In a major show of support for the collision repair industry accreditation program, senior Ontario government staff met with CISCO supporters to offer suggestions on next steps.

CISCO, The Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario Inc., is the group representing the collision repair, autobody and auto refinish industry in Ontario, in moving forward with an accreditation program of facilities to assist consumers.

A number of senior staff from the Ministry of Government Services, Consumer Protection Branch, including Assistant Deputy Minister Rob Dowler, met with a room full of CISCO supporters who came with answers to previous government questions on the program.

CISCO's efforts are based on requesting the government to move ahead and proclaim the already passed, Collision Repair Standards Act of 2002, that would set the stage for industry accreditation.

Mr. Dowler congratulated CISCO on the wide range of support that they had obtained and offered recommendations on what the staff needed next in order to implement a self-managed program.

Alex Szabo, President of CISCO, thanked the many supporters for their strong effort in continuing to help CISCO. At the meeting offering their encouragement to the government were representatives from:

Ontario Automobile Dealers Association and Toronto association
Consumers Council of Canada
Canadian Automobile Association
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Hamilton district Autobody Repair Association and www.ciia.com

Included in a package presented to the Ministry were letters of support from:

Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council
Canadian Collision Industry Forum
Insurance Bureau of Canada

"This wide-range of support will help the industry identify to government how important it is to move forward with mandatory shop accreditation and self-management to provide a level-playing field for industry and better consumer protection. Government is certainly eager to look at underground operations and abuse issues." said Mr. Szabo.

For more information on CISCO , please see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/cisco.html

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10TH YEAR OF OFFERING POPULAR TRAINING

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Controversial State Farm service agreement will be implemented in Canada

State Farm's new Select Service direct repair program (DRP) will be introduced in several states plus Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario, beginning in the third quarter of 2006. The program has gained notoriety because it contains a number of controversial elements and because it requires repairers with existing State Farm agreements to reapply for the new program.

This "enhancement" of State Farm's auto damage service repair programs was tested in several markets in California, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan last year. Changes were made to the program for companywide implementation based on feedback received and the results of the test.

"We listened to the feedback provided by the repair industry." said State Farm Claim Consultant George Avery. "As a result, we've made changes to the Select Service program."

The new Select Service program will replace existing Select Service and Service First® programs in designated markets. It stipulates that customers will receive national limited lifetime repair warranties, guaranteed completion dates, wash and vacuum of repaired vehicles, and pick-up and delivery service.

The new program will be extended to all states in 2007.

According to a State Farm press release, repairers will have an opportunity to review the new agreement and apply to participate in the new program. "Repairers, large and small, best suited to meet the repair value and business needs of State Farm customers will be selected to participate," it reads.

The company states that the new Select Service program enhances its ability to provide customers with efficient, quality repairs and excellent customer service at competitive prices. "The overall changes to the program will allow State Farm to continue to help customers recover from the unexpected while supporting our business direction of a performance based repair program," said Avery.

The company statement concludes with: "The collision repair industry consistently ranks State Farm as one of the best insurers with whom to do business. State Farm intends to maintain quality relationships with repair facilities while continuing to provide the highest level of claim service to its customers.

On Tuesday June 27, HARA hosted at the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club, the 37th Annual Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament as golfers competed for prizes around the course. Golfers look forward every year to playing on this private course, and the great steak dinner that follows.

This year, the local charity Neighbour to Neighbour Food Banks was accepting non-perishable foods and gifts at the golf registration table and will receive a donation as a portion of the day's event. Golfers had been asked to bring non-perishable foods or a minimum of a $10 donation for Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank. A draw for the charity was also held.

On the course, Kelly Cycle Centre donated the hole-in-one prize of a 2006 Suzuki Grizzly 4x4 ATV for the lucky golfer who drives a hole-in-one on the 17th. Other hole-in-one prizes on the course included: Two Nike Sasquatch drivers, 36 dozen Nike golf balls and a free week at the Trump/Atlantic City hotel and golf course.

Enterprise Car Rentals was helping golfers with water bottles and towels while the local hockey team, the Hamilton Bulldogs and their mascot Bruiser, were out in force, with a Closest to the Net competition and for those golfers that are good at hockey, first prize of season tickets to the Bulldogs 2006-2007 season. Discount Car and Truck Rentals featured special prizes for the golfers closest to the pin.

