Automotive Recycling Industry Leaders Take It to the Next Level at the 2011 URG & Pinnacle Training Conference in Denver

CENTENNIAL, CO--April 27, 2011: Everyone wants to do it, but just how do you 'take it to the level'? Automotive recycling industry leaders and decision makers from across North America, Europe and Australia got that question answered at the 2011 URG & Pinnacle Training Conference held April 14-17, 2011 at the Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Denver, Colorado. Attendance records for the auto recycling industry's premier event were smashed when over 600 people came to learn from each other and the experts. They gathered to learn about the cutting edge developments in their rapidly changing industry, meet with vendors to see what's new in the market, and renew old acquaintances and make new friends.

"Economic activity in the auto recycling industry is definitely up," said Peter Riddle in his keynote address at the conference. He would know first-hand, as President and CEO of Actual Systems of America, the UK and Australia, "Business is there for the taking, and we're here to help you do just that" he told a packed ballroom and an even larger audience watching a live stream of the address being broadcast by Collision Hub on their website and that of URG.

As the name implies, the URG & Pinnacle Training Conference is the result of a strong partnership between URG and Actual Systems, creators of Pinnacle Pro and Pinnacle Classic, the world's most advanced salvage yard management systems. Riddle says that "Our alliance with URG is very synergetic, because we are both working together for the benefit of independent recyclers. This conference continues to enjoy huge growth because it is far more than just a trade show. This event attracts the best people in the industry and we're proud of that."

"Thanks to everyone who came to Denver for the URG & Pinnacle Training Conference this year", says Michelle Alexander, URG executive director. "Our conference attendance was up this year by over 20%. We offered 54 training sessions to attendees, many to standing room only crowds." In her welcoming remarks, Michelle told the audience that "it has never been a better time to be a recycler. URG is here to serve you with an array of programs and offerings that are designed to help stay competitive and prosper, even in times like these. The benefits of automobile recycling, both environmental and economic, connect well with most Americans. All of us need to tell our great stories and get the word out to the public, insurers, and repair and collision facilities."

"I got my eyes opened at this conference," says Kristen Keller Allen, Vice President at Grassy Auto Parts (West Liberty, KY), a URG member. "I came here to learn some specific things that we'd like to implement in our business, and the sessions and people here helped me get that accomplished." In turn, as a conference speaker on the benefits of Pinnacle Pro from a user perspective, she helped others take it to the next level.

There has to be a really good reason to fly 30 hours and travel over 8,000 miles for a conference. Ian Jacobsen, manager at City Parts in Zillmere, Queensland, Australia (near Brisbane) did just that to be in Denver - for the seventh year in a row - to be at the URG & Pinnacle Training Conference.  "For me, this is a 'must-do, no questions asked' kind of event," says Jacobsen. "Space is at a premium in our salvage yard; we sit on just 1.5 acres and need to be as efficient and organized as possible. Pinnacle Pro certainly helps us make the most of what we have. Also, I take notes at all the sessions I attended and put them in a binder on my desk so I can refer to them all year."

"We came to network and meet new customers, as well as touch base with our regular customers," says James Julian, Field Representative for RAS Cores (Coventry, RI). The company had a booth at the Vendor Expo. "We go to a lot of shows and this one is very high quality. It's one of my favorites, and we will definitely be back next year."

"This is my first conference, and I came to see what other yards are doing and get some ideas for my business," says Patrick Wright, Manager at San Luis Auto Salvage (San Luis Obispo, CA), a URG member. "We are starting to change the way we do business and I need advice and some different perspectives. We're noticing that the collision industry is tightening their belt, and that means we have to change to streamline and be more cost-effective. To be honest, I've gotten so many ideas here at the conference that it is going to take me awhile to sort them all out and set some priorities. I'll definitely be back next year!"

"This has been a fabulous conference, with so many talented people in attendance" says Billy Abold, a URG manager and president and owner of A&P Auto Parts (Cicero, NY). "There is so much going on here, and change is coming to our industry so fast. Widespread adoption of the Internet has sped up everything. What we're seeing now is insurance adjusters with live data in the field who can instantly see parts that have been added, or sold, in real time. I call that taking it to the next level, and I'm here to understand the way our industry is changing."

Conference chairwoman Michelle Alexander invited everyone to next year's conference. She also offered thanks to everyone involved -- attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and her staff - who helped make this year's URG & Pinnacle Training Conference so successful.  "The URG Board of Directors has been so helpful, and this event would not be possible without them."

United Recyclers Group, LLC is a partnership of over 400 industry leading auto recyclers that work together to improve and modernize the automotive recycling industry.  Changes they have made include developing their own inventory management system, Pinnacle and Pinnacle Pro; creating a buying cooperative; and offering group marketing options. For more information, go to the United Recyclers Group website at U R G or call 303-367-4391.