Hybrid-Electric Cars Subject Of Evening Course At Centennial College

With hybrid-electric vehicles becoming commonplace on Canadian roads, more and more auto technicians and drivers are curious about what goes on under the hood of these gas-saving cars and trucks.

To that end Centennial College, in collaboration with the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council, is offering a new training course on hybrid vehicle technology -- the first of its kind to be offered in Canada.

The 16-hour training course is designed to give participants an understanding of hybrid-electric technology, including critical safety issues and how to perform routine maintenance and service on current production hybrid component systems from leading manufacturers such as General Motors, Honda and Toyota.

The part-time course is intended for practicing automotive technicians that want to offer aftermarket service. It is also an invaluable aid to service advisors, autobody repairers or tow-truck operators who may be first at an accident scene involving a hybrid. Hybrid vehicle owners and enthusiasts can also enrol, although the level of technical information may be high for many laypersons.

A hybrid-electric vehicle combines a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor fed by an on-board rechargeable energy storage system. The presence of the high-voltage electrical system can be a potential hazard to technicians and shade-tree mechanics who wish to work on these vehicles.

Centennial's hybrid technology course begins Sept. 17 at its Ashtonbee Campus in Scarborough. The course is scheduled on Wednesday evenings in four-hour blocks over four weeks. A second class begins on Oct. 22.

For more details, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/parttime.

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The I-CAR ® EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND AKZONOBEL'S
"THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY"
OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE SIXTH YEAR

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 20, 2008- For the sixth consecutive year, the I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. and " The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry ," is proud to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity for female collision repair students.

In order to promote both the increasing importance of a skilled and educated workforce as well as recognizing the increasing leadership roles and growing opportunities for women in the industry, AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. has established the " Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry " program. This program annually recognizes the leadership contributions that are made by a unique group of individuals that have dedicated themselves to the betterment of this industry and their communities.

On behalf of " The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry ," AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. has chosen to donate funds to the I-CAR Education Foundation for scholarships to create additional opportunities for women in the collision industry. Applicants for the scholarships that are attending a secondary school must be a senior in a collision repair training class with plans to continue her education in the collision industry after graduation. Applicants from post-secondary schools must be enrolled in training programs relevant to collision repair. The monies will pay for post-secondary education, I-CAR coupons, the I-CAR Welding Qualification Test, and/or I-CAR credits (points) through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance SM .

This year, there will be two $5,000 winners; one winner from a secondary school and one winner from a post-secondary school. In addition, there will be six $2,500 runner-up scholarships. The Education Foundation will announce the winners at NACE this November.

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A total of 339 career and technical schools and colleges that are ASE-certified to the NATEF standards in collision repair and refinishing received a letter and student application for this scholarship. Both the female student applicant and instructor will submit an application in addition to a short essay explaining why the student should be awarded this scholarship.

"We want to thank AkzoNobel for providing this scholarship for the sixth year," said Russell Thrall, Interim Associate Director of the I-CAR Education Foundation. "It is a pleasure to administer this scholarship program for AkzoNobel and reward these talented, future female collision industry employees."

The Executive Committee of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees will make the final selection of winners. The Executive Committee consists of:

Chairman Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance Companies

Vice-Chairman Roland Taube, AkzoNobel Canada

Treasurer Doug Webb, CSi Complete

Secretary Steve Seidner, Seidner's Collision Centers

Trustee-at-Large Bill Daly, Allstate Insurance Company

Trustee-at-Large Gregory Settle, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Immediate Past Chairman Clark Plucinski, True2Form Collision Repair Centers

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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.

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GEARING UP FOR NEW SKILLS AT MOHAWK COLLEGE
McGuinty Government Expands Training Opportunities In Hamilton

More Hamilton-area students will get the skills they need to find good jobs with help from the Ontario government.

The province is investing $9.2 million in a new centre dedicated to growing the number of skilled apprentices in Ontario's burgeoning transportation industry. The Gerald Marshall Transportation Centre will house new equipment, labs and a shop able to accommodate up to three full-sized tractor trailers. Students will train for careers as auto mechanics, truck and coach technicians, and servicers. The building's official opening is slated for September 2009. 

The centre is part of a larger renovation project that will transform Mohawk's Stoney Creek campus into a major centre for skilled trades training and apprenticeships.  Once complete, the new space will allow Mohawk to increase enrolment in skilled trades programs to 870 a year.  It will also grow apprenticeship opportunities in the region by 35 per cent - or more than 3,500 students a year.

That growth will add more skilled tradespeople to Ontario's workforce .  This will help Ontario-based industries facing skilled labour shortages in areas such as construction transportation stay ahead.  It will also ensure the province remains strong and prosperous despite a changing economy.

QUOTES

"The skilled trades are the place to be. We have the jobs, but we need the people to fill them.  Now, Mohawk College will be able to train more students to go onto fulfilling careers," said Premier Dalton McGuinty. 

