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June
2006
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In
order of most recent
High
Fives for Kids Gets a Helping Hand from Canada's Automotive Aftermarket
Industry
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.
“On
behalf of the Trustees of the High Fives For Kids program, I would
like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the golfers who participated
in the «Closest to the Hole» challenge on the 4th hole
and for their generous contributions to the program,” said
Ken Coulter, Honourary Chairman of the High Fives for Kids program.
“This year’s challenge resulted in $2,200 which will be
shared equally between Muscular Dystrophy and the High Fives for
Kids program.”
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.
Special
thanks and recognition to Nat Desjardins for taking time from her
busy schedule to challenge the golfers and to her mother Aline for
driving the long trek back and forth from their home in Northern
Ontario.
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
|
CarFixWORLD
speakers bring valuable business knowledge
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.
(see
headlines)
|
HARA
gains space for training
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.
(see
headlines)
|
Keystone
Net Jumps 74.0 Percent, Same Store Sales Up 11.6 Percent
Keystone Automotive Industries has reported another successful quarter
with record earnings and sales for its fourth quarter and fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006.
Net
income for the fiscal fourth quarter increased 74.0 percent to $7.6
million from $4.3 million a year ago. Net sales for the same period
climbed 18.0 percent to $179.9 million from $152.5 million last
year. For the full fiscal year, net income jumped 56.1 percent to
$22.3 million from $14.3 million last year. Net sales for the fiscal
year climbed 12.7 percent to $628.3 million from $557.7 million
in fiscal 2005.
Same
store sales growth for the fourth quarter and fiscal year were 11.6
percent and 11.3 percent (adjusted to reflect the 53-week period
a year ago), respectively.
"Fiscal
2006 was an outstanding year for Keystone. Our results for fiscal
2006 reflect, among other things, improved fulfillment rates to
our customers, improved operating efficiencies, increased momentum
within the aftermarket collision repair industry and the dedication
of the Keystone team to continuous improvement,'' said Richard L.
Keister, president and chief executive officer.
Keister
noted that the company's acquisition in October 2005 of Veng USA,
a provider of generic collision parts in New England, contributed
to the company's solid performance. He added that in April, the
company successfully converted the Veng locations to Keystone's
ERP systems and processes.
Keister
and Jeff Gray, chief financial officer, will host an investor conference
call today at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the company's results.
The call will be open to all interested investors either through
a live audio Web broadcast via the Internet at http://www.keystone-auto.com
and http://www.vcall.com, or live by calling (877) 440-9648 (domestic)
or (706) 679-0668 (international) with call ID number 9840183.
Thanks
to CollisionWeek
(see
headlines)
|
It
pays to know car's past
Jun. 10, 2006.
ROBERT MCMILLAN
I recently had a conversation with a couple named Mary and Ken.
Mary
told me that she had a rude awakening at our dealership when she
discovered the true market value of her late-model wagon.
When
the car was relatively new, Mary had an accident that caused $20,000
damage to the vehicle, which was repaired to manufacturer's specifications
and its pre-accident condition.
Mary
assumed that her five-door would also be restored to its pre-accidentmarketplace
value.
She
was wrong, as she learned when she traded it in .
Mary
had financed her car over four years and had a year's worth of paymentsleft
to fulfill her financial obligations. But she was surprised to discover
her wagon was now worth $7,000 less than it would have been if it
hadn't sustained serious accident damage.
Mary
and Ken are very good customers but, unfortunately, there was nothing
I could do to bridge the gap.
Mary
couldn't understand why her car was so devalued. After all, it drove
well and had no mechanical issues.
The
reason has to do with information now available about accident vehicles.
In 1995, the Ontario government introduced a law that required insurance
companies to keep track of all reported accidents by vehicle identification
number (VIN).
A
central registry compiles this data, which can be accessed by new-car
dealerships and certain organizations when researching vehicle histories.
From
a dealership perspective, accident reporting has been a major tool
in combating fraud. I believe full disclosure is good for dealers
and consumers.
Damage
information about Mary's vehicle is now available online for a fee
to consumers and new-car dealers.
Reporting
vehicle histories is part of the era of stringent disclosure in
today's marketplace for many products and services.
When
a potential buyer looks at Mary's car, he/she automatically views
the car as being less valuable, even though it was repaired to the
manufacturer's specifications.
