Alternate Paths To Profitability Under Discussion At Fall Seminar

"Busy but Broke" is the theme of a half-day seminar for the collision repair sector offered at Automechanika Canada. The seminar will focus on success alternatives to the traditional business model of the collision repair industry.

Speakers Will Include:

. An Ontario shop manager which will discuss how his facility is able to maintain a positive working relationship with insurers without the benefit of DRP's and is able to achieve $2 to $3 million in annual sales with a door rate of $76.00 per hour.
. A U.S. shop owner with a 28,000 square foot shop will discuss how he has increased his profits by continuing his relationship with two $1 million insurance companies after discontinuing their DRP program.
. Various shop owners, including a banner franchise operator with significant DRP work, eager to discuss alternative methods for shop profitability.

The seminar will also discuss several business cases in which shops have decreased their DRP work but increased rates or profitability.
The National Collision Repair Workshop on alternative profitability will be held on Thursday, September 27, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The workshop takes place at Automechanika Canada, in the International Centre, Toronto.

The cost for the morning or afternoon session is $99.00 plus GST per person. This includes one VIP pass for Automechanika Canada as well as an invitation to the Beer and BBQ event on Thursday evening.

If you wish to participate contact 1-866-309-4272, register online at www.ciia.com or e-mail info@ciia.com .

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STAN GRIFFIN RETIRES FROM IBC

Toronto - After serving the Canadian P&C insurance industry for 32 years, Stanley I. Griffin, President and CEO, Insurance Bureau of Canada, has announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Griffin first joined IBC in 1975, ultimately reaching the position of President and CEO in 2002.

"Stan has made an immeasurable contribution to our industry over the years through his various roles at IBC and Facility Association," said IBC Chair Mike Donoghue, President and CEO of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. "In particular, he has been a terrific leader for IBC for the past five years, which has been a landmark period for our industry.

"IBC achievements under Stan's guidance include unprecedented auto insurance reform in six provinces and a very significant improvement in consumer confidence in the industry following a very difficult hard market. These accomplishments were due in large part to Stan's thoughtful and measured leadership."

Stan was instrumental in guiding IBC through its mandate renewal process, resulting in a strengthened and reinvigorated trade association. Also under Stan's leadership, the industry developed, and is currently implementing, groundbreaking Standards of Sound Marketplace Practice. The Standards provide a road map to a more risk-based regulatory environment and a consumer-focused future for the industry.

During his nearly 30 years at IBC, Mr. Griffin has held a number of senior roles, including Executive Vice-President of Regional Operations, overseeing the operations of regional offices in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver. Mr. Griffin was also the first Vice-President of the Ontario region, where he spearheaded many negotiations with successive governments in the province, resulting in substantial changes to Ontario's auto insurance laws. From August 1999 to June 2001, Mr. Griffin was President and CEO of Facility Association.

Mr. Griffin's successor as President and CEO will be Mark Yakabuski, who is currently Vice-President, Ontario and Federal Affairs, IBC.

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International Trade Commission Denies Keystone Automotive's Motion to Reconsider; Ruling Enters Mandatory 60-Day Presidential Review Period

General Exclusion Order For Certain Ford Parts Imposed

POMONA, Calif., June 8, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:KEYS) today announced that it has received notification from the International Trade Commission denying the respondent's petition for reconsideration, terminating its investigation, and issuing a general exclusion order. The general exclusion order prohibits the importation by any importer of aftermarket collision parts that violate any of Ford's seven design patents that were previously determined to be valid.

Keystone and the other respondents filed the petition for reconsideration with the Commission one day after the United States Supreme Court's April 30, 2007 decision in KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc.

"As we have continuously stated, the industry and consumers greatly benefit from the utilization of quality replacement parts and a competitive marketplace. There are clearly broader issues related to the validity of design patents in the collision industry, and they need to be addressed. The International Trade Commission's determination was not surprising and we intend to vigorously defend our position on behalf of our shareholders and consumers. We look forward to a successful resolution of this matter," said Rick Keister, chief executive officer of Keystone.

