Secondary school students attending the Centennial College Industry Career Day tours of the College's newly refurbished autobody lab, will see a special student - prepared race car.

PPG Canada's CertifiedFirst program is sponsoring the Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School's entry of a 2005 Scorelite Racer, the entry that came 3rd in its class at the 2005 Baja 1000 road race in Ensaneada, Mexico.

The College is opening its autobody training and apprenticeship facility to students and shop visitors between 1:00 and 5:00 pm on Tuesday February 28, 2006 as part of a day-long student autobody awareness and evening industry dinner program.

With over 400 young people sending in applications for autobody training, the future looks bright for the College and students learning the autobody and collision repair trade.

During the afternoon tour times, students can speak with apprenticeship counselors and visit potential employers in the Employers Interview Area. Air bag demonstrations are featured to showcase new technologies with new equipment and services being highlighted, by industry companies such as Lincoln Electric, 3M Canada, and ADP Claims Solutions Group.

As an additional incentive, the school that sends the most students to the afternoon events will win a free car for their school's automotive lab courtesy of Toyota Canada and free frame dimension software from Mitchell International.

Centennial College's Ashtonbee campus (at Warden Ave, Toronto) is the site of an almost $1 million remodeling of the autobody training and apprenticeship facility.

For more information on participating in the free tours or for evening dinner tickets please contact Maria at 416-289-5000 ext 7310 or John at 1-866-309-4272

More information can be found at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/newsevents.html#111

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College offers Awards Dinner and Career Day tours for potential workers

Centennial College's Toronto Ashtonbee campus (at Warden Ave) is the site of an almost $1 million remodeling of the autobody training and apprenticeship facility.

On Tuesday February 28, 2006, the College and the collision repair industry will host an Awards Dinner to recognize those companies and individuals who have donated equipment, services and funds to the upgrading of the autobody training lab and to other schools across the country.

The 6:15 p.m. start allows for dinner guests to tour the new lab, see displays and air bag demonstrations, and better understand the opportunities with apprenticeship and other autobody training at the College

With over 400 young people sending in applications for autobody training, the future looks bright for the College and the young people learning the autobody and collision repair trade.

Special guests from Canada Skills, community college and industry are speaking at the dinner, with testimonials from former successful graduates being offered, donations to the training program being made public and a new industry program to better place young workers with a single-call help centre being unveiled.

In the afternoon, free school tours are offered, with an opportunity for students to talk to apprenticeship staff, suppliers and manufacturers. Students are urged to bring their resumes to the Employer Interview area, where shop owners are invited to participate in hiring interviews.

The school that brings the most students to the afternoon autobody lab tour wins a car for their school's automotive program, courtesy of Toyota Canada Inc.

Tickets for the dinner are going fast. For ticket ordering or to sponsor or donate to the College program please call Maria at 416 289 5000 x7310 or Michelle at 1 866 309 4272.

Online ordering is also available here

BUS SUBSIDY NOW AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS

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George Kneller said “to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted.” As a leader, you need to be able to renew your business if you are playing to win. This year’s upcoming AIA Canada Aftermarket Conference for Executives (ACE) can help you do just that. The Aftermarket Conference for Executives was developed by AIA to provide professional management development and an overview of business trends for executives and senior management. Some of the speakers presenting at this year’s ACE include:

Dr. J.P. Pawliw-Fry is an author, columnist and performance coach to Olympic athletes and business leaders. He melds state-of-the-art research with powerful inspiration to create thought-provoking and moving presentations. An expert in emotional intelligence, he is one of the world's most highly sought-after speakers on the topic.

Ken Wong is an award-winning professor and frequently cited marketing authority. He is a Professor of Business, expert in marketing and business strategy, and co-author of Canada’s largest-selling introductory marketing text, Basic Marketing. He is also the Chair of PBB Global Logistics, one of the largest physical distribution and customs clearing agencies in Canada.

The Honourable John Manley has held several senior portfolios in the Canadian federal government. He has been recognized for his success in forging powerful cross-border partnerships and for his global initiatives in technology, education and business. Mr. Manley will focus his remarks on global trade, NAFTA and emerging trade blocks.

Robin Sharma is the author of seven #1 international bestsellers and one of the world's top experts on leadership, change management and personal mastery. His clients include many of the FORTUNE 500 including Nike, FedEx, IBM, Microsoft, Kraft Foods, and Panasonic. A former litigation lawyer, holding two law degrees including a Masters of Law, Robin is also a leading executive coach, having worked with billionaires, major CEOs and celebrity entrepreneurs.

This is one event you won’t want to miss! Mark your Calendars – April 18-19, 2006 in Quebec City at the Chateau Frontenac Hotel. Attached is the full program for the conference. You can mail in your registration or sign up online at AIA’s website at www.aiacanada.com.

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Auto service industry running on empty

Independents will feel sting of retirements

By Dean Askin - Business Edge
Published: 09/29/2005 - Vol. 1, No. 19

A combination of misconceptions, awareness and hiring attitudes, along with industry changes and education funding cuts, is driving automotive service and repair businesses ever closer to a labour crisis, educators and industry people say.

There are not enough trained young people to fill the gaps when Baby Boomer technicians start hitting retirement age in the next few years. The industry has been aware of the problem for several years, but has not found a solution.

According to the Ottawa-based Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council, an automotive service industry advocacy group, nearly 50 per cent of about 200,000 automotive technicians are older than 40. Less than eight per cent are under 25.

"There'll probably be a point where we look at whether there are people from other trades with transferable skills who are interested in coming into automotive and people trained in other countries ... that with some upgrading could work very effectively in our industry," says Jennifer Steeves, executive director of CARS Council.


Photo courtesy of Don McLaughlin, Goodturn Ride Centres Shop owner Don McLaughlin has apprentices Cory Bourgeois, left, and Marko Krznaric under wing. Industry groups know independent repair shops will be most affected, but it is unclear how many will end up closing down specifically because of a lack of technicians.

Industry changes and increased competition have already shut down many independents, says Don McLaughlin, who started in the business in 1978 and runs a successful automotive shop - Goodturn Ride Centres - in Hamilton.

"You've got your chain stores, dealerships, large independents and very few small ones. They've just closed up. Everything's gone self-serve, so the opportunities (for apprentices) aren't there," he says.

Estimates on the number of independent operations in the province vary.

