The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) found themselves well represented at this year's Collision Industry Night of Achievement, held in Las Vegas prior to NACE. The event is the premier night of recognition for collision repair professionals, with awards presented by a wide range of organizations including Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA), CSi Complete, the National Auto Body Council (NABC), Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) and the Hall of Eagles (the collision industry's Hall of Fame). 

The SCRS members who won awards were:

Toby Chess (SCRS National Director) - NABC Pride Award

Jordan Hendler (SCRS Administrator) - "Q" Award

Lou DiLisio (SCRS Immediate Past Chairman) - ABRN Leadership Award

Bill Garoutte (SCRS Missouri/Kansas Chapter Chairman) - CIECA Leadership Award

Margo Smith (SCRS Missouri/Kansas Chapter Board Member) - honored as one of Akzo Nobel's Most Influential Women of 2005 (one of seven awardees)

To a person, the winners were humbled and surprised by their honors. Typical of their reaction was that of Chess, who won the Pride Award for his fund-raising efforts for Camp Mak-A-Dream ($4,000 for a down-payment on a new bus), the California Highway Patrol (matching donations from local businesses out of his own pocket to help CHP buy toys for underprivileged children) and those who lost their homes to the fires that ravaged Southern California (a drive that ended up in a donation of 2,000 toys for children who had lost theirs).

"To be honest, winning the award was beyond my comprehension," said Chess, "because when you do these things, you don't do them for awards - it's the last thing on your mind. I'll never forget it, though. Nothing compares to having your friends stand up for you. It puts everything in focus, and motivates you all the more."

DiLisio, a tireless worker whose profile casts an impressive shadow over the industry, has been active on many fronts, but was recognized in particular for his role in CIC's Database Task Force and in pushing efforts forward to eliminate the practice of rekeying data into the automated estimating systems.

"When you eat, breathe and dream the industry like I do, great honors like this aren't anywhere on your radar screen," he said. "That's because recognition doesn't drive me - it's my passion for the industry. But I appreciate this award very much - all the more because it comes from an industry I consider to be my family."

Q award

The Collision Industry "Q" Award, provided by an anonymous benefactor, is presented to recognize "quiet," behind-the-scenes efforts on behalf of the industry. This year's winner was Jordan Hendler, administrator extraordinaire for SCRS, CIC and NABC. She plays an invaluable role in keeping the lines of industry communication open, which, in turn, helps unite industry awareness.

"Utterly surprised…humbled…how about shocked?" she said laughing when recalling her reaction to the award. "I love my job, my place in this industry and mostly the people with whom I work. Many of them have become my closest friends, and to be recognized by them - it just doesn't get any better."

"It was a proud night for SCRS, who would like to thank each of these members for their tireless efforts to improve the collision repair industry," says Tom Moreland, SCRS chairman.

"These individuals serve as great role models not only because of their accomplishments, but because they epitomize selflessness - giving without expecting a return. What makes this night especially meaningful is that the acknowledgment comes from those who know best - the professional peers of the recipients who understand better than anyone that 'Working Together Is The Most Important Work We Do.' They appreciate those who demonstrate a commitment to that goal on a daily basis, and the results certainly show it."