GOLF TOURNAMENT WINNERS ANNOUNCED- AND GAME IS NOT UNTIL MAY 5th

Draw for $100 gift certificates for early registrants

For those golfers eager to participate in the best golf game in the collision repair industry at the 40th Annual Golden Horseshoe Tournament on May 5th HARA offered a special incentive.

Any registrations and payments received by April 15, 2009 were entered into a draw for 3 Keg Restaurant gift certificate worth $100.00 each.

Winners are:

• John Molnar of A-1 Auto Parts in Hamilton
• Sandro Perruzza of Ontario Service Safety Alliance
• Chad Cunningham of OSS Environmental in Brantford

Prizes were kindly contributed by Don Teevens of Co-Auto Co-operative and Tony Nigro of Royal LePage State Realty in Hamilton.

The HARA 40 th Anniversary Golden Horseshoe Tournament is again being held at Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club, in Dundas Ontario with a 1:00pm shotgun start on Tuesday, May 5, 2009.

For more information or to register please call 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR® Education Foundation Announces Jerry's Body Shop Inc
The First Single-Location Facility To Join The Industry Leadership Circle

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 24, 2009- Jerry's Body Shop Inc. in Mankato, Minnesota is the first single-location collision repair facility in 2009 to join the I-CAR Education Foundation's new Industry Leadership Circle through their donation to the Collision Repair Education Campaign.

The Industry Leadership Circle distinguishes corporations, businesses, and individuals making an extraordinary financial commitment to "Fueling the Future" of the collision industry by annually donating above a certain amount, dependant on the donor's industry segment.  Jerry's Body Shop has joined the Industry Leadership Circle through their $1,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Campaign, meeting the threshold for a single-location collision repair facility.

This donation will provide scholarships and program grants that will create and support the next generation of entry-level collision repair technicians. To date, the I-CAR Education Foundation has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships and grants.

"The Industry Leadership Circle recognizes both nationally and locally, donors making significant investments in collision repair students and schools," said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. "Having collision repairers like Jerry's Body Shop taking the lead in this new initiative is a very positive step toward developing the next generation of industry employees."

"We have always believed in the I-CAR Education Foundation and supporting our local schools," said Geralynn Kottscha de, Vice President of Operations for Jerry's Body Shop. " The I-CAR Education Foundation has given back to the industry, most recently in 2008 with over $100,000 given away in grants and for the 2009 grant program that was announced in March. This is our way we can support schools across the country to ensure students are being educated to the level that is needed."

-MORE-

If you would like your organization to join Jerry's Body Shop as a member of the Industry Leadership Circle and receive special recognition within all I-CAR Education Foundation publications, events, and press releases, visit www.ed-foundation.org and either donate on-line or download a form to mail in. The Industry Leadership Circle recognition levels are:

•  Collision Repair Business - Single Location ($1,000)
•  Collision Repair Business - MSO ($1,000 plus $500/additional location)
•  Insurers - ($100,000)
•  OEM's - ($50,000)
•  Parts and Materials - ($50,000)
•  Information Providers - ($50,000)
•  Related Industry -  ($25,000)
•  Associations and Business Service Consultants- ($10,000)
•  External Industry Donors -  ($10,000)
•  Individuals -  ($1,000)

For additional information, please feel free to contact Melissa Marscin, I-CAR Education Foundation Assistant Director of Grant Programs at 888.722.3787, Ext. 282.

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The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us on the Internet at: www.ed-foundation.org .

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® THANKS VOLUNTEERS DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 16, 2009 - In recognition of their enormous contribution of time and energy, I-CAR asks members of the collision inter-industry to thank the thousands of volunteers who make I-CAR training possible during National Volunteer Week from April 19-25. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week presents an opportunity to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through their volunteer service.

As part of its celebration of industry volunteers, I-CAR has launched a volunteer recruitment and training initiative along with a volunteer recognition program in conjunction with the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

"I-CAR volunteers make a difference in the lives and careers of tens of thousands of collision inter-industry professionals each year through their dedicated service to training and education," said John Edelen, I-CAR President and CEO. "As we prepare to celebrate volunteerism and inter-industry training at the I-CAR 30 th Annual Industry Conference in July, there can be no better way to launch these celebrations than through the recognition of these dedicated inter-industry volunteers."

Individuals interested in becoming an I-CAR volunteer, along with those who already give their time to inter-industry education, can now participate in a series of I-CAR Volunteer Orientation training seminars designed to improve the volunteer experience and help individuals achieve their personal goals.

According to Mike Miller, I-CAR Field Support Manager, "This four-part Volunteer Orientation program will help both new volunteers and our veterans better leverage the time they invest in their local volunteer I-CAR committees. As a training organization, providing these seminars was a natural path to take to improve the volunteer experience."