Keister indicated that parts currently offered by Keystone related to this ruling represented less than 0.1 percent of the company's total sales in fiscal 2007.

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Ross Gilmour passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at the age of 51. Surviving by his wife Brenda, daughters Amanda Lee and Melissa Louise, his sister Mary Ellen Wegener (Fred) and brother-in-law Jim Patterson (Bridgette). Ross was an appraiser for the Co-Operators Insurance for 20 years. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society or the Arthritis Society would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences available at www.butlerniagara.ca or telephone (905)646- 6322.

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CARSTAR Charity Car Wash Event Raises $65,000

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) and other local fundraising groups 'cleaned up' at the fourth annual CARSTAR 'Soaps it Up' for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) National Car Wash Day. More than 70 CARSTAR collision repair centres across Canada participated in the car wash event, which raised more than $65,000 for charity.

"This year's 'Soaps it Up' fundraising campaign has been the best yet," said Sam Mercanti, president and CEO, CARSTAR Automotive Canada. "Our franchisees and partners as well as the CCFF Chapter volunteers and the volunteers from local fundraising groups across the country continue to wow us with the effort they put in to making this event such a great success. We are very thankful to everyone for all of their hard work and support."

Volunteers washed about 5,000 vehicles during the event, which took place on Father's Day weekend. A major focus of this year's campaign was recognizing dads and especially the dedicated dads who care for children with CF. "Every year we are inspired by the families we meet who are fighting their own battle against CF. Being able to celebrate dads in particular was very special for us," said Mercanti.

This year, the campaign welcomed two new sponsors, Quiznos Sub and Shell. All of the money raised at the event will go to support the CCFF as well as local sports teams and community groups.

"The whole CF community is deeply grateful to CARSTAR and its employees for their strong support of the Foundation's programs of CF research and care. These programs are vital, and are helping young Canadians with cystic fibrosis to live longer and healthier lives," said Cathleen Morrison, CEO of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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SPONSORS ENSURE SUCCESSFUL GOLF TOURNAMENT
38th Annual Golden Horseshoe Tournament
set for Tuesday, June 26 .

For thirty-eight years, professionals in the collision repair industry have met for a friendly game of golf, conversation and competition. The 38th Annual HARA Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament is being held this year on Tuesday, June 26 at the Flamborough Hills Golf Course in Copetown, Ontario.

With over 125 golfers playing a "best-ball" type event, game day will be fun and valuable for all.

This Year's Sponsors Ensuring A
Successful Day Are:

• Akzo Nobel Coatings
  
• Audatex
  
• BASF Canada
  
• Canada Brokerlink (Ontario)
  
• Carcone's Auto Recycling
  
• Dominion Auto Wreckers
  
• DuPont Canada
  
• Fix Auto
  
• Maaco Systems Canada
  
• Miller's Auto Recycling
  
• MPX Data Systems
  
• Ontario Service Safety Alliance
  
• Pipeline Automotive Warehouse
  
• PPG Canada
  
• Standard Auto Wreckers
  
• Sherwin Williams Automotive Refinishing
  
• Treschak Enterprises

"Without the kind support of the sponsors for the tournament, this event would not be possible. The association thanks them for their assistance." says Golf Tournament organizer Michelle Bolan of the HARA office.

With special offerings like a choice of vehicles to be won with a hole-in-one, give-aways on the course and with a major draw prize after the steak dinner, all players should have an enjoyable time.

For more information contact Michelle at 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com

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INSURER LAWSUITS AGAINST SHOPS REACH BIZARRE LEVEL Legal Action Taken By Insurer For Ten Dollars

June 10, 2007

Alfie Emery, Manager at Hamilton Group Autobody was shocked when the process-order clerk arrived at their General Motors linked-dealership with a court order, ordering release of a vehicle over a $10.00 storage fee.