From
a marketplace perspective, cars that have been in serious accidents
are worth less than accident-free vehicles. That's not always fair
and it's unfortunate for sellers, but that's the reality.
Diminished
value can be a contentious issue among drivers and insurance companies,
and there are no clear guidelines that apply to all situations.
Speak to your insurance agent for clarification.
For
someone wanting to buy Mary's car (either a consumer or another
dealer), the accident history is part of the total information package
that helps dealers and consumers to accurately appraise vehicles.
New-car
dealerships run extensive checks on all vehicles acquired through
trades or at auction. They want to know about possible liens, odometer
tampering and accident history as much as consumers do.
That's
why it's best to buy a used car from a new-car dealer. Consumers
are provided with a level of protection that is unavailable when
they buy privately.
New-car
dealers conduct thorough background checks on their used vehicles.
If something goes wrong after you buy a car, you can always return
it to the dealership to have the issue addressed.
There
is no guarantee that a vehicle's history is accident free. For instance,
if cars sold in Ontario originate from other provinces, or from
other countries, there may be no registry available to check whether
a vehicle has been in an accident.
Flood-damaged
vehicles from the U.S. are a concern for Canadian dealers and consumers.
Law enforcement agencies, insurance bureaux and new-car dealers
on both sides of the border do an excellent job identifying such
vehicles, but the system is not foolproof.
Dealers
need to know about crash damage and other problems so they can accurately
assess the market value of vehicles before deciding whether to buy
them or not.
With
full disclosure, buyer and seller are privy to the same information
about a vehicle, and important details such as a car's accident
history are not hidden from view. It's only fair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert McMillan, president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association,
is a new-car dealer in the GTA. This column represents the views
of TADA. Email: president@tada.ca.
Web: http://www.tada.ca.
(see
headlines)
|
CARSTAR
franchises raise funds for cystic fibrosis research
Volunteers
at more than 70 CARSTAR collision repair centres across Canada will
roll up their sleeves to 'soap it up' as part of an ongoing campaign
to help the thousands of young Canadians battling cystic fibrosis
(CF). The third annual CARSTAR 'Soaps it Up' National Car Wash takes
place this weekend, Saturday June 10.
All proceeds from the car wash will support the Canadian Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) and local charitable organizations.
CARSTAR Automotive Canada has been a dedicated supporter of the
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for several years, after it
was discovered that the granddaughter of a CARSTAR franchisee was
diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
"We're committed to making a difference in the fight against
this disease," said Sam Mercanti, President and CEO, CARSTAR
Automotive Canada. "Every year the support for this campaign
continues to grow. We're very proud of all of the franchisees and
volunteers who work so hard to make this a success."
Through this campaign and other fundraising initiatives, CARSTAR
Collision Repair Centres have raised over $1 million to help fund
research and treatment in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Tickets for the June 10th car wash cost $5 each and include a coupon
towards the purchase of a Mr. Clean All-in-One Carwash Kit and the
chance to win a luxurious hot tub. For more information about the
fundraising event and to find a participating location near you,
please visit www.carstar.ca
(see
headlines)
|
House
Subcommittee Approves Right to Repair Act
BETHESDA,
MD - May 25, 2006 - The independent automotive aftermarket today
scored a major victory in its battle for passage of the Motor
Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) when the Commerce,
Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee voted in favor of the
legislation in an open mark-up session on Capitol Hill, according
to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
Although the bill was amended during the meeting, the goal of
the legislation remained intact: Requiring the Federal Trade Commission
to enforce requirements that independent repair shops have access
to the same information and tools that are available to new car
dealers, according to Aaron Lowe, vice president of government
affairs, AAIA.
"The close 14-13 favorable vote came despite an intense lobbying
effort launched by the vehicle manufacturers, new car dealers
and the Automotive Service Association," Lowe said.
"After four years of work by AAIA and a coalition of national
and state aftermarket groups, this is a very big step in our drive
to ensure the future of our industry," said Kathleen Schmatz,
AAIA president and CEO.
"While we continue to hold out hope that the car companies
will come back to the table to discuss a non-legislative agreement,
we are prepared to continue to drive this legislation through
the full committee and the entire legislative process to the desk
of the president if need be."
Two amendments to the bill were accepted by the subcommittee.
One addressed the need for a study by the General Accounting Office
to measure the scope of service information availability problems
being encountered by independent repair shops. The other amendment
further clarified that the intent of the legislation is to ensure
that the intellectual property of
the vehicle manufacturers is thoroughly protected.
