Issue link: https://ppgrefinish-na.uberflip.com/i/348206
5 5 teAM ppG PPG'S GRANIERO JOINS NACE ELITE NACE International recently designated Chris Graniero, PPG commercial territory manager, as a NACE Certified Coating Inspector—Level 3, the highest level of certification possible from the NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP). "This is quite a feat," said Chris Pannent, director, commercial coatings, USCA. "Attaining NACE Level 3 certification can be an extremely daunting challenge. And when you realize there are only 1,500 people in the whole world to hold that status, you can really appreciate what Chris has achieved." Since 1983, the NACE CIP has set the global standard for inspections in the protective coatings industry and is the world's most recognized coating inspector certification program. To reach his achievement, Graniero successfully completed an intensive two-week training course culminating in a two-hour, oral peer-reviewed exam. HONORED Ohio Auto Kolor of Columbus, Ohio has been named the 2011 PPG Platinum Distributor of the Year. The award was presented to Gary Bumgarner, Ohio Auto Kolor president, at the annual PPG Platinum Distributor Conference held recently in Orlando, Fla. Bumgarner attended the conference with his brothers Glenn, Curtis, and Keith—all vice presidents of Ohio Auto Kolor—and his parents Charles and Anne Bumgarner, founders of the company. Other key business members were also on hand. "We were all surprised and excited to find out we were Platinum Distributor of the Year," said Bumgarner upon accepting the award. "We're celebrating our 50 th anniversary this year so we've been focusing on that. This award is something we will take great pride in, and I'm glad we—especially my mom and dad—were all here to accept it. And, of course, this honor belongs to everyone at our company. Thank you, PPG." Ohio Auto Kolor opened in 1962 in Dayton, Ohio, as a branch outlet of another local distributor. Charles Bumgarner managed the store with the help of two employees, one of whom—Paul Snyder—is still working at the company's Springfield, Ohio, location. Charles bought the business in 1975 and became a single-line PPG distributor. He purchased several other stores in the area over the next few years and successfully expanded the enterprise. In addition, Gary Bumgarner was active in the development of the Platinum Distributor program and the company has consistently participated in key Platinum initiatives. Today, Ohio Auto Kolor has eight locations and 65 employees across central Ohio. PlAtiNuM distRiButoR oF tHE yEAR From Left: Glenn, Gary, Keith and Curtis Bumgarner NTEA HONORS PPG The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) recently honored PPG at the 2012 Work Truck Show for its 30 continuous years as an associate member and supporter of the association. Accepting the commemorative plaque on behalf of PPG was Andy Hetchler, marketing director, PPG Commercial Coatings. Established in 1964, the NTEA represents nearly 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories.