AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas today announced that they will begin the process for accepting nominations for the 2009 Most Influential Women (MIW) award. The recognition program, typically held during the first week of November in Las Vegas, will be staged in 2010.
“2009 has been an extraordinary business year,” noted Tim Loden, director of marketing for AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas. “This year has required many difficult choices to be made. We recognize the positive social impact that the MIW program has brought to the collision repair industry. Therefore, we are choosing to sustain this commitment to the industry by recognizing the leaders that work to make it better.”
In 2008 the MIW program marked its ten year anniversary. During the ten year history the program has highlighted the contributions of approximately 80 industry leaders. More importantly, through the I-CAR Education Foundation MIW Scholarship Fund, the program has been able to touch the lives of a vast array of students aspiring to make the collision repair industry a career destination.
In addition, alumnae members of the MIW program provided the stimulus for the formation of the Women’s Industry Network (WIN). This new industry association is targeted at promoting both workforce expansion and knowledge of women within collision repair.
“The MIW program has escalated to become one of the most respected and revered accolades that our industry bestows on its members,” noted Geralynn Kottschade co-owner of Jerry’s Body Shop in Mankato, Minnesota, past NACE Chair, past Most Influential Women award honoree and past Chair for the WIN Association. “Few companies and even fewer programs have had the influence on our industry which MIW has provided. AkzoNobel is to be commended for their efforts to nurture this worthy effort.”