I-CAR has named Jeff Silver as the recipient of its 2015 Chairman’s Award, which recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to I-CAR have been significant or extraordinary. The Chairman’s Award recipient is selected by the executive committee of the I-CAR International Board of Directors.

Silver’s career in the collision repair industry has spanned more than 45 years, including 11 years as executive vice president of I-CAR. During his tenure, I‑CAR quadrupled the number of people reached annually with its technical training in collision repair. Through his leadership and broad experience in the automotive industry, I‑CAR became recognized as the leading source of collision repair technical information, and was the driving force in establishing the I-CAR Tech Center, which today still develops all I-CAR training. He also encouraged the formation of the I‑CAR Education Foundation in 1991 when he anticipated the technician shortage we are facing today.

“The leadership and vision Jeff provided to I-CAR during its formative years has served as a solid foundation from which I-CAR has been able to experience the growth and recognition as the industry leader in training for the Collision Repair Industry,” said Joe Laurentino, chair of the I-CAR International board of directors.

In 1996, he joined co-owner Jeanne Silver at CARSTAR Mundelein. Since that time, he has been engaged in the day-to-day operations of the business. CARSTAR Mundelein is highly regarded in the community, and most recently was awarded the Gold Star Award from the Village of Mundelein for Community Involvement and Support of Charitable Organizations.

During his time at I-CAR, he was a mentor to many employees, several of whom are still with the organization today. Although he left I-CAR in 1996, he has continued to keep I‑CAR close. He has continued as a sounding board in course development, and provides a valuable viewpoint to link curriculum design to real life shop work. Considered by some to be the “Father of I-CAR,” he continues to be a valuable source of information and guidance in all aspects of collision repair and the industry, dedicating his efforts to help I-CAR achieve its vision and mission, according to the company.

The Chairman’s Award was presented on Nov. 4, as part of the Industry Awards Ceremony at SEMA held at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas.