Key elements of the fifth annual WIN Conference.

The fifth annual Women’s Industry Network (WIN) Conference in San Diego brought together over 160 women from all segments of the collision repair industry. The first day included a keynote address on “Strategy, Leadership and the Soul” by Jennifer Sertl, founder and president of Agility 3R. Greg Horn, VP of Industry Relations at Mitchell International, presented an industry update detailing current trends as well as insights into the effects of the Japan earthquake and tsunami and thoughts on electric and micro vehicles hitting the US market. Afternoon breakout topics included Social Media, Leadership from the Inside Out and Personal Branding.

given in the name of WIN’s Diamond Sponsor, AkzoNobel. “AkzoNobel led the initiative to create awareness about the contributions of women within the collision repair industry and has also been an ardent supporter of the WIN Association since its beginning,” said Laura Costello Director of Marketing for AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings Americas. We are honored to have two of the 2011 WIN student scholarships presented in our name. It is extremely gratifying to see an industry put practices in place to sustain opportunities for enrichment and future growth.”

Mary Kunz was announced as this year’s Cornerstone Award winner,. The award is given each year to a board member that exemplifies the values and ideals of WIN. In addition, a Cornerstone Scholarship was awarded to Jessica Crowley, a collision repair student at the College of Western Idaho, who will receive a donation from WIN to further her collision repair education.

The day concluded with recognition of WIN’s 2011 Corporate Sponsors which include: “We are thankful to each and every one of our sponsors. Their support of WIN is instrumental to our mission of engaging women in the collision repair industry,” said Kim White, WIN’s chair.

Day two started off with the Annual Scholarship Walk Presented by Enterprise. Over 100 women took to the streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and raised over $5,000 through individual and corporate donations. The funds will be directed toward WIN’s various scholarship programs.

Following the walk, attendees were treated to a humourous, positive and thought-provoking keynote address on “Using Your Feminine Force for Good Car-ma” by Lauren Fix, recognized automotive and lifestyle expert and owner of Automotive Aspects.

Dr. Sara Mednick, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California-San Diego delivered an insightful presentation on sleep patterns and the benefits of napping on memory and productivity. The afternoon continued with breakout topics on Hot Button Employment Issues and Lean in the Front Office.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on Emerging Technologies & Repairability moderated by Ruth Weniger of Airbag Solutions. Panelists included: Sandee Lindorfer, Allstate Insurance; Jamison Cummings, Tesla Motors; Derek Naidoo, Auto Body Speed Shop; and Mark Olsen, VeriFacts Automotive. The panelists and attendees discussed hybrids, new safety systems and other new technologies facing the collision repair industry and the challenges and opportunities they present.

The fifth annual WIN Conference was sponsored by AkzoNobel, Allstate, ASE, BASF, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, DuPont, State Farm Insurance, Hertz, 3M, Sterling Autobody Center, Geico, Fix Auto, Carstar, PPG, Marco’s Collision Center, CSi Complete, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, LKQ, CAPA, Finishmaster, Symphony Advisors, 1-800-Radiator, Sherwin Williams, Mitchell, and CCC Information Services.