PROSSER, Wash. – The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has appointed Jim Sowle of Sewell Lexus to its 2013-2014 board of directors. Sowle will serve the remainder of immediate past chairman Aaron Clark’s elected term on the board. The board placement is a procedural appointment necessitated by the association bylaws in instances when the outgoing chairman has remaining time left to serve on their term. 
"As a repairer, both I and my organization have benefitted from the work SCRS does," said Sowle. "SCRS is involved in many significant activities throughout the industry, but their work with the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) and raising awareness on repair procedures is invaluable and exemplary of the kind of work that I want to be part of. I am excited and humbled to serve on the board of SCRS, to give back, and to represent repairers in meaningful ways on issues of importance."
Sowle comes to the SCRS board having been involved through active membership in the association during his decade-long career at Sewell Lexus. He served management roles in both the service center and body shop, prior to being named body shop director for Sewell Lexus Certified Collision Center in 2006.
"Board appointments are a responsibility of the chairman," noted SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen, "but the entire board had the opportunity to weigh in on Mr. Sowle’s candidacy. As a group, we couldn’t be more pleased to have such a well-respected, articulate and motivated individual join our activities, and we know he is going to bring a great additional perspective to the discussion."
The Sewell organization boasts one of the largest Certified Lexus Collision Centers in the U.S. and processes a notable amount of volume through its location. But the brand is most recognized for its culture of continuous improvement, unsurpassed commitment to the consumer experience and their focus on quality in every aspect of the operation.
"Boards such as ours benefit from the diversity of those sitting around the table, and the opportunity to take advantage of a wide array of experiences and skill sets," added Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director. "In a time where so many issues in the marketplace have such a common impact on both the independent repairer and the dealer-owner operations, it is a great opportunity to bring someone like Jim to the table. I think Ron and the board made a selection that will serve our members exceptionally well, both now and in the future."
