The annual event offered attendees the opportunity to discuss business issues and opportunities, learn about current topics affecting the auto recycling industry, and network with industry leaders.

"The SCADA convention committee, comprised of volunteers from throughout the state and chaired by David Street of West Auto Wreckers in Chula Vista, worked for almost a year to put together a program that attendees agreed was outstanding," SCADA Executive Director Martha Cowell said.

"If ever I have attended a better convention, I cannot remember," said Herb Lieberman, industry liaison for LKQ Corp.
Historically, the SCADA convention is well-known for relevant and interesting educational programs, and this year was no exception, Cowell said.

Featured educational seminars included a presentation by Berman Obaldia, West Coast director of government affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance).  Obaldia talked about the future of the partnership between SCADA and the Alliance regarding vehicle end-of-life issues, which includes the very successful mercury switch collection project.

Gavin McHugh, SCADA's legislative advocate, followed with a discussion about public policy on the statewide level and how the California auto recycling industry impacts the state legislative and regulatory scene by embracing a partnership approach. 

 
Next in the two-day program was a presentation on long-range business planning by retired business owner Jim Schneider, a discussion on environmental sustainability applied to business management by Partners in the Solution Program Manager David Kendziorski, and an overview of the ARA University training program for automotive recyclers by Sandy Blalock, president of the international Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA).

Other presentations were made by David O'Connel of Mitsubishi Motors, who talked about the process of designing new vehicle models, and Kathryn Door, the DMV deputy director in charge of the statewide Investigations Division, who talked about current enforcement efforts and the DMV's plans for the future.

More than 50 vendors from across the country interested in serving the state's auto recycling industry showcased their products and services at the SCADA trade show on Sept. 13.

The SCADA convention was filled with social events and networking opportunities. "We are very pleased that so many California vehicle recyclers were in attendance at this outstanding event," said SCADA President Bruce Luther, who owns Rock and Roll Auto Recycling in Pleasanton and was chosen as Dismantler of the Year at the convention's awards banquet on Sept. 12.