AkzoNobel, in preparation for future growth of their sustainability initiatives, has chosen to dedicate additional resources in the development of their “FIT” (Focus, Innovation and Talent) Sustainability awards program. The FIT award, when originally introduced, was coupled with the Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry program (MIW). With AkzoNobel’s increased focus on growing the FIT program, they have chosen to offer the Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry program to the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), the nationally-recognized collision repair industry membership organization for women.
“As a gold sponsor, and dedicated supporter of the Women’s Industry Network, AkzoNobel is honoured and pleased that WIN has agreed to take the leadership role for MIW. It is a logical progression for the program to evolve and grow under the guidance of WIN. More than 30% of the former MIWs are currently or have previously been WIN members”, said Laura Costello, Director of Marketing, AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas.
Costello went on to say, “Fourteen years ago AkzoNobel was the first in our industry to elevate the societal issue of the advancement of women in the collision repair industry. The Most Influential Women in Collision Repair has become an institutional pillar. FIT has followed in the tradition of MIW. Our hope is that the FIT awards as well as future initiatives and innovations delivered by AkzoNobel will be as successful in promoting the reduction of the industry’s carbon footprint as MIW has been in advancing diversity and building the contributions of a valuable talent and resource pool.”
The Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry was established by AkzoNobel in 1999 and has recognized more than 75 women over the past 14 years. The program’s charter has been to recognize women who have enriched the industry with their leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence. The honorees have held positions in every facet of the collision repair industry, as shop owners, painters, body technicians, managers, wholesalers, lobbyists, suppliers, insurance adjusters, consultants, educators, editors and writers, and industry association directors. The program has recognized women for their professional accomplishments but also for going beyond the requirements of their positions to give back to their communities.
“The MIW program aligns perfectly with WIN’s mission, which is to engage women in the collision repair industry” said Margaret Knell, WIN’s Board Chair and MIW 2001. “We are thrilled that AkzoNobel has chosen WIN to carry on this tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of women in our industry and look forward to fostering the program for years to come.”
In honour of the MIW program, each year AkzoNobel has funded scholarships for prospective female students who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Additionally, special events were held to recognize the MIW recipients. WIN expects to follow the basics of the program but will add the organization’s “signature” to make the transition complete.
“AkzoNobel’s MIW program raised the awareness of the amazing contributions from women in the collision repair industry,” said Trish Serratore, MIW 2000, Senior Vice President, ASE and President NATEF/AYES. “I am proud to have received that recognition and to be a member of WIN. I know WIN will build on what AkzoNobel started and will empower and recognize women working in all facets of our industry, a win-win for everyone.”
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today™.
AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings is one of the world's leading suppliers of paints and services for car repair, commercial vehicles, automotive plastics and aerospace coatings markets. It sells coatings for original equipment and refinishing applications to bodyshops, aircraft manufacturers, fleet owners, automotive suppliers and major bus and truck producers.Brands include Sikkens®, Lesonal®, Dynacoat®, Wanda®, SikkensAutocoat® BT, Aerowave®, Aerobase® and Aerodur®. Operating in more than 60 countries, Automotive & Aerospace Coatings has specialists around the world who understand local markets and can serve local needs. Its state-of-the-art customer services, color and technology solutions include offering technical and logistical support and the delivery of training programs. Internet: www.akzonobel.com/aac
Women's Industry Networkis a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract women to collision repair while recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and fostering a network among the women who are shaping the industry. WIN also provides educational opportunities and scholarships to women working in the industry as well as students developing industry skills.
