After three years, CSN Collision Centres reunited its partners, insurers, and licensees from across Canada, the U.S., and Italy for its 18th-anniversary annual conference in Nashville, Tenn. The year 2022 was also significant in that it represents the 20th anniversary of the founding of CSN.
Under the moniker Tuned Up, which also paid homage to the heart of the Country Music scene in Nashville; the event, kicked off on Thursday, November 24 with a series of workshops where licensees and vendors could learn about valuable systems and tools to help support their businesses. Some of the workshop topics covered included:
Changing certification landscape
Certified Collision Care discussing the value of OEM Certification, including how the certification space is changing and growing, plus the opportunities for businesses in the collision repair sector to grow along with it. Certified Collision Care currently manages 12 OEM Certifications nationwide and is CSN’s premier partner and resource when it comes to becoming OEM certified.
AutoHouse Technologies took the opportunity to dial into specific sub-areas of touch time where efficiencies and improvements can be made. By identifying these opportunities repairs have the ability to increase profitability despite the current challenging operating environment. The AutoHouse Technologies team also dissected CSN member performance versus industry benchmarks to identify where opportunities exist to improve performance and profitability, as well as introducing a methodology for collision repairers in the CSN network to capitalize on those hidden opportunities.
Attracting, retaining and developing talent
BETAG Innovation showed how to utilize operational training to ATTRACT, DEVELOP & RETAIN TALENT. By learning how BETAG’s Managed Career Pathway provides CSN licensees with an opportunity to attract, develop & retain a new generation of appraisers & technicians – the result can help proactively tackle operational challenges associated with the current industry shortage of skilled technicians.
Thursday continued with the Vendor Showcase where no less than 23 CSN partners were on hand to present their products. For this event, CSN hired entertainers (comedians, singers, a lasso trick artist, as well as an Elvis Presley Impersonator) and planned fun games (Corn Hole, Beer Pong, Xbox Tourney) to make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves while networking.
On Friday, after a Shania Twain impersonator illuminated the room, four renowned speakers came on stage to address different subjects:
- Shawn Kanungo – Strategy in a World of Disruption
- Dr. Robyne Hanley-Danfoe – Everyday Resiliency in Uncertain Times
- Chris Gibson – The One-Degree Difference
- Graham Sherman – Owner, Tool Shed Brewing Company
This was followed by a Cocktail Reception and a Gala Dinner, where store owners were awarded for their Sales Growth and Customer Experience. CSN Springfield (BC), CSN Autolab (AB), CSN Walkerton (ON), and CSN Keizer’s Halifax (NS) all received Sales Growth Awards. The winners of the Customer Experience Award were: CSN Collision Clinic (NL), CSN Dundas Valley (ON), CSN Reflections (AB) and CSN Elite (BC). The prestigious Shop of The Year Award went to CSN Chatham (ON).
Additional activities
Over the weekend, CSN licensees enjoyed a night out at the Wild Horse Saloon and some also attended the NFL Game at the Nissan Stadium on November 27, where the Tennessee Titans faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Over the course of the conference, $25,000 were raised to support Make-A-Wish, helping dreams come true for children and families across the country. All in all, 2022 represented another great conference for CSN as well as its members and partners!
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