Collision Resources Inc. of Spring Hill, a leader in cycle-time reduction and process improvement in the collision repair industry, was recently awarded a patent for CR Auto Scheduler, developed by Owners David McCreight and Kent Carlson. The product "learns" from repairs a shop performs. By using a sophisticated algorithm to control work flow through scheduling repairs more efficiently, CR Auto Scheduler delivers reduced cycle times and greater productivity to collision repair centers.

Randy Curnow Buick Pontiac GMC moved into a new location in Kansas City, formally occupied by Jay Wolfe Chevrolet, which closed its doors earlier in the year. "In order better serve our customers, as well as the former Jay Wolfe customers, we needed a bigger facility at what we feel is a much better location," said President Randy Curnow.

Tom and Darcy Wann, owners of T&D Sales and Services, recently purchased Miller Electric, a business formerly owned by Gerald Miller that services all types of engines from lawn mowers to tractor-trailers.

Parks Motors of Augusta and Chrysler Financial recently donated a two-year lease on a 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup to The Nature Conservancy's Kansas chapter. The vehicle will be used for the Conservancy's avian-monitoring program, which records and monitors bird species all over the state.

Olathe Toyota will be replacing Roger Smith & Sons Toyota as a member of the Kansas City Parts Connection (KCPC) group. Parts Manager Tom Blackman has 20 years of experience with Toyota and was a founding member of KCPC during his time as parts manager at Roger Smith & Sons Toyota.

Roger Smith & Sons Toyota in Kansas City has been sold to Nebraska-based Performance Automotive Group. Performance plans to build a new dealership near the Kansas Speedway. The sale came as Roger Smith, owner of Roger Smith & Sons Toyota retired from the business after 42 years.

IOWA
Gookin Ford in Story City sold the 9 millionth Ford Mustang to Thomas Krumm of rural Story City. The blue GT convertible model was a replacement for his older car, also a Mustang. "It's been an honor, just because I'm a Mustang guy myself, and to have the opportunity to be the dealership that delivers the 9 millionth Mustang is just unbelievable," said Gookin Ford Owner John Gookin.

At the 17th annual Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, NAPA Auto Parts presented Robert Longsdon of Vancouver, Wash., with the NAPA Trick Truck award for his custom 1947 Chevy Truck.

MISSOURI
Craig Burge is the new parts manager at McCarthy Nissan in Blue Springs. Before taking the position, Burge spent 15 years in the parts business with O'Neil Nissan in Kansas City.

 
Scosche Industries, a leading manufacturer of mobile electronic products and accessories for the aftermarket, will offer special payment terms to customers in the Midwest who have suffered losses from the region's record-breaking floods. As part of its offer to affected customers, Scosche, a member of the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association, will make available a re-stock discount or extended terms on any orders.

Automotive Service Association of Missouri/Kansas (ASA-MO/KAN) hosted Kevin Williamson and Mike Smith, regional vice presidents for Jasper Engines and Transmissions. The team led a training class called "The Science of Selling" on July 14 at the BTC Exhibit Hall in Kansas City. The class focused on improving automotive repair sales and profits.

Peterson Manufacturing Co. announced that Steve Meagher has been named its new vice president of sales. He succeeds Art Richardson, who is retiring after more than 41 years with the company. "Steve brings a world of knowledge and experience to his new position," said Don Armacost Jr., Peterson's president and CEO. "With his dedication and proven management skills in all marketing and merchandising areas, we're confident that Steve will guide the Peterson sales team for continued great success."

John Janes is back at Superior Volvo in Kansas City, where his career with Volvo began 20 years ago. Janes, the new wholesale manager and safeguards coordinator, was  the parts manager at Superior Volvo North in Kansas City before it closed in March.

NEBRASKA
Performance Toyota of La Vista won Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.'s prestigious President's Award for outstanding sales and service. This is the 15th time the dealership has won the award.