CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc., Canada's leading network of collision centres, celebrated the grand opening of their new 16,000 square foot head office in Hamilton on Friday, November 18, 2011. The new building, called CARSTAR Vision Park, reflects the company's vision to be the leader in the Canadian collision repair industry.
Over 250 guests attended the grand opening at Vision Park including Franchise, Insurance and Vendor Partners, all of whom have supported CARSTAR's vision. "The focus of our building is to innovate, educate and collaborate all for the benefit of our customers and Partners," said President and CEO, Sam Mercanti. "We built Vision Park for all of our Partners and we want them to utilize it."
Hollywood actor James Woods helped kick off the event. "It is truly an honor to be here in Hamilton to help officially open CARSTAR's new head office and to see Sam's vision turn into reality," said Woods. Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina and Councilor Tom Jackson represented the City of Hamilton at the Grand Opening.
CARSTAR Vision Park is the new home of CARSTAR University, the company's learning and research centre. This will also be a central hub for Franchise Partners to bring in their management and repair employees to receive up-to-date, hands-on technical training in addition to classroom learning sessions. It also houses the CARSTAR Care Centre which provides support to CARSTAR's Franchise and Insurance Partners and provides assistance to customers in event of an accident.
Following the Grand Opening, CARSTAR hosted a Monte Carlo themed casino event in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, CARSTAR's national charity of choice. Over 600 guests attended the event where Sam Mercanti, with the help of James Woods, presented a cheque for $101,250 to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The donation was raised throughout the year through various events and fundraisers held by CARSTAR and their Franchise Partners.
"We are so grateful to be partnered with a great company who continues to increase awareness and fight for a cure for cystic fibrosis," said Maureen Adamson, Chief Executive Officer of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "With CARSTAR's continued support in fundraising initiatives to help fund vital research and care, we can turn the corner on this devastating disease."
For the past ten years, CARSTAR has supported the fight against cystic fibrosis. CARSTAR, its franchisees, partners and employees has raised more than $1.9 million to fund research and treatment for cystic fibrosis.