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) estimates there are about 10,000 independent shops in Ontario. Figures from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants put the number at about 3,560, down by 800 from five years ago.

This year, there are 3,000 working apprentices taking courses at Centennial College's school of transportation and 1,000 more post-secondary students enrolled full time, says Peter Woodall, chair of the college's automotive and motorcycle programs.

The problem, he and others say, is that apprenticeships are often hard to find because of hiring practices in the auto service business.

"Everyone wants to hire that fully-trained person and not have to worry about training an apprentice because they come with little or no experience and they're not as productive as a full-fledged journeyperson would be,"says Robert Wager, program co-ordinator of technological education and computer studies for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

With that kind of hiring attitude, the business is feeding its own problem, he says.

McLaughlin says in Hamilton there is good employer participation in co-op and apprenticeship programs, but he wants to see more. He hopes a new Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit (OATTC) will encourage more auto service businesses to develop apprentices. The credit grants an employer up to $5,000 annually for every eligible apprentice to a maximum of $15,000 over three years.

McLaughlin says he is a staunch promoter of getting young people into the trade, speaking regularly at career days in Hamilton high schools and taking in co-op and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) students.

Funding cuts over the past several years have killed shop classes in some school boards and left others with outdated automotive equipment, educators say.

"School boards, for all intents and purposes, have never really been resourced well to put lots of money into auto shops. Some of these (engine analysers) are $45,000 and $50,000. If you replaced them all, that's millions of dollars," the TDSB's Wager says.

But educators welcome the news that the provincial government is providing more funding. Queen's Park will funnel $90 million to school boards over four years for technological education programs. In late August, it announced it is investing nearly $13.6 million over four years to train 1,000 apprentices in motive power and industrial mechanic trades.

Educators say they will use increased skilled-trades funding for all it's worth.

"We have actively been promoting our trades program in Bluewater and encouraging students to pursue trades-based careers. We probably have the highest number of students in apprenticeship programs for Ontario boards next to the TDSB," says Alana Murray, superintendent of secondary schools for the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB), which is based in Chesley, east of Kincardine.

She says between 100 and 115 students are registered apprentices and the BWDSB runs transportation technology programs in six of 11 secondary schools.

The TDSB is running between 50 and 60 automotive programs this year, Wager says.

The "missing link" he says, is that school boards do not know how many secondary students who take automotive courses end up in the trade, because they do not have a way of tracking them.

Luanne Fedosoff, member services manager at the AARO, and Wager say there should be more co-ordination.

Currently, they say, opportunities for students are only promoted and found through one-on-one relationship building.

"If we all got together and met and said, 'This is what we've got available and this is the need,' I think they'd be surprised at what they have," Fedosoff says.

"There's no real link between that dealership and that ma-and-pa shop, and they can advertise and say, 'We want an apprentice,' " Wager says.

People in the industry say computerized vehicles mean there are opportunities for young people with the right education and aptitude for diagnostics, electrical, physics and mechanics.

But they say guidance counsellors still have an outdated view of automotive service and skills required, and are not doing enough to promote the career path.

"Very few of them have been in the trades or know about the trades. And, of course, the push has been from the academic side," says Kevin MacKay, vice-president of the Grey Bruce Labour Council.

Steeves says the CARS Council has not found the answer to getting the message into schools - and to parents - effectively. "What we've tried to do is promote to the industry to promote them-selves."

AARO executive director Bill Burkimsher says independent shops will survive a technician shortage.

"Independents are resilient. It's the supply and demand thing. If people aren't coming into it, wages will go up to keep people in it, and then more people will come in," said Burkimsher.

(Dean Askin can be reached at askin@businessedge.ca)

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Parts Direct, the wholly owned subsidiary of AutoWorks International Ltd., has fully designed, developed, and tested its PartScan software so that it is now available for 'live' installation and network systems integration with insurance company clients.

Testing of the software was implemented in order to ensure efficient functionality at the automobile repair facility and wholesale parts distributor levels.

"Live, in house product and services demonstrations have been requested by several automobile insurance companies and a provincially operated mutual automobile insurer in Canada," Brad Brock, president of Parts Direct, says. Parts Direct offers an on-line automated service bureau allowing insurance companies to use the PartScan technology and related services to purchase replacement parts at a significantly lower cost than through automotive repair facilities. The replacement parts are ordered for the insurer by
PartScan directly from the wholesale parts distributor and 'drop shipped' to the appropriate automobile repairer. PartScan's accounting system then invoices the automobile insurer directly for parts purchased and services provided.

This procedure is different from current industry standard practices, where each individual automotive repairer purchases and invoices the insurance companies for the full retail value of these parts.

The size of the automobile repair industry in Canada is estimated to be $2.8 billion. The automobile repair market encompasses the total costs incurred to repair damaged vehicles. Parts and labor are the two major components involved in vehicle repair, with parts comprising approximately 45% of the total cost of repairs. The aggregate value of the automobile replacement parts market in Canada is estimated to be $1.26 billion.
AutoWorks International Limited is an international software design, development and services provider.

(Courtesy of Canadian Underwriter)

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Co-operators General Insurance Company (TSX:CCS.PR.A.) has gained a consolidated after-tax net income of $39.1 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2005, compared to the $38.8 million profit for the same period in 2004.

Gross written premium in the Q4 declined 1.8% to $486 million, compared to $495 million in the Q4 of 2004. The loss ratio for the quarter was 63.1%, compared to 59.4% during the comparable period last year. The combined ratio of claims and operating expenses was 97%, compared to 93.7% for the Q4 of 2004.

Gross written premium on a year-to-date basis was $1,995 million, reflecting an increase of 0.4% over last year. Earned premium growth was 1.3% above the previous year. Net income was $132.1 million, compared to $139.5 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004. Investment income at $164 million increased 32.7% from the $123.6 million reported for 2004.

Earnings per common share were $1.81 for the Q4 compared to $1.81 for the same period last year. Year-to-date earnings per common share were $6.16, compared to $6.54 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004.

"Despite increased storm activity, our results remain strong," Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators, says. "Solid investment income and client growth helped offset the effects of our auto insurance rate reductions."