(see
headlines)
|
BLOCKADE
NEARLY SHUTS CALEDONIA AUTO BODY SHOP
Damage
caused by Insurrection against the government may not be covered
in insurance policy
May
31, 2006
Bill Kirouac was on the verge of closing his auto body shop. Customers
stopped coming to his Caledonia business the moment news hit that
natives were occupying a development site. Later, the street where
his business is located was blockaded, portions set on fire and
then a trench dug across the road, all on national television.
His native customers also disappeared.
For the entire month of April, the father of two brought in only
$1600, a 90% drop in business.
His wife found a job working at an Ancaster restaurant to help
make ends meet. Bill is still struggling to get the business back
on its feet.
Last week, a massive vandalism attack, where a burning car was
sent into the local hydro transformer station, caused $1.5 million
in damage, and shut down power for most of the town. Premier Collision
was without power for two days. The local provincial highway is
still blocked with a barricade and the bridge over the local rail
line has been burned down, causing an additional $1.2 million
damage and shutting down the rail line business.
Bill is one of the first business owners to show up at the Haldimand
Caledonia Community Centre to apply for a piece of the $500,000
in provincial emergency relief. Frustrated, Bill says " I
just hope that it's enough"
Bill has had little or no work most of this month too but is now
gradually seeing some vandalism and insurance work arriving at
this door. Bill warns that getting insurers to pay for the repairs
is tough. Vandalism claims must be police-report documented very
carefully he says, as insurers have indicated that their policies
specifically exempt damage caused by "insurrection against
the government" and shops in Caledonia are being told that
some damage claims may not be honoured.
(see
headlines)
|
VISTA
ISSUE POSITION
May
26, 2006: The following is the National Automotive Trades Association
(NATA)
position regarding Vehicle Information and Service Tools Access
(VISTA) as provided
by Glenn McNally of NATA in his initial proposal to the Automotive
Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) three years ago.
All automotive repair outlets serving the motoring public in Canada
require access to service information and tools and training in
order to provide necessary service to vehicles in a timely and
cost-efficient fashion. Repairs to ensure that vehicles comply
with provincially mandated safety and emission programs require
that Canadian technicians have access to this information on a
level consistent with their American counterparts.
Recent developments in automotive technology require that replacement
components be programmed or initialized using information and
equipment available from the vehicle manufacturer. The database
listed at http://www.nastf.ca lists manufacturer Web sites that
provide pcm reflash and initialization data, service info, on-demand
training programs and manufacturer-validated service tools. NATA
seeks access on an equal level with our Automotive Service Association
(ASA) counterparts in the United States, and would be prepared
to enter into an agreement with OEMs here in Canada similar to
the one that exists between ASA and the new car manufacturers
in the United States.
NATA members wish to establish a voluntary agreement to provide
aftermarket service providers with access to this information,
in order that they may continue in their partnership with OE service
provider outlets in providing the level of service the Canadian
motoring public has come to enjoy and expect in the past. The
service providers represented by NATA affiliated associations
are more concerned with these needs than the issues being raised
in the U.S. under the Right to Repair legislative effort. Right
to Repair proponents appear to be seeking access to information
that would allow aftermarket parts suppliers to acquire engineering
info on replacement parts through legislation, versus diplomatic
discussion, dialogue and agreed-to consensus.
