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Letter to the Editor

Mitchell Launches Collision Shop Network with Nick Notte as Vice President of Network Development

Mitchell International has announced that Nick Notte, former head of Allstate's nationwide Direct Repair Program (DRP), has joined Mitchell as vice president of Network Business Development. In this role, Notte will oversee the continued development, implementation and management of the Mitchell Collision Repair Network, a comprehensive offering designed to enhance the business relationship and connectivity between collision repairers and insurers.

Mitchell's network, according to the company, will help insurers, who do not have Direct Repair Programs, improve efficiency by having immediate access to a quality shop network. It will also allow those insurers, currently participating in DRPs, to markedly expand their shop programs with minimal effort. For collision repairers, Mitchell's network aims to provide the opportunity and reach to receive significantly more business from insurers.

"This is another example of Mitchell providing the most innovative collision repair and claims solutions in the industry today," said Tony Aquila, Mitchell's executive vice president of Sales, Marketing and Product Management. "We are leading the way with the development of the industry's premier functionality and tools for online claims processing. And we've long been one of the largest providers of collision repair data, estimating solutions and other claims software. This collision repair network was a natural `next step' for Mitchell to incorporate into its enterprise suite of solutions."

Aquila said delivering a shop network has been a long-term Mitchell strategy. "Mitchell is uniquely positioned to provide the industry's premier shop network," he said. "We currently offer connectivity services between leading insurers and thousands of DRP-ready shops, while also providing a wide array of products for improving efficiencies in the collision claims process."

Turning to program specifics, Notte said Mitchell's network features an "Open Repair Program" model, which allows any shop to compete for an insurer's business. "The shop's selection by an insurer member will be based on key performance indicators," he said.

The network uses a modular, multi-tiered approach, he continued, with the first-tier providing access to network participants as well as CSI information. The second tier provides insurers network access and CSI information, plus a menu of available Mitchell eBusiness tools, giving both insurers and repairers the ability to better manage their respective businesses. "The differentiating factor in Mitchell's network," Notte said, "is that it provides a real opportunity for centralizing claims activities, management and services. Everything insurers and collision repairers need to utilize our Open Repair Program and to successfully manage the claims process is available in one location."

Notte said he is excited to continue building the Mitchell network, which he calls a real plus for the industry. "The current DRP environment creates significant redundant and unnecessary administrative expenses and friction costs for both insurers and repairers," he said. "Our open network eliminates redundancies and provides insurers and shops with the tools necessary to increase efficiencies, lower costs, reduce friction and enhance customer satisfaction."

Notte brings to his new role many years of experience in the insurance industry, most recently as senior manager, Priority Repair Option (PRO) Division, Allstate Insurance. In this position, he was responsible for Allstate's PRO program, a national network of over 5,000 collision repair facilities. Notte was also Vice President of Research at Tech-Cor, Inc., an Allstate subsidiary, where he led Tech-Cor's Applied and Service Research operation for property and auto. He has also been active in various industry organizations such as I-CAR, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors, and has also served on committees for the National Association of Independent Insurers and the American Insurance Services Group.

"I'm excited to have Nick on our team leading the network initiative," said Aquila. "Nick's experience will further ensure Mitchell's success in building the industry's premier open repair network and in bringing value to our insurance and collision repair customers."

Mitchell International, Inc. founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, Calif., facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database provides a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers.

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