Co-operators General Insurance, with assets of approximately $4.2 billion, is part of The Co-operators national group of companies.(courtesy of Canadian Underwriter)

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Car Care Canada Sponsors Women’s Retreat at Fairmont Royal York

February 21, 2006 – Ottawa, Ontario – When you hear a knock, rattle or grind emanating from your car (and it's not the kids in the backseat) do you turn the radio up? Join Kelly Williams CASCAR racer and spokesperson for the Be Car Care Aware program as she demystifies car maintenance in an entertaining presentation during the Ultimate Pajama Party® at the Fairmont Royal York on the weekend of March 24-26. Kelly will show women how and what to check on their own as well as what to talk about with their technician. This is all about being empowered. The more women know about their car the better they will understand what it needs to run well, keep them safe and cost them less.

About Ultimate Pajama Party®
The Ultimate Pajama Party® is a weekend retreat for women as young as 18 and 80. The pajama party you loved in your youth has been re-born, not in your parents’ rumpus room but at the most beautiful Fairmont luxury hotels and resorts in North America, and now Cruise Adventures, a chance to party on a fabulous floating resort and visit exotic ports of call. Over the years hundreds of women from all over the continent come back each year to take part in good 'ol girlfriend-kinda-fun. The idea of no dishes to wash – no laundry to do – no meals to prepare – no toys to pick up – no beds to make – no phones to answer – no responsibility while spending quality time with the most important women in your life for a dose of fun is catching on quickly. Come join the Party! To find out about upcoming parties and to register visit www.ultimatepajamaparty.com.

About Be Car Care Aware & Car Care Canada

Be Car Care Aware is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. The goal of the Be Car Care Aware campaign is to build awareness and knowledge to prepare consumers to make sensible decisions about their vehicles. Built around three key message areas of safety, the environment and protecting your vehicle investment, the campaign is spearheaded by Car Care Canada.

Car Care Canada is a non-profit advocacy group that is the leading source for research, education and communication about the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. For more than 15 years, Car Care Canada has been recognized for its credibility among consumer media, the motoring public and the industry.

For more information about vehicle maintenance and safety, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at www.carcarecanada.ca.

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ING Canada Inc. (TSX: IIC.LV) reported net income of Cdn$196.9 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2005 - up 13.7% from Cdn$173.1 million in the same period of the preceding year.

Revenues for the fourth quarter also increased to Cdn$1.1 billion - a 10.6% increase from Cdn$1 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2004. For the year 2005, net income amounted to Cdn$781.8 million - up 25.2% from Cdn$624.2 million in the previous year. Revenues in 2005 increased to Cdn$4.4 billion, up 17.6% from the Cdn$3.8 billion recorded in 2004.

Claude Dussault, the president and CEO of ING Canada, commented: "The fourth quarter capped another year of exceptional results for ING Canada. Revenue growth resulting from our acquisition of Allianz Canada, combined with excellent underwriting and investment performance, allowed us to achieve our best year on record.

"Despite increases in the severity of both personal property and commercial insurance claims, reductions in automobile insurance premiums and a softer pricing environment in commercial insurance, we continued to have strong underwriting results.

"Our numerous initiatives to improve our value to customers and brokers and build long-term, sustainable growth resulted in an increase in the number of risks we insure, which is a key measure of organic growth."

Direct premiums written in 2005 increased by Cdn$241.7 million or, 10%. During the fourth quarter of 2005, they increased by 6.4%, to Cdn $35.7million.

"The increase, for the quarter and the whole year, was mainly attributable to the acquisition of Allianz Canada," the company said in a press release.

"Through 2005, the increase in the growth of total direct written premiums was constrained by rate reductions in personal automobile insurance and lower premiums from industry pools, as well as a softening of pricing conditions in commercial insurance."(Courtesy of Canadian Underwriter)

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- Signs Agreement to Sell Claims Services Business -

ROSELAND, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2006 - Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP - News), has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Claims Services business (CSG) to Solera, Inc. for $975 million in cash, Arthur F. Weinbach, chairman and chief executive officer of ADP announced today. Solera, a consulting, outsourced services, and strategic technology solutions company focused on the claims process, was formed in partnership with GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC, a leading private equity firm. ADP expects the
transaction to close within 90 days, subject to normal regulatory review and customary closing conditions.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Weinbach said, "As part of our strategic planning process, we continuously review our lines of business for their strategic fit. We concluded that given the size of CSG relative to our other core businesses, and with the current favorable M&A market conditions, it was timely to sell. We are pleased that Solera's experience, focus, and commitment to the industry will provide a positive experience for CSG's clients and associates."

ADP expects to report a one-time pretax gain of approximately $600 million, or $450 million after tax, upon closing. CSG's results of operations will be treated as a discontinued business in future financial statements. Excluding the one-time gain, the transaction will be dilutive approximately $0.01 - $0.02 per share in fiscal 2006 and $0.07 per share in fiscal 2007.

Fiscal 2006 guidance, prior to the announcement of this transaction, was 10% revenue growth and 23% - 25% growth in earnings per share from continuing operations assuming stock compensation was expensed in both fiscal 2006 and 2005. As a result of the discontinued operations of CSG, fiscal 2006 revenue guidance remains unchanged at 10% growth, and forecasted earnings per share from continuing operations is updated to $1.83 - $1.86 compared with $1.48 last year on a comparable basis including stock compensation expense, an increase of 24% - 26%.

"As a result of this transaction, we will review our capital allocation strategy with a view toward increasing share repurchases," Mr. Weinbach concluded.

See accompanying tables at the end of this release for CSG revenues for fiscal 2005 and the first and second quarters of fiscal 2006, and full year 2006 guidance presented with CSG reported within discontinued operations.

As a result of this transaction, the following items will be adjusted to reflect the operations of CSG as a discontinued business and will be posted by February 14th to the investor relations home page (http://www.investquest.com/iq/a/aud/index.htm) of our website at
www.adp.com under financial data:

- Quarterly and full-year statements of earnings for fiscal 2005 (not adjusted for stock compensation expense)
- Statements of earnings for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2006
- Tables containing fiscal 2005 quarterly detail adjusted for stock compensation expense
- Historical revenue and pretax margin by business segment (periods prior to fiscal year 2006 are not adjusted for stock compensation expense)

ADP, with $8.5 billion in revenues and approximately 590,000 clients worldwide, is one of the largest providers of a broad range of premier, mission-critical, cost-effective transaction processing and information-based business solutions.

