Organized by the Southern California I-CAR volunteers and program instructors, the awareness event was provided to owners and managers representing 34 independent collision repair facilities and 18 insurance companies, most of whom had little to no previous experience with I-CAR. 

 
Shortly after the event, requests for Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07) and Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08) I-CAR programs have increased significantly in Southern California.

"It was great to see so many insurance representatives there and collision repairers in the same room.  These types of events can only improve upon the collision repair and insurer relationship," said Lillian Marcos of Marcos Auto Body.  "The class itself was taught well and allowed for those at all levels of expertise to come away with new knowledge of advanced high strength steels." "The Advanced Steels class was an excellent opportunity to get invaluable information as well as a terrific place to network with others from the collision industry," said Mike Rubin, a material-damage specialist for California Casualty Management Co.  "I was able to use the new information I learned immediately." 

 
"I want to thank Toby Chess for his organization and fundraising for this event," said Bob Mickey, I-CAR Western Zone manager.  "Also, the local volunteers and program instructors made this event possible through their hours and hours of dedication and assisting with the instruction of this class."

The event began with the U.S. Marine Color Guard presentation of the colors by the 11th Marine Regiment from Camp Pendleton, Calif.  The color guard presented two flags that had flown over Fallujah, Iraq, as a thank-you to the Southern California I-CAR volunteer group for their toy donation made to Marine families at Camp Pendleton last November.