At Loose Ends When the Year Ends

Loose ends used to make me much more uncomfortable when I was younger and knew everything (At least I thought I did!). From my older and wiser perspective, however, I am okay with a few, or even several, stray threads. Some situations just take longer to tie up, and need to be approached more thoughtfully.

The unresolved issues listed this month in our feature article have been in the forefront throughout 2004. Each issue has been studied, and discussed, and considered by many Collision Repair Industry participants.

Should we be discouraged that a detailed outline of an exact plan of action for each issue has not been produced? Or, should we act hastily with a less-than-satisfactory decision, just to get a topic off our industry’s To Do List? Would it be preferable to agree to ignore an issue that just does not seem to go away on its own, but that seems impossible to resolve?

Absolutely not!

Many important trends and processes in business, and in life, require steady attention and periodic adjustment. Sometimes it is the doing itself that is important, and it will not ever be completely done.

I will be interested to see what ADP will do to correct the errors in the estimating system provider’s latest Shoplink release. This appears to be one issue that does require immediate attention.

NACE 2004, by all accounts, was a great success. Moving the event earlier, and in Las Vegas, was definitely a good decision.

For some seasonal good cheer, read the awards article, beginning on page 13. The Collision Repair Industry has its share of difficult issues, but our industry certainly has a great collection of hard-working, forward-thinking, and generous people. Bring on any issue - We have a great team.

All of us at INSIGHT wish our readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year!