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.”
