From vehicle donations across two states to new association memberships and scholarship opportunities, here's a roundup of recent collision repair industry announcements.
NABC Recycled Rides® gifts vehicles to three recipients in Arkansas and Arizona
The National Auto Body Council® (NABC®) Recycled Rides® program completed three vehicle presentations this week, with Farmers serving as the vehicle donor in each case.
On Feb. 25 in Bentonville, AR, single mother Amanda Hernandez, a mother of six nominated by the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, received a refurbished 2022 Chevrolet Equinox repaired by Brown's Collision Center.
On Feb. 26 in Phoenix, single mother Sara Holman received a refurbished 2020 Nissan Murano repaired by Allard Collision, part of OpenRoad Collision. Nominated by Help Now AZ, Holman and her two teenagers had experienced extended housing instability. "This is going to help me and my kids move forward to our next step in life," she said.
On Feb. 27 in North Little Rock, AR, U.S. Army veteran Logan Woodson received a refurbished 2017 Toyota Camry repaired by Joe Hudson's Collision Center. A lifelong culinary professional, Woodson needed a reliable vehicle to keep his footing in the food service industry. He was nominated by Scars and Stripes, Inc.
Since its founding in 2007, NABC Recycled Rides® has donated more than 3,750 vehicles valued at approximately $67 million.
WIN announces three Diamond-level sponsors for 2026
The Women's Industry Network (WIN) has launched its 2026 sponsorship campaign with a milestone: for the first time, three companies have committed at the Diamond level. The Boyd Group, Caliber Collision, and OEC each signed on at WIN's highest tier of support.
WIN introduced two Diamond tiers this year. The Traditional tier offers unlimited complimentary memberships within a sponsoring company, while the Flex tier provides up to 200 memberships that can extend beyond the sponsoring organization.
"We have already received renewals from nearly 70% of our prior sponsors, added six new sponsors, along with multiple, new Diamond level sponsors," said Jessica Rob, WIN co-sponsorship chair.
WIN uses sponsor support to fund scholarships, events, and recognition programs highlighting women's contributions to the collision repair industry.
Mirka joins SCRS as Corporate Member
Mirka has joined the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) as a Corporate Member. The global surface finishing manufacturer said the membership will support closer engagement with collision repairers to develop practical shop solutions.
"Being part of SCRS keeps us closely connected to the real needs of the collision repair industry," said Mike Lanza, Mirka's collision repair business leader.
SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg said Mirka's decision to engage with organizations important to their clients reflects a meaningful level of industry commitment.
Scott Austin appointed to CAWA board
CAWA has appointed Scott Austin of NA Williams Company to its board of directors. Austin brings more than 40 years of aftermarket experience and has served on CAWA's Manufacturers Advisory Council for several years.
"His perspective on our industry is very helpful to the Association," said board chair Dan Hanson, Jr. of Blue Streak Electronics.
Scholarship deadlines approaching: Art Fisher Memorial and ACC awards
Two scholarship programs with March 31 deadlines are now accepting applications through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF).
Federated Auto Parts is offering 13 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Eligible students include those attending two- or four-year colleges, ASE-certified post-secondary programs or accredited vocational schools, as well as graduating high school seniors. "The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are our way of honoring my father's memory by giving back," said Bo Fisher, Federated chairman.
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC), a community of the Auto Care Association, has launched a new $2,500 scholarship for students pursuing careers in automotive aftermarket marketing, communications or a related field. "We're supporting the next generation to bring fresh perspectives and strong communication skills to keep the aftermarket moving forward," said ACC chair Leyla Saad.
Students can apply through AutomotiveScholarships.com, where a single application is reviewed against opportunities from more than 40 participating organizations.
ATMC seeks input on annual training benchmarks survey
The ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) is inviting collision repair and service professionals to complete its annual training benchmarks survey by March 20.
Results will be presented at the ATMC Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 14-16. Participants who complete the full survey are eligible to win a $250 Snap-on Tools certificate or one of several Amazon gift cards.