"We're investing in the skills and knowledge of our people so they can work in high-paying, skilled jobs that will strengthen our economy and improve everyone's quality of life," said Ted McMeekin, MPP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

"This investment is great news for our community - it will create jobs in the short-term and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the future," said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP Hamilton Mountain.

QUICK FACTS

• An apprentice is someone who learns a skilled trade on the job, under the direction of more experienced workers.
• Mohawk College trains 3,000 apprentices every year, making it one of Ontario's largest trainers of apprentices.
• Approximately 110,000 apprentices are currently learning a trade in Ontario.

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I-CAR ® TO PRESENT RESEARCH AND SEEK FEEDBACK FROM CANADIAN AUTO-COLLISION REPAIR INTER-INDUSTRY AT "TOWN HALL" ON OCTOBER 17

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 19, 2008 -I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has refocused its efforts in the Canadian market and will present the findings of research that it has undertaken at the

I-CAR Canada Annual Meeting scheduled for Friday, October 17 in Quebéc. The meeting will not only be an opportunity to hear the conclusions of the research, but will also serve as an invitation to inter-industry professionals to respond and share their thoughts.

I-CAR President and CEO, John Edelen, said, "I-CAR has undertaken the serious task of conducting research specific to Canada that will help us identify the training needs and level of support required by a training organization - as well as the potential role of I-CAR - in the Canadian auto collision repair inter-industry."

The research, which has been funded by I-CAR, will allow the training organization to take a more focused approach in identifying common training needs and the potential repositioning of I-CAR in Canada to support those needs.

I-CAR has scheduled its meeting in conjunction with the national meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) and the presence of participants for both events offers an opportunity for I-CAR to conduct a Canadian inter-industry "Town Hall" meeting, open to inter-industry professionals, in which they can learn more about the key findings of the research and share their ideas on the future of training for the collision repair inter-industry in Canada.

The Canadian inter-industry "Town Hall" meeting will include a presentation of research results, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Edelen and chaired by I-CAR Chairman of the International Board of Directors, Robby Robbs, which will offer a response to key findings. The session will conclude with an opportunity for input from the audience.

The "Town Hall" is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on October 17 th , at the Montreal Hilton, Dorval, Quebéc, and will lead into a day-long series of I-CAR and industry events.

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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.

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The bill is the result of much hard work by an "Auto Body Working Group" established several years ago by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Ron Mariano, which included all interested parties and key members of legislature, including Senate Chairman Stephen Buoniconti. It included some of the strongest anti-steering language ever drafted and addresses not only auto body steering, but glass company steering and rental car steering issues as well.

In addition, the bill would authorize Massachusetts repair shops to send, and insurers to approve, supplement request via internet rather than the current personal inspection requirement, would make it illegal for insurers to offer to warranty or guarantee repairs, requires shops to increase their equipment requirements for licensure, requires insurers to distribute one list free of any highlights or asterisks that identify the shops as a participant in an insurer program, and require the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct a "Market Conduct" study by the end of this year.

House Bill 5056 is also an important and necessary compliment to the success of the Auto Insurance Reform measures already enacted and advocated for by Governor Deval Patrick. It would establish accountability for insurers and repairers and allow a competitive free market system to replace the overly burdensome statutes and regulations that have become barriers to both consumers free choice of collision repairer, glass repair, and rental car company, allowing those companies to compete fairly and freely against one another for customers.

"Massachusetts recently passed laws promoted by Governor Patrick to encourage competition in the insurance industry," said MABA spokesman Stephen Regan. "House Bill 5056 is the final piece of that puzzle and will compliment the Governor's initiative by creating more competition, more products, and better services by collision repairers and other segments of our industry."

Another important aspect of the bill is it will not increase insurance cost for consumers or insurers, which enabled MABA to obtain support from insurers for the reform bill. In fact, it should reduce the overall cost of repairs by allowing for faster repair times through a more efficient supplement process and requiring repairers to upgrade their equipment. The bill, according to Regan, was a true compromise of all the parties involved who understood the need to make reforms to an industry that has had no meaningful reform since 1988.

Regan also credited the legislators who participated in the "Working Group" who spent a great deal of time listening to both sides and evaluating all the facts and following through on their commitment to their constituents to make the necessary changes to resolve the multiple problems facing the collision repair industry. He also said that with the bill having passing the House of Representatives that many repairers better understand the importance of their participation.

"The passage of this bill also shows that the Legislature listened to repairers and believed them and now understands the severity of some of the problems in our industry with respect to steering and other issues," said Regan. "Repairers are often frustrated at government inaction and may feel their efforts a waste of time. This action shows their efforts paid off."

Regan said MABA is encouraging all collision repairers in the state to contact their local state Senator and get them to support passage of House Bill 5056. If someone is unaware of who their Senator or State Representatives is they may go to the following link at the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office and type in their home or business address at: www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php or they can contact the MABA office at 1-800-ITS-MABA.