For further information on this subject, please contact VISTA
spokesperson
Glenn McNally: gmcnally@nastf.ca http://www.nastf.ca
416 460 4077 Toronto ON 250 412 7177 Victoria BC
The National Automotive Trades Association of Canada currently
represents:
• Automotive Retailers Association of British Columbia (ARA)
• Automotive Service and Repair Association of Alberta (ASRA)
• Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR)
• Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba (ATA)
• Hamilton district Autobody Repair Association (HARA)
• Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO)
• Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia (CRANS)
(see
headlines)
|
The
following educational business courses are now offered by Mohawk
College supported by HARA:
Creating
Amazing Customer Service June 6 Burlington full day
Communications and Interpersonal Skills June 11 Hamilton full
day
Getting the best from difficult people May 16,17 Burlington 1.5
days
July 11, 12 Brantford 1.5 days
Stress Management for Today's World June 19 Brantford full day
Designing Employee Job Description May 9 Hamilton full day July
5 Brantford full day
Successful Interview Techniques May 24 Hamilton full day July
19 Brantford full day
After the interview-References, Job Offers June 7 Hamilton full
day
Keeping the Best-employee Retention Strategy June 21 Burlington
full day
Assessing Business Ideas May 9 Hamilton half day
June 6 Burlington half day
Exploring Small Business Ideas May 9 Hamilton half day
June 6 Burlington half day
Building Business Plans May 25 Hamilton half day
June 20 Burlington half day
Marketing Your Business May 11 Brantford full day
June 22 Hamilton full day
The Art of Networking May 11 Burlington half day
June 14 Brantford half day
Time Management for the Entrepreneur May 15 Burlington half day
June 19 Brantford half day
Taking Care of Business May 25 Hamilton half day
June 20 Burlington half day
Succession Planning for Family Businesses May 3 Hamilton full
day
June 7 Burlington full day
Leadership Styles and Strategies May 2 Burlington full day
June 15 Brantford full day
Creating Mission, Vision and Values June 12 Hamilton full day
July 14 Burlington full day
Inspiring your Workforce May 15 Burlington half day
June 20 Hamilton half day
Business Ethics and Integrity May 15 Burlington half day
June 19 Brantford half day
Facilitating Multi-functional Teams May 18 Hamilton full day
July 20 Brantford full day
Team Building for Supervisors June 23 Burlington full day
July 6 Hamilton full day
Effective Supervisory Styles May 30 Burlington full day
July 26 Hamilton full day
Resolving Conflict May 3 Hamilton full day
July 14 Burlington full day
Team Building for Supervisors June 23 Burlington full day
July 6 Hamilton full day
Problem Solving May 31 Burlington full day
July 18 Brantford full day
Performance Management June 9 Hamilton full day
Coaching for Success June 16 Hamilton full day
All one-day and two-day Tools for Business Workshops start at
9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Half-day workshops run from 9:00
a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early. All class
fees include GST. Parking and lunch facilities are available on
site.
Fees: half day course is $133.75, full day course is $266.43 and
1.5 day course is $401.25
Also offered- one day workshops for: Introduction to Windows,
Access, Excel, Powerpoint, Word @ $144.00 and a two-day Simply
Accounting course for $225.00
Call 1-866-991-2011 to register or visit www.t4b.mohawkcollege.ca
(see
headlines)
|
MAJOR
CHANGE FOR INDUSTRY ANNOUNCED
Canada to regulate low-emission auto refinish paint
May 5, 2006
In
a major change for Canadian industry, collision shops will now
need to adapt to using different coatings product for auto refinishing
and significant increased costs and possibly poorer quality finish
may be the result.
Environment Canada officials told an invited audience in Toronto
today that they are moving ahead with the regulation of manufacturing
and importing of auto refinish coatings.
The government outlined their concerns with air emissions from
coatings product despite the fact that refinish coatings VOC emission
have been already reduced through voluntary measures by almost
65% since 1992. VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are largely
solvent-based emission released in spray painting and are a contributor
to low-level ozone or smog, which can have significant health
impacts including increased morbidity.
In order to get a further 2 kilotonnes emission reduction, the
government will set regulations on the solvent or VOC content
in most auto refinish coatings used in collision repair facilities
in Canada. Because the federal government does not regulate end-users
( the shop), the regulation will initially impact coatings companies
who will only be able to manufacture these newer-technology coatings
for shop use. Shops will be obligated to
use the new coatings because no other coatings will be legally
available in the
marketplace. It is expected that the older product will be used
up first rather than replaced.
Environment Canada will look at comments over the next few months
to determine an implementation schedule and has committed to a
socio-economic study of the impact on shops that this regulation
change will demand.
Although paint companies can use whatever formulation they wish
in their paint coatings, the "as applied" VOC limit
in the paints must be reduced. Companies can use waterborne, high-solids
even ultra-violet paint applications or any other technology as
long as it meets the proposed new standards.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SHOPS?
Although a cost analysis will be done this summer, interviews
by consultants of shops in Canada and the UK identify that shops
found that the new coatings were initially more difficult to use
and sensitive in application and there was a major cost in equipment
updating or purchasing.
