Four State Auto Body Associations Announce the Central States Collision Conference
The Kansas Auto Body Association (KABA), Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA), Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA), and Missouri Auto Body Association (MABA) announced the Central States Collision Conference (CSCC), taking place April 23-24, 2027, in Wichita, Kansas.
This two-day conference will feature educational sessions; a trade show showcasing the latest products, equipment, technology, and services; networking opportunities with repair professionals, educators, suppliers, OEM representatives, and industry partners from across the Central States region; and collaborative discussions focused on the future of collision repair, workforce development, business management, emerging vehicle technology, and legislative advocacy.
CARSTAR MOKAN Group Raises $20K at 33rd Annual CF Golf Tournament
CARSTAR MOKAN Group for hosted its 33rd annual golf tournament on Thursday, June 11, at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, MO. The CARSTAR MOKAN Group has held this tournament annually for over three decades to bring together local businesses and community members to raise funds, awareness, and support for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The event featured a full day on the course with interactive contests such as a putting challenge, longest drive and closest-to-the-pin. Attendees also participated in a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and lunch, all contributing to fundraising efforts for the cause.
With the support of dedicated sponsors and participants, the tournament raised $20,000 to benefit cystic fibrosis initiatives.
“This event is something we look forward to every year because it brings our network and community together for a meaningful cause,” said Steve Hahn, leader of the CARSTAR MOKAN Business Group. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from everyone who helps make this event such a success.”
Crash Champions Celebrates Latest Graduates of STEP Technician Development Program
Crash Champions recently celebrated the success of its Skilled Technician Education Program (STEP) program, recognizing 59 apprentices who have graduated from the program in 2026.
STEP is a Department of Labor-certified program that combines paid, hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience to prepare aspiring collision repair technicians for long-term high-earning careers.
Crash Champions STEP apprentices complete a structured I-CAR-based curriculum focused on repair quality, safety, technical proficiency and professional development while working alongside experienced mentors at Crash Champions repair centers nationwide. Upon graduation, participants earn I-CAR welding certification and are equipped with the real-world experience to launch their collision repair careers.
Today, Crash Champions has nearly 200 active apprentices training in the program and reports an 86% retention rate among graduates.
RNR Tire Express Recognized on Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Culture100 List
RNR Tire Express (RNR)was recently recognized on Franchise Business Review’s 2026 “Culture100” list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in its annual research on the best franchise cultures.
RNR Tire Express was among more than 330 franchise brands, representing over 29,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures, according to the company.
Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 17 unique areas that contribute to a strong company culture, including leadership, core values, franchisee community and engagement.
RNR ranked above the industry average across all five of the main categories, with franchisees giving the brand especially strong marks for honesty and integrity, enjoyment of the organization, respect, trust and team culture, according to the company.
Twin Cities CARSTAR Shops deliver refurbished vehicles to two veterans through NABC Recycled Rides
Two Twin Cities-area veterans received refurbished vehicles this week through the NABC Recycled Rides program, with CARSTAR collision repair facilities owned by Minor Details Automotive Inc. handling the repair work.
On July 7, CARSTAR Northfield Auto Body in Northfield, Minnesota, presented a refurbished 2020 Kia Sportage to Kevin Peoples, an Army veteran nominated by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). The vehicle was donated by GEICO.
The next day, CARSTAR Bloomington North in Bloomington, Minnesota, presented a refurbished 2022 Ford Explorer to Jeffrey Larson, a Navy veteran also nominated by MACV, with the vehicle donated by Allstate.
Joel Hansen, CEO of Minor Details Automotive Inc., which owns six CARSTAR locations in the Twin Cities area, said the shops were honored to partner with NABC Recycled Rides and the respective insurers "to donate a reliable vehicle to a deserving veteran in our community."
Additional partners on the two presentations included PPG, LKQ, NAPA, 3M, Bloomington Luther Kia, Apple Ford White Bear Lake, Speedy Keys, Enterprise, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity and Copart.
CAWA Announces the 2026 Automotive High School Teachers' Scholarship Award Winners
CAWA announced the recipients of the 2026 automotive high school teachers' scholarship awards in its Motorcar Parts of America - Selwyn Joffe Awards. CAWA provided four scholarships this year to high school teachers to support their automotive programs.
"CAWA is proud to assist these automotive high school teachers, in part, to assure their programs remain viable and well-resourced for the benefit of their students and our industry," said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO, in announcing the awards.
Recipients of the scholarships include:
- Greg Quirin, Crawford High School in San Diego: $1,500 for classroom supplies
- Keith Benson, Petaluma High School: $1,500 for classroom supplies
- Cristian Garling, Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove: $1,500 for shop uniforms (T-shirts) and classroom supplies
- Dave Baylor, Huntington Beach High School: $1,500 for an entry level electrical/ignition board.
The primary scholarship fundraising effort for this program is CAWA's annual dinner gala held traditionally the Sunday night before the AAPEX and SEMA shows. This year, the gala will be held on Nov. 1, at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas and is sponsored, once again, by the Motorcar Parts of America. For details, contact programs@cawa.org.
To contribute to the Association's scholarship program (see www.cawa.org) or to donate prizes for the 2026 fundraising auction, contact Harold Johnson of Robert Bosch at harold.johnson@us.bosch.com or 909.565.3254 or Rodney Pierini at 916.635.9774 or admin@cawa.org
Lisa McArdle