I-CAR ® ANNOUNCES NEW WATERBORNE PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS, AND APPLICATION TRAINING PROGRAM AVAILABLE STARTING MONDAY, MARCH 2

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 2, 2009 - Repairers and insurers interested in waterborne refinish systems will have a new training resource from I-CAR. Beginning Monday, March 2, I-CAR will launch its Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) live training program.

"Nearly 200 classes are scheduled across the U.S. and Canada," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations, North America. "Over the past few days, the excitement around this class has been demonstrated by an 80% increase in registration during the first week of its availability alone."

I-CAR expects to see interest in the course continue to grow as changes in legislation drive conversion to waterborne technology and as collision repair facilities adopt more environmentally friendly processes. The new I-CAR Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application course provides a thorough overview of this new technology of interest to shop managers, technicians and insurance company personnel.

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

•  Types of waterborne materials in use

•  Differences between waterborne and solvent-borne systems

•  Surface preparation and equipment requirements

•  Drying processes

•  Storage and waste disposal considerations

•  Typical conversion processes

Registration for Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application is currently open for classes beginning March 2 and new classes are being added to I-CAR's class schedule on a continuing basis. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR at 800-422-7872.

###

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

(See Headlines)

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

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

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

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

###

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)

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

This evening event will feature collision repair shop speakers, grants and incentives updates as well as health and safety assistance with simplified environmental compliance help.

All shop owner/operators planning on purchasing, selling or upgrading their shops and/or using new paint products in Ontario are urged to attend.

Collision repair and auto body shops in Ontario are switching to lower-emission paints, while facing an uncertain marketplace and challenging personnel needs.

In order to assist repair facilities to meet compliance requirements, sustain improved environmental operations and profit from grants and incentives offered, including apprentice hiring credits and significant tax reduction rebates on booths and other equipment, the province of Ontario and the collision repair trade associations are presenting a series of eight workshops/seminars with guest speakers across the province.

Evening events will feature:

•  industry overview

•  school presentations

•  local association updates

•  new simplified environmental requirements for using new low-VOC products in Ontario

•  health and safety presentations on use of waterborne paints

•  shop case studies

•  grants and incentives updates

Date and Location:

Thursday March 5, 2009 Robert Bateman Secondary School 5151 New St., Burlington

Agenda:

5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Registration and Tour of school auto body lab

6:00 p.m. Dinner

6:30 pm. Industry Welcome John Norris, Executive Director, Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA)

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates

6:40 p.m. School Presentation Murray Zehr & Michael D'Agastino, Autobody Instructor, Robert Bateman Secondary School

6:45 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:00 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:30 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance Safety (OSSA)

7:45 p.m. Break Visit supplier display tables in attendance

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

8:15 p.m. Waterbase paint hand-out information and grants and incentives information

8:30 p.m. Update and feedback forms w/door prizes

Burlington workshop commences at 6:00 pm. Attendees are urged to arrive 45 minutes early for student led tours of the autobody lab. A hot dinner will be served.

Cost:$25.00 plus GST.
Pre-registration and payment is required.

Please contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@autobodyhelp.ca or info@ciia.com

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS
HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

This evening event will feature collision repair shop speakers, grants and incentives updates as well as health and safety assistance with simplified environmental compliance help.

All shop owner/operators planning on purchasing, selling or upgrading their shops and/or using new paint products in Ontario are urged to attend.

Collision repair and auto body shops in Ontario are switching to lower-emission paints, while facing an uncertain marketplace and challenging personnel needs.

In order to assist repair facilities to meet compliance requirements, sustain improved environmental operations and profit from grants and incentives offered, including apprenticeship hiring credits and significant tax reduction rebates on booths and other equipment, the province of Ontario and the collision repair trade associations are presenting a series of eight workshops/seminars with guest speakers across the province.

