I-CAR chairman Edelen tells CIC organization will return to its roots
PHILADELPHIA - Speaking to a nearly-packed room of Collision Industry Conference (CIC) attendees in Philadelphia, I-CAR board chairman and interim CEO John Edelen said the group will be reaching out to all parts of the industry in an effort to return to what he says is the group’s roots.
“I-CAR had a pretty good idea then what the needs of the inter-industry were for training. We’ve got an opportunity to get back in touch with the industry segments in effect that founded I-CAR 30 years ago and ensure that we’re actively engaging with them in terms of identifying opportunities to improve our training or opportunities to develop new content or potential new delivery mechanisms,” said Edelen.
“For me, that means I-CAR is returning to its roots,” he said.
Edelen spoke at some length on the issues that have since last year caused turmoil at I-CAR, namely a million dollar operating loss.
He said changes are on the way for the organization. Along with reaching out to the industry by forming six industry segment advisory councils to bring the organization better in line with meeting industry training needs, Edelen said I-CAR also was taking steps to right its financial ship. Edelman said the remedy there was fairly basic, reducing operating costs while raising revenues. For now, that has translating into reducing staffing. Edelen noted that I-CAR’s staff was its greatest resources. At the same time, salaries and benefits were its greatest operating expenses.
Edelen concluded his presentation by inviting attendees to join discussions at I-CAR’s International Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona July 24 -26. He also asked them to take I-CAR classes, specifically those concentrating on Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS).
“Take the new I-CAR for a drive,” he said.