The Jeff Silver Award and Russ Verona Memorial Award are given for exceptional contributions to the collision repair industry
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—I-CAR has announced the 2020 recipients of its annual Jeff Silver and Russ Verona Memorial I-CAR Awards that recognize one individual and one collision repair shop for advancing technical education and professionalism in the collision repair industry.
The Jeff Silver Award, honoring an I-CAR Platinum individual who demonstrates true passion for training and professional growth, was awarded to Kenny Hall of State Farm Insurance, Worthington, Ohio. Hall has been recognized as Platinum since March 2004. In addition to serving as the Ohio I-CAR Chair and Committee Chair of Columbus, Ohio, he is also a board of directors member, volunteer and judge for the state and national SkillsUSA competitions.
Hall is also on the school advisory boards for six central Ohio collision programs, and created the CCEG “Techs of Tomorrow” program to give back to students looking to work in the collision industry. He also serves as a board member in support of the Creative Living-Living for the Physically Disabled organization.
The Russ Verona Memorial Award, honoring an I-CAR Gold Class shop that actively promotes technical training and a positive image for the collision repair industry, was awarded to Schaefer Autobody Center in Webster Groves, Mo. Recognized as Gold Class since May 2006, the Webster Groves location is one of 12 owned by Scott Schaefer, president and owner.
The shop promotes the I-CAR Gold Class designation to customers, insurance agencies, area schools and employees. According to Schaefer, “Our collision repair accreditations and certifications (more than 17) are the result of passion for collision repair, customer experience, and diligence toward every auto repair.”
The shop has been a long-standing South Central Region Committee Member for the St. Louis I-CAR Committee, and since 2006 has supported the St. Louis I-CAR CREF Job Fair by volunteering to organize and help run the event, pay out-of-pocket costs to ensure success, and promote the industry and I-CAR by having more than 750 active high school and college students, instructors and administrators wear I-CAR shirts throughout the day at the event.
Schaefer Autobody also works directly with high school and college collision programs, as well as volunteers to promote collision repair jobs in the industry for a non-profit organization, Women in Automotive and Collision. They also are involved in fundraising and raising donations to the Children’s Hospital and National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides.
With the recycled rides, Schaefer Autobody works with the Joshua Chamberlin Society to find retired military servicemen and women who have been injured in combat and need reliable transportation to support their families.
“I-CAR is proud to recognize and honor both Kenny and Scott for their deep commitment to training that supports the development of the next generation of collision repair industry professionals,” said John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO and president. “These industry champions recognize the importance and benefits of training, knowledge and education in helping to deliver complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.”
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