Omaha -- On March 7-8, the Nebraska Autobody Association (NABA) hosted its 31st annual Nebraska Collision Industry Days. Norbert Zaenglein, the executive director of NABA, said registration was brisk and the classes were well attended. The sessions held over the two days dealt with legal and technical developments in the collision repair industry.
On Friday, 8 a.m., Stace Nicholson, zone trainer for I-CAR, conducted the first class, on Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair. About 70 technicians, insurance adjusters, service writer, and shop owners attended the class, which qualified attendees for points toward I-CAR's Gold Class Professional requirements. The afternoon class, Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair, also qualified attendees for points.
A group of attendees also toured the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, owned by Bill Smith of Speedway Motors. It is the world's largest collection of vintage racing engines and equipment. The tour lasted for about three hours.
In the Saturday session, attorney Erica Everman, a legal authority in the automotive arena, addressed the most common legal issues affecting the autobody industry today, speaking about antitrust issues, trade associations, insurance issues, and the need to create a code of ethics.
The session was well attended by collision centers owners, insurance writers, and service writers. Eversman said trade associations can help insulate members from some antitrust problems and can help in regulating themselves.
Joe McMann, district manager of PPG, conducted the afternoon session about the proposed EPA paint rules and other refinishing developments. McMann went over the safety problems of working with hexavelent chromium, job sites potentially filled with airborne cyanide, with the types of masks and filters needed, and the benefits of a fresh-air system.
One development is the use of waterborne paint, soon to be required in California but not yet mandatory in Iowa or Nebraska. McMann discussed the qualities of waterborne paints and the training that would be required to use the new products.
The last speaker of the day was state Sen. Pete Pirsch of Omaha, who covered legislative issues and how they affect the Autobody industry.
"Get to know your state senators," Pirsch said. "Let them know how you feel about your state government. Share your industry concerns and take part in adopting legislation to tighten compliance with auto insurance requirements."
An afternoon tour of some Omaha area collision repair shops was followed by the banquet and awards ceremonies. Dan Rose presented three scholarships of $500 each, to three recipients from trade schools in the state.
The recipients were Paul Mingus of Central Community College, sponsored by J.D. Casey Co.; Michael Uriwler of Northeast Community College, sponsored by Tom's Body & Paint Shop of Wayne, Neb.; and Candace Kruse of Southeast Community College, sponsored by Russwood Chrysler.
Bob Bowens, retired program chairman of Auto-Collision for Nebraska Vocational Technical School Southeast Community College, was inducted into the NABA Hall of Fame.
