St. Louis Collision Industry Ventures Out for MV-TAP Golf Outing
Nearly 50 collision repair professionals, along with jobbers and educators, gathered for the MV-TAP Golf Outing at Meramec Lakes Golf Course in St. Clair, MO, on July 8th, to support the collision repair training programs at several local vo-tech schools. According to MV-TAP Secretary Gene Slattery, “We had a good turnout, and although it was very hot and humid, we had a great time. This was our first get-together since January when the coronavirus took our lives over.”
The 2020 MV-TAP Golf Outing generated nearly $3200, and proceeds benefit the collision repair programs at North Tech, South Tech, Lewis & Clark Career Center, and Ranken Technical College. “The golfers were great and opened their wallets for an important cause, and many enjoyed great prizes, like a watch, a driver or a sleeve of balls. That added more fun to the day – this is a year that will certainly go down in the history books.”
Although the event had to be rescheduled from June 10th due to COVID-19, MV-TAP’s leadership determined the game must go on. “It was definitely challenging, but we all agreed to continue the event, no matter how many could make it. Of course, everyone’s safety was our top concern, but Meramec Lakes Golf Course helped with that. The golf course added plexiglass inside the club house, their servers wore masks, and they only accepted credit card payment.”
“We were also able to have just two people in each golf cart, all tables were 6 feet apart, and each person did their own social distancing. Everyone respected the rules designed for our safety,” Slattery added.
“I’m very proud of everyone who worked so hard to make this event successful,” Slattery said. “Our group has a great relationship with schools in the entire metro area and surrounding areas of St. Louis. Our team works together for the students. We have agreements with all the schools to ensure the funds we raise are used for their collision programs. The instructors can purchase supplies or pay for repair of their equipment. MV-TAP has been involved with these programs for over 15 years.”
In addition to Slattery, MV-TAP’s committee includes Doug Slattery, Shelly Jones, Kevin Haller, Julie Hemann, Keith Hoeferlin, Rebecca Bereitschaft, and Ron Reiling, who all worked hard to organize the event, despite the challenges.
Slattery was also impressed with the collaboration amongst industry members in the St. Louis area. This year, the St. Louis I-CAR Committee teamed up with MV-TAP to plan the outing, and continuing their 15-year partnership with MV-TAP, Enterprise Rent-A-Car provided lunch and dinner for the golfers. He said, “In the St. Louis automotive and collision market, we are all friends and associates who work together to help our great industry. It’s an honor to work with all of you!”