Thursday, March 25, 2010

KMC On Demand Announces Partnership With I-CAR

KMC On Demand, a leading provider of e-Learning and Online CE credits to the insurance adjusting industry, recently announced a partnership with I-CAR to deliver the organization's auto collision repair courses online. Colm Keenan, KMC's VP of Knowledge Management, is enthusiastic about combining the capabilities of the two organizations. “This collaboration brings together two industry leaders to seamlessly integrate the e-learning capabilities of KMC On Demand and the training expertise of I-CAR,” said Keenan.

Currently, I-CAR delivers the majority of its auto collision repair and training courses in the classroom, with only a few classes available on the web. In recent years, the organization has seen an increase in the demand for online training. KMC's e-Learning technology will enable I-CAR to "respond to this industry need and greatly expand the access to I-CAR training for all industry segments," according to John Edelen, President and CEO of I-CAR.

For more detailed information about the partnership, click here.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

What Will They Think of ME?

I recently attended a funeral for a man that I have known for about 16 years. I didn’t know him very well. His daughter married into our family, so I knew him through casual conversation at birthday parties and Christmas gatherings.


He had one of those way over-the-top personalities. You know the type; silly, boisterous, center of attention, rude – but in a very humorous way. He often broke into a goofy song, especially if he could embarrass someone while doing it. He was always happy to see you, but pretended not to remember your name, and maybe called you Agnes for the remainder of the 2 year old birthday party…..you get the idea.

This man had been an educator, a high school band director. There were past students that came back into his life during the last few weeks of his life; an employee at the hospital, a lawyer, a nurse at Hospice, and they lined up out the door at his visitation. But what really struck me, and caused one of those “ah-ha moments”, was the number of teachers and co-workers that came to pay tribute to him.

Two eulogies were given at the funeral, both by teachers that had worked with this man for many years and had become the best of friends. They told stories of when his zany personality had gotten the best of someone, explained how this man had changed the way children receive music education, and shed tears as they bid him farewell. At the luncheon following the service people were invited to stand up and share their favorite story about him. We heard stories from teachers, the school secretary, principals, music teachers from districts around the state, school district officials…even the Home Ec. teacher! Each had at least one, and often several, funny stories to share with the group. The school secretary knew he would over spend his budget every year…for 39 years. The quiet little orchestra teacher once opened a storage closet to get a music book, as she opened the door, he stepped out, handed her the book, and told her to have a nice day. This was a prank he pulled on several teachers throughout the building; imagine the heart attacks that could have resulted! One nice lady was in the teacher’s lounge alone trying to take a five minute break with a cup of coffee, and was terrified when something grabbed her ankle under the table…yep, you guessed it! It was him. Then there was the “trip while carrying a cup of coffee” trick that he had evidently pulled about a hundred times…..

Every one of those people remembered this man with a smile. He left a mark professionally; earning countless awards, and being credited for making music education a priority in his district. But he also made a positive impact on everyone he worked with, and they cared enough to come and share the impact he made.

Kinda made me wonder…..what will people remember of me when I’m gone? What kind of impact do I have on those that I work with? Will they smile when they remember me?

This man, that I really didn’t know very well, has shown me the relevance of my actions…both professionally and personally. He has set the bar pretty high. But I think every one of us has the ability to impact those around us in a positive way every single day. I know I will be trying a lot harder. 

And now, I think I'll break into a goofy song.....