Through a combination of management training, peer exchange and expert speakers, the conference is designed to help owners improve shop performance and competitiveness despite the many challenges facing the collision industry today.
“We are in the middle of a very difficult perfect storm in our industry,” said Jim Berkey, director, business solutions group, PPG Automotive Refinish. “Collision centers are seeing fewer repair opportunities, fewer resources, shrinking profits and increased insurer influence, and it’s all happening in the middle of a struggling economy. Moving forward, today’s collision centers must understand the new game is quality, speed and cost.
“The PPG MVP program has the means to help our collision center owners come out of this stronger, better positioned and set for genuine success,” Berkey said. “This conference is one component of an all-inclusive range of value-added elements intended to keep our customers positioned to face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Keynote speakers include Michael Martyn, founder of SISU Consulting Service, and John Foppe, veteran author, trainer and adviser to executives. Martyn, an expert in increasing the speed and effectiveness of process improvement, will discuss proven techniques for managing quick change and developing employee-driven continuous-improvement programs. Foppe will present the difference between “Get it done” and “Make it happen” companies – the latter being organizations in which employees love their work, exceed their goals and elate their customers.
Seminars held will include:
- 5S Workplace Organization and Point-of-Use Tools
- The Throughput Performance Journey
- The Practical Application of Lean Six Sigma for Collision Repair
- Building a Winning Team
- Creating a Winning Culture
- The Art of Effective Execution
- Developing Self-Managed Workgroups
- Problem Solving and Process Improvement through Effective Facilitation
In addition, topics for discussion groups offering an opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange of business strategies, best practices and innovations will include:
- Repair Planning Best Practices
- Throughput Performance Solutions
- Dealership Collision Center Management
- Finding, Keeping and Developing Top Performers
- Marketing Best Practices
- Open Discussion Group
Conference attendance is open to owners and managers of collision centers using PPG Automotive Refinish products. For more information and to register for the conference, visit www.mvpconference.com. For more information about PPG MVP Business Solutions, contact a PPG territory manager, call the MVP Hotline at 440-572-6199 or e-mail to MVPmailbox@ppg.com.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.