Today's Heroes hosted a silent auction during dinner with donations to Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank. Special ticket winners after dinner won great prizes including: 4some tickets for next year's tournament, a complete WHMIS training package for their shop, motorcycle leather jacket or $500 in gift certificates for the Dundas Valley Golf pro shop for great golf accessories. Other gifts included binoculars, a deluxe toolkit, a bottle of scotch and gift certificates.

Thank you to the day's major sponsors:

The difficulty Canadian employers have in finding skilled tradespeople is becoming an impediment to economic growth. Meanwhile, many young Canadians find themselves stuck in low-paying work, and are either not encouraged to consider the trades or unable to do so because of financial barriers.

To encourage employers to hire new apprentices, the government’s Budget 2006 has proposed a new Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, effective May 2, 2006. As a result, eligible employers will receive a tax credit equal to ten per cent of the wages paid to qualifying apprentices in the first two years of their contract, to a maximum credit of $2,000 per apprentice per year.
It is estimated that this measure will reduce federal revenues by $190 million in 2006-07 and $200 million in 2007-08.

In addition to current federal support provided to apprentices through the Employment Insurance program, a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant program will be established effective January 1, 2007. The program will provide a cash grant of $1,000 per year to apprentices in the first two years of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades and other economically strategic apprenticeship programs. This grant will be included in computing the income of the recipient for tax purposes.

The Government of Canada will be consulting with provinces and territories, employers and unions to best determine which other apprenticeship programs will be included in the program. Their views will also be sought concerning how to deliver the grant. This grant for apprentices, together with the proposed tax credit for employers, will provide a strong incentive for more young Canadians to pursue apprenticeships and hence meet the future need for skilled tradespeople that is crucial to the sustained growth of the economy.

The cost of this new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant program, under the auspices of the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, is estimated to be $125 million over 2006-07 and 2007-08. It is estimated that about 100,000 apprentices will benefit as a result of the new grant and tax credit.(see headlines)

“I plan to apprentice as an autobody technician after I finish the pre-employment program and work towards earning my Journeyman certificate. In time I hope to specialize in custom painting. Someday I hope I will have the opportunity to help other young apprentices get their start, as well, “ explains Jeremy Schultz who has been accepted into the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology – Autobody Technician Pre-Employment program.

Students who work in the aftermarket after completing their studies are eligible for an additional grant. The GAAS scholarship is unique in that recipients may receive two financial grants: one while they are in school -- to assist with tuition -- and an equivalent matching grant for all scholarship recipients who graduate from their program and work in the automotive aftermarket.

Approximately 130 GAAS scholarships at $1000 each were awarded this year, including 15 Canadians. In the ten years of the scholarship, over a thousand students have received financial aid totalling over $1 million.

The annual investment to help develop future aftermarket industry leaders is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). This two-day program brings together numerous industry executives, including Canadians, and examines the issues and trends affecting the aftermarket industry and influencing its future. The 2007 Symposium will be held May 8 and 9 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago Visit: www.globalsymposium.org for more information.

Canadian GAAS Scholarship Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an accredited automotive technical program.

A complete list of Canadian winners is below. Scholarship applications are available from the AIA Canada web site (http://www.aiacanada.com/html/careers/GAAS.htm ), or by contacting AIA at 1-800-808-2920 ext 226. Additional information on the symposium and US application forms can be found on the Symposium website, www.globalsymposium.org.

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.

Integrity Collision Network has signed a new partnership agreement with Johnson/Unifund Assurance. Negotiations with Wayne Blair, Atlantic Region auto appraisal supervisor for Johnson/Unifund, are said to have focused on customer service and quality of repair rather than being concerned with labor rates and material costs.

Integrity Collision Network (ICN) consists of six Nova Scotia collision centers who have created their own marketing and purchasing group.

In a prepared statement, ICN and Johnson/Unifund note that building trust and closing gaps in the industry relationship is of paramount importance to both organizations. "Forward thinking and flexibility are the keys to developing a more human than monetary approach to relationship building. Our shared vision for the future will undoubtedly provide an uncompromising service to our shared customers."

The two organizations are pleased with the new agreement and look forward to a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

ICN's purpose is to collectively market its membership to customers, including insurance companies, in a fair and ethical manner. The group includes Carroll's Collision, The Coachworks Incorporated, Keizer's Collision, MacPhee Collision, O'Regan's Collision and Wolf Collision. All serve the Halifax region.