Date and Location:

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Saunders Secondary School 941 Viscount Road, London

Agenda:

5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Registration and Tour of school auto body lab

6:00 p.m. Dinner

6:30 pm. Industry Welcome John Norris, Executive Director, Hamilton District Autobody              Repair Association (HARA)

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates Dave Westman, President, Ontario Autobody               Rebuilders' Association (OABR)

6:40 p.m. School Presentation Dave Grimminck, Autobody Instructor, Saunders               Secondary School

6:45 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:00 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:30 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance               Safety (OSSA)

7:45 p.m. Break Visit supplier display tables in attendance

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

8:15 p.m. Waterbase paint hand-out information and grants and incentives information

8:30 p.m. Update and feedback forms w/door prizes

London workshop starts at 6:0 0 pm. Attendees are urged to arrive 45 minutes early for student led tours of the autobody lab. A hot dinner will be served.

Cost:  $25.00 plus GST.
Pre-registration and payment is required.

Please contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@autobodyhelp.ca or info@ciia.com

(See Headlines)

CARS Appoints Regional Champions For Labour Study

In an effort to ensure that its national labour market study will be truly reflective of industry needs across Canada, the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council (CARS) has sought out several committed industry champions. These representatives are attuned to the regional realities, and will connect with industry networks, promote survey completions, and coordinate focus group and research validation activities.

For Quebec, Alain Gariépy of Stratagema Management Consulting, will be the sector study champion.

In Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, John Scissons will be the contact. Scissons is a long-time industry advocate and former executive director for the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR).

In Atlantic Canada, Shannon Smith, the new executive director of the Nova Scotia Automotive Human Resource Sector Council, will take on this role.

To get involved with the CARS sector study and help shape future industry HR and training resources, contact Christine Da Prat, Project Manager, 902-569-1957, christine@associationstrategygroup.com.

(See Headlines)

CARSTAR Awards $10,000 For Winning Photo

CARSTAR Automotive Canada presented a cheque worth $10,000 to the grand prize winner of its first Hit Us With Your Best Shot photo contest. Hundreds of participants uploaded a photo of their best game face to the CARSTAR website. The prize was awarded on February 13 to Melanie N. at CARSTAR's Repentigny, Que., location. Melanie also saw her winning photo during one of CARSTAR's pre-show advertising spots on The Big Game that aired Sunday, February 1, 2009 on CTV.

By sending in her photo, Melanie along with many others has helped to raise money for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As part of its ongoing commitment to tackling cystic fibrosis, CARSTAR donated $5 for every photo that was uploaded for the contest.

Secondary winners from each province were also chosen to receive a prize of $500.

I-CAR ® Education Foundation Announces 2009 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - February 17, 2009 - The I-CAR Education Foundation announced the slate of Trustees and Executive Committee for 2009. The I-CAR Education Foundation is honored to have the following representatives on the Executive Committee:

Chairman: Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance

Vice Chairman:Doug Webb, CSi Complete

Secretary: Bill Daly, Allstate Insurance Company

Treasurer: Chris Northup

Member-At-Large:Steve Seidner, Seidner's Collision Centers

Member-At-Large:Terry Fortner, Nationwide Insurance

Immediate Past Chairman Clark Plucinski True2Form Collision Repair Centers

In addition to the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board of Trustees consists of: Mark Algie - 3M Company; Joseph Allen - CCC Information Services Inc.; Terry Angell - Warren Tech; Guy Bargnes - BASF; Mary Knapp - Dennis Technical Education Center; Geralynn Kottschade - Jerry's Body Shop Inc.; Tim O'Day - Gerber Collision & Glass; John Saia - Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.; Greg Settle - Mercedes-Benz; Roland Taube - International Representative; and John Ward - Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Trustee Emeriti consist of: J. Laurence Costin - CCC Information Services, Inc.; Lirel G. Holt; Frank D. McGiboney; Chuck S. Sulkala - Acme Body and Paint, Inc; and the late Russell Verona - East Rockford Collision Center.

