NORCROSS, Ga. – Six industry leaders were honored at the 11th annual AkzoNobel Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry awards program held April 14 at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

Janet Chaney, Stevensville, Mont.; Erica Eversman, Bath, Ohio; Kimberly Hicks, Highland Park, Mich.; Beth Ann Meckel, Glen Burnie, Md.; Linda Sommerhauser, Kansas City, Mo.; and Marcy Tieger, Irvine, Calif., were honored as the 2010 Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry.

AkzoNobel started the Most Influential Women program in 1998 to recognize the unique leadership characteristics, accomplishments and contributions of women to the collision repair industry.

“In the spirit of sustainability, AkzoNobel is proud to honor an exceptional group of leaders who are working for the betterment of our industry and our global communities and to provide opportunities for future leaders through the I-CAR Education Scholarship Fund,” said AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas Director of Marketing Tim Loden.

“As the Most Influential Women program begins its second decade, we continue to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry,” Loden noted. “The program has helped to establish collision repair as an industry that respects diversity and recognizes contributions despite gender.”

The Most Influential Women in Collision Repair 2010 represent the leadership and influence of women throughout the industry, including collision repair shops, industry associations, manufacturers, distributors and public affairs. The winners are as follows:

• Janet Chaney, owner of Cave Creek Business Development, brings a variety of experiences in the collision repair industry to her work with collision repair shops, state associations and a group of auto recyclers. Chaney is secretary of the National Auto Body Council and co-chair of the PRIDE award.

• Erica Eversman is founder and chief counsel of Vehicle Information Services Inc., a company that provides information on diminished value of automobiles to insurance companies, financial institutions, government agencies and consumers. Eversman is a nationally recognized industry advocate and an expert on the legal rights and responsibilities of the collision repair professional.

• As president of Micro Rim, Kimberly Hicks manages the only U.S.-owned manufacturer of automotive replacement bumpers, and she oversees more than 100 employees at two plants. Active in promoting quality aftermarket parts, she serves as a board member of the Automotive Body Parts Association and Overseas Automotive Council, and other industry groups.

• Beth Meckel, body shop manager for Mile One Collision Center, has helped to increase the shop’s business with her professional knowledge and outstanding management skills. As a craft adviser at area vocational/technical schools and segment leader and judge for Maryland’s Skills USA competition, she is committed to training and mentoring young students to prepare them for successful careers.

• Linda Sommerhauser, owner of Autobody Color Co. Inc., manages a successful auto paint business with four locations. Her influence is felt nationwide as a founding member of Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the first woman to serve on the board of Automotive Service Industry Association. A member of the Women’s Industry Network, she is personally involved in bringing young women into the industry.

• Marcy Tieger, managing director of Symphony Advisors LLC, consults with collision repair shops, suppliers and insurance claims organizations. A former attorney, Tieger frequently lectures and contributes articles to industry publications. She is a founding member and board member of the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), a trustee and officer of the Collision Industry Foundation and a member of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), Industry Relations Committee.

Akzo Nobel continued its awarding of a scholarship of $25,000 in the name of the Most Influential Women to the I-CAR Education Foundation. The funds will be used for prospective female students pursuing a career in the collision repair industry.