The insurance company didn't agree that a $50.00 per day indoor storage rate was reasonable-they only wanted to pay $40.00 per day-so the insurer sued.

It didn't seem to matter that the name on the lawsuit was not legally the name of the shop, that the owner of the car was not aware of the lawsuit, that the pricing was printed prominently on the posted price sign on the wall, or that the shop was pricing as per the industry recommendations price list.

"Being sued by an insurer for $10.00, over a reasonable posted indoor storage rate that is $15.00 a day less that legally allowed in areas such as Brampton is very odd and seems to fit within the unreasonable thinking by some insurers that shops that charge fair compensation rates are somehow abusive" says the industry trade association. "For an insurer to pay the time and travel costs of a para-legal and a $75.00 court fee for a ten-dollar a day storage issue is bizarre" says John Norris of the www.ciia.com Collision Industry Information and Assistance.

This increasingly difficult issue of insurance company lawsuits against shops was raised with the senior insurance regulators of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario at a meeting held with collision repair association representatives, last week in Toronto.

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THE NATIONAL COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS
at Automechanika Canada present

BUSY BUT BROKE

Successful alternative profitability models in collision
repair in Canada

In the very tough and volatile Canadian marketplace, body shop owners are tense and concerned about their future.  There are alternatives to the traditional business model that has body shops scrambling to achieve 3 to 5 percent profitability.

Speakers will include:
•  An Ontario collision repair shop manager will discuss how his facility is able to maintain a positive working relationship with insurers without the benefit of DRPs and is able to achieve two to three million dollars in annual sales with a door rate of $76.00 per hour.
•  A U.S. shop owner with a 28,000 square foot shop will discuss how he has increased his profits by continuing his relationship with two one million dollar insurance companies after discontinuing their DRP program.
•  Shop owners, including a banner franchise operator with significant DRP work, are eager to discuss alternative methods for shop profitability.

We will also discuss:
•  How a group of Canadian shops have decreased their DRPs from twelve to two companies, but were able to increase their door rate to $57.00 per hour.
•  How shop owners are taking on a "CASH ONLY" policy, having the insurance company paying the customer directly. In the case of a customer pay job the customer will have the option of using the shop's consumer credit program.
•  How a multi shop owner that discontinued his relationship with a franchise after five years has increased his profits by returning to independent.
•  How a shop in Central Canada that was doing $3.2 million dollars in DRP sales is now doing $1.2 million dollars without DRPs but with an increase in profit.
•  How Canadian shop owners are insisting on their posted door rate, at times receiving the difference between their invoice and an insurance payment from the customer.

Also featured at the workshop:
•  The difference in shops conversion to low-VOC products in Canada and the European Union.
•  Shops that make most of their money by NOT repairing vehicles. The fees debate, are they bandits or just standing tough in their marketplace?
•  Why so many shops and insurers are ending up in court. Why can't we just get along?
•  Insurance impacts on a shop, from auto renewal rate increases to rebate regulations.

The National Collision Repair Workshop on alternative profitability will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2007, once in the morning and again in the afternoon at Automechanika Canada / CarFixWorld located at the International Centre on Airport Road in Toronto.

Cost:
Morning or Afternoon Session $99.00 plus GST per person, includes one VIP pass for the show ($35.00 value) as well as an invitation to the Beer and BBQ event on Thursday evening. 

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NATA presents FREE Career Day Forum at Automechanika Canada / CarFixWORLD

Canada’s Largest Automotive Apprenticeship & Job Fair

On Friday, September 28, 2007 the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA) will be proud to welcome thousands of young people attending Automechanika Canada / CarFixWorld Motive Power Career Day at the International Centre on Airport Road in Mississauga (10:00 am to 3:00 pm).

Focused on apprentices and senior students that are interested in motive power repair.
A jam-packed day filled with:

�� Recruitment Opportunities
�� In Person Employer Interviews
�� 6-Minute Interviews
�� Celebrities
�� Competitions
�� Workshops, Speakers
�� Overhaulin’/Demos
�� Product Demos
�� Prizes and much more!