Information on the I-CAR Volunteer Orientation training seminars including a seminar schedule is available at the I-CAR website by clicking on the Committee/Volunteers link near the bottom of the home page.

I-CAR also announced that it has been approved by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize individuals for their volunteerism with the President's Volunteer Service Award.

-More-

"I-CAR has recognized its volunteers since the organization's inception nearly 30 years ago," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations. "Adding the President's Volunteer Service Award eligibility is an honor our volunteers greatly deserve."

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours served over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

Halton Skills 2009 Career Day Fair

OUR YOUTH, OUR FUTURE

Collision Repair (HARA) and Mechanical Repair (AARO) industry associations work together

The venue, Thomas A. Blakelock High School in Oakville. The event, a Career Showcase. The audience, students contemplating their future.

On April 8th between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., an estimated 4,000+ secondary and elementary school students - many accompanied by their parents - attended the 2009 edition of Halton Region's Annual Career Day Fair. "And they had questions - lots and lots of questions," commented Stephanie Hill, AARO's (Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario)  'Director Representing Employees'.

Calm before the storm? Stephanie Hill (seated on Left) and Diane Freeman await
the rush of students when the doors open for the 2009 Halton Career Fair

Hill, along with AARO president Rudy Graf, director Gil Verwey and operations manager Diane Freeman were manning a booth set up to promote career opportunities in the Automotive Service Industry. John Norris of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) was also on the scene to help out. "When 10 - 12 kids appear at your display all at the same time, believe me, there's no such thing as having too many volunteers on hand to field the inquiries," observed Freeman, smiling.

Business and community involvement in career day events creates a positive partnership between education and the workplace, according to Freeman. An annual banquet that AARO supports to honour graduating automotive apprentices in Ottawa is another example of successful partnering between academics and industry, she said.

Students attending the Halton Skills Career Day Fair were bussed in from school boards in and around the Region of Halton. "One teacher I spoke with - he and his students bussed in from Georgetown - told me he was impressed with the handouts we were distributing. Some of these were aimed at teachers, and contained tips to help them make 'learning about our industry' more fun. I told him we could thank CARS (the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council) for the excellent materials," Freeman said.

Stephanie Hill was impressed with the number of female students showing interest in the automotive trades. Hill has a female technician (Amy) in her employ, and was hoping girls, as well as boys, would attend the Skills Fair. "I had one of Amy's tech shirts on display in the booth to make it clear there are opportunities in the industry for women," she said.

Asked for his views on the event, Rudy Graf had this to say: "The prime reason we participate in a career showcase like this is to increase awareness among youth of the opportunities available to them in our industry. Our involvement strengthens the purposes of AARO and the other 'grassroots' provincial associations united under the NATA banner. I encourage all of our members to volunteer their time at career days and classes in their respective communities - I know they'd find the experience fulfilling," he added.

Graf had a point-form listing of reasons why AARO members should get involved. He suggested that we publish them in Bay Watch, and, (well he is the prez, after all,) so here they are:

• Enhance your shop's community profile and public image
• An opportunity to increase your supervisory, mentoring and leadership skills
• Promote the automotive service industry as an exciting career pathway
• Build a closer relationship with schools in your local community
• Be rewarded in having helped a young person with their career choice

Our proactive president had another suggestion: "We should create a list of the names of AARO members who would be willing to help out at career day events in their local communities, and then advise them when something is coming up in their area," said Graf. "What the heck, I'll look after this, personally. Please let the Bay Watch readers know about the list I'm compiling," he enthused.

Volunteers: (L-R) Diane Freeman, John Norris, Stephanie Hill, Rudy Graf, Gil Verwey

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® ANNOUNCES OVERVIEW OF CYCLE TIME IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE COLLISION REPAIR PROCESS PROGRAM AVAILABLE STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 13

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 13, 2009 - Repairers and insurers interested in how improving efficiency can help the bottom line now have a new training resource from I-CAR. Beginning Monday, April 13, I-CAR has launched its Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process (CYC01) live training program.

The new course speaks to every employee who has a role in improving cycle time, from the estimator to the technician to the front desk personnel and shop manager, and allows for all to gain new knowledge geared toward resulting in improved efficiencies and better business practices.

"The industry has really responded strongly to this program and there is a great deal of excitement around it, "said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations, North America. "In the week prior to the first classes, we've seen registrations double."

Recognizing this interest, the new I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course provides a thorough overview of cycle time improvements to shop and office managers, technicians and insurance company personnel.