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June 29, 2006
AUTO BODY REPAIR COMPLIANCE INFORMATION CENTRE:
HELPING SMALL BUSINESS THROUGH OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

The McGuinty government is making it easier for Ontario’s small businesses to understand and manage their regulatory responsibilities through a new and innovative pilot project.

The Auto Body Repair Compliance Information Centre (CIC) is an online pilot project designed to increase awareness and understanding of government requirements in the auto body repair industry through outreach and education. The overall goal is to make it easier for small businesses to understand and meet their regulatory responsibilities.

The CIC website was developed with input from the auto body repair industry, including the Collision Industry Action Group (CIAG), the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) and auto body repair shop owners. ServiceOntario worked with regulatory ministries to develop the site as part of the government’s commitment to providing easier, more streamlined and better-integrated services for people and businesses across the province. ServiceOntario is the fast and convenient place to obtain government information and services, online, in person and over the phone.

With more than 2,800 shops, most of which employ fewer than five workers, the auto body repair industry is representative of many of Ontario’s small business owners. However, to protect public safety, the industry is subject to extensive regulation from provincial, municipal and federal governments. Based on discussions with stakeholders, the industry has expressed a desire to work with government to improve compliance performance, beginning with a better understanding and awareness of its regulatory responsibilities.

Improving Outreach and Education

The CIC will provide regulatory information in a whole new way. Traditionally, information has been provided in a government-focused format, requiring multiple searches on individual ministry websites. The CIC aims to provide “one-stop shopping” for shop owners by compiling regulatory requirements from multiple ministries in an organized, business-friendly format. The website, at www.serviceontario.ca/autobody, was created in conjunction with stakeholders from the auto body repair industry, with an emphasis on making it user-friendly and easy to understand. The CIC is also available at www.serviceontario.ca, a government site dedicated to making it easier for Ontarians to do business with the province by providing information and services online, in person and over the phone.

Changing the Way We Do Business

The Auto Body Repair Compliance Information Centre (CIC) is one part of a broader modernization strategy to improve and modernize the government’s regulatory activities in Ontario. The other components of the modernization plan include:
• The Regulatory Modernization Act, 2006, introduced in February 2006, that would, if passed, play a major role in improving public protection by allowing ministries to make more efficient use of government resources, while also reducing duplication in compliance activities
• A performance-based strategy that would recognize companies with exceptional records of compliance – while targeting businesses that consistently and repeatedly contravene Ontario’s laws.

Consultation

The overall plan was developed as a result of consultation with a number of stakeholders, including the Collision Industry Action Group (CIAG), Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA), small business owners and regulatory ministries. Our stakeholders consistently identified common areas for improvement including:
• The need for a single portal of information for regulatory requirements
• Creating a website that is easy to navigate and provides clear information on legislation specifically applicable to the auto body repair industry
• The development of a combined information centre that includes provincial, federal and municipal regulatory requirements
• Focusing enforcement efforts where they most matter, to better protect the public and promote a level playing field for compliant businesses.

Next Steps

The CIC is an ongoing project that will be continually developed and refined to even better reflect the operations of an auto body shop owner. Future plans include working to incorporate regulatory requirements from municipal and federal government partners, to truly represent a “one-stop shop” for business.

For more information visit www.labour.gov.on.ca (see headlines)

PRO-SHINE FINED $1,200 FOR VIOLATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT

May 31, 2006 FORT FRANCES — Pro-Shine has been fined $1,200, plus a victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to violating the Environmental Protection Act (EPA).
Pro-Shine is an automobile repair and finishing business located at 300 Pit Road #2 in the town of Fort Frances, Ontario.

The Court heard that on June 15, 2005, a routine inspection by a Provincial Officer with the Ministry of the Environment found that the company did not have a Certificate of Approval (C of A) for its paint-spray booth.

A Provincial Officer’s Order was issued to Pro-Shine requiring the company to complete and submit an application for a C of A for the operation of the spray booth. The company did not comply with this requirement and, following an investigation by the ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch, charges were laid.

Pro-Shine was fined $1,200 after pleading guilty to failure to comply with a Provincial Officer’s Order by not submitting an application for a C of A under Section 9 of the EPA.
The Court was told that the company later hired a consultant to prepare an application for a C of A.

Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances, Ontario, on April 28, 2006.
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BUSINESS OWNER FINED $500 FOR VIOLATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT

ST. CATHARINES — A local business owner has been fined $500, plus a victim fine surcharge, after pleading guilty to violating the Environmental Protection Act (EPA).
Queenstar Auto Collision and Sales was owned by Edgar Gonzalez and was located at 142 Cushman Road in St. Catharines.