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San Diego , California, February 9, 2006

Deal marks largest acquisition in the global automotive claims solutions industry

Solera, Inc., a provider of consulting, outsourced services, and strategic technology solutions focused on the claims process, announced today a definitive agreement to acquire Automatic Data Processing Inc.'s (NYSE: ADP) Claims Services Group (CSG), for $975 million in cash. CSG is the largest global provider of automotive claims solutions. Solera was formed by industry veteran Tony Aquila, in partnership with GTCR Golder Rauner, one of the nation's leading private equity firms with over $6 billion of committed
capital.

With revenue in excess of $410 million, an unparalleled expanding global network of approximately 50,000 customers, and approximately 2,000 world-class associates across 26 countries, CSG is the clear global leader in providing integrated end-to-end claims processing solutions. The company' s products cover all touch points from the time of an automobile accident to the resolution of associated claims. Its technology, products and services help insurance carriers, collision repair shops, and automotive recyclers
automate their core business processes, streamline their workflows with industry partners, and manage and optimize their performance.

"We view this deal as the critical first step in achieving our long term objective of enabling our customers to increase their operational visibility and profitability through the use of better data analytics throughout the claims process," commented Tony Aquila, chief executive officer of Solera. "CSG's world class associates have consistently delivered industry leading products, supported by the industry's best customer service. Its solid
pipeline of next generation solutions and services will further increase the value delivered to customers across the claims process."

"GTCR's investment in Solera is an excellent example of our strategy of partnering with an industry-leading executive and then pursuing platform acquisitions as a strategic buyer," commented GTCR Principal Philip Canfield. "We are committed to ensuring that the business continues to grow by continuing to invest in new product development and by bringing innovative and unique solutions to our customers."

"The ADP Claims Services Group represents the premium franchise in the industry with the largest global reach. It serves as the ideal platform for an integrated set of technology solutions and outsourced services, all designed to drive greater value and improved efficiencies for all participants in the claims process," added GTCR Principal Craig Bondy.

The transaction, which represents the largest acquisition in the automotive claims solutions industry to date, is subject to regulatory review and is expected to close within ninety days.

About Solera, Inc.

Based in San Diego, California, Solera is a consulting, outsourced services and technology solutions company focused on the auto physical damage insurance claims processing industry. For more information visit

www.solerainc.com.

About GTCR Golder Rauner LLC

Founded in 1980, GTCR Golder Rauner LLC is a leading private equity investment firm and long-term strategic partner for outstanding management teams. The Chicago-based firm pioneered the investment strategy of identifying and partnering with exceptional executives to acquire and build companies through a combination of acquisitions and strong internal growth. GTCR currently manages more than $6 billion of equity capital invested in a
wide range of companies and industries. More information can be found at www.gtcr.com.

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Dale Finch has joined BC's Automotive Retailers Association as Director of Division Services. Finch has been involved with the ARA and various Collision Repair Division committees since 1989, so he is familiar and experienced with ARA priorities and agendas.
"I've always had a great deal of interest in the ARA's role supporting industry," says Finch. "I am passionate about the association's work and the outstanding quality of its staff and volunteers. Bob Clarke, executive director of the ARA, says that given his experience, the Board felt Finch was the perfect person to help with the high-level position the ARA is taking with regard to ICBC negotiations and its close working relationship with the government.

Finch began his career in the industry in 1978 as a licensed technician for Maple Ridge Chrysler. For the last 15 years, he worked for the Wolfe family, located in Vancouver since 1952. As the Fixed Operations Manager for Wolfe Chevrolet, Dale managed the service department, bodyshop, parts department, and a staff of 55

.(courtesy of www.bodyshopbiz.com)

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AIA Canada Building Consensus

February 17, 2006, Toronto, Ontario – Yesterday, 42 people met at the Toronto Board of Trade Airport Centre to discuss the issue of access to diagnostic, repair and service information – the Consumer’s Right to Repair. The meeting, hosted by AIA, was convened to build a coalition of stakeholders. Meeting participants included representatives from automotive service provider and collision repair associations, the Canadian Automobile Association, the insurance industry, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Recyclers, Tire Associations and a number of AIA member companies.

Chaired by Mike Riess, President of CARQUEST Canada, the meeting sought to update and inform a broad range of interested organizations and build consensus on a strategy to manage the issue. Highlights of the meeting included presentations by Aaron Lowe, Vice President, Government Affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industries Association in the US and Ron Pyle, President of the Automotive Service Association in the US. These presentations focused on providing the group with some history of the right to repair issue in the US. They explained the process undertaken south of the boarder that may be of assistance with the proposed strategy in Canada.

Lively discussion during the meeting gave a strong indication of the willingness of those present to work together. “The feedback we received from meeting participants suggests to me that we are on the right track with this issue and that we have good support from a broad cross-section of the industry,” said Ray Datt, AIA President.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the suggestion that a working group be established to guide communications. The working group will also develop the criteria for a research project that quantifies the impact of the issue on the industry, the economy and most importantly, consumers. It was agreed during the meeting that AIA would continue to pursue meetings with the OEMs to resolve the access to information problem amicably.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. The aftermarket is a $15.8 billion industry, and is proud to employ more than 220,000 people. The industry is composed of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment. AIA represents wholesalers, retailers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, rebuilders, national distributors, manufacturers’ agents, buying groups and machine shops. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award to BASF's Automotive Refinish Coatings business for the company's UV-curable primer.

Unlike conventional urethane-based primers, which require heat and can take more than 20 minutes to cure, BASF's primer cures in just a few minutes when exposed to visible or near-ultraviolet (UV) light from inexpensive UV-A lamps--or even when exposed to sunlight. UV curing eliminates the need for bake ovens and dramatically reduces energy consumption.

The new primer is also much more eco-friendly, containing only 1.7 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per gallon versus 3.5 pounds to 4.8 pounds per gallon for conventional primers-a VOC reduction of more than 50%.

The EPA has presented the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge awards annually since 1996 to recognize businesses and individuals who have discovered innovative ways to use chemistry to significantly reduce pollution at its source.

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WHMIS training on the set of the Dream Car Garage

www.ciia.com 's industry-specific WHMIS health and safety training course gets to visit the set of Dream Car Garage. When Legendary Motor Cars in Milton needed specific industry training on health and safety for their 55,000 sq foot facility staff, they asked the www.ciia.com WHMIS training team for help. All the students passed the course with flying colors.

