Celebrating Excellence: I-CAR Opens Nominations for 2025 Shop and Individual Excellence Awards
July 06, 2026
Top Industry Recognition Now Accepting Nominations Through July 31; Winners to Be Announced at SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., July 6, 2026 — I-CAR® is proud to announce that nominations are now open for two of the collision repair industry's most distinguished honors: the Russ Verona Award for Gold Class shop excellence and the Jeff Silver Award for Platinum technician achievement. Nominations will be accepted through July 31, 2026, and winners will be recognized at a special ceremony during SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas.
Honoring Gold Class Shop Excellence
The Russ Verona Award recognizes a U.S. collision repair business that has maintained I-CAR Gold Class status for a minimum of five consecutive years while demonstrating a strong commitment to training, the Gold Class program, and a positive image of the collision repair profession.
This award highlights the shops that set the standard in 2025—those investing in their teams, prioritizing technician development, and consistently delivering high-quality repairs and customer care. Eligible businesses include independent shops, family-owned operations, single-location facilities, and multi-shop organizations, with recognition based not on size but on a sustained commitment to excellence and leadership in the industry.
The award is named in honor of Russ Verona, the owner of the first I-CAR Gold Class business and a respected mentor whose legacy continues to influence the collision repair community.
Recognizing the Platinum Individual
The Jeff Silver Award recognizes individuals who have held I-CAR's Platinum designation for at least five years and demonstrate a consistent commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. It honors technicians, estimators, and other industry professionals who lead by example and help elevate standards across the collision repair field.
Named after Jeff Silver, whose contributions helped shape I-CAR's Gold Class and Platinum programs, this award reflects the same spirit of continuous improvement and dedication to excellence that he championed.
Honoring a Commitment to Excellence
As vehicle technology evolves at an unprecedented pace—from advanced driver-assistance systems to electric vehicles—the need for ongoing training has never been greater. I-CAR's Gold Class and Platinum designations reflect a commitment to staying current, repairing vehicles safely, and serving customers with confidence.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations for both awards are open through July 31, 2026. Shops and individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves or to recognize a peer, colleague, or mentor who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to training and professionalism.
For nomination details and submission guidelines, see the Jeff Silver Award Nomination and the Russ Verona Award Nomination pages on I-CAR's website. To view Prior Award Recipients, click here.
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About I-CAR
Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training), is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.