WGR Reports
repair news

NWRA Repair Technician Certification Program Begins

The National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) has begun to administer its certification program, effective January 1. The program was developed and is administered by the NWRA.

“Our members have been pining for an up-to-date program that allows them to demonstrate that their company and technicians meet industry standards,” says Patrick Smith, NWRA director of operations. “We have fulfilled their request with an affordable online program that indicates to consumers that this technician has knowledge of standards and practices recognized as prudent for repairing auto glass.”

Certification is valid for two years and requires continuing education credits to maintain its official recognition. NWRA members can become certified for a $39. Course materials are available for $29. www.nwraassn.org 

COMPANY NEWS
NOVUS Holds Bi-Annual Super Session in San Antonio
Savage, Minn.-based NOVUS held its 2008 Super Session, titled “Striving to be Great,” March 5-9 in San Antonio. More than 130 attendees from seven different countries were in attendance at the biannual event.

The meeting began with a golf tournament at the Quarry Golf Club on Wednesday, and the educational portion of the event began on Thursday, March 6. This included technical windshield repair and replacement training and courses on Internet marketing with an introduction to windshields.com by parent company TCG International’s executive vice president, Garry Skidmore. Dan Molloy of the Molloy Business Development Group also spoke on increasing sales-closing percentages and how to improve customer service.

On Friday, March 9, the company held its awards banquet with the theme “Night Under the Texas Skies.” Among those honored were:

• Don and Carolie Larson of Port Orchard, Wash., who were named to the NOVUS Hall of Fame; 
• Gregg Johnson of Platteville, Wis., 2008 Gold Franchisee of the Year; 
• Troy Eberhardt of Cheyenne, Wyo., Silver Franchisee of the Year;
• Craig Gostnell of Williams, Ore., Bronze Franchisee of the Year; 
• Brandon and Eva Games of Reno, Nev., Gold Rookie of the Year; 
• David and Rhonda Scott of Newport News, Va., Silver Rookie of the Year; 
• Michael, Cindy and Brandon Long of Lansing, Mich., Bronze Rookie of the Year; 
• Carma Sue Pullen of Kennewick, Wash., Top-Volume Windshield Repair Franchise; 
• Steve Moore of Vail, Colo., Top-Volume Windshield Replacement Franchise; 
• John and Wesley Wenger of Atmore, Ala., Top-Volume Additional Products and Services Franchise Award; • Dennis Moser of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mark Pixley of Sheridan, Wyo., Dedication awards; and 
• Denis and Patricia James of New Zealand, International Partner of the Year. 

Saturday continued the general session with speaker Joel Timmons of Profitable Glass Solutions, who also authors a glassBYTEs.com™ blog, and marketing analysis expert Andrew Ballard from Marketing Solutions Inc. Following the morning speakers, franchisees participated in breakout sessions ranging on courses from sales development and business finance to creating profitable marketing plans.

The convention ended with a farewell fiesta acknowledging the NOVUS Preferred Vendor Program. Vendor sponsors donated a variety of prizes, which were distributed to the attendees. 

AGRR
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