Generally, the older the booth the more likely the booth replacement
rather than updating was required. One coatings firm said felt
they that the quality of the coatings was not as good in matching
colour for the customer as well. Cost figures supplied by Environment
Canada's consultant identified: Blowers to enhance air flow around
vehicles at between $450 to over $1000 plus possible compressor
changes, portable infrared heaters at approx $6000, dehumidifiers
at $10,000 and new heated spray booths, if a retrofit is not available,
at between $64-$75,000
"We are disappointed that the government did not look at
other voluntary measures that have been successful in reducing
VOC emissions in the past by some 8.5 kilotonnes," said bodyshop
association President Tony Nigro.
"The further 2 kilotonnes emission reduction may have been
possible by increased
continued voluntary reductions, however, we now instead face uncertain
increased costs with federal regulation of coatings."
"Shops must recognize that the government's planned actions
will likely increase coatings prices, demand further specific
training and increase capital and operating shop costs for the
paint area. For those shops that decide to stay in the auto refinish
business, we can see very expensive bills coming to customers
and insurers in the future to pay for these
changes," said meeting delegate John Norris who was representing
collision repair shops at the meeting.
Presentation material from the meetings is available to association
members and clients of www.ciia.com by calling 1-866-309-4272
or info@ciia.com
(see
headlines)
|
ONTARIO
ASKS COLLISION INDUSTRY FOR INPUT
New
Auto Body Compliance web site coming soon!!
-
What are the key tasks performed at a shop?
- Frequently asked questions relating to compliance
- Main compliance challenges
On
April 18, the Project co-coordinator and the Director from the Ontario
Inspections, Investigations, and Enforcement Secretariat,(II &
E) provided the Sarnia Lambton County Bodyshop Association (SLCBA)
with their first look at the new, draft Ontario Auto Body Repair
Compliance Information Centre, and asked those questions. With 13
different Ministries and agencies with at least some jurisdiction
over the collision repair industry, the government was reacting
to concerns about the difficulty and confusion that shop owners
often feel in dealing with compliance issues. The Secretariat was
introducing a draft web based government information source designed
to assist collision repair and auto refinish facilities with easier
access to government information and regulations that are specific
to the collision repair industry, but wanted to ensure that the
planned web site met industry needs.
In
late 2005, staff from the government Secretariat, met for some two
hours with the Board of Directors for www.ciia.com and outlined
their plans. Recognizing often how difficult it is to access forms,
documents and information needed to run a profitable collision repair
business, the Secretariat was looking for industry input in the
initiative. They asked about what industry needed from government
and how to make accessing information for shops as simple and easy
as possible. How to find information that was specific for the industry,
so that shop owners would not need to spend hours of valuable time
in waiting on the telephone or finding information that needed "wading
through" in order to find the specific compliance areas related
to collision repair.
The
new compliance web site, will be soon available to help collision
repairers and will be accessed through the main Government of Ontario
website, but will also be featured at www.ciia.com and www.autobodyhelp.ca
when released. In the meantime, the Secretariat wants to continue
to improve the planned web site to meet industry needs and is asking
for your help:
What
are the key tasks at your shop? What are the major things that go
on at your facility that require more information?
Frequently
asked questions- is it about booth permitting, taxes remittance,
installing a booth, health and safety or rules for handling employees
? Are the new rules on installing a used spray booth too confusing
?
What
are the main compliance challenges? Are you worried about Ministry
of Labour or Environment inspections? Perhaps the Fire Department
has visited? Do you know of other shops that have offense orders
written and you want to avoid that?
This
is your opportunity for input into making the web site more valuable
to you. Please send any comments or suggestions to 1-866-309-4272
or info@ciia.com
or info@autobodyhelp.ca
(see
headlines)
|
CCIF
announced the 2007 meeting schedule on April 22 in Edmonton.
Meetings for next year are planned:
January
27, 2007 Marriott Airport Hotel Toronto, Ontario
April
21, 2007 Delta Airport Hotel Vancouver, British Columbia
June
24, 2007 Fairmount Newfoundland Hotel St. John's, Newfoundland
October
14, 2007 Westin Calgaray Hotel Calgary, Alberta
|
Great
prizes lined up for CarFixWORLD attendees
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.
(see
headlines)
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CarFixWORLD
signs on significant exhibitors
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.
(see
headlines)
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LOCAL
SHOPS BEING INSPECTED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Ministry Staff Looking For Certificate of Approvals and Proof of
Training
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.
(see
headlines)
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Associations
Offer Huge Value
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)
(see
headlines)
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