Pictured are some of the workers/students in the class, and pictures taken from the the web site at http://www.legendarymotorcar.com/ourfacility.htm. This is a dream car's enthusiast's heaven.

The web site above shows pictures of the facility, the autobody paint booth and some of the museum inside the building and their three story front office showroom.

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EMPLOYERS INTERVIEW AREA AT INDUSTRY CELEBRATION

www.ciia.com and Centennial College's Ashtonbee Campus (at Warden Avenue, Toronto) invite you to participate in the Employer's Interview area, during the afternoon of Tuesday, February 28, 2006.

From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. secondary schools, job development agencies and others are sending interested young people to the College for tours of the newly refurbished autobody lab.

With the incentive of winning a car courtesy of Toyota Canada and new frame dimensions software courtesy Mitchell International for their own secondary school automotive lab, schools are expected to take advantage of a bus subsidy offsetting their transportation costs and send a number of students to the school.

Take a table in the Employer's interview area and talk to the many students expected to show up with their resumes.

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities staff, OYAP and Job Connect staff will be in attendance to also speak with you on any grants or incentives that may exist to reduce your hiring costs and your risks in hiring new people.

Any questions? Just call 1-866-309-4272

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WIN A CAR COURTESY OF TOYOTA CANADA INC. AND FRAME DIMENSIONS SOFTWARE COURTESY OF MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL FOR YOUR SCHOOL'S AUTOMOTIVE SHOP

Centennial College 's new autobody lab FREE tours highlight apprenticeship opportunity

Please put Tuesday, February 28, 2006 on your calendar.

From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the school that brings the most students for the tour of the demonstrations, equipment and services at the new auto body training area at Centennial College's Ashtonbee Campus (at Warden Avenue, Toronto), will win a vehicle courtesy of Toyota Canada Inc. and frame dimensions software courtesy of Mitchell International.

As well, students will find out about apprenticeship opportunities, meet suppliers and manufacturers, participate in some car repair techniques and find out about grants and incentives that may be available to help them gain employment in collision repair and autobody industry.

Don't forget to bring your resumes, as the Employers interview area will be active, offering employment interviews by local repair facility managers and owners.

Talk to the student crew of the PPG Canada-sponsored 2005 Scorelite Racer, the secondary school entry that came 3rd in its class at the 2005 Baja 1000 Road Race in Ensaneada, Mexico. Watch their race video.

The air bag demo will keep students active and interested. With a planned almost $1 million expansion and rework of the autobody training facility at Centennial College, it now offers top-of-the-line and modern technologies for apprenticeship training. Training for a good career with a great future as an autobody technician.

This exciting opportunity is being offered at Centennial College through the collision repair industry. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities have advised that bus subsidies have been made available for schools that arrange for at least 30 students to attend the tour. As this offer is on a first come basis, please be sure to contact Michelle at 1-866-309-4272 as soon as possible to register.

We look forward to greeting you and your students.

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February 7, 2006, Ottawa, Ontario – AIA Canada is please to announce the 2005 Arthur Paulin Scholarship winners. Scholarship recipients each receive $700 to pursue their studies in an automotive aftermarket industry related program at a Canadian college or university.

The Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Awards were established in 1986 as a result of the commitment and monetary support of AIA members companies. Interest on the principal in the fund is used to award the minimum of five scholarships each year. The continued support of AIA members and the fundraising efforts of the AIA Divisions have allowed this program to continue to grow and prosper, thereby allowing a large number of deserving students to pursue their automotive studies and for the industry to begin to address its skilled labour shortage. Each of the following four regions receives at least one scholarship: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada. The fifth scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing studies at the Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI).

Additional awards were made available through the AIA Divisions who made special contributions to the scholarship trust fund. Contributing Divisions include: Québec, Central Ontario, Northern Alberta, and Southern Alberta.

“On behalf of the scholarship recipients, AIA would like to thank the Divisions for their generous contributions. These donations have permitted the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Committee to award additional scholarships to deserving students,” said AIA President Raymond Datt.

The Arthur Paulin Automotive Scholarship Award was named after long time AIA volunteer Arthur Paulin. Arthur served as President of H. Paulin and Company Limited for over 35 years, he became Chairman of the Board in 1990. He was a teacher and mentor to all who knew him.

The 2005 Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship recipients are:

West: Joann Mathon, Innisfail, AB – Olds College

Brad Kreoker, Surrey, BC – Thompson Rivers University

Stephen Squires, Winnipeg, MB – Red River College

Daniel Lee, Vancouver, BC – BC Institute of Technology

Lorie Cadieux, Brandon, MB – Assiniboine Community College

Quebec: Badawy K. Shaath, Quebec,QC – Centre de formation professionnelle de Verdun

Frank Ciccocioppo, Montreal, QC – Centre de formation professionnelle de Verdun

Simon Beauchesne, Rivière-du-loup, QC – Canadian Automotive Institute

Ontario: Daniel Chudy, Fenelon Falls, ON – Centennial College

Amy Tao, Aurora, ON – University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Nadeem Baig, Barrie, ON – Canadian Automotive Institute

Atlantic: Patricia Henley, Moncton, NB – New Brunswick Community College-Moncton

Rebecca Carr, Quispamsis, NB – New Brunswick Community College-Saint John

CAI: Francois Rouleau, Saint-Bruno, QC – Canadian Automotive Institute

Anyone who is interested in making a contribution to the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship fund, or would like additional information, should contact Allison Reynolds (613) 728-5821 ext. 232. Contributions in Memory of aftermarketers who have passed away also help to grow the Arthur Paulin Scholarship Fund.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. The aftermarket is a $15.8 billion industry, and is proud to employ more than 220,000 people. The industry is composed of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment. AIA represents wholesalers, retailers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, rebuilders, national distributors, manufacturers’ agents, buying groups and machine shops. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com

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To help ensure clients achieve a quality vehicle repair, RBC Insurance will offer an incentive to participants in the Preferred Auto Repairer Program of and to non-preferred repair facilities that achieve the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals training designation. This incentive, a $10 allowance that will be added to every repair estimate from RBC Insurance clients for vehicles being repaired at Gold Class facilities, will be used to support the continued training needed to maintain the facility's training designation. *

"Offering an incentive for their facilities to become I-CAR Gold Class Professionals is a true display of the commitment of RBC Insurance to technician training and the industry," said I-CAR Canada Manager Tracey Blouin. "The ultimate benefit of this requirement will be to consumers who will know that their vehicles will be repaired correctly by trained technicians."

