AkzoNobel announces Dave Smith Achievement Award in honor of automotive industry veteran
Nearing the one-year anniversary of his passing, AkzoNobel has chosen to memorialize legendary and respected industry leader Dave Smith (pictured on the right) by creating the Dave Smith Achievement Award. The inaugural award was presented this week to Catherine Mathewson, an aspiring collision repair professional, at the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 28-29, 2019, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The $2,500 award will be presented annually to the Gold Medalist in the Car Painting, Post-Secondary category, at the Skills Canada National Competition, a multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in Canada. The award is designated to support ongoing vehicle refinishing education – a topic that Dave cared deeply about and supported throughout his career. AkzoNobel has made an initial five-year commitment to Skills Canada in sponsoring the award. “Dave was an inspiration to our team and the industry,” said Doug Holmberg, AkzoNobel’s Automotive & Specialty Coatings Regional Commercial Director for North America. “This award is a great tribute to keeping Dave’s memory alive and supporting both an industry and a professional development program he was so passionate about.”
“I know how bittersweet this is to the AkzoNobel team to be giving this award away,” noted 2019 award recipient Catherine Mathewson. “Knowing how much it means to them makes me even more thankful to be awarded this. I cannot thank everyone enough for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this industry. I have worked so hard and dedicated so much to better myself and become the best painter I can be.”
Dave began his career with AkzoNobel in 1993. Over his 25 years with the company, he played key roles throughout the North American Automotive & Specialty Coatings sales organization, distribution network and collision repair businesses. He held numerous positions within AkzoNobel, including country manager for Canada and North American industry relations and network manager. Dave was also a key leader in the North American management team.
The Skills Canada Collision Repair Program was created to address the skills shortage within the industry by raising awareness of career opportunities at Skills Canada Competitions across the country, by showcasing the exciting opportunities that are available for young people. The program also provides students who compete in the competitions from across Canada with hands-on training opportunities and the chance to enhance their skills and knowledge during their experience as a competitor.
The Skills Canada Collision Repair Program is completely funded by donations from industry leaders who believe in investing in the future of Collision Repair.
