The California Autobody Association (CAA) Northern California chapter kicked off its first meeting of 2024 in style, hosted Feb. 6 by Accurate Auto Body at its facility in Richmond, CA.
Tiffany Silva, past president of the executive board and current president of the East Bay chapter, led the evening. Silva co-owns Accurate Auto Body with her father, Ed, and husband, Dan, and announced the shop is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Attendees, comprising industry professionals and corporate members, partook in an evening filled with insights and appreciation.
PPG sponsored the meeting, ensuring attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner, with special thanks extended to Ken Mattos and the PPG team. Silva also thanked Wes Eteiwi and Enterprise for sponsoring tables, chairs and linens.
Silva recognized the executive board members in attendance, including, in addition to herself, Executive Director Rick Johnson, lawyer and legislative advisor Jack Molodanof, Northern California CAA representative Pete Bezeck, Oscar Moreno and Brian Gutierrez Jr.
Silva further recognized Gutierrez, from Equip Automotive Systems, who has taken on the mantle of Northern California marketing representative for CAA. Gutierrez is also the advisory committee co-chair at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, CA. Along with Laura Lozano, a professor at the college, and Stephanie Nitz, workforce coordinator, he spoke about the Collision Engineering Program. Contra Costa College is one of seven schools across the U.S. currently offering the innovative technician training program, which combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training at local repair facilities.
More guest speakers included BAR Chief Pat Dorais and Enforcement Deputy Chief Bill Thomas.
"In closing, I want to again thank everyone for coming tonight," Silva said. "I always want to give back and support our association. This industry has been so good to my family. When I first joined the association, I met wonderful shop owners who mentored me and helped me grow both personally and as a business owner. I want to do the same for others. Please continue to support the CAA, an association that is always looking out for our best interests."