The Gold Class Professionals program was created in 1990 to recognize those businesses that are committed to quality and excellence through training. Gold Class businesses are dedicated to providing their customers with efficient, safe, and high-quality repairs. A complete list of current I-CAR Gold Class Professional Businesses is available at the consumer web site www.goldclass.com.

"RBC is committed to Always Earning the Right to be our Clients' First Choice," says Glenn Penny, vice-president of claims for RBC Insurance. "We continuously look for ways to protect our customers and offer peace of mind. Ensuring they have access to properly trained technicians when they need them is just one example of how we're working to achieve this vision."

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Online ordering is also available at:
http://www.ciia.com/celebration.html

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Courtesy of Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT Canada

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Mike Kaplaniak has joined UView Ultraviolet Systems (Mississauga, ON) as product manager for the Xpress Cure curing systems used in collision repair.

Kaplaniak has 19 years of collision industry experience, and has held sales-related positions focusing on technical support, training and business development.

At UView, his main focus will be to support Xpress Cure and work on the development of new products for the UV curing family.

Kaplaniak can be reached at 905-615-8920 or 877-776-8486. Visit www.uview.com for product information.

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During the colder winter months, technicians should be aware of the effect lower temperatures can have on paint system components. PPG Industries offers the following reminders regarding paint performance during the winter months.

According to the company, high solids solvent based products are more sensitive to lower temperatures than normal solids solvent based products.

Although they will not freeze, the products can rise dramatically in viscosity resulting in several negative effects such as:

· Paint mixing can become more time consuming;
· Accurate dosing of tinters to make up colors can be slower and the temptation to over pour increases which could lead to inaccurate color matches or too much paint being mixed up;
· Application becomes slower which can increase material consumption and overloading can occur where popping and/or sagging may result when baked, resulting in a complete redo.

Even standing a can of clear or hardener on a cool workshop floor is enough to remove the heat from the products, says PPG. The tin cans are a good conductor of heat (or cold) and this in turn will increase the viscosity.

The increase of only a few degrees, i.e. 15ºC to 18ºC can make an HS product apply more like an MS one, giving better application speed, flow from the gun and wetting out - all helping in a superior final appearance. The use of a wall mounted thermometer is by far the easiest way to check if the ambient temperature for the product you are applying is satisfactory, but a simple glass one is the best way to check if the product is at the
correct temperature prior to application. As always, be sure that the proper hardener and solvent are used for the temperature and the size of the repair.

Last month 's auto show in Detroit is a very visible reminder of just how far vehicles have progressed.

But a recent U.S. study made headlines, claiming that SUVs were no safer for children than other cars.

I'm not going to debate the merits of that study or challenge its conclusions, but all vehicle safety studies should be viewed in the proper context.

Whether commissioned by the government, by an independent consumer group or by a private association, vehicle safety studies always include an inherent bias.

As a consumer, you should ask yourself: Who conducted the study? Who paid for it? Who gains from it? Who loses? When a study unfairly critiques a particular vehicle, it spreads doubt and confusion among car buyers.

Admittedly, some consumer safety reports are highly regarded and can provide valuable information for buyers researching a new vehicle. But a single, independent study, on its own, shouldn't form the entire basis of your buying decision.

My experience in the retail car industry has shown that consumers are extremely savvy about safety features and know the ones they want.

It's no surprise that the most important issue among car buyers today is safety. Over the past generation, it has also become a top priority among auto makers, governments and insurance agencies. To the benefit of all motorists, automotive safety requirements and features are improving continuously.

This commitment to build safer cars has helped to reduce the fatality rate in North America, Britain and Australia. From 1979 to 2000, automotive fatalities in Canada have declined by 50 per cent.

That's an incredible statistic!

The truth is that automobiles today are much safer than vehicles manufactured 10 or 20 years ago. Cars I drove in the 1970s had none of the sophisticated safety features of today's vehicles, such as advanced braking systems, all-wheel drive, stability controls, head restraints and high-tech tires, to name a few.

As an example, let's compare some of the safety features of a typical popular vehicle from the 1960s, say a Chevy Impala, with a 2006 model.

The '69 Impala featured power steering, power disk brakes and heavy-duty F40 suspension. These features were quite advanced for their time.

Many 2006 models offer an impressive host of standard safety and crash-avoidance features, including anti-lock braking systems, frontal dual-stage airbags and side curtain airbags, daytime running lights with automatic light control, satellite navigation systems, electronic traction control and more.

Every year, cars are being built safer and safer, and they are providing greater protection for motorists. Consumers who buy a new car equipped with the latest safety gear - crash and accident avoidance technology - are far less likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than those who drive older cars.

Some safety features may even qualify drivers for a reduction in their insurance rates. The theory here is that a newer car, complete with airbags, anti-lock braking systems and other safety features, may generate less frequent claims than older cars, which are more prone to accidents.

Although car safety features have improved greatly over the years, driving habits have not kept pace with that level of technological advancement.

Most collisions result from bad driving habits such as speeding, following too close and talking on cellphones.

We need to do a better job educating consumers about improving their driving skills. After all, the biggest safety feature of all is still you, the driver.

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Paul Stern, president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, is a new-car dealer in Toronto. This column represents the views of TADA. Visit http://www.tada.ca or email president@tada.ca

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Manufacturer's rep Caruk & Associates has been contracted by CARS to manage the sales of Collision TV, a series of collision repair training programs broadcast by satellite.

Collision TV offers courses from PPG, DuPont, BASF, Sherwin Williams, 3M, CAR-O-LINER and I-CAR, plus a broad spectrum of business courses and mechanical repair programs. For a collision repair facility, Collision TV is a convenient and cost-effective way for employees to increase their knowledge and enhance traditional classroom training. For jobbers, hosting a Collision TV site provides an opportunity to interact with customers and provide a valuable service.

To set up a Collision TV reception site, the facility must purchase a satellite receiver and antenna, and pay a monthly subscription fee.

Collision TV is produced by CARS, a not-for-profit organization established to serve the human resource and training needs of the Canadian automotive repair and service industry.

