I-CAR recognizes four award recipients

I-CAR recognized Eric Grossman, owner of Eric’s CARSTAR in Tucson, Ariz., with the Russ Verona Award, and GEICO's Joe Lacy with the Jeff Silver Award during the 2011 I-CAR Industry Event in Salt Lake City in July. I-CAR also presented the Tech Centre Award and the I-CAR Service Award.

The Russ Verona Memorial Award was created in honor of Russ Verona, one of I-CAR’s founding fathers and the first business to earn the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation. Grossman’s shop was the third shop in the nation to earn the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals business designation and has maintained his designation for more than 21 years.

Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations said, “Grossman’s involvement with I-CAR and the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals program truly embodies the spirit and professionalism of the Gold Class Program and what it represents. I believe that anyone who is a recipient of the Russ Verona Award trains because they care about the families riding in the vehicles that are being repaired, and they want to ensure that the repairs performed at their facility are complete and safe. That caring attitude is evident in Eric Grossman’s involvement with the community and industry over the last 21 years. Given that 69 percent of collision repair shops claim not to train, an even greater appreciation for professionals like Eric Grossman that go above and beyond to serve our industry should be noted."

The Jeff Silver Award recognizes individuals who hold the I-CAR Platinum Individual® designation and contribute to their local communities and the industry at large. The Jeff Silver Award was presented to Joe Lacy. Lacy sits on the CIC Insurance Relations Committee and Definitions Committee, is a member of NABC, and is a Chief Master Structural Damage Analysis Professional. He has traveled to vocational schools and helps students better understand the opportunities available to them in collision repair, estimating, and careers in the auto body and insurance fields. Lacy has worked for GEICO for 39 years.

“It was a true honor presenting Joe Lacy with the Jeff Silver Award. Joe’s commitment to the industry is very strong and is clearly demonstrated though his involvement in several organizations in the industry,” said Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Business Development.

The Tech Centre Award is presented to an individual or business that has collaborated with I-CAR, lending their knowledge and expertise, bringing relevant I-CAR training to the industry. Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Technical Director, presented the Tech Centre Award to American Honda Motor Company and Shawn Collins, I-CAR Instructor. Additionally, I-CAR recognized Kirk Cook for his 20+ years of service with I-CAR. Cook has been an instrumental part of I-CAR training in his local area, dedicating his time and knowledge to I-CAR students.

Jason Bartanen closed by saying, “The award recipients are the ‘true I-CAR’, they are a testament to the I-CAR Vision, and they demonstrate their passion for the industry nearly everyday. Thank you and congratulations to each of the award recipients honored at the 2011 I-CAR Industry Event.”