Courtesy of www.autobodyonline.com )

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Alberta Collision Labour Rates: $87/hour With Annual Increases for Inflation
By Victor Marciano

To arrive at a number that would fix our industry, we needed to look at what it would take to make collision repair attractive to future apprentices and current journeymen, and then work backward from that wage.

"If you were to pay me and everyone else $150/hour starting tomorrow, that would not immediately solve the problems in this industry!"

"Thirty years of pressure from our insurance partners have made us excellent managers."

"The best-case scenario is that with a drastic increase in pay we might graduate 500 technicians in Alberta over the next 7 years. That would not be enough to replace the technicians who will retire out of our industry over the same period."

EDMONTON (April 21, 2008)
I am staring out my window at 10 inches of snow during a late April blizzard and the radio is talking about close to a thousand collisions and vehicles ending up off the roads across Alberta in the last few days. It is time to think and talk about labour rates.

Last October, ASRA and 10 collision shops from around Alberta met with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and claims or appraisal managers for 10 major insurers. At this meeting I mentioned that many insurers were paying labour rates in the high $50s and several were just into the $60s. I said it was the opinion of ASRA that in the very near future the lowest price that insurers will pay will be over $60 and that, if the weather created more accidents, $70 was not unlikely before the end of 2007.

That provoked several comments. Jim Rivait of the Insurance Bureau of Canada put it most succinctly with two rapid fire questions: How did you come up with that number? Will prices above $60 solve any of the ongoing issues in the industry?

How did I come up with the $60 and $70 amounts?
My answer was that the marketplace was going to come up with that number, and the single most important determinant of $60 was that collision shops didn't think insurers were ready to accept the real number that was necessary. I thought that $60 to $70 was a step towards the right number, and probably as big a step as insurers could stomach.

Will prices above $60 solve any of the ongoing issues in the industry?
That was answered very quickly by one of the shop owners present. He stated "if you were to pay me and everyone else $150/hour starting tomorrow, that would not immediately solve the problems in this industry!" He continued, "We have screwed up this industry over the last 30 years and to fix it will take at least five to ten years. There are no workers and it is going to take time to create the workers. Time and money."

At that point, the most senior insurance manager in the room asked: "What is the right number? What should the labour rate be to solve the problems in the Collision industry?" It is the most important question an insurance executive has ever asked me and I want to share my answer to him with you.

I told him that to arrive at a number that would fix our industry we needed to look at what it would take to make collision repair attractive to future apprentices and current journeymen, and then work backward from that wage.

In the Alberta marketplace, any worker with enough gumption to get out of bed in the morning, put on his steel-toed boots, get to work on time, and have just a little "handyness" will make over $60,000 a year in the oil patch or the heavy construction industry. And, if they are any good, and want to work harder, or they have a trade, they will earn much, much more.

To compete, I felt that the collision industry needs to pay its journeymen an average of $35 per hour, straight time or flat rate - it doesn't matter. That would allow us to pay "the kid fresh off the street" about $18 per hour. That's $18 to push the broom, wash some cars and sign up to be a 1st year apprentice. Enough for them to hang around, learn something, and maybe develop affection for our trade. That may sound like a lot of money, but in Alberta, Costco pays more to run their tills and Tim Horton's pays $14, plus benefits to have someone pour coffee.

Eighteen dollars per hour for a kid who knows nothing and $35 for the average journeyman would likely be enough to lure new workers and retain some of our more experienced workers. Like I said, straight time or flat rate, it doesn't matter - many of the workers remaining in the industry have a heck of a time being 100% efficient and it will take $35 straight time to keep them. The ones who do well on $35 per hour flat rate will do very well. But then, there are many people in the oil patch, heavy construction and other industries with fewer skills and less drive than a top flat-rate technician, and they routinely have $150K plus years.

So where does the labour rate need to be to allow a shop to pay its average tech $35 and its know-nothing new hire $18 for every hour worked?
In other automotive and mechanical industries the answer is easy: the business bills out at three times what it pays its technicians. It has been that way for 50 years. It is a business model that is profitable and allows businesses to invest in staying current with training and technology.

However, the collision industry is more efficient than those other industries. Thirty years of pressure from our insurance partners have made us excellent managers and have created a different ratio of pay to bill. As near as I can tell, instead of paying employees one third of what they bill out, collision shops pay about 40% of what they bill. Right now, in Alberta a $60 per hour labour rate translates to about $24 per hour for the average journeyman. So, at 40%, to get to a marketplace competitive rate of $35 per hour for an average journeyman we need labour rates of $87 per hour. And we need to keep them competitive with the marketplace; that means they will have to track inflation - about 3% per year in Alberta.

$87 per hour seems like a lot given that the top paying insurance company in Alberta is at $70 and most are just over $60, but that is what it will take to make the collision industry competitive in terms of attracting the next generation of employees, and keeping this generation.