The Court heard that during an inspection on August 20, 2002, a Provincial Officer with the Ministry of the Environment learned that a paint spray booth on the premises was operating without a Certificate of Approval (C of A).

Following an investigation by the Ministry’s Investigations and Enforcement Branch charges were laid.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a Provincial Officer’s Order by failing to complete and submit an application for a C of A contrary to Section 9 of the EPA and was fined $500 plus VFS. The Court was told that Gonzalez has ceased operating his auto collision and sales business.

Justice of the Peace Thomas P. Froese heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on April 6, 2006.

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June 13, 2006 – Ottawa, ON. AIA Canada is pleased to announce that Shad's R&R held June 8th in Kleinberg, Ontario once again supported the High Fives for Kids program with a Par 3 Fundraising Challenge that featured Nat Desjardins, one of Canada's leading amateur female golfers.

Thanks also to Federal-Mogul Canada for donating the TaylorMade R7 Driver for the High Fives for Kids draw and the Board members of Shad's R&R for their support of the High Fives for Kids Par 3 Challenge.

To date over $10,000 has been raised for the program. The High Fives for Kids program was developed and launched by AIA Canada over a year ago to support children in need. The High Fives for Kids program is a grassroots-driven charity managed by AIA's 13 Division Chairmen. All AIA members from coast to coast can apply to the program for assistance with local causes affecting children. For more information about the program, visit www.aiacanada.com.

Watch for more details to be announced shortly regarding enhancements to the High Fives for Kids program. 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.

For more information about the High Fives for Kids Program and criteria for support, or to make a donation to the Trust Fund, contact:

Patty Kettles, Manager, Sales & Marketing, AIA Canada, 800-808-2920 ext. 221

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Several business-oriented speakers of interest to the collision repair sector are have signed on to share their knowledge at CarFixWORLD, the dynamic one-stop shopping industry event for the Canadian automotive service and collision industry taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Toronto.

Friday, Sept. 29, is primarily reserved for students and apprentice activity; Saturday and Sunday, September 30 and October 1, are filled with prominent experts from every aspect of the automotive aftermarket. Three important areas - the Studio Stage, the Service Shop and the Seminar Station -- have a steady fare of high profile experts and prominent
personalities addressing every subject area, from the business of the aftermarket to the latest technical innovations to the most glamorous aspects of top-rated automotive TV shows.

On Saturday, Dennis DesRosiers, Canada's leading automotive authority, will present "Ten Significant Trends the Aftermarket Needs To Respond To" as the event's keynote address.

Beverlie Cook - from Skills Canada explains some of the incentives that the federal government offers to businesses that employ apprentices. She reveals that you can earn money from the Canadian Government just by hiring an apprentice.

Jay Perry, CEO of Automotive Business Consultants, is well known in the collision industry for small business solutions and strategy. He will explain his formula of productivity + efficiency+ recruitment = profit as a model for enhancing business profitability.

Mary-Beth Kellenberger, a senior consultant industry analyst for the transportation industry discusses how vehicle design will impact the repair industry as well as the importance of technician training and growth of peripheral persons.

As well, I-CAR Canada will review "Automotive Technology Trends in the Collision Industry".

Attendees can also expect guest appearances by Alex and Quinton "Q" from "Pimp My Ride", Castrol Dodge CASCAR contender DJ Kennington, Courtney Hansen, the host of Spike TV's Power Block, plus contests and challenges, customized cars and new equipment demos in scores of booths.

CarFixWORLD takes place September 29 - October 1, 2006 in the Direct Energy Centre (formerly known as the National Trade Centre) at Toronto's Exhibition Place. Further information, including how to register, can be found at carfixworld.com.

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The offices of ciia.com and Hamilton and District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) have moved to a larger facility with more room to offer training courses. The association is now located at HARA, Automotive and Motive Power Training Centre, 606 Rennie Street, Hamilton, ON, L8H 3P5.

The new local phone number is 905-545-3388, fax: 905 545 3440. The toll-free number 866-309-4272 remains the same.

As well, e-mail, web and electronic links remain the same. Regular mail should still be sent to PO Box 47594, Centre Mall, Hamilton, ON, L8H 7S7 with courier deliveries received at 606 Rennie Street.