"The Education Foundation has proven its unique ability to stimulate and support education in the collision repair industry." said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. "Last year we launched our first annual $100,000 effort of supporting students through Education Foundation scholarships, grants of curriculum to Career and Technical Schools and Colleges (CTSC) and continuing education for CTSC instructors. We believe it's possible to illustrate to others that by getting involved and supporting the Education Foundation we can benefit the industry and our businesses directly."

"Last year, our Board of Trustees took the I-CAR Education Foundation in a bold new direction and Messrs. Allen and O'Day and Ms. Knapp bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to help guide us down this path," said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. "As we move to support and strengthen the collision repair education system, I look forward to working with and learning from these three respected professionals."

"I once again look forward to working with the Board, our wonderfully dedicated staff, and I-CAR to move the organization to the next level. There's no stopping what the Education Foundation can do for students and local career and technical schools and colleges," concluded Evans.

###

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

(See Headlines)

The Charity of Hope Introduces "Dream Street"

Keynote Speaker Brian Melo and Honorary MC Nicholas Setta Reach Out
to Messengers of Hope

(HAMILTON, ON . - February 11 , 2009,The Charity of Hope is pleased to present its seventh annual fundraiser with an inspirational and relevant theme. Brian Melo will headline the celebrity event on Friday, March 27, 2009 at Carmen's, with proceeds to benefit the Charity of Hope, a non-profit organization committed to supporting children in need.

"We are thrilled that Brian Melo and Nicholas Setta will headline this event and we are proud to host an evening that will bring hope and inspiration to the children in the community that need it the most," said Charity of Hope Founder and Chairman, Sam Mercanti.

The theme of this year's event, "Dream Street" intends to engage the next generation of leaders to become messengers of Hope for the community. "Brian Melo is a charismatic young man motivated to inspire change among Canadians. He is a perfect representative of Hamilton and hope." Mercanti added.

Brian Melo, a Hamilton native represents everyone who has a dream and has worked against all odds to achieve it and was selected Canadian Idol 2007. Nicholas Setta, Canadian Football League Eastern Rookie of the Year and Eastern All Star, Hamilton Tiger Cat Kicker, will also attend the gala as honorary MC..

The Charity of Hope's "Dream Street" is an evening that will appeal to all generations.. There will be a series of live and silent auctions, including a smile makeover valued at $10,000 from Hamilton dentist Dr. Vini Bhandari. Tickets are $50.00 and are available at the Carmen's Box Office at 905-387-0007.

The Charity of Hope will present funds raised that evening to various local groups that support children in need, such as City Kidz, The Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation, the United Way and other individual recipients.

"In addition to raising much needed funds, the Dream Street gala will no doubt raise awareness of The Charity of Hope in our community and will help us to improve the lives of many local children by enriching them with a little more hope," said Mercanti.

The Charity of Hope is a non-profit organization committed to supporting children in need. Since 1999, the Charity of Hope has been dedicated to bringing hope to the lives of hundreds of children in the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara communities. For more information please visit: www.charityofhope.com

Sponsors of the Dream Street include: Gold Partners Dr. V. Bhandari; Corporate Benefits Analysts (CBA); Silver Partners BASF, West Park Developments Inc.; Bronze Partners Medicis Aesthetics Canada; Founding Partners Carmens and CARSTAR Automotive Canada; Special Partners Telecom, Equitable Insurance, Rainbow Esso, BDO, Progenic Lab, Mitchell & Abbott Group Insurance.

Media Contacts:
P.J. Mercanti
President - Carmen's|
(905) 383-4100 ext. 208
pjmercanti@carmens.com

Dennis Concordia
Media and Corporate Partners - Charity of Hope
VP, Human Resources - CARSTAR Automotive Canada
(905) 388 4720 Ext. 249
dconcordia@carstar.ca

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® Announces 2009 International Board of Directors

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - February 10, 2009 - I-CAR announced its 2009 International Board of Directors and Executive Committee following the I-CAR Annual Membership Meeting in Hoffman Estates, IL.