At the meeting, several insurers pointed out that this would be an increase of over $20 dollars, but only $11 dollars of that would go to employees. That is the other side of the equation, collision shops need that money to deal with technological change and bringing their facilities up to the level they should be at. Waterborne paint, new paint booths and respirations systems, new welders and frame machines - all of these investments are missing in Alberta's collision facilities. The extra money is needed to make these businesses attractive and progressive work places.

$87 per hour, indexed to inflation - and it needs to happen very, very soon. If we started tomorrow, it would still take 5 years for "fresh young kids" to become journeymen. And remember that more than 50% of the kids you hire at the competitive $18 per hour will wash out of the trade and never become journeyman.

The best-case scenario is that with a drastic increase in pay we might graduate 500 technicians in Alberta over the next 7 years. That would not be enough to replace the technicians who will retire out of our industry over the same period.

ONTARIO'S MAJOR AUTOMOTIVE TRADE ASSOCIATIONS TO WORK TOGETHER
ON BEHALF OF SERVICE PROVIDERS

OARA, AARO and CIIA.COM
will jointly partner and promote projects

Burlington, ON, Hamilton, ON and London, ON - August, 2008

Automotive recyclers and mechanical and collision repair service providers in Ontario now have a better opportunity to work together in support of key projects and initiatives, and to help further business relationships throughout the automotive service industry.

The three Ontario-based associations with large memberships in the automotive motive power industry in Ontario and have now agreed to more effectively work together on behalf of service providers.

After a meeting in Burlington, Ontario, the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) representing auto recyclers, the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) representing automotive mechanical repair facilities, and the Collision Industry Information and Assistance association (www.ciia.com), who represent eight regional collision repair associations, have started a process to better help one another and their memberships.

"With almost fifteen hundred members across Ontario, the associations felt that working together more effectively would be one of the best things we could do to help our respective industry sectors and members. We had many times in the past worked together to resolve common problems, and have concluded that a formal joint effort to address issues will provide more emphasis, better input and a broader consensus than any of us could achieve independently," said Bill Burkimsher, Executive Director of AARO.

The three associations, the largest in Canada's largest province, are affiliates of the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA), a national umbrella organization serving "grassroots" automotive service providers from coast-to-coast.

"This was a natural progression for us," said Steve Fletcher of the recyclers association. "With the mechanical and collision repair trades as our major customers, our Members can now have a better relationship with them." As well, says Steve, "we get much better feedback and keep ourselves better informed and involved on major issues."

The decision to work more closely was echoed by John Norris for the collision repair industry association. "We had often spoken together about issues that now can be more strongly supported and encouraged by all associations, not just one at a time."

For more information on the trade associations:

Automotive recycling  /   www.oara.com
Mechanical repair  /   www.aaro.ca
Collision repair/painting  /   www.ciia.com
National association  /   www.natacanada.ca

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STATE FARM ® CONTRIBUTES To The I-CAR ® Education Foundation To
Support Students Seeking A Career In The Collision Industry

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 18, 2008- State Farm Insurance Companies contributed $60,000 in June to support the I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

"On behalf of the I-CAR Education Foundation, I would like to thank State Farm for their generous contribution," said Russell Thrall, Interim Associate Director for the I-CAR Education Foundation. "State Farm truly understands that the future of the collision industry is in the hands of today's students. Their contribution shows their dedication to providing the best resources for those schools and students. With this donation, the Education Foundation will be able to focus on providing curriculum grants, instructor training grants, and student scholarships to help ensure a successful future for the collision industry."

"There is no more fundamental way to support the health of the collision repair industry than to support the secondary and post-secondary education system that feeds the industry," said Chris Evans, Claim Consultant State Farm Insurance Companies. "It is vital that we all do our part to encourage education through support of the instructors, students and the schools themselves. State Farm is very proud to support the I-CAR Education Foundation in its efforts."

State Farm ® insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve more than 78 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State

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Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. Being a mutual company that is not publicly traded allows State Farm Mutual to focus on its policyholders and employ a long-term view in serving its customers' needs. State Farm is ranked No. 32 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com ® or in Canada statefarm.ca

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.

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CARSTAR Franchisees Break Record and Raise Over $80,000
During This Year's 'Soaps it Up' Campaign

HAMILTON, ON - July 11, 2008 - Hundreds of CARSTAR franchisees and volunteers helped raise over $80,000 for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) and other local fundraising groups at the fifth annual CARSTAR 'Soaps it Up!' for Cystic Fibrosis National Car Wash' Day. This year, there were more than 55 car wash events across the country and last year's total was surpassed by $15,000.

"I am very impressed with this year's 'Soaps it Up' fundraising campaign," said Sam Mercanti, President and CEO, CARSTAR Automotive Canada. "We beat last year's total and couldn't have done it without the support of our franchisees and partners as well as CCFF volunteers, local fundraising groups and the CARSTAR staff members across the country. We continue to be amazed by the effort put forth by our franchisees and their demonstration of commitment to their communities."

