Western events (CA, AZ, NV) (9)
California Autobody Association San Diego Chapter Meeting May 22
Written by staffTuesday - May 22, 2012
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
2150 Harbor Island Dr. - San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 291 - 9110
“How to Improve Some of Your Best Business Practices” Learn Key Standard Operating Procedures to Improve the Check in Process,
Increase CSI, Cycle Time, Customer Pay, and Lower Policy Adjustments
At our next chapter meeting, we will have special guest speaker Robert D. Rick. Robert is Vice-President of Sales & Consulting Services for Gates Business Solutions. Robert has more than 30 years in the automotive industry and has a vast wealth of experience in all aspects of consulting in collision repair.
For this meeting, Robert will discuss how Checking In a customer’s vehicle is one of the most critical procedures for setting the stage for increased sales, improved CSI, and improved cycle time. This would be a great opportunity to bring your estimators and CSRs to help them improve.
In addition to Robert speaking for us I would like to invite everyone again for our open discussion. We left off with Paul Amato sharing many ideas from his shop and we would like for there to be input from YOU! What are your thoughts and ideas? Maybe you can bring some props and share with the group.
Show up, Speak up, and be a part of an organization for YOUR industry!!!
Mail your check and reserve your seats now.
Check In and Dinner starts at 6:30pm. Meeting Starts Promptly at 7:00pm
Huntington Beach Body Works to Hold Christmas Party to Benefit America's Baby Cancer Foundation
Written by StaffHuntington Beach Body Works will host their fourth annual Christmas party, Saturday, December 17 from 1:00p.m. – 3:30p.m. The party will be hosted by Rich and Patricia Evans and will benefit America's Baby Cancer Foundation.
The party will include a special appearance from Santa with gifts, food, drinks, and special motor sports themed entertainment.
The event will be held at Huntington Beach Bodyworks, 18108 Redondo Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
For more information please visit www.babycancer.org or www.huntingtonbchbodyworks.com.
San Diego California Autobody Association Chapter’s Annual Holiday Party
Written by Staff
The San Diego chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) held their 7th annual holiday party November 5 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in San Diego.
The theme of the party was ‘Gaming with a Twist’ thanks to host Barryn Vaughn, World Class Close-Up Magician and Game Master.
The event welcomed CAA members, friends and family at a cost of $45. Included in the price was a buffet dinner, (1) 50/50 raffle ticket, dancing and a fun-filled night.
Raffle Prizes were drawn throughout the night, including the 50/50 raffle, which was drawn at 10:30 p.m.
The Holiday Event was sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and PPG Industries (The VIPs); as well as Supporting Event Sponsors 1-800-Radiator, Drew Auto Group, FinishMaster and Sherwin Williams.
For more information about upcoming CAA San Diego meetings please call Hop at: 760-275-9246.
Inland Empire CAA Chapter to Hold Parts Symposium Meeting
Written by StaffThe Inland Empire chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) will hold a parts symposium meeting on November 9 at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at LKQ/Keystone in Ontario, CA (2530 Lindsey Privado #C). A tour of the facilities will kick off the meeting at 5 p.m. followed by dinner, then speakers will start at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting will answer questions like 'are all aftermarket parts created equal?' and other aftermarket parts certification questions. The night's featured speakers will be Jack Gillis, executive director of the Certified Aftermarket Parts Association (CAPA), Bob Frayer with NSF Corporation, Charlie Hogarty of the Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA), and Eileen Sottile with LKQ Corp.
The price of admission is one new pair of athletic shoes for boys and girls (K-12th grade, sizes child's 10 to adult 10) or a $40 check to Shoes That Fit.
This event is already filling up so an RSVP is strongly recommended, please contact Cindy Shillito at 714-944-4028 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make reservations.
CAA San Diego to Host its Annual Holiday Event in Nov.
Written by StaffThe San Diego chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) will hold their 7th annual holiday event on November 5 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in San Diego from 7p.m. to midnight.
This year’s holiday event will be hosted by close-up magician and game master Barryn Vaughn. The cost of the event is $45 for members, family and friends before October 31. After October 31 the cost is $50.
For the cost of the ticket attendees get a buffet dinner, (1) 50/50 raffle ticket, dancing, and a fun-filled night of holiday escapades.
Raffle prizes will be drawn throughout the night, the 50/50 raffle will be drawn at 10:30p.m.
For more information call Hop Sanchez at 760-275-9246.
“Estimating Solutions for Profit (ESP) Workshop” San Diego June 18
Written by CAA staffInstructor Michael Pellett/Sherwin-Williams “Estimating Solutions for Profit (ESP) Workshop”
CAA San Diego says it is very fortunate to have Michael Pellett, Regional Training Center Manager at the Sherwin-Williams Dallas Automotive Training Center be our instructor for a One-Day Saturday Class. The best way to characterize this class would be this. Everyday shops utilize processes, procedures, and materials to return the car to pre-loss condition and restore the crash worthiness of vehicles they repair. The goal of this class is to help participants recognize those costs of doing business, effectively build them into the estimate, and aggressively negotiate payment for them. We want to maximize the opportunities on each vehicle we repair.
Michael Pellett has been involved with the collision repair business since 1973. He has been employed by Sherwin-Williams for 25 years, and operates a Region Training Center as well as a SW Body Shop Consultant.
Class is limited to first 40 Check in starts at 8:00am Class Starts at 8:30am
**Note Class qualifies for 12 AMI Credits and 1.75 I-CAR points (after applications and fee are mailed in)
download flyer and registration form HERE
CAA San Diego to Meet at Mitchell International's New Offices May 24
Written by CAA staffMitchell International and CAA join together to give you a unique insider's view into the world of collision information software and development. We invite you to join us and your colleagues at this engaging and enjoyable Open House at Mitchell's Technology Campus in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego. With personal tours of the famous Mitchell editorial and software development complex, you'll see how enormous amounts of information is turned into state-of-the-art tools for the collision professional. You'll also have plenty of time to meet our experts and talk shop while enjoying food and beverages in a fun setting.
Make your reservations now. Limited Seating.
Meeting Kick-Off 6:30 PM. Mitchell Facility Tour 6:40 - 8:40 PM
Additional Activities:
Mitchell Expo with Product Experts
Casual Dinner and Drinks Included
8:45pm Special Raffle iPad2 $5.00 / ticket
download registration form HERE
Jackie Speier San Francisco Fundraiser to be held in July
Written by staffCalifornia Congresswoman Jackie Speier has been the Collision Repair Industry's staunchest advocate for years.
She's assisted in the fight against steering, paint capping and faulty aftermarket parts.
Please help her get re-elected to Congress this November.
Join us at a fundraising dinner in her honor in San Francisco.
The event takes place in July.
Join other shop owners and industry representatives in their efforts to keep collision's strongest voice in federal office. For details concerning the event please contact Peter Bizaca at G&C AutoBody, 707-591-3365 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
A-Plus University "Winning the Keys" Napa, CA, June 16th -17th, 2010
Written by staff
Map and Directions
The "Winning the Keys" workshop focuses on three areas that are of critical importance to a successful collision center:
Top collision centers are faced with fewer repair opportunities, increasing performance demands, and higher operating costs. “Winning the Keys” is more than a slogan, it is a mindset that must be adopted to succeed in these difficult economic times.
For more information link
