October is your month to shine. Every year, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) promotes October as Collision Repair Industry Pride Month. With the negative press the industry has been getting because of numerous high- and low-profile fraud investigations, the need for honest, hard-working collision repairers to step forward and promote the positive impact of the industry on society has never been greater. The goal of the NABC’s Collision Repair Industry Pride Month program is to galvanize collision repairers. Moreover, it promotes the benefits offered by the many hardworking people in the various segments of the industry to both the public and to young people considering a choice in careers.

The misdeeds of some repairers—albeit a small number—have been highlighted in the press, tarnishing the entire industry’s image. What’s more is that fraud and other illegal activities garner the big headlines in local and national newspapers and television news programs. However, lost among this hype are the many selfless, good things that you do each and every day to not only serve your customers but to serve your community. How many Little League baseball teams have you sponsored? How many volunteer fire trucks and ambulances have you repaired at no charge? These deeds may not get the big headlines; the reward they bring is in the personal knowledge that you have done something to help yourself and your neighbors.
Although you may not be working for recognition, you can get a little business-building bang for your efforts and help the industry educate the public at the same time.

One of the best methods of helping the NABC promote Collision Repair Industry Pride Month is to hold an open house in your facility for the general public, other businesses in your community, trade-school students, their parents and the insurance industry. By doing so, you not only promote the industry at large, but you distinguish yourself from the competition by showing what all your hard work and investment in your business can do. Growing repair shops have deep concerns about where the next generation of technicians will come from. Promoting your business and the value of a career in collision repair will have a direct impact not only on your business, but also on the future of the collision repair industry.

The NABC has a downloadable Open House Guide available on its Web site that provides many useful details on how to plan, promote and run an Open House at your own facility. I would encourage you to participate. ABRN would also appreciate you passing on any photos and news detailing the Open House programs you hold. We will review these events in an upcoming issue of ABRN and on our Web site (www.abrn.com). Please send me an e-mail at russ@thrall3.com, or give me a call at (570) 992-7635.

The industry may not have the best image in the eyes of the public, but careful attention to your business and support of your local community goes a long way to change that impression. Your customers may still have some reservations about the industry at large, but they will know they’ve chosen an honest, hard-working repairer who is involved with his or her local community. Let them see you shine.

Russell Thrall III
Editor in Chief