DALLAS, TX — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the 2007 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) announced that Darrell Amberson, current ASA collision division director, has accepted the appointment as the 2007 event chairman. This appointment includes leading a 25-member NACE Attendee Advisory Council in the logistical plan developments, formulated for the betterment of future NACE events.
NACE 2007 will again be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), October 31 – November 3.
Amberson is president of Lehman’s Garage, located in Bloomington, MN. Started in 1917, Lehman’s Garage has achieved a stellar reputation through the years and has been expanded to six locations, performing primarily collision repairs with four locations having mechanical and glass departments as well. The late Dick Cossette had been the company’s owner since 1969, hiring Amberson as general manager in 1999. Cossette served as his boss, friend and mentor until his passing in August of 2002. Amberson had become president of the company earlier that same year.
A 36-year veteran of the industry, Amberson’s career began in the dealership sector of the business for 22 years before moving to an independent shop, primarily as the body shop manager. With the exception of a two year tour as a professional drag racer (Nitro funny cars) – finishing third in the International Hot Rod Association’s World Championship Points Race in 1989 – he has worked and supported the collision repair industry.
In addition to his ASA Collision Division directorship, Amberson currently serves on a number of industry-wide positions including the CIC Database Task Force (joint effort of ASA, SCRS and AASP), the URG Advisory Committee, the CCC/Motor Industry Forum Group and the AASP-MN Workforce Task Group and Government Affairs Committee. He serves as chairman of the Hennepin Technical Colleges Advisory Council, earned his Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation in 1998, and was recently awarded the inaugural Russ Verona Memorial IBIS Scholarship at NACE 2006 – allowing him to attend IBIS 2007 in Cannes, France, this coming May. Amberson is an active member of West Union Lutheran Church and his community.
“I am truly honored to be the NACE Chairman for 2007. NACE is the largest and most significant event for the collision repair industry worldwide. It provides the opportunity for us to gather for training, networking and exposure to the latest product and equipment information. It offers a forum focused on self and business improvement, success and growth. NACE is the place we go to learn about the industry issues that affect us all and real-time solutions for dealing with them – resulting in positive advancements for everyone involved. In these turbulent times and our ever-changing business environment, NACE has never been more important. I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Amberson.
For more information about NACE 2007, visit: http://www.NACEexpo.com.
