Structure:

The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) is a forum made up of participants from all industry segments for the expressed purpose of discussing and exploring the issues that occur among them. Through discussion and research during meetings and extensive interim committee work, CIC attempts to form consensus on various issues, aware that all such findings are nonbinding and voluntarily accepted. CIC is not a trade association.            

The meetings are open to all interested individuals of all segments of the industry to include repairers, insurers, paint and material companies, equipment, vehicle manufacturers, data providers, representatives of trade associations, anyone with an interest in creating a more professional industry. Each agenda has time set aside for participants to publicly address their concerns that are not on the published agenda through the time set aside as “open microphone”.            

A committee made up from the Past CIC Chairs, chaired by the current chairman, is responsible for overseeing the administration of CIC. The Past Chair’s committee is also charged with the duty of appointing the succeeding CIC Chair.  

CIC Chairperson:            

 The role of the CIC Chair is to preside administratively over orderly deliberative procedure and to see that meeting Rules of Order are followed. Initially, the Chair is responsible for overseeing the creation of the various committees that address the issues brought forth during the discussions, and to appoint the chairs of those committees.  The membership of said committees is then determined by the volunteer commitment of those desirous of serving. The CIC Chair does not vote and does not take a position in debate when CIC meetings are in session. The chair’s term of office is one year with an extended year, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Mission Statement: A forum where collision industry stakeholders come together to discuss issues, build broad understanding, find common ground and communicate to the industry at-large, findings and possible solutions.

Vision Statement: A collision industry in which all segments work together efficiently, effectively, ethically and respectfully to enable a complete and safe repair while facilitating the most pleasant experience possible for our mutual customer, the consumer.

Participation: Participation in CIC is open to all individuals who share an interest in the collision industry. There are no "members" of CIC, only participants. All participants share an equal standing.

Code of Ethics: Participants' conduct must conform to current legislation and rules of order. Anti-trust guidelines will be read and must be followed at all meetings. Verbal abuse or harassment in any form will not be tolerated. Because of CIC's mission, the issues discussed are generally those that affect the industry rather than individuals.

Leadership: A new chairperson is selected every two years by the past chairpersons. In the beginning years, the chairpersons were collision repair shop owners. In recent years, chairpersons have come from the insurance and consulting industries as well.

Committees: CIC committees are established to address key issues or topics. The chairperson appoints committee chairpersons for one-year terms.

Raising Issues At CIC: Each meeting's agenda is prepared and distributed at least 7 days prior to all meetings. When possible, questions or issues for discussion should be submitted in writing (preferably in advance of the meeting) for consideration to the CIC chairperson, the chairpersons of the appropriate CIC committees, or any member of the "New Business and Issues Committee," which is composed of past CIC chairpersons.

Fees and Gold Pin Sponsorship: A meeting registration fee of $40 is charged to cover meeting and mailing expenses. A participant may become a CIC Gold Pin Sponsor by paying an annual fee of $300. Gold Pin Sponsors are provided name badges and name plates, and do not pay meeting registration fees. Gold Pin Sponsors are also invited to attend an annual CIC planning meeting.

History
In 1984, California shop owner Al Estorga became upset after being told at an inter-industry event that it was not the appropriate time or place to discuss an issue he had raised. As a result, he became determined to create a forum in which it was "always the right time and place" to discuss the issues most important to the collision industry.

The Collision Repair Conference (CRC) was formed. Early meetings were small, often attended by only 10-20 shop owners. Participants soon realized that in order for the conference to be effective, other segments of the industry had to be included. As the size and diversity of the conference grew, it was renamed the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) to reflect the participation of the variety of industries involved in the collision industry.

By successfully bringing "all of the parties to the table," CIC has allowed open discussion of key issues facing the industry. This has given participants a better understanding of these issues, resulting in positive changes and solutions. To get an understanding of work CIC has done, visit the Committee pages: CIC committees

CIC's work has influenced many organizations and launched one. In 1992, CIC had formed a committee to address the costly lack of standardization in the computer and electronic systems linking the various segments of the industry together. This initial committee evolved into the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA), the organization that is developing these important standards.

Past CIC Chairpersons Comment
on the Importance of CIC

"CIC is the opportunity the collision industry needed to achieve its full potential. It belongs to all of us in our industry. We should take advantage of it."
-  Al Estorga

"What apprehensively began as a gathering of frustrated body shop owners has purposefully evolved into a meaningful communication link between the various segments of the collision repair industry. Today, participants at CIC can openly discuss issues of mutual concem, and point proudly to a track record of enhanced understanding and mutual trust among these diverse segments of the industry."
- Jack Caldwell

"CIC has the expressed purpose of openly and positively discussing issues of national concem that have no other place to be aired. It's unique, it's working, and everyone is invited to participate for the continued improvement of the whole collision industry."
- Chuck Sulkala

"CIC is the heartbeat of the industry. It was a privilege and an honor to hold in my hands for a brief period the responsibility of guiding this group of true leaders."
- Nikki McDonald

"At CIC, I have seen the swords and shields laid down and relationships formed that are mutually beneficial to all the industries involved. I personally feel very optimistic about the future because of what CIC participants are accomplishing."
- Joe Landolfl