ways that really help move both the industry and association forward.”
