A diverse group of automotive construction industry leaders - including contractors, automotive decision-makers, industry experts and elected officials - teamed with the SECRC to help make Auto Focus 2023 a success!

Over two days in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Southern States Automotive Contractors Association presented Auto Focus 2023 at the Southeastern Carpenters Training Program’s Charlotte Training Center - a new, ultra-modern facility that trains carpenters for employers throughout the region. The event featured both speaking presentations and hands-on demonstrations around the Center. 

Auto Focus is the Southern automotive industry's annual summit to address key issues and create solutions via discussion and collaboration with auto makers, automotive project directors, experts, and industry leaders. Topics addressed include environmental impact, safety, maintenance and reliability, economic development and establishing the next generation of construction and maintenance workers.

Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Tom Jenkins, Charlotte Local 312 Business Representative Efrain Villatoro, and Council Political/Communications Director Brett Hulme talked with attendees and guest speakers about the benefits of having such a resource as the Joint Employer Training Center in the area.

The event featured guest speakers: Nucor’s Tim Hill, Faithful & Gould’s Steve Willcock, Dutch Resources’ Darrin Vander Toorn, Toyota’s Craig Cansler, SIMMCO II’s Bob Frawley, Haztek’s Herb Strong and Consultant Sally Love.

The SECRC also worked with SSACA leadership to have North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and NC Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders offer insightful comments and answer audience questions.

Auto Focus 2024 is already in the works. Join SSACA now to stay in the loop and take advantage of these networking opportunities! Start the process, here: http://ssaca.net/Module/Application/Application