Caruk & Associates can be reached at 604-278-6151, or www.autobodyrep.com.
(courtesy of www.bodyshopbiz.com)

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Good news from the insurance side: George Cooke, president and CEO of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, says auto claims frequency bottomed out in 2005 and has started to increase in most jurisdictions.

Cooke was a guest speaker at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) meeting in Mississauga, ON, on Jan. 21.

He acknowledged that consumers had become quite disillusioned with auto insurance claims, and that claims frequency had been declining for a few years. "Somewhere between the second and third quarters of 2005, frequency not only bottomed out, it started to increase," Cooke said.

He noted that a number of companies implemented "accident forgiveness" programs, and that consumer confidence is now returning. Accident forgiveness programs generally permit policyholders to claim their first at-fault accident without any impact on their premiums.

Cooke believes rising consumer confidence and programs such as accident forgiveness will help to shift the balance of collision repairs back toward insurer-paid claims, and will prompt higher repair volumes as well.

(courtesy www.bodyshopbiz.com)

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A collision with an animal is covered, subject to your deductible, if you purchased comprehensive coverage. But, does that also cover the animal waking up inside your car and destroying it?

If you hit an animal, whether it's a deer or a dog, and put it in your car to take to the vet, will your insurance company cover the cost of cleaning blood off your car's interior, your clothes or other damages? The answer is "yes" this is covered.

For a collision with an animal to be covered, the accident must take place on a highway or road as defined by the Highway Traffic Act. The claim is covered in the section of your policy called "Comprehensive Coverage" and is subject to a deductible. It does not count as an "at-fault" accident and will not affect your insurance rate.

If, however, you swerve and miss the animal, but collide with the ditch or another vehicle, the damage is covered if you purchased collision coverage, and the accident will be considered your fault. The claim will then impact on your insurance.

Even if a kid runs out in front of your car and you swerve to miss the child and hit something else, the insurance company considers you to be at-fault because they have adopted the position that you should be in care and control of your car at all times.

The insurance companies have adopted this position because there have been so many people who have said that something has run out in front of them and caused them to have an accident.

(courtesy of www.insurancehotline.com)

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CCIF Mississauga, January 21st, 2006, Delta Meadowvale, Mississauga, ON

Process & Innovation - that's the name of a CCIF committee brimming with suggestions and proven best practices in workshop and administrative efficiency - best practices that have a direct positive effect on shop profitability. CCIF's record turnout of over 300 participants at the Delta Meadowvale, Mississauga on January 21st were treated to practical, valuable advice from Ken Friesen, Tony Canade and Bob Dubreuil on process mapping, the seven types of waste and the Five S's, a way to address work place organization and standard operating procedures.

This first CCIF meeting of 2006 was packed with valuable information on things that matter, for example - new ways to access training on Collision TV, from Linda Brown of the CARS Network, delving into the process by which published repair times are established and taking a look at what keeps collision repairers awake at night when they think about people issues like keeping good staff motivated and how to attract young people.

I-CAR
In his update on the direction and new initiatives from I-CAR, President and CEO, Tom McGee, highlighted the importance of keeping up with rapidly changing technology. Technicians must constantly learn how to recognise and work with substrates like the new steels, composites and aluminum, as well as new paints, techniques and equipment.

Accreditation
Accreditation is a word that has become familiar to participants who travel to CCIF meetings across Canada. It has become clear that not only is there a desire for shop accreditation, but that some provinces already have programs in place. All power to the provincial programs, stated CCIF administrator, Mike Bryan, but we believe there would be value in a voluntary national program that would have sufficient critical mass to achieve consumer and insurer recognition, rather like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. The first step towards the national program is almost ready to be taken; collision repairers will be invited to register on a training data base that will be administered by I-CAR and managed by the industry itself. Individuals and businesses will be able to track and manage their training records, see what training is available to meet their needs and even to assess what skills they would need to develop their career by taking on other roles in the business.

The training data base will provide data that will help the industry decide if it wishes to proceed with accreditation for training as the next step. If so, then debates will need to be held on accreditation criteria, certification of training providers and more. Mike emphasised that there was no master plan, just a vision of a better industry where consumers and insurers could make quality based distinctions between collision repairers. It was up to the industry to decide how far it might go along the accreditation path, stopping at training or continuing to develop criteria based on equipment, facility, service etc.

Top Insurer Supports Voluntary Accreditation
In his presentation on the state of the insurance industry, George Cooke, president and CEO of The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, supported the principle of shop accreditation by industry self-regulation, suggesting that government involvement might not lead to the result expected or wanted. He noted the success that brokers in Ontario have had with the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) model and he encouraged the industry to manage the program itself. He added that he could not imagine vehicles insured by his company being repaired by non-accredited shops. The Dominion already sets high standards for its preferred repairers, so support for a set of voluntary industry standards would not be a difficult step to take.

USA Industry News
Rick Tuuri, chair of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), the US equivalent of CCIF, updated participants on the issues facing American collision repairers. Electronic communication, fraud, estimating, marketing, human resource, parts and legislative and more were all key issues for CIC participants who were lining up to take part in the committees addressing each of them. It's always useful to share ideas and solutions, said Rick, and to adapt them to our respective markets. Both CCIF and CIC are the only national inclusive, open and neutral forums that provide the means for industry stakeholders to address issues of importance to collision repairers.

Ontario Industry Update
In her update on the state of the industry in Ontario, Rosanna Armata, executive vice president of the Collision Industry Action Group, outlined her association's goals and current activities. First and foremost our goal is to protect the well-being of our members, said Rosanna. CIAG is campaigning for standardization of claims and repair processing. CIAG is also working with the provincial government on ways to centralize ministerial regulatory requirements and to minimize the cost of compliance with forthcoming environmental emissions standards. With regard to the public face of the industry, steps being taken to educate consumers and help them understand their rights will improve the industry image and build new levels of trust.

Next CCIF Meeting
The next CCIF meeting is on Saturday, April 22 at the Delta Edmonton Centre in Edmonton. If you really want to know what's going on in the industry, have your say and to meet the industry's brightest and best collision repairers, insurers, suppliers and service providers, you just have to be there. There will be updates and presentations on repair times, process and innovation best practice, accreditation and much more. For details or to register for the meeting, just complete the attached registration form, go to www.ccif.net or call Mike Bryan at 905 726 9027.