The I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course details:

•  Definition of cycle time and ways to improve processes

•  How improvements can impact business efficiency

•  Opportunities to improve customer relations

•  "Time bandits" that can affect your business

•  Current processes that can create opportunities to reduce cycle time

•  Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) for improved processes

Registration for Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process is currently open for classes that began on Monday, April 13 and new classes are being added to I-CAR's class schedule on a continuing basis. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR at 800-422-7872.

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

BASIC ESTIMATING COURSE OFFERED

13th year of the popular training offered
Commencing April 28, 2009

The popular basic estimating collision repair training course is back to help shop or office employees, new estimators and insurance company staff who may need assistance in estimating collision damage on cars and light trucks in Ontario.

Taught by experienced apprenticeship instructor, Jim Miles, this six-night course includes, introduction to estimating, understanding vehicle construction, fundamentals of estimate writing, understanding collision manuals, additional charges and collision damage analysis.

The first evening course commences April 28 th , two classes per week over a three-week period.

Time & Locations:

• Mississauga: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Tuesday & Thursday evenings, commencing Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

• London: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Monday & Wednesday evenings, commencing Monday, May 25, 2009.

• Toronto and North of the city- Being Held in Woodbridge: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Tuesday & Thursday evenings, commencing Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Cost:
Association Members - $350.00 plus GST, per person
Non-Members - $450.00 plus GST, per person

Students can register by contacting the Association and www.ciia.com office at
1-866-309-4272 or e-mailing info@ciia.com .

Prepayment is Mandatory

(See Headlines)

Compulsory Trade Certification Coming to Nova Scotia

Compulsory Certification for the collision repair trade is nearly a reality in Nova Scotia, reports Lindsay Gates of the Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia.

According to Gates, the final regulation is now before the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development who will present the regulation to cabinet for approval.

This follows passing through several committees to ensure the coming regulation has undergone proper review.

In the meantime, the provinces Apprenticeship Department has already been working to contact technicians who have been working in the collision industry for many years without certification. To assist these technicians in preparation for writing the exam, the Apprenticeship division has is offering refresher sessions to help them with upgrading their knowledge and skills. These sessions are to help the technician read and understand the terminology used in the testing.

In 2008 there were two session held in the Halifax- Dartmouth area, one in Sydney and a third in New Glasgow . These programs have certified approximately 58 technicians who were already working in the collision industry but now are certified. The success rate for those writing the exam to date has been in the 95% range.

Those who were not successful are being helped with upgrading their weaker skills and they will rewrite at a later date. There has already been a session completed in Kentville of 14 students, in 2009. And there is currently another session underway in Truro with 17 students and another session planned for Halifax- Dartmouth area for the coming fall.

Still, there are many technicians who have not yet applied for the upgrading, or to write the certification exam. They are being urged to take advantage of the programs being offered as the upgrading courses and certification examination are free now and for two years following the formal announcement of the trade becoming a compulsory certified trade.

Technicians who are interested in applying to write the certification examination or who have questions can contact the Apprenticeship and Skills Development division of the Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development at 902-424-5651 or 1-800-494-5651.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® TO PARTICIPATE IN 2009 BODYSHOP
BUSINESS WATERBORNE CONFERENCE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 24, 2009 - I-CAR will offer Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) live training at the 2009 BodyShop Business Waterborne Conference to be held August 13 - 14 at the Sawmill Creek Resort & Conference Center in Huron, Ohio.

In addition to I-CAR training, the conference will offer a tradeshow and presentations by leading experts in the industry providing collision repairers with an opportunity to learn more about waterborne basecoats and environmental regulations that mandate their use.

The I-CAR Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application training program details:

•  Types of waterborne materials in use

•  Differences between waterborne and solvent-borne systems

•  Surface preparation and equipment requirements

•  Drying processes

•  Storage and waste disposal considerations

•  Typical conversion processes

You must register for I-CAR training and the conference separately. To register for Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) at the conference please visit the quick class search feature at www.i-car.com , for more information about the conference go to www.bodyshopbusiness.com .

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

Small Bistro Cafe Opens In Automotive Body Shop

The menu changes every two weeks at the Club il Cavallino inside Formula One Collision, 9420 Tecumseh Rd. E., and Shawn Newmaster prepares it all in the open and airy cafe.

His burger and chicken pitas have become signature dishes and continue with each menu. The current offerings include a grilled portobello sandwich with a ciabatta bun, tuscan salad and slow-roasted baby rack ribs. There are breakfast items, too, such as french toast, a bagel breakfast sandwich and a tasty, nutrition-packed protein smoothie shake.

The items reflect Newmaster's training and experience -- having worked with area gourmet chefs. As a bonus, his coffee's pretty good.

As for the location, well, it looks as contemporary as the modern collision centre which, judging from a recent visit, tends to some luxury automotive metal. The restaurant area is separated from the office and busy garage, which looks so immaculate and spotless it feels more like a clean room for making computer chips.