Featuring:

�� CASTROL’s Solstice racer, as well as the builder
�� apprenticesearch.com’s race car
�� Smokin’ Joe’s Avenger Pro Modified racer
�� Pit Stop tire change competition and tire changing race
�� Dozens of exhibitors and suppliers
�� Air bag detonation demo
�� Special stage events
�� Canada Skills Ontario presentations
�� Guest speakers - how to become an apprentice in any auto repair trade

Enter to Win for yourself:
One $ 50.00 parts voucher courtesy of Standard Auto Wreckers
OR
One of two $100.00 parts vouchers courtesy of Standard Auto Wreckers

Enter to Win for your school:
A vehicle for your school’s auto lab
$ 400.00 parts voucher, courtesy of Standard Auto Wreckers
Frame dimensioning and estimating software, courtesy of Mitchell International

Here to help you: Apprenticeship Staff, College Staff, OYAP, Co-Op, Job Connect, as well as many others.

For more information on NATA’s Career Day contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com
Exhibitor Information: www.automechanikaCanada.com
Want to understand apprenticeship?
Log on to www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/aboutapprenticeship.html

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BUSINESS REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE CHANGES
TO BECOME LAW

Ontario's Regulatory Modernization Act Will Make Life Easier For Legitimate Collision Shops

May 17, 2007

The Regulatory Modernization Act, 2006, Bill 69, has been passed by the Ontario Legislature and received Royal Assent today. The act, which comes into force eight months from today, will improve the way regulatory ministries deal with Ontario's businesses and other organizations and assist them in improving their compliance capabilities.  The collision repair and auto body industry was the first sector group to become involved with the compliance and improvement strategies covered in the act.

The act will enable the province's regulatory ministries and their associated delegated administrative authorities and agencies to share information and better work together. As a result of this improved cooperation, regulatory ministries will be able to reduce duplication in compliance activities and target enforcement efforts where they count.

With the collision repair sector regulated by different ministries and up to 110 regulations, greater cooperation among the regulators will mean improved service to Ontario's car and truck repair shops and will help collision repair businesses meet their regulatory compliance obligations.  The plan to modernize Ontario's regulatory compliance  includes: 

Developing strategies that would recognize businesses with exceptional records of compliance--while targeting enforcement efforts at businesses that commit serious, repeat violations

Implementing a small business compliance improvement strategy that includes compliance support toolkits for small businesses to help them understand provincial laws and to assist them in meeting their compliance requirements.

Allowing regulatory ministries to share and use specific compliance-related information for specified regulatory compliance purposes under designated legislation

Authorizing field staff to notify another ministry if they observe something that is likely to be relevant to a statute administered or enforced by that other ministry

Authorizing ministers responsible for designated legislation to create special teams of field staff from different ministries to work together on specific compliance projects, such as targeting serious, repeat violators or assisting small businesses in meeting their compliance requirements

Authorizing ministers to publish information under designated legislation about an organization's compliance record as a deterrent to future violations

Authorizing prosecutors to request that a court consider relevant prior convictions under any provincial law in sentencing of a defendant (e.g., corporation, director, officer, owner) regarding a regulatory conviction

Requiring the court to provide reasons when it decides that a prior conviction raised by a prosecutor does not justify a more severe penalty. The legislation will not allow for "fishing expeditions" in which field staff conduct inspections under statutes they are not authorized to administer or enforce.

