The conference, which drew more than 225 people, featured 70 exhibitors displaying everything from parts, equipment, industry services, and hand tools to insurance, said Ron Reiling, AAM, executive director of AASP-MO.

During the Saturday morning breakfast, Greg Kinder, AAM, former president of AASP-MO, presented the "Outstanding Member of the Year" award to Ken Kohnen of Snelsons Collision in Granite City, Ill.  Kohnen, president of the Illinois Metro Collision Chapter, is known for his recruiting capability.

Rick White of One Eighty Business Solutions was the keynote speaker for the event.  "If you have the drive, success is a given," White stressed during his speech.

The event featured an extensive lineup of training opportunities that included 10 technical classes, five management classes, and six collision classes.  Reiling said there were more I-CAR and management classes at this year's conference, but the number of technical classes remained the same.

AASP-MO announced its new board of directors at the show, Reiling said, adding that Steve White, owner of White Auto Body in Florissant, Mo., was elected to a two-year term as president of AASP-MO.  He replaces Greg Kinder, owner of Autotech Auto Center in O'Fallon, Mo.

 
Greg Bartnett of Meramec Heights Collision was appointed vice president, replacing Ray Crossett of Exhaust & Auto Center; and the new treasurer is JoAnna Foree of Westwood Automotive.  State Secretary is Diane Prokoff from Advanced Auto in Illinois.  Prokoff replaces Steve Pokorny, AAM, of STS Car Care.

Advanced registration was made available for next year's conference at  the same place on Oct. 24-26.