Newmaster says simply he applied for the job offered by body shop owner Frank Gobbato, who wanted a restaurant.

"He's pretty innovative," explains Newmaster, who adds the building had some food-preparation capabilities from its former life as a bingo hall.

Newmaster expects to extend hours for dinner on a trial basis April 2 -4. An outdoor patio may be added in future, as well. For now, collision centre staff, customers and others in the neighbourhood can enjoy the view and food. Newmaster enjoys telling his food industry colleagues people really do drop by for lunch at the body shop.

Club il Cavallino, located inside Formula One Collision, 9420 Tecumseh Rd. E. is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 519-979-2937.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® LAUNCHES OVERVIEW OF CYCLE TIME IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE COLLISION REPAIR PROCESS PROGRAM

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 9, 2009 - Repairers and insurers interested in how improving efficiency can help the bottom line will soon have a new training resource from I-CAR, The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. On April 13, I-CAR will launch its Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process (CYC01) live training program.

Inter-industry interest in cycle time improvements continues to grow as repairers and insurers look toward improving efficiencies for improved business practices and better results.

"Managers strive to reduce cycle time and achieve improved lean processes every day, this course brings technicians and office personnel into the same line of thinking," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations, North America. "This course will engage employees at every level, bringing to their attention where they can improve in areas and help reduce cycle time in their workplace. When employees are engaged in the process, I believe, there is less resistance to change and an increased desire to improve the process and be part of the solution."

Recognizing this interest, the new I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course provides a thorough overview of cycle time improvements to shop and office managers, technicians and insurance company personnel.

The I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course details:

• Definition of cycle time and ways to improve processes
• How improvements can impact business efficiency
• Opportunities to improve customer relations
• "Time bandits" that can affect your business
• Current processes that can create opportunities to reduce cycle time
• Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) for improved processes

-More-

Registration for Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process is currently open for classes that will begin on April 13 and new classes are being added to I-CAR's class schedule on a continuing basis. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR at 800-422-7872.

###

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

DEADLINE MARCH 1 FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR I-CAR ® CANADIAN TRANSITION

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - February 23, 2009 - The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) document for collision repair training organizations interested in assuming I-CAR's Canadian operations is March 1, 2009. Canadian firms intending to submit an Expression of Interest document prior to the deadline can visit the I-CAR website at www.i-car.ca/eoi for more information and to obtain the document.

Following a review of the EOI submissions, qualified organizations will be invited in April to submit a proposal and business plan detailing how their firms will successfully incorporate the I-CAR vision in future operations in Canada. These proposals will be reviewed by the I-CAR Canadian Task Force and a recommendation made in July to help assure the completion of the transition by December 31, 2009.

In January, I-CAR announced plans to transition its Canadian operations for collision repair training to a Canadian firm under a licensing agreement. Operations in Canada are continuing as usual while the training organization seeks a potential licensee.

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I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR TRADE ASSOCIATION OFFERS TRAINING
COURSES FOR LESS THAN $3 EACH

WHMIS, ISOCYANATES and AUTOMOTIVE LIFT TRAINING
are some of the courses being offered.

Calling it a major shift in how training is offered in the collision repair industry, the Collision Industry Information and Assistance.com (www.ciia.com ), representing Ontario-based collision repair associations, today started offering online training in 23 different courses for less than $3.00 each. "Our members have been asking about isocyanate and Vehicle Lift Safety in order to meet Ministry requirements in their shops, and we wanted to provide for them a quick, easy inexpensive training solution. In cooperation with E.A.G.L. Enterprises in Pickering, Ontario, we are now able to offer health, safety and management training courses online that shops and staff can access at any time," says Mark Timson, a Caledonia area shop owner and a director of www.ciia.com "Our instructor-led WHMIS course and our six-night Basic Estimating course are popular and are taken at our training centre or at a shop location. Also, we wanted to offer programs to help member shops that were more geographically distant. Vehicle Lift Safety courses are important and we could not arrange for a physical delivery of that course to date." Member shops can access the collision repair industry web site at http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/itraining.html .  Registration forms can be faxed, e-mailed or completed online.  Member shops can call Monica at 1 866 309 4272 for more information.  Member shops pay $60.00 plus GST and get access to any or all of the courses for a full year.  Completion documents are provided after the member successfully completes an individual course exam online.  A training certificate identifying all courses taken is issued annually. Other courses offered include Fire Safety, Back Safety, Due Diligence, Joint Health and Safety Committee, Understanding Bill C-45, Safety Inspections, Office Ergonomics, Stretches and Heat Stress.

For more information or to access online training courses call 1 866 309 4272 or e-mail info@ciia.com

(See Headlines)

----------------------Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)-------------------------

-------Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)------------

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