The 2009 Executive Committee consists of: Chairman Tom Moreland, AkzoNobel; Vice Chairman Mike Schoonover, Schoonover Bodyworks Inc. for Automotive Service Association; Secretary Bill Stage, AkzoNobel; Treasurer Elise Quadrozzi, Crawford & Company; Immediate Past Chairman Robby Robbs, NuCon Services Inc.; Member-At-Large Bruce Bares, Hi-Tech Collision & Glass Centers; and Member-At-Large Bob Keith, CARSTAR.

"I-CAR training is as crucial to the inter-industry's success today, as I-CAR celebrates 30 years of service to the industry, as it was in 1979 when I-CAR was founded," said Moreland. "Changing automobile technology and business process improvements of today will have as profound an impact on the inter-industry in 2009 as the introduction of the unibody vehicle in the late 1970s."

Moreland continued, "The I-CAR International Board of Directors appreciates the continuing inter-industry support and the legion of I-CAR volunteers and the work of staff to ensure that I-CAR provides relevant and timely training to the industry."

The remaining directors include: Farzam Afshar, Verifacts Automotive; Terry W. Angell, Warren Tech; Rollie Benjamin, ABRA Auto Body & Glass; William Brower, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company; Bruce Cooley, DuPont Performance Coatings, Inc.; William DeGrocco, GEICO Insurance; James F. Doherty, General Motors Corporation; Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance - Education Foundation Representative; David Henderson, See Progress, Inc.; John Norton, Ford Motor Company; Sam Pezzullo, State Farm Insurance - Canadian Representative; Greg Potter, for Equipment & Tool Institute; Monica Rivers, BMW of North America, LLC; James Spears, USAA; Dustin Womble, Roger Beasley Collision Centers for Society of Collision Repair Specialists.

-More-

The board of directors sets the overall strategic direction for the organization and assists in obtaining resources in support of the I-CAR Mission. The board of directors is comprised of representatives from each of the following six industry segments: collision repair; insurance; equipment, tools, and supplies; education, training, and research; vehicle manufacturers; and related industry services.

###

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
the consumer.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® OUTLINES AGGRESSIVE TIMELINE FOR
TRANSITIONING CANADIAN TRAINING OPERATIONS

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - February 10, 2009 - I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced its timeline around plans to transition its Canadian operations for collision repair training to a Canadian firm under a licensing agreement.

Robby Robbs, Immediate Past Chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors, explained that the move is "in response to the International Board of Directors' mandate that the Canadian market establish the manner in which I-CAR would be best structured to serve the industry."

The collision repair training organization expects to move quickly and has set a March 1, 2009 deadline for receiving an Expression of Interest (EOI) document from Canadian firms interested in transitioning operations into their fold. Following a review, qualified organizations will be invited in April to move further in the process and to submit a detailed proposal outlining a business plan that will successfully incorporate the I-CAR vision in future operations in Canada. The I-CAR Canadian Task Force will evaluate proposals in mid-June and hopes to have a recommendation for a licensee in July and plans to complete the transition by the end of 2009.

Robbs said, "Early indications of market interest are encouraging." He cautioned, however, that without I-CAR "the industry is at risk of each repair serving as the training ground for new technology."

Operations in Canada are continuing as usual while the training organization seeks a potential licensee. "We are continuing to do what we do - scheduling I-CAR classes, conducting I-CAR training, and working to support the training needs of the inter-industry," said John Edelen, President and CEO. "We intend to continue to do so as we transition to a Canadian industry-supported alternative," he added.

- More -

Robbs said, "As a fellow Canadian, I am hoping the industry in our country recognizes the opportunity that is available to it and rises to the challenges that lie ahead." He added, "What you have before you is a call for action and it is now up to the collision repair industry to decide what it wants and to engage."

Canadian firms intending to submit an Expression of Interest document prior to the March 1, 2009 deadline can visit the I-CAR website at www.i-car.ca/eoi for more information and to obtain the document.