CARSTAR volunteers, community groups and local chapters of the CCFF helped 'soap up' over 4,000 vehicles during the event, which took place on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The theme for this year's campaign was 'help us find a cure one car at a time'.

"Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating disease that affects too many children in Canada," said Mercanti. "We're inspired by the families who battle against CF every day."

All of the money raised at the event will go to support the CCFF as well as local sports teams and community groups. The monies raised for the Foundation will be directed toward research and treatment. In 2008, the CCFF will fund more than 50 research projects that are exploring all aspects of the CF puzzle, including research into lung transplantation.

"CARSTAR has been a wonderful, generous donor for more than 10 years," said Julie Cookson, Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We accept this generous contribution from the 'Soaps it Up' campaign and thank the CARSTAR network of franchisees for their continued support of the Foundation and its research towards a cure or effective control for cystic fibrosis."

A multi-organ disease affecting primarily the lungs and the digestive system, CF is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians.

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NEW PROGRAM IN THE WORKS FOR TIRE RECYCLING

McGuinty Government Says Action Needed On Tire Stockpiles

A new tire recycling program is under development by Waste Diversion Ontario.

The province has directed the group to:

• develop a program that will recycle 90 per cent of Ontario's used tires by its fifth year
• design a plan to clean-up existing tire stockpiles as quickly as possible
• ensure that the program is self-funding, with an industry organization collecting program fees from tire producers. No fees will go to government.

Over 10 million used tires need to be managed each year in Ontario. Currently, about half are being shipped out of province for use as fuel, or are being stockpiled, many illegally. Stockpiled tires are a serious fire hazard and can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes if not managed properly. The rest are being recycled or shredded for use as landfill cover.

This new program, due to the Minister of the Environment by the end of the year, is to include all truck and car tires, off-road tires, and industry/farm vehicle tires. It must also ensure there are greater incentives for reusing and recycling.

QUOTES

"It's time Ontario had a used tire diversion program," said Environment Minister John Gerretsen. "We want to ensure used tires are turned into valuable products - not dumped in a farmer's field where they can become health and safety hazards. I'm also expecting the program to foster Ontario-based technologies for making new products from scrap tires."

"As the country's leading retailer of automotive products and a company that has taken the initiative to recycle tires for many years, we applaud the minister's move to bring a regulated program to Ontario and look forward to rolling it out to our stores across the province," said Mike Arnett, President, Canadian Tire Retail.

"This is exciting news for us," said Greg Bavington, Chief Executive Officer of National Rubber Technologies, a manufacturer of rubber products for the automotive, industrial and manufacturing sectors. "This will enable us to invest in new technologies, which could mean more jobs; the possibilities are tremendous."

QUICK FACTS

• No fees will flow to the government. Vehicle and tire manufacturers, tire importers and retailers with their own brand of tires will pay a fee to an industry group to cover program costs.
• All other provinces have tire programs and are achieving upwards of 90 per cent collection and recycling rates.
• Scrap tires can be turned into rubberized asphalt to pave streets and highways, playground equipment and surfaces, athletic field turf and running tracks, rubber flooring products, surfacing for walking trails, interlocking patio bricks, roofing shingles, parking curbs and speed bumps, livestock feeders and troughs, landscape mulch, belts and guitar straps, and parts for new vehicles.
• Tire retailers currently charge Ontarians $3 or more for the handling/disposal of every old tire, generating about $30 million with no formal program in place to ensure that these used tires are recycled.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR Announces New Executive Committee

For improved strategic purposes and better financial planning, the I-CAR training organization will change its fiscal year to correspond with the calendar year. Implementation of this change required a shortened, interim fiscal year of July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 (termed F'08.5).

Sam Pezzullo of State Farm Insurance continues as the Canadian representative on the I-CAR International Board of Directors.

The board elected the following officers and executive committee for F'08.5: Chairman Robby Robbs, NuCon Services Inc.; Vice Chairman Tom Moreland, Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc.; Secretary Chad Sulkala, Allstate Insurance Company; Treasurer Mike Schoonover, Schoonover Bodyworks Inc. for Automotive Service Association; Member-at-Large Elise Quadrozzi, AssuranceAmerica; and Member-at-Large Terry Angell, Warren Tech.

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TOM MCGEE TO LEAVE I-CAR

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL -August 12, 2008 - Today, John Edelen, I-CAR's President and CEO, announced that Tom McGee will be leaving the organization to pursue other interests.

"Tom McGee has been a great asset for I-CAR and for the auto collision inter-industry. He has been a loyal and selfless champion of I-CAR, here in North America, and in New Zealand and Australia", said Edelen. "A true visionary, Tom McGee has influenced many of the positive developments that I-CAR has been able to achieve over the past decade and a half. The evolution and development of the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an industry standard for the research and production of quality technical training for the inter-industry was due, in large part, to Tom's personal vision and his tireless commitment to bring it about. Tom was integral in the decision to establish the I-CAR Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, Illinois."

