BONNERS FERRY — Many Boundary County residents own and drive at least one vehicle, so having a variety of repair options for damaged vehicles helps community members get the services they need.

North Idaho Collision Repair Center is a modern collision repair shop that had its grand opening at the top of North Hill on June 22.

With the advancing of the auto industry and car technology, auto repair shops also must advance the tools and things necessary to fix cars.

North Idaho Collision has a high-tech, state-of-the-art Blowtherm paint booth with PPG Industries technology integrated into it, a new air conditioning repair machine, Pro-Spot welder for restoring factory welds, and a Chief Velocity frame measuring system which assists in determining frame damage.

“We have all of the modern, high-tech equipment needed for comprehensive repairs on your car — from small scratches to bent frames, we can handle it all,” said owner Mindi Durland, who co-owns the shop with Shane Florea.

Florea is the body technician, Ken Baker is estimator and office manager, and Shaun Eggleston is painter. Florea and Eggleston are also EMTs and volunteer firefighters, and Durland was previously an EMT and also worked in emergency medicine and pediatrics before she adventured into the auto repair industry.

Florea previously worked in Denver, Colo., and Omaha, Neb., on luxury vehicles, and then he decided he wanted to return to his hometown, Bonners Ferry, with an idea.

After working in the auto industry for years, Florea was introduced to the ups and downs of the many places he worked. Utilizing that knowledge, he formulated a plan to open his own shop, putting quality customer service at the top of his priority list.

“‘Where Quality Matters’ is the shop slogan because it is through the quality of the repairs that customers will see how much we care for them and their car or truck, with their safety and happiness in mind,” said Durland.

Two Tones Cafe catered the grand opening with huckleberry marinated steak bites, a vegetable medley, and sticky rice. Owner of Two Tones Cafe, Tony Fleck, met Florea many years ago at Florea’s mother’s restaurant and recently reunited with him about eight months ago.

“We support each other’s businesses the best we can,” said Fleck. “It is the nicest auto repair center that I’ve ever seen.”

“North Idaho Repair Center is a small but well put together group, with the idea in mind that we are a team, and a family,” said Durland. “We care about our town of Bonners Ferry and plan to participate in some community service projects in the future to show support for the folks that have welcomed our business and have shown support in this new adventure.”

They are located at 148 David Thompson Drive in Bonners Ferry and their phone number is 208-267-9995. Visit their website at nicrepaircenter.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NICRepairCenter.