The small business compliance and improvement strategy is underway with a pilot project focused on the auto body repair sector:

In June 2006, the Auto Body Repair Compliance Information Centre ( www.serviceontario.ca/autobody ) that provides the important information the auto body shop owners need to meet for their compliance requirements was launched in co-operation with industry groups like the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) and www.ciia.com

On this web site, auto body shop owners now have easy access to regulatory requirements applicable to their sector from across appropriate provincial ministries and their associated regulators; government forms they need; and key government contacts, among other things

Early indications show that the CIC has been a great success. The site received more than 75,000 hits in the first three months after the Ontario government announced it in June.   The site can also be located on the front page of the collision repair industry web site at www.ciia.com .  Another helpful collision repair web site for compliance assistance is www.autobodyhelp.ca

"This Act will now allow inspectors to concentrate on shops that need help and provide tools to assist, rather than continued inspections of shops that are "good" players in the industry, it will recognize the compliant facilities and provide streamlined inspections. This helps provide for a level-playing field in the industry with less time spent by shop owners handling the wide range of different ministry inspections, as was the problem in the past" said John Norris of the collision repair trade association.  

Effective May 4, 2007 , the Ontario Ministry of the Environment has made changes to the Recertification Requirement in Ontario's Refrigerants Regulation, O. Reg. 189/94 . Yes, the training overkill has finally come to an end. recertification courses are no longer required for technicians wishing to renew their Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) Cards.

Note: The revised Regulation stipulates that technicians "who have never been certified", and those "whose cards have already expired", (see date on card,) are still required to complete the ODP Card course and examination. Technicians obtaining the required passing grade of 75% will thereafter receive a new card that's valid for 5 years from the examination date - following this time they will be required to renew their cards again.

Technicians with cards that bear an expiry date beyond May 4, 2007 will not be required to undergo the training and re-examination procedure to maintain their ODP certification. Prior to the expiration date on their cards they will, however, be required to contact HRAI to obtain a renewal application. This must be filled out and returned to HRAI with the renewal fee of $50.00 + GST . That's all that need be done, but technicians must ensure they apply in a timely manner. We recommend 45 days be allowed for the renewal process.

"Click Here" to view Official Notice of Regulation Change from MOE.

"Click Here" for Renewal Letter and Form to download and print.

If you have any questions regarding the changes to the Refrigerants Regulation, please contact Frances Ricci at the AARO offices:
1-800-268-5400.

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TECHNICIAN LICENSING EQUIVALENCY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCATION COLLISION REPAIR ASSOCIATION

A number of workers in the autobody and collision damage repair trade have been employed in the trade in excess of the 7000 hours required for a licensed technician. However, they are not registered technicians.

Traditionally the only way to become a licensed technician would be to complete an in-class learning portion of 720 hours for training as a registered apprentice and an approximate time of three years working with a qualified technician, before challenging the qualification exam. An alternative equivalency process is also available. Your local Association has introduced a complementary package.

Included in the package:

•  Process for trades equivalency including application page

•  Curriculum of competencies required

•  Pre-license training class information

•  Fee information for license exam

If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact your local Collision Repair Association at
1-866-309-4272 or e-mail info@ciia.com

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Q. What is the "Right to Repair"?

A. All new vehicles are equipped with On-board diagnostics (OBD II) - they have computerized parts. In order to diagnose problems, repair or replace those parts, specialized electronic tools and update software is needed. Independent repair shops need the right to access the tools, training and software to repair and service today's vehicles. Many of the car manufacturers do not provide this access.

Q. Who is impacted?

A. Consumers! Without access to information, independent repair garages cannot adequately service the needs of their customers. This leaves consumers without a choice.

Q. Does this impact the Environment?

A. Yes! Fewer choices means longer wait times for repairs, longer distances to access repair facilities and some repairs that are left unchecked - all of which will have an impact on emissions.

Q. Does this impact road safety?

A. Yes! And for the same reasons it impacts the environment.

Q. Do other jurisdictions have legislation?

A. Yes! In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency mandates that emissions related diagnostic and repair information be made available at a fair and reasonable cost over the public internet.

Q. Is legislation necessary?

A. Yes! For a consistent, long term, made in Canada solution, a legislative approach is a prudent option.

Q. How does the Private Members Bill address the current access issues?

A. Mr. Masse's bill makes use of existing legislative tools by proposing changes to the Competition Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Q. What are the proposed changes to the Competition Act?

