Three collision industry professionals were singled out as members who performed exceptional humanitarian and benevolent acts of kindness by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) at the Collision Industry Night of Achievement in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first recipient introduced by NABC PRIDE Committee Chair Janet Chaney was Ken Hughes, president of Wiregrass Body and Frame in Enterprise, Alabama. Hughes's dedication to his community manifests in many ways, including involvement in his local Red Cross, sponsoring a trip to Washington D.C. for the Enterprise police explorers and painting a police vehicle promoting the DARE program in his community. In addition, he has served as an Enterprise city councilman and works for a local high school work program mentoring, counseling and teaching students.

Hughes stresses training, education, and service to others less fortunate. During Collision Repair Industry PRIDE Month - an annual occurrence in the state of Alabama - Governor Bob Riley issued a proclamation citing NABC and Wiregrass Body and Frame for the positive effects of their efforts.

Marathoning for mankind

Brandon Eckenrode of Schaumburg, Illinois, was the second 2006 PRIDE award winner. A senior marketing communications specialist for I-CAR, Eckenrode is an accomplished long-distance runner and triathlete, combining his passion for life and dedication to physical fitness in ways that help serve his community.

Eckenrode participated in last year's Chicago Marathon, receiving sponsorship funds to give to Deborah's Place, a Chicago area shelter for homeless women. During other marathons he has raised money for Chicagoland firefighters as well as the Schaumburg police department, the latter contribution going towards the purchase of "alcohol impairment goggles" to educate the community about the dangers of drinking and driving. Eckenrode also works as a Schaumburg Snow Angel, shoveling driveways and sidewalks for the elderly and disabled.

Raising the roof

President and CEO of Precision Body and Paint in Beaverton, Oregon, Ron Reichen is the third PRIDE award winner. "The PRIDE committee recognizes Ron for his extensive and varied involvement in the greater Portland area," said Chaney. "He is involved with Doernbecher Children's Hospital in a variety of ways - including helping raise $800,000. through a silent auction - and serves on the curriculum board of the Hillsboro school district. His participation extends to the Washington County Fair board and the Portland Community College technical trades advisory board."

Reichen works with Habitat for Humanity and serves as president on his church's board council. He personally produced a DVD about the collision repair industry to use when he speaks to young people, helping them choose a career path. "I've begun speaking to ninth graders," he explained. "I think we have a better opportunity to reach them at that grade level than in high school."