Instructor Insight: Giving Back by Building a Stronger Foundation

Instructor Insight: Giving Back by Building a Stronger Foundation

A commentary from Jorge Menchu, NACAT Foundation board member

Automotive repair is a tough business with many great challenges, including education.

Recently, I was asked to join the North American Council of Automotive Teacher (NACAT) Foundation as a board member.

I decided to accept because I believe the Foundation can play an important role for addressing the needs of struggling automotive school programs and educators – and therefore the next generation who are willing to follow in our footsteps.

I see the Foundation as a tool that will benefit us all by providing a vehicle to pool and distribute resources to deserving and struggling automotive programs through grants, scholarships and gifts in kind. Ultimately, this is about helping and setting an example for the next generation.

Today, the Foundation is in a growth stage – boosting Foundation awareness and seeking donations. I ask you to consider getting involved.

The following are three ways that you can get involved right now:

• GoodSearch/GoodShop
This is a great option that does not cost anything. Simply use the Yahoo powered “Good Search” and the 50% of the money generated from the site’s advertisers will go to the NACAT Foundation.

To get started:  Go to www.GoodSearch.com.
In the “Who do you GOODSEARCH for” text box enter: NACAT FOUNDATION.

Start searching!

Just think what would happen if we all used this for just a month? What do you say we find out!

• Network for Good
This is a great option to make a direct financial donation to the NACAT Foundation. This is an ideal tool to thank someone by making a donation in their name.

Note: The NACAT Foundation will eventually provide a web page that will display all of the donations dedications.
Go to www1.networkforgood.org to find out more.

• eBay Giving Works with Mission Fish
This option allows you to sell an item on eBay and dedicate a percentage of the proceeds to the NACAT Foundation.
To learn more, visit:  www.ebaygivingworks.com/sell.html
 
I urge you — instructors, students and automotive industry representatives — to join us in furthering an environment in which we help each other be successful for each other. Consider getting involved and spreading the word.

You May Also Like

Several States Declare April As ‘Car Care Month’

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.
The following governors have issued official state proclamations that April is Car Care Month: Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Gov. John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. of Oregon, Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina, Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia.
“We want to thank these governors for officially proclaiming April as Car Care Month,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Car Care Month provides a unique opportunity for the auto care industry and the government to educate car owners on the importance of proper vehicle care. Motor vehicle safety continues to be a major focus for state legislatures and regulatory agencies across the country, so we commend each of the governors for making these important proclamations.”
Spring is the perfect time for motorists to make sure their vehicles are running reliably after a rough winter and before the summer driving season begins. Many independent repair shops and community organizations throughout the country will conduct car care events during April. These events have revealed that three out of four vehicles inspected are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.
The non-profit Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be more environmentally friendly, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.
“By following a service schedule and performing preventative vehicle maintenance, motorists can ensure that their vehicles are safe and dependable. Plus, auto care can help save money in many ways, including reducing fuel consumption and extending vehicle life,” continued White. “We encourage all car owners across the country to get their vehicles inspected this April.”

Intake Manifold Gaskets: A Service Rundown

Back in the days when most

Monroe “Quick Rewards” Program Offers Incentives For Sales Of Monroe Quick-Strut Assemblies

Tenneco’s Monroe brand will offer an incentive to counterpeople for the sale of popular, ready-to-install Monroe Quick-Strut premium replacement assemblies. The Monroe “Quick Rewards” scorecard promotion – available for sales between April 1 and May 31, 2014 – will reward participants with a $10 prepaid card for each pair of qualifying Monroe Quick-Strut units sold.

Three AGM, Gel Cell Battery Myths

Chances are if the battery is not under the hood, it is an absorbent glass mat (AGM) or gel cell battery. These batteries pack a lot of power for their size and weight, which allows manufacturers to shave off a few pounds from the vehicle. That’s a big ­reason why they are being found more and more on late-model vehicles. Here are three AGM/gel cell myths.

10 Toughest Cabin Air Filter Jobs

There are still many late model vehicles that are not easy to service, and they require a significant amount of disassembly to gain access to the filter. For your shop, this is billable labor. Here are the 10 toughest jobs according to the editors of Underhood Service.

Other Posts

Identity Crisis and the Rise of the Specialist

Is it time to move on from ‘technician’ and become ‘specialists’ in the shop?

Building a Shop Culture of Success

First, write out your plan for success. Next, be sure to train your entire team at the same time.

Build A Winning Culture By Allowing Failure

Yes, strive for victory, but great shops know that solid training moments come by learning from mistakes.

Tools in the Eye of the Beholder

We’re here to help you see all the tools, so you can invest wisely.