Edelen went on to say, "Tom McGee's real legacy at I-CAR will be the thousands of students who have benefitted from I-CAR courses developed with his involvement and under his direction, and the I-CAR staff whom he has developed for the benefit of the inter-industry. I-CAR is grateful for Tom's many contributions over the years, and we wish him great success in the future."

The areas of Product Operations, Industry Relations, the I-CAR Training Alliance, and International, for which Mr. McGee was responsible, will be re-assigned among I-CAR's staff directors.

(See Headlines)

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2008 I-CAR ® CANADA
INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 17

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 8, 2008 - Don't miss the opportunity to join others in the collision repair inter-industry in Québec for the 2008 I-CAR Canada International Annual Meeting on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Hilton Montréal Airport hotel in Dorval, Québec. This eventful meeting will offer the following:

Opportunities for I-CAR Canada Program Instructors and Volunteers

I-CAR program instructors and volunteers will be provided the latest information and future direction of I-CAR in a breakout session just for program instructors and volunteers.

Dinner & Recognition Program

Join I-CAR in recognizing program instructors and volunteers for their continued support and efforts to increase professionalism within the industry by conducting I-CAR training. These individuals serve as the 'frontline' of I-CAR to the industry and will be honored during this event. This will prove to be a great opportunity to network with existing industry friends and also meet with new contacts.

I-CAR Training

Morning and afternoon I-CAR classes will be available for industry professionals at a discounted rate to achieve or maintain their Gold Class Professionals TM and Platinum Individual TM designations. Choose from Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01); Vehicle Identification, Estimating Systems, and Terminology (DAM01); Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07); and Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08).

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Businesses can show their commitment to training by participating as an event sponsor. Please contact Joe Da Cunha at I-CAR Canada at 416.996.1949 for sponsorship opportunities.

Additional details and registration information will be available soon.

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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)

Akzo nobel Contributes $7,500 TO the I-CAR ® Education Foundation to
SUPPORT THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 6, 2008-Akzo Nobel contributed $7,500 in May to support the I-CAR Education Foundation's mission. The $7,500 contribution to the Education Foundation Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

"Akzo Nobel has already impacted career and technical education through their Most Influential Women in Collision Repair Industry student scholarship that has been offered for the past five years," said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. "However, Akzo Nobel is continuing to improve the collision repair education system with their generous donation to the I-CAR Education Foundation. With this contribution, the Education Foundation will have the tools they need to be able to continue offering student scholarships, instructor training grants, and curriculum grants."  

"Creating opportunities for our current workforce, growing a pool of future talent, and ensuring that both are properly educated is critical to the advancement of the collision industry," noted Tom Moreland, Director of National Accounts for Akzo Nobel Car Refinish Americas.  Moreland continued, "This contribution, along with those that are made available through out Most Influential Women in Collision Repair Industry program, represents the regard that Akzo Nobel has for the work of the I-CAR Education Foundation."

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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.

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THINKING OF GOING TO LAS VEGAS FOR INDUSTRY WEEK?

REGISTER THROUGH US AND SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION AT THE SAME TIME!
YOUR CODE IS "27"

The National Automotive Trades Association has partnered with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in conjunction with their Automotive Service & Repair Week (NACE and CARS) for the purpose of promoting more Canadian participation at North America's premier annual auto industry event. NATA will have a booth at NACE and will receive credit for every new registration generated through our special online registration link.

REGISTER NOW!

For more information:
www.NACEexpo.com
www.CARSevent.com

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Apprenticeship Innovation Fund - Call for Proposals

An Apprenticeship Innovation Fund (AIF) Call for Proposals (CFP) has been posted on the Employment Ontario Partners' Gateway website at http://eopg.ca/eng/AIFguide.html . The CFP will close on Friday September 5, 2008. This CFP will be of interest to individuals, educational institutions and training organizations interested in the revision and/or creation of apprenticeship in-school curriculum standards and apprenticeship exemption tests.

There are a total of eleven (11) discrete projects involving both curriculum standards and/or exemption tests in the following apprenticeship trades: Agricultural Equipment Technician 425A
Architectural Glass and Metal Technician 424A
Automotive Service Technician 310S
Dairy Herdsperson 640D
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician 421A
Horse Groom 600H
Information Technology Technical Support Agent 634A
Information Technology Inside Sales Agent 634D
Information Technology Customer Care Agent 634E
Plumber 306A
Powered Lift Truck Technician 282E
Pressure Systems Welder
Railway Car Technician 268R
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic 313A
Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic 313D
Terrazzo Tile and Marble Setter 241A
Truck and Coach Technician 310T

Questions regarding the requirements and content of the CFP will be accepted  by terry.hesketh@ontario.ca . Responses will be provided and posted on http://eopg.ca/eng/AIFguide.html    by August 18, 2008.

