AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas is accepting nominations for the 2011 Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry (MIW) awards. During its 11-year history, this industry-wide program has honored the contributions of approximately 80 exceptional leaders who have enriched the industry with their leadership, vision, commitment to excellence, and willingness to give back to their communities. Past winners have represented every aspect of the industry, including painters, shop owners, suppliers, association executives, consultants, and industry advocates.

More importantly, AkzoNobel contributes $25,000 each year to the I-CAR Education Foundation MIW Scholarship Fund. This fund is used to help provide scholarships to deserving students who are aspiring to make the collision repair industry a career destination.

The honorees for 2011 will be announced in January 2011, the location for the program will also be announced at a later date. The 2010 MIW program was held in Atlanta, Ga., at the High Museum of Art in conjunction with the Allure of the Automobile, an exclusive exhibit sponsored by AkzoNobel.

"Being recognized with Akzo Nobel's prestigious Most Influential Women in Collision Repair Award has been a humbling experience. I am so fortunate to love what I do and the people I work with. This award honors all women who have given to the industry," said Janet Chaney, owner of Cave Creek Business Development and one of the 2010 MIW honorees. "What I have taken away from this experience is a strong sense of responsibility to uphold the value and tradition of MIW each day and recognize those hard working women standing by my side. I think it has made me a better person."

Nominations can be made by going to www.sikkens.net and will be accepted through November 30, 2010.