###

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)

ACCESS HAMILTON
YOUR LINK TO HAMILTON'S WORKFORCE

Employers, join us to learn about free community-based employment services that can b enefit your recruitment efforts. Services include:

•  Resume Pre-screening
•  Job Matching
•  Training Subsidies
•  Job Posting Services

You are invited to participate in one of our upcoming focus group sessions taking place at Mohawk College. Session includes light breakfast, parking costs and company acknowledgement on final report.

Contact Kym McCreary-Stewart at 905-575-2214 to learn more.

www.accesshamilton.ca

This Employment Ontario project is funded by the Ontario Government

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® LAUNCHES WATERBORNE PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS, AND
APPLICATION TRAINING PROGRAM

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - February 2, 2009 - Repairers and insurers interested in waterborne refinish systems will soon have a new training resource from I-CAR, The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. On March 2, I-CAR will launch its Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) live training program.

Inter-industry interest in waterborne refinish systems continues to grow as repairers look toward not only compliance with existing regulations, but also the environmental protection and marketing benefits of these new systems.

"Interest in waterborne systems and the conversion process is not limited to areas where refinishers are required to use low-VOC paint systems to comply with environmental regulations," said Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Technical Director. "Repair facilities world-wide are converting to waterborne refinish paint systems to both comply with existing and upcoming regulations that have been announced, and to prepare their operations for the future."

Recognizing this interest, the new I-CAR Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application course provides a thorough overview of this new technology of interest to shop managers, technicians and insurance company personnel.

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

-More-

Registration for Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application is currently open for classes that will begin on March 2 and new classes are being added to I-CAR's class schedule on a continuing basis. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR at 800-422-7872.

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

(See Headlines)

MANAGEMENT SEMINARS FOR COLLISION INDUSTRY SHOP OWNERS/MANAGERS

Topics include:

• Shop valuation
• Employment law
• Succession
• Employment grants and business incentives

The collision repair associations continue to offer technical and online training, but have been advised by members that they are interested in management seminars to assist in providing profitability and management skills to shop owners and managers.

Commencing in Feburary these five evening events will feature:

 Tuesday, February 3, 2009
GRANTS, INCENTIVES AND TAX CREDITS
Hiring an apprentice, increasing business, hiring staff, upgrading for spray booths, business loans, etc.
Guest Speakers:  Christine Boucher, JobConnect
Brian Morris, City of Hamilton, Economic Development
Lorraine Baatz, apprenticesearch.com

 Tuesday, February 10, 2009   
SUCCESSION FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Keeping your business within the family, sale to employee, share allocation, arranging your business assets properly, tax and capital gains issues
Guest Speaker:  A representative from  Grant Thornton Accountants LLP, will highlight the answers and the process that has been successful for other collision repair shops.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
COLLISION REPAIR EMPLOYMENT LAW
Dismissal, hiring, wrongful termination, constructive dismissal, employment standards, holidays, employee vs. contractor rules Guest Speaker:  James Cimba,B.A., LL.B., Cimba and Associates Barristers and Solicitors

Tuesday, February 24, 2009     
WHAT IS MY SHOP WORTH?
What price would a willing buyer pay? How to valuate? How are assets priced? Is goodwill identifiable?  Is a banner name worth more? Also, property only sale with lease back and environmental issues.
Guest Speakers:  Anthony (Tony) Nigro, Royal LePage State Realty Brokerage and                         former Fix Auto Shop owner
                        Massimo Iudica, Royal LePage State Realty Brokerage
                        Tony Auchincloss, Tool Inventory and Appraisal      

Tuesday, March 3, 2009              
PROFIT CENTRES
Paint less dent removal, car rental, car wash, windshields and repair, headlight restoration, rustproofing, gold plating, paint touch-up and your phone as a profit centre. Some providers of these add-on services for your shops will explain how this works.

  Location:
Motive Power Training Centre
606 Rennie Street, Hamilton (just off the QEW at Woodward Ave. exit))

Time:
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 pm

Admission:

• Members in Good Standing (membership paid in full) $10.00 plus GST
• Non-members $25.00 plus GST

 Refreshments provided.  Question and answer sessions included.

