By Levy Joffrion
NASTF to Hold Next Meeting in Las Vegas
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) has announced that its next semiannual meeting will be held in Las Vegas during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. The meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Room C2 of the event center.
On the agenda: a chairman's report on the progress of formalizing the organization and reports on the activities of the following NASTF standing committees: Service Information, Education and Training, Tools and Equipment, Vehicle Security and Communications.
This is an open meeting. Registration is not required, and everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to participate.
NACE Online Housing Breaking Records
If you haven't booked your housing for the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), you should do so soon - because online housing is exceeding expectations and breaking records.
NACE 2006 housing is currently 59 percent over the bookings at this time last year. All official hotels still have rooms available, but are filling up quickly. So, word to the wise: Book your housing today at www.NACEexpo.com. Travel Planners, the official travel service for NACE, will assist attendees and exhibitors with all hotel, airline and car rentals - one-stop shopping for all travel needs.
The world's largest collision repair event, NACE, will be held Nov. 1-4 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
House Looks to Increase Efficiency of Hybrids
U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the Energy and Resources Subcommittee of the Government Reform Committee, held a hearing recently to discuss the potential for hybrid vehicles to improve the United States' fuel economy and reduce its dependence on foreign oil.
Issa is interested in increasing the commercialization of "plug-in" hybrid electric vehicles. These vehicles plug into normal household outlets to charge their batteries and could be more cost efficient than refueling a vehicle with gasoline or diesel fuel.
"Consumers are clamoring for more hybrids, and, together with increased CAFƒ standards, the next generation of hybrids can provide a foundation for reducing petroleum consumption," said Issa.
Students Compete in SkillsUSA
More than 4,700 students competed in 84 contests as SkillsUSA held its 42nd National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City, Mo., June 19-23. Among trade areas included in skills contests are automotive service and collision repair.
The complete listing of winners has been posted on SkillsUSA's Web site at www.skillsusa.org/compete/results.shtml.
I-CAR Training Qualifies for College Credit
Any collision industry professional who has successfully completed I-CAR training now has an added benefit. I-CAR and the University of Phoenix Online have formed a relationship that now applies I-CAR training as credit toward a college degree.
"Offering this opportunity to the collision industry is a monumental step toward increasing professionalism and recognition of training," said Tom McGee, I-CAR president and CEO. "Working with the University of Phoenix Online, I-CAR students are able to achieve a target not possible until now. Another exciting aspect of this relationship is the fact that any professional who already holds an associate degree in collision repair can apply that credit, along with their I-CAR training, toward a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in collision repair. The level of professionalism in the industry is rising, and I-CAR is honored to be a part of the change."
