SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) met and reported developments from its committees. Here are some of the highlights.
The subject may have closed out the conference during an open microphone session, but talk about fuel surcharges resonated with attendees. Rising fuel costs are helping to raise prices on a variety of consumer goods. Shops potentially could be hard hit by fuel costs as well. Many shops already have agreements with insurers to absorb fuel surcharges. This fact is cutting further into shop revenues. Vendors worry that these costs may force some shops to look elsewhere, namely suppliers closer to their locations, for parts, equipment, etc.
Attendees were invited to drop their business cards into a box for the opportunity to win a trip to Hawaii. The catch – to win the trip those lucky enough to have their names drawn had to cut through an automotive part made from advanced high strength steel (AHSS). Obviously, no trip was awarded. Toby Chess engineered the contest to educate attendees on the difficulties firefighters and other first responders face when they must cut through wrecked automobiles to rescue the occupants. Chess then led attendees outside where local firefighters demonstrated new equipment that could move AHSS parts so vehicle occupants could be rescued.
The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) announced its annual golf outing raised $5000 for the March Taylor Memorial Education Fund.
CIC has elected a new chairperson who will replace Stacy Bartnik at the end of her term in 2008. Russell Thrall III will take that position.