A. The Competition Act is Canada's primary legislative tool to prevent unfair trading practices. Section 75 of the Act is referred to as the "refusal to deal" section, where remedies may be imposed on companies to sell a product that is required for another company to adequately conduct its business. The proposed amendment to the Competition Act is intended to provide greater clarity for Section 75 by ensuring that "information" is deemed a product.

Q. What are the proposed changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)?

A. The proposed amendment would add a new section to the Act that clearly defines motor vehicles, motor vehicle owners and repair facilities. The amendment also adds a "Duty to disclose" feature that will compel the car companies to make information, tools and training available. It also ensures the information will be made available in a timely manor and at a reasonable cost.

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AUTOMECHANIKA
CANADA

SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2007
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

When would you be most likely to attend a trade show and/or conference program at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada?

Please check all that apply:

Wednesday
10am - 5pm 
12pm - 4pm 
4pm - 8pm 

Thursday
10am - 5pm 
12pm - 4pm 
4pm - 8pm 

Friday
10 - 3 
11 - 4 

Saturday
10 - 5 

(SEE HEADLINES)

September 26, 27, 28, 2007
International Centre - Toronto

Messe Frankfurt, the producer of eleven Automechanika automotive trade shows around the globe, is teaming up with CarFixWORLD to make Canada number twelve. With over 250 exhibitors and 4,000 attendees anticipated, Automechanika Canada is destined to be our country's largest aftermarket trade show.

To be held September 26-28 at Toronto's International Centre, the show has to be considered a giant leap forward for the Business Information Group (BIG). The publisher of SSGM and other automotive industry magazines, BIG realized that many players in the Canadian aftermarket - suppliers and retailers alike - wanted a comprehensive trade show.

"BIG's intuition and knowledge of the industry encouraged them to bankroll the inaugural CarFixWORLD event held last fall. To leverage that initial success into a partnership with Messe Frankfurt, and roll out Automechanika Canada a mere year later, well... I think that's praiseworthy to say the least," observed HARA President Tony Nigro. HARA ( the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association), was the prime organizer of the Career Day event at last year's CarFixWORLD show with almost 3000 interested students attending and learning. For more information on Career Day, see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/november06.html#2600

Anyone inclined to go "ho, hum" concerning the joint Messe Frankfurt/BIG announcement is missing its significance, according to Burkimsher. This puts the city of Toronto and the Canadian aftermarket on an international stage with Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Moscow, Rome, Shanghai, St. Petersburg and, of course, Frankfurt, where the Automechanika brand had its beginning, he said.

The 2006 Automechanika show in Frankfurt attracted an astounding 165,000 visitors, 40 percent of them from outside Germany. These attendees included a significant increase in top decision makers from previous years. In addition, 96 percent of all visitors were satisfied with the exhibits and product groups at the show. This growth and satisfaction is a trend throughout all the Automechanika shows worldwide, confirming a positive outlook for the future of the industry.

Automechanika Canada will cover the entire spectrum of the aftermarket:

Featured product groups will include parts & systems, accessories & tuning, repair & maintenance, service station & car wash and tires & wheels. Additional programs will include conference sessions featuring product innovation and technical training, career opportunities for apprentices and students, product demonstrations, and industry displays. The three-day event will offer exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products to thousands of service and repair shop owners, technicians, installers, jobbers, media, and industry professionals.

Discussions are underway with the Ontario affiliates of NATA - the National Automotive Trades Association to again manage the 'Career Day' student activities at the show. AARO and HARA, the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association, are the current Ontario-based members of NATA, a national affiliation of 'grassroots' service provider organizations.

For further information, visit www.AutomechanikaCanada.ca

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Top Ten Steps To A Safer And More Profitable Shop (20 pages)

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Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)

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Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)

NOTE: To view these files you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This Reader is free and you can download it from the Adobe Website