The Society of Collision Repair Specialists
Missouri / Kansas Chapter
Missouri Collision Industry Forum Receives New Name


For Immediate Release
May 9, 2008

Independence, Missouri – AASP of Missouri, ASA MOKAN and SCRS MOKAN are pleased to announce that the 3rd Missouri Collision Industry Forum will be hosted as the Midwest Collision Industry Forum on June 18, 2008.  So many people from out of state have chosen to attend the two previous forums, the new name is appropriate.  The associations encourage anyone in the country to attend this informative one day forum, and want all interested collision industry members to know that they are more than welcome. 

The Coalition of Associations is extending an invitation to anyone in the collision industry who wishes to hear cutting edge information from nationally known speakers and Missouri legislators to attend.  “It is a tremendous opportunity to witness how the strength of three associations working together as one has caught the attention of the collision and insurance industries”, states Bob Smith, representative for the Missouri Collision Coalition.
 
The Midwest Collision Industry Forum will be a single day event beginning at 8:00 a.m. with networking until 9:00 a.m. when the forum begins, a working lunch and ending at 5:00 p.m.  A 5:30 p.m. reception hosted by the associations immediately follows the meeting for everyone one attending. This format will allow for those in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma and Arkansas who wish to drive to the event to do so.  Those that wish may arrive the evening before for networking and then return home following the day’s activities.

A block of rooms has been set aside for the night of June 17, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Select, 2200 I-70 Drive, Columbia, MO  65203-4684.  Their phone is 573-445-8531.  Those from other states that attend and wish to network with others in the industry will have an opportunity to do so in a casual setting the evening before the meeting. 

Speakers and topics are posted on the web site www.missouricollisionforum.com  . Attendees may also register on line through the web site.   

Bob Smith representative for the Missouri Collision Coalition stated, “As a unified industry we can accomplish more, have a better networking base, and expected to be heard on important issues.
Ultimately, we would like to see participants from every state attend.  Coming together in this forum format will enable us to learn from each other about the issues facing the industry”.

Ron Reiling of AASP of Missouri states, “The MCIF is a great opportunity for professionals of a like mind to share a day of information, network with their peers and learn from some of the top leaders in the industry”.

Ben Steinman Immediate Past President of ASA MOKAN said, “It is impressive to have such a distinguished group of industry leaders meet in the Midwest for a one day meeting concerning industry issues.”

“Over 3 years ago when the leadership of the 3 trade associations in Missouri decided it was in our constituents’ best interests, the repairers, to step forward as a unified industry, we wondered if anyone would believe it or show up.  As we plan for the 3rd Annual event, we now ask ourselves why we didn’t we do this 10 years ago?  The efforts and outcome of the Midwest Collision Industry Forum have fostered beneficial legislation and a new awareness across the state of Missouri & nation of our role in our communities and the commerce of this great state.  We continue to look toward the better good of our industry and those that conduct business within it”, stated Bill Garoutte SCRS MOKAN Chairman.

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MEETING INFORMATION

Midwest Collision Industry Forum
June 18, 2008

Holiday Inn Select
2200 I-70 Drive
(I-70 & Stadium Drive)
Columbia, MO  65203-4684
573-445-8531
The Midwest Collision Industry Forum will have a limited room block for June 17th for those arriving early

For those flying in from out of state you can fly into St Louis or Kansas City as it is equal distance from either airport.

Registration is extremely simple by using the forum web site.

REGISTER ON LINE AT www.missouricollisionforum.com

Confirmed Speakers

  • Mike Anderson – Wagonwork Collision Center
  • Missouri Senator Wes Shoemyer
  • Missouri Senator John Griesheimer
  • Calvin Call – Executive Director Missouri Insurance Coalition
  • Attorney Erica Eversman – Vehicle Information Systems
  • Don Porter & Chris Evans – State Farm Insurance
  • Open Microphone Forum
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