Please advise if contact names should be deleted and/or
revised for future AIF -CFP.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2009 I-CAR ® INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING - 30 th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN WASHINGTON, DC

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - July 25, 2008 - I-CAR will host its 2009 International Annual Meeting - 30 th Anniversary Celebration February 5 - 7, 2009, held at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This event will be one to remember, as I-CAR will recognize those in the past and present who have dedicated themselves to educating others and leading the industry into the future! The I-CAR International Annual Meeting will bring together hundreds of collision industry professionals from across the United States and Canada. "This meeting is truly a celebration of thirty years serving the inter-industry with timely and relevant training," exclaimed John Edelen, I-CAR President and CEO. "Formed by the inter-industry three decades ago, I-CAR has always served as a forum to bring all facets of the inter-industry together - collision repair; insurance; OE; education; tool, equipment, and supply; and other related services all under the umbrella of continued training to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and techniques. With the necessary feedback we receive from the inter-industry, I-CAR plans to serve the inter-industry for another thirty years and beyond." For registration information and event details please refer to the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com . Mark your calendars now for this important inter-industry celebration!

### 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.

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EDELEN RECAPS I-CAR ® FISCAL YEAR SUCCESSES AND FUTURE VISION
DURING ANNUAL MEETING CEO ADDRESS

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - July 25, 2008 - I-CAR CEO & President John Edelen highlighted the successes of the company's past fiscal year and provided insight into the future during the company's International Annual Meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The past fiscal year, Fiscal '08, was described by Edelen as, "A Year of Change and a Year of Progress." Edelen pointed to the major fiscal year accomplishments being: •  Improving our engagement with the marketplace - Among our accomplishments in Fiscal '08, I-CAR must recognize the work of our committees, volunteers and program instructors - supported by Field Operations and Marketing - in achieving the levels of training activity in the local marketplace that are in keeping with the training needs of the industry and the role of I-CAR to meet them. The level of improvement over Fiscal '07 is truly noteworthy. •  Obtaining the voice of the customer - By utilizing the Industry Segment Advisory Councils, the Market Segment Teams, industry surveys, and other means, I-CAR is gaining direct input from the industry on how the training organization can better serve the industry and provide the training needed to repair today's vehicles. •  Building upon a strong foundation of volunteers and program instructors through improved support - Edelen commented at length about the contributions of what he termed, "I-CAR 's Frontlines." "For me, the local market network of committees, volunteers and program instructors is at the heart of I-CAR. It is largely where the heritage and traditions of this organization are kept alive. It has been the eyes and ears of the organization, as well, over the years - providing insights and feedback on the needs of our customer, the auto collision inter-industry. Since last November, we have begun to supplement the feedback we get from the frontlines with other mechanisms: -More- Industry Segment Advisory Councils, Market Segment Teams, industry relations activities, and others." Edelen continued, "But, at the end of the day, it is our volunteers and program instructors who see first-hand how what we do creates a valuable training experience, or misses the mark. My commitment to this group is to continue to explore the most efficient and effective ways to capture the observations and the thoughts that you have, and to use them constructively. We must continue to enhance the I-CAR training and service experience at a market level. And, of course, we will continue to work with the International Advisory Committee as a channel for your feedback, as well." •  Improving the infrastructure for improved quality and efficiency - Over the course of the past twelve months, a number of changes within the I-CAR organization, in its business processes and in its approach to technology will provide improved capability to identify and to respond to the needs of the inter-industry. At the conclusion of the presentation Edelen announced that I-CAR will celebrate its 30 th anniversary at the 2009 I-CAR International Annual Meeting being held February 5 - 7, 2009, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This event will combine the annual meeting of the I-CAR membership, company board meetings, and a national conference for I-CAR volunteers and program instructors. Additional information will be posted at
www.i-car.com about this event as it becomes available.

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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.

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CITY GETS TOUGH ON COLLISION REPAIR AND TOWING "CHASERS"
Up to $100,000 penalties and tow truck impoundment

July 25, 2008

Saying that is it inappropriate to be asking people to agree to services at that point in time when they are under stress, the City of Hamilton, Ontario has introduced one of the toughest measures to stop accident scene solicitation. Hamilton has seen numerous fights between commission salespersons or accident scene "Chasers", one including use of knives, as they try and solicit business for towing and collision repair from often dazed or injured auto accident victims. Industry insiders tell of horror stories for consumers, as the collision repair shop cuts corners, adds additional fees or engages in fraudulent activity in order to generate the money needed for the Chaser's cash commission, which can be as much as 15% of the repair costs. The new bylaw was introduced at the request of the Hamilton Police Service and the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) and has an accompanying brochure that is available to warn consumers about the problems with chasing. ( www.ciia.com under "Printable Documents") The new by-law provides for: -No solicitation or offer of business services within 200 meters of an apparent vehicle accident -No solicitation within 200 meters of anyone entering or leaving a Collision Reporting Centre -No solicitation or hiring of a tow truck or making or conveying an offer of towing services within 200 meters of an accident or Collision Reporting Centre -That police or other officers have the right to issue either tickets or summons -Conviction carries fines up to $5,000 on first offense and $100,000 on third offence -Upon discovery of a tow truck in contravention of the bylaw, police are authorized to cause the tow truck to be moved or impounded and all costs and charges for removal, care and storage of the tow truck, if any, shall be in the form of a lien against the truck. It is expected that the City of Hamilton bylaw will be a model for other municipalities with similar problems. Copies of the by-law and City background report are available at 1 866 309 4272 or
e-mail info@ciia.com

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Crime Stoppers and Kingston Police are looking to the public to shed some light on the Cold Case disappearance and believed homicide, of Gord Andrew Cameron.

