Eckenrode's very good year

Brandon Eckenrode, I-CAR senior marketing communications specialist, exercised his fertile mind and won both the second and third place awards.

On the fourth Saturday of October, USA Weekend magazine, delivered in more than 600 publications nationwide, sponsors a "Make a Difference Day" - a day of service which the magazine promotes to encourage communities to accomplish thousands of projects in hundreds of towns.

Eckenrode proposed that NABC apprise USA Weekend of the charitable professionals and businesses that make up the collision repair industry, as well as provide background on the work of NABC itself. NABC would then coordinate an industry-wide charitable act - for example, a canned food drive or neighborhood garbage pickup - on "Make a Difference Days" in consecutive years to showcase the industry's giving nature to the entire country on a continuous basis.

His third place winning idea is exclusively local in focus. He suggested that NABC create a Community Action Recognition (CAR) program to reward industry individuals or businesses when they perform a noteworthy act of community service. Those recognized would receive an eye-catching window decal and certificate for display. The month and year of the recognition would be featured prominently, adding additional impact if more than one decal were awarded.

The multiple recognition surprised Eckenrode, who coincidently won a 2006 NABC PRIDE award for his efforts in helping raise money for a women's homeless shelter in Illinois. He was quick to express his appreciation. "It's a great honor to be acknowledged by NABC, which is always on the front lines, highlighting the industry's caring and generous nature. I invite any and all industry professionals/businesses to get involved now, because there is no time like the present to help."

All entries were submitted anonymously to a panel of impartial judges who did not know the identities of the winners until after the submissions were evaluated and the winners selected.

Winners received an American Express gift card in the amount of $500 (first place), $300 (second place) and $200 (third place).

The three winning ideas will be considered at the Council's annual strategic planning meeting, scheduled for January 16, 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and preceding NABC's annual fundraiser golf tournament (January 17) and the CIC planning meeting (January 18 and 19).