I-CAR has announced that online nominations are now open for its two top industry awards for the 2021 performance year. These awards – the Russ Verona Memorial Award and the Jeff Silver Award – recognize outstanding contributions to the advancement of technical education and professionalism in the collision repair industry.

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Nominations for both awards are accepted for consideration through July 29, 2022, and winners will be announced during SEMA Week 2022 at the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards Breakfast on November 2 in Las Vegas.

Established in 2006, the Russ Verona Award recognizes a Gold Class store that actively promotes technical training and a positive image for the industry. The award honors the memory of Russ Verona, a mentor, friend and role model to the collision industry who owned and operated the very first Gold Class business. Now, 32 years later, body shops of all sizes continue their quest for Gold Class recognition by enrolling their technicians in the I-CAR Professional Development Program. As of December 31, 2021, there were 8,898 Gold Class stores nationwide. Click here for the Russ Verona Award nomination form.

The Jeff Silver Award honors an individual who demonstrates a true passion for training and professional growth, holding the Platinum designation from I-CAR for at least five years. Created in 2009, the award honors Jeff Silver, one of the ancestors of the Gold Class program and the Platinum designation. Silver is currently Platinum Individual. This designation recognizes an individual/technician who embodies a true passion for training and professional growth. Achieving Platinum status remains an important training priority, with 25,132 technicians maintaining their Platinum status in 2021. Click here for the Jeff Silver Award nomination form.

“It is gratifying to me that our two major industry awards are named after Russ and Jeff,” said Nick Notte, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at I-CAR. “I consider them both as mentors, having a significant impact on my career. These two awards are truly as special as the industry leaders they represent.