Sponsor Support
The breadth of industry support for CCIF is just fantastic, said Mike Bryan. Whether they be individual Maple Leaf Sponsors or corporate sponsors, their support is essential and a barometer of the value that CCIF provides as the national voice, promoter and catalyst for action in this important industry. There are a few sponsor opportunities available for 2006. For details contact Mike Bryan. CCIF extends a huge thank you to:

AADCO Automotive Ltd
ADP Claims Services Group
Akzo Nobel Coatings Ltd.
Automotive Retailers Association of British Columbia
Auto Parts Plus / Auto Plus
BASF Automotive Refinish
Bodyshop Magazine
Budget Rent A Car
Canadian Underwriter
Car- Part.com
CARQUEST Canada Ltd
CAR-MS QRP
CARS Network
CARSTAR Automotive Canada
CertifiedFirst™ Network
C.K. Collision Centres Inc.
Collision Repair Magazine
Discount Car & Truck Rentals Ltd.
DuPont Performance Coatings
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Fix Auto
Impact Auto Auctions Ltd.
Keystone Automotive Industries
Manders Appraisal Inc.
Mitchell International
NAPA-CMAX
PPG Canada Inc.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company
3M Canada Company

Mike Bryan
CCIF Administrator
Tel: 905 726 9027
Fax: 905 726 9038

October 7, 2005

The Collision Industry Information Assistance web site (www.ciia.com) announced today a new benefit program to kick-off the start of regional workshops across Ontario that help local association members and shops.  The 12 workshops will highlight issues such as environmental help, compliance assistance, CISCO updates (Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario) and help shops meet or exceed standards.  They are being held in response to shop requests.  "ciia.com receives over 100 shop inquiries a week on our 1-866 information line and web sites and we are pleased to be going across the province with our assistance packages and speakers.  Our non-profit group wants to help association clients and their members be more profitable and encourage higher compliance to standards" says President Tony Nigro, a shop owner from Hamilton.

Workshops in Oshweken, Six Nations have been already completed. Future workshops include:

London on October 18 in conjunction with the Organization of Auto Body Rebuilders
Thunder Bay on October 25 with the Northwestern Ontario Collision Repair Professionals
and 10 other locations in Windsor, Sarnia, Oakville, St. Catharines, Guelph, Sudbury, Ottawa, Oshawa and Belleville..

Special products and services also featured at the workshops are discount programs for:

- Shop garage insurance policy offered through Canada Brokerlink
- Training discounts with suppliers
- Uniform discounts from Cintas
- Gasoline discounts offered by Shell Canada
- Phone line cost discounts through Primus
- Vehicle history searches
- Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy
- Great deals on solvent purchasing from Cansol Services
- Collision repair equipment
- Special promotions items for your shop from Jutland
- Hardware and software discounts from Carrus and ADP
- Engineering help to get those permits
- Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
- Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
- Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
- Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value

www.ciia.com also now offers front office and shop production expert firms who get paid only through your increased profits.

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

ABC Consulting

Tri Lateral Consultants

Wellington Medical Group

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By John Norris, Executive Director, HARA

The Collision Industry Information and Assistance (www.ciia.com) web site, operated by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association, handles over 10,000 hits a day. The phone lines often field 30 calls a day and at least 60 emails. Over 400 shops call regularly for environmental help with training, certification assistance, wage incentive information, hiring questions and inquiries from insurance contact lists to manuals on how to market to brokers all the way to requests for guest speakers at their local schools to getting a fax number to send copies of abusive towing invoices.

This is how a professional collision repair trade association works.

Individual association mandates may be different but their passion and vision should be clear and consistent: Help shops, serve the interests of repairers, represent them and provide opportunities to move member interests forward.

Let's face it -- it's a tough marketplace our there and many shops are struggling to stay profitable. They need more help right now and should recognize that although their voice may not be strong individually, their association's voice can be loud, active and successful.

Why then are there so few shop members in their trade associations? One reason is lack of communications. And it goes both ways. Some repairers only hear from their trade association when once a year an invoice shows up on the fax machine. Good professional associations communicate by holding regular neighborhood style meetings or surveys to gain better incite into shop needs -- yet often shops don't show up at meetings or respond to the very associations trying to help them.

Perhaps, shops haven't yet realized the practical benefits of membership in an active association. Can shop concerns be addressed? What's in it for a shop to be a member?

GAUGE YOUR REPRESENTATION

You should always ask yourself the two basic association membership questions:

What can you do for me now and what can you do for the industry in the future?

Most professional associations can provide you their answers quickly and the better associations have so many answers that it often has grown to a list of advantages for the shop.

For instance right now, do they provide services such as benefit programs, garage insurance, uniform and product discounts, office and stationary products discounts, forms, brochures, posters, manuals, training courses, available tax credits or grants that you can use right now to cut your immediate costs and put more money in your till?

What about down the road? Can they prove to you that they are handling the meetings and writing the letters and building the necessary support with media, insurers, suppliers or government? Does the association have the respect and trust it requires to solve your issues? For instance, can they show you or post on their web site or newsletters the meeting presentations or script or news releases showing their successes in addressing your concerns.

TOUGH SCHEDULE

Many professional associations struggle with the daily frustration that they are taking time away from working on needed industry projects that can help shops and instead, are out trying to raise funds to continue on with their good work- from the very shops they are trying to help. If shops better supported their professional trade associations with their membership dues, because of their recognized value for the industry, associations could solve your industry issues quicker.

If your professional trade association is working that hard for you, you should be working hard for them. Their membership dues are fair and you should not only pay their invoice when it arrives, but be calling them to ask to become a more active member. Volunteer to be school speaker, a letter writer or employer/mentor for young students interested in working in our trade on the association's behalf. Only through your help in adding to the
common strength can your professional association make your voice, join with other voices, and become stronger, more effective and listened to where it counts.

John Norris is Executive Director of HARA, the largest local collision repair and auto refinish industry trade association in North America, operating from Hamilton, Ontario. The association also co-chairs the Environmental Compliance Assistance program with government to reduce costs, improve compliance and provide easier help tools for shops at
www.autobodyhelp.ca and 1-866-309-4272.

HARA's mandate and industry objectives and their successes in meeting those objectives are featured at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/hara.html

(courtesy of BODYSHOP magazine)

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