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RS Finishing Systems Inc. has stepped up to the plate with a strong incentive for attendees of CarFix WORLD. The company is donating an Ausen spray booth (27 ft. x 13 ft.), valued at more than $50,000, as a prize to the collision attendees. Bodyshop magazine is working with CarFixWORLD and RS Finishing Systems to showcase this valuable prize.

As well, Wakefield Canada, the country's marketer and distributor of Castrol lubricants, has taken an aggressive position at the CarFixWORLD event. The Castrol brand is prominent at the Grey Cup, so as major sponsor, Wakefield is offering tickets and airfare to the 2006 Grey Cup to be held in Winnipeg.

"We anticipate these two prizes will create a lot of interest in the event and underline that this is now the aftermarket show in Canada," comments Carol Bell-LeNoury, the show's manager.

In addition to the Wakefield/Castrol and RS Finishing commitments, several other major automotive aftermarket companies have contracted to take part in CarFixWORLD this past week. Dominion Sure Seal, Snap-On Tools, FMSI Automotive, Mitchell International, Ingersol-Rand Canada Inc., AMH Canada, SATA and The John Bean Company have all signed on as exhibitors.

CarFixWORLD is gaining momentum quickly this month, adds Bell-LeNoury. "With top notch presentations, a rapidly growing slate of first tier exhibitors and now these exciting grand prizes from Castrol and RS Finishing, this is now quite an exceptional event."

CarFixWORLD takes place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the National Trade Centre, Toronto. For more information, visit www.carfixworld.com.

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Several significant players in the Canadian aftermarket and collision industry have signed on for CarFixWORLD, the automotive industry exhibition taking place September 29 to October 1, 2006 at Toronto's National Trade Centre.

The exhibitor commitment continues to grow and an early survey of potential show visitors indicates attendance will exceed initial expectations, according to John McLean, the event's manager.

Exhibitors who have signed on include Carcone's Auto Recycling, Cars Systems Inc., Chicago Pneumatic Tool, Citation, Delphi, Dominion Sure Seal, Fleetchek.com, Global Finishing Solutions, Gojo Industries Inc., Henkel, Hofmann, Inov8, Matco, Transport Canada, RS Finishing Systems Inc. and Thermofluid Technologies.

CarFixWORLD also conducted an email survey to trade publication readers in both the repair and collision sectors. Nearly 1,000 replies were received. The survey indicated consistent enthusiasm for the "one big show" concept from all sectors of the aftermarket community.

Survey respondents indicated an enthusiasm for the show to focus seminars on product training, business management, technology/equipment, tools and recruitment. "This speaks to our extensive schedule of seminars and special presentations at the show.

CarFixWORLD will set a new benchmark for the industry," noted McLean.

Check www.carfixworld.com for more information.

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Inspection and abatement staffs from the Ministry of Environment and the Sector Enforcement Group are dropping into collision repair shops in the Hamilton area.

In the last two weeks, a number of shops have contacted the HARA office and collision repair industry help line at 1-866-309-4272 with requests for assistance.

In all inspections to date, Ministry staff found that although most activities at the shop were within compliance standards, the facility often did month possess a written Certificate of Approval. In a number of shops the required training was not completed. Any shop that receives a Certificate of Approval after May 2001 must complete a training course. (For further information contact 1-866-309-4272 or log onto www.autobodyhelp.ca under “Mandatory Training”).

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment requires that every autobody or collision repair facility that spray paints vehicles or parts of vehicles possess a valid “Certificate of Approval (Air)”.

This Certificate, issued under Section 9 of the Environmental Protection Act, gives government approval for emissions coming from your shop’s paint booth, spray guns, and in some cases the gun wash stations, prep stations and paint mixing areas.

Shops need to prove that their emissions to the atmosphere are within prescribed limits. Shops use chemicals such as toluene, xylene and isocyanates that can be harmful or cause a nuisance to neighbours and must demonstrate that their emissions are within acceptable levels.

We understand that many shops have found the application package and Ministry requirements far too complex and they hired engineers or environmental consultants to complete and submit the application to the Ministry. Those shops were often charged $3000.00 or more to prepare the application, in addition to the processing fee demanded by the Ministry.

www.autobodyhelp.ca recognized that shops were paying far too much for this service and we have negotiated a streamlined program for shops to save them money and time.

For further information and answers to your questions, please contact us at 1-866-309-4272 or locally 905-664-7888.

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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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