tractor to install a computer security system. As it turned out, the security department also oversaw the carpool so Sue introduced used auto parts to their employees. Sue says, “It always amazes me that people do not think of used auto parts first.” After studying at the local university and earning an environmental degree, Sue interned at the tech- nical assistance program and then went on to work there for 13 years. While working at the college she gravitated toward the auto recyclers and worked closely with most of the IAR members and the long- time Executive Director Dianne Van Gorp. In 2000, while on maternity leave, Sue used a grant to write a Storm Water Program that allowed all Iowa auto recyclers to create their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan on a desktop computer (fairly advanced at the time!). Sue continued to study automotive waste and working with IAR members until 2007 when grant funding dried up. Then IAR contracted with Sue to develop the Iowa – Certified Auto Recyclers Environmental Program (I-CARE) and audit the members’ facilities.

Through the I-CARE program, Sue continues to

explore the compliance issues that plague the industry by developing technical assistance material, participating in ARA committees, writing newsletter articles, and conducting on-site assistance. The pro- gram is rewarding work because it gives value and receives information from I-CARE yards. Sue is able to provide tools and advice to all auto recyclers as well as receive feedback from the operators of the salvage facilities. It’s a symbiotic relationship so the program is in a continuous state of improvement. The challenge in giving compliance assistance to the industry is that most of the facilities are family- owned operations that would not necessarily have a compliance person on staff. So the tools developed must be easy-to-use and readily available. An impor- tant part of the certification process is simply pro- viding peace-of-mind by keeping auto salvage yards in compliance and with proof documentation. Sue feels that her “legacy will be that of sharing resources and encouraging others to participate in their associations so that we may all rise together.” Visit SueSchauls.com for her industry resources. Caryn Smith is the editor of Automotive Recycling magazine.

November-December 2015 | Automotive Recycling 49