Pre-registration with payment is mandatory. 
Contact our office at 1-866-309-4272, e-mail to info@ciia.com,
register online or by fax at 905-545-3440.

MEMBER SHOPS SPECIAL OFFER!!

With 4.1 million hits last year, the collision repair industry web site at www.ciia.com is the best place to list all those parts that are in your shop, but can not be returned, were ordered incorrectly or just never picked up.  Even equipment can be listed.

A FREE 50 word parts ad is your opportunity to get rid of some of those parts and put money in your pocket.

This offer is valid until FEBRUARY 28, 2009 and extends to any paid up collision repair shop member of any of the collision repair associations across Ontario.

Please use this opportunity to change old inventory into cash!!

Just send your ad to info@ciia.com

(See Headlines)

TRAINING DRAWS, FREE PARTS ADS AND NO GST OFFERED
TO MEMBERS OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATION
Special Offers And Incentives To Make Shops More Profitable

This is a special opportunity to join your local collision repair association. This year-end special offer is to generate shop owner interest across Ontario to join and participate in the valuable activities and benefits of association life.

Any new or renewing trade association member that pays their membership by January 30, 2009 will receive the following:

• Waiving of the GST
  The association will pay your GST on your membership.

• FREE Parts Ad
  A 50 word ad on the industry web site at www.ciia.com to list old parts that every shop has collecting dust. Exchange old parts for cash with a FREE listing on the industry web site.

• A Draw For Free Internet Training
  A special offer for one lucky person from five different shops will now be able to access all 23 of the association's online training courses over the course of a full year for FREE. (The normal value is $100.00) Training courses include popular topics like Automotive WHMIS, Isocyanates, and Hoist Safety Training.

New Association Members Also Receive: The Autobody Profitability Workbook, How to Market your Collision Shop manual, brochures on profitability and safety in shops, the Prep for the Future report, as well as the Health and Safety information package. New handouts will include a five part human resources package, How to become a Salvage Inspection Station and Technician Equivalency package information including grants and incentives folders.

For more information, or how to become a member of your local association contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

Other membership advantages can be found at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/mbenefits.html

(See Headlines)

TRAINING AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE

Always been curious about industry online training?

In an effort to highlight the value of online training in collision repair, Ontario's collision repair associations are offering shops a free online WHMIS refresher course at no charge.  This special offering is to try and help shops better understand and become familiar with online training.  The course can be completed at work or at home.

This course is designed as to assist staff that have previous WHMIS training and need a refresher.

Contact the association office at info@ciia.com or  1-866-309 4272 for your password and user number.

The associations also offer 23 other online courses including, full WHMIS, hoist safety training, and isocyanates training.  All courses are available as one package with a low price of $60.00 plus GST for member shops.  Please check out the course listings at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/itraining.html

(See Headlines)

NIAGARA AREA SCHOOL PRESENTERS WANTED 
Collision repair message to reach interested students

Across Niagara region, many schools are waiting to hear about the collision repair and automotive painting industry.

In co-operation with the Business Education Council of Niagara and the local collision repair trade association, there is a need to motivate collision shops owners with the opportunity to speak to classrooms about the trade.

From Niagara District Secondary School in Niagara-On-The-Lake, through West Park Secondary School in St. Catharine's to Kernahan Park Secondary School, the need to have guest speakers from the industry is important. These schools are looking for a guest presenter who has collision repair, auto body or automotive painter experience, to speak to young people about a good career in fixing damaged vehicles.

Shops owners who are interested in speaking about the value of an apprenticeship in this field are given brochures, videos, handouts and props for the presentation.  Many students are really interested in listening to your personal story of achievement in the trade. How did you start? What is involved?  How much can they make? What are the future employment prospects?

If you are a Niagara area shop owner and interested in highlighting your industry to young people, please call HARA at 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com for more information on this great way of showcasing your talent and your business.

(See Headlines)

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

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

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

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

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