Eight of the collision industry's finest leaders were honored at the sixth annual Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry Awards program held in Las Vegas, Nevada, during NACE. 

Akzo Nobel announced the Most Influential Women in Collision Repair of 2004 at an awards reception at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. This year's honorees are: (front row) Sharon Wells, Star Bishop, Lorene Lombardi, Teresa Kostick and (back row) Stacy Bartnik, Kate Lawrence and Marilyn Martinez. Judy Gore was honored posthumously.

Kate Lawrence of Brighton, Michigan, Lorene Lombardi of Livermore, California; Sharon Wells of St. John's N.L.; Stacy Bartnik of Palatine, Illinois; Star Lena Bishop of Bluefield, West Virginia; Teresa Kostick, Bolingbroke, Illinois; and Marilyn Martinez, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, were the recipients. Also during the ceremony, for the first time, Akzo Nobel gave special recognition to Judy Gore of Macon, Georgia., who was recognized posthumously for her contributions to the industry.

"This event gives us an opportunity to honor individuals who have dedicated themselves and their careers for the improvement and advancement of the collision industry," said Tim Loden, North America Car Refinishes director of marketing.

The personal and professional accomplishments of the Most Influential Women are extraordinary. Lawrence currently serves as the Mayor of Brighton, Michigan. She is the first woman Mayor the city has ever had and has served in that position since 1999.

Wells just completed a two-year term as president of the Mount Pearl Chamber of Commerce. Wells, Bartnik, Kostick and Lombardi all serve on numerous boards that promote the growth of the industry and improvement of its image.

Bishop has more than doubled the sales of her company as a body shop manager and is involved with numerous educational and philanthropic organizations in her community. Marilyn Martinez is on the cutting edge of industry changes in Puerto Rico. She and her husband have brought emerging technology and educational resources to collision centers on the island.

Judy Gore was instrumental in the formation of the Georgia Auto Body Association, now called the Georgia Collision Industry Association. She also served I-CAR in various capacities. Her passion for her work prevailed despite her failing health.

"These women are leaders not only in this industry, but also in their communities. We are pleased to honor them with this award and to support the industry that they have supported with the scholarship that is given in their honor," Loden added.

This year Akzo Nobel increased the Most Influential Women from $10,000 to $25,000. The I-CAR Education Foun-dation will use the money for prospective female students pursuing a career in the collision repair industry.

The Most Influential Women program began in 1998, so Akzo Nobel can recognize the unique leadership characteristics, accomplishments and contributions of women to the collision repair industry.