On March 26, 1993 Gord Cameron was reported missing by a family member. At the time of his disappearance, 30 year-old Gord was 171 lbs, 5'11" tall with brown hair in a short ponytail and brown eyes. He was self-employed as an auto body repair man and his shop was situated at Brule Road and Highway 2. His dental records are on file.Kingston Police are offering a reward of $25,000 (until mid-September 2007) for evidence leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Gord Andrew Cameron, and/or information leading to the location and recovery of his remains. If you wish to remain anonymous however, Crime Stoppers will always pay a reward of up to $2,000 for this information.

BASIC ESTIMATING COURSES OFFERED

More of the popular training
Commencing August 11th

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 August 11 th , two classes per week over a three-week period. Time & Locations:
Agincourt Mazda
5500 Finch Avenue
Scarborough, ON
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Monday and Wednesday evenings, commencing Monday, August 11th, 2008. 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
(Registration Deadline Is August 1, 2008)

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Are You A High Opportunity Company? How to prepare for the new MOL-WSIB health and safety campaign

In the next few months, 11,000 service sector workplaces with room for improvement in their health and safety performance, will be approached by one of Ontario's three prevention partners: the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA), Ministry of Labour (MOL), or Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB). The outreach program was launched in April 2008, and replaces the MOL High Risk and Last Chance initiatives with a single, combined program, using new criteria. It is a five-year program intended to help the WSIB and MOL meet an aggressive goal called the "Road to Zero": to reduce lost-time injuries by 35 per cent over the next five years. Hope for the carrot If you're one of the 11,000 firms identified as "high opportunity," you want to hope you're one of the lucky ones whose letter comes from your designated health and safety association, the OSSA. This means you're being offered a "carrot"-an opportunity to work voluntarily and collaboratively with OSSA professionals to build on the positive things you may already be doing to drive down injury rates at your firm. Take advantage of this invitation to fine-tune your health and safety system, and avoid reappearing on the list next year. Prepare for the stick If, however, your visit or letter comes from the MOL or WSIB, it means you could be facing MOL orders or a Workwell audit. If inspectors have already arrived at your door, the two most important things you can do are cooperate fully, and don't procrastinate. Orders often have short deadlines, so invest whatever time and money is required to implement your fix, fast. See "Don't walk this road alone," below. Avoid surprises If you suspect you might be identified as high opportunity, but haven't yet been contacted, be prepared by being informed. Here's how the initiative works: •  The MOL and WSIB assessed all 200,000 of the active firms registered with the WSIB prior to 2006, comparing each firm's health and safety data with its predominant rate group; 37,000 firms were selected to receive assistance with their health and safety program, 11,000 of them in the service sector. •  The criteria for selection uses WSIB data and rate groups that firms are already familiar with, so you can understand exactly how you are doing and why you have been approached; for example: •  Overall injury and illness performance (as per lost-time and no-lost-time injury rates; claim costs; and growth in insurable earnings) in 2006;

•  A traumatic fatality in 2005 or 2006; •  A record of safety incidents that is higher than that of the firm's peer group; •  An escalation of safety incidents year over year; •  Claims associated with one or more of the four priority hazard areas. Don't walk this road alone

OSSA is your WSIB-approved provider of health and safety solutions. OSSA consultants have the experience and expertise you need to get out of trouble, and more important, help you build a durable health and safety culture in your organization. Ask for these OSSA interventions:

•  Compliance checklist: it will walk you through the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. •  Professional review of your Joint Health & Safety Committee; health and safety policy and program; hazards; and orientation training. Find out what MOL inspectors typically look for. •  Practice Workwell Audit: be prepared by voluntarily stepping through the process. •  Customized recovery plan for your firm. •  Health and safety compliance training. Do it your way

The best part about being proactive? You implement a health and safety program that prevents injuries, saves lives and reduces your costs-and you do it at your pace, on your terms, and bearing your brand. That's not all. By helping to drive down injury rates and costs across our industry, you'll be contributing to lower WSIB premiums and a happier, more productive workforce across the province.

If you have questions or need help, call the OSSA at 1-888-478-6772 or e-mail info@ossa.com .

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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

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Top Ten Steps To A Safer And More Profitable Shop (20 pages)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)

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