Akzo Nobel is now taking applications for the Collision Industry Advancement Initiative (CIAI) Fall grant period. 

"In the past two years the CIAI has made great strides in reaching out to the collision industry and seeding into the future through the endowments provided by Akzo Nobel," said CIAI chair Kate Lawrence.

"We have aided our industry in times of national disaster and helped budding collision industry students with the necessary tools, programs and facilities through these vital endowments. I encourage anyone with a potential need that matches the CIAI's mission to aid in the growth, advancement and perception of the collision industry in North America to submit an application."

"We greatly appreciated the grant that we received from Akzo Nobel last year," said Mario Trettenero, department head of the Auto Collision, Auto Repair, Auto Glass program at Vancouver Community College. "We had a very unique project that would expedite training and open up new avenues for apprenticeships. We were able to fill a need that did not exist in our industry. The grant from Akzo Nobel helped us accomplish that. Without them we would not have been able to complete our program. I encourage anyone who is considering applying to be passionate and to think of innovative and creative ways to improve our industry."

Those submitting are urged to provide detailed information. The deadline for applications is Thursday, August 31, 2006. The CIAI Advisory Council will then meet in October to review the applications. Requests to the CIAI can be made through the Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes.

Nominations open for 2006 MIW

Akzo Nobel is also accepting nominations for the 2006 Most Influential Women (MIW) in the Collision Repair Industry. The MIW program, which itself was recognized in 2006 by SCRS for its unique contribution to the collision industry, will hold this year's program at the exclusive Red Rock Resort, in Las Vegas, during NACE week.

Each year since 1998, Akzo Nobel has taken time to recognize the leadership characteristics, accomplishments and contributions of women to the collision repair industry.

Co-owner and Vice President of Storm Appraisal and Management Services located in Independence, Missouri, Margo Smith was among the 2005 MIW. "People often forget the hard work that many women do in the collision repair industry. It says a lot about Akzo Nobel that they would take the time each year to honor and recognize the outstanding work that women do in our industry. All the women I have spoken with that have won consider this award an honor. It truly makes you feel wonderful to be recognized," said Smith.

According to custom, the company will continue its annual scholarship, in conjunction with the I-CAR Education Foundation, in the name of the Most Influential Women for females seeking a career in the collision repair industry.

"Education, education, education… it is the future," said Smith. "I had a chance to speak with the recipient of last year's scholarship. She informed me that she would not have been able to do the things she is doing now without the scholarship. She has even called other Most Influential Women winners for advice and support. This scholarship will allow the next generation to do an even greater job than we have."

To place nominations for this distinction, please visit www.akzonobelcarrefinishes.net You may also submit your nomination with full nominee information via fax to Scott Emerine at (423) 929-7222 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Deadline for submissions is Friday, July 7, 2006.

The Most Influential Women will be selected in September and notified via phone. All will be honored at the eighth annual gala, which is scheduled for November, in Las Vegas, Nevada.