INDUSTRY SUPPORTING AND UTILIZING I-CAR ® ONLINE TRAINING

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - June 25, 2008 - In August of 2005, I-CAR announced a new revolution in its course offerings with the launch of I-CAR online self-study training. Students are able to complete the programs on their time, at their choosing, and print their own certificate after successful completion of each program's post test.

Now, less than three years later, I-CAR announces that online classes have reached the 10,000 mark. Online training has gained momentum over the years eclipsing 5,000 classes taken by August of 2007; and doubling that number less than a year later on June 10, 2008.

I-CAR Technical Director Jason Bartanen said, "I-CAR had a lot of students requesting access to training whenever and wherever they wanted it. I-CAR Online training offers students worldwide the flexibility to learn whenever it's most convenient for them. Students can attend training before work, while on their lunch break, or even at night after putting their kids to bed; all they need is a computer and access to the internet. It's truly 24/7 training."

What started out as 10 I-CAR Online programs at the time of launch has grown to 40 training programs available to the collision industry 24/7. Visit www.i-car.com/online for additional information and a complete list of the available training programs.

This summer, spend some time in 'your' I-CAR classroom.Free.
Purchase two new I-CAR discount coupons and use them for any I-CAR training or welding event scheduled between June 16, 2008 and July 31, 2008, and we'll reward you with a free I-CAR online training class of your choice. Simply mention promotional code E0808 when you call I-CAR Customer Care at 800-422-7872 to order your coupons and register for your classes.

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Are You A High Opportunity Company?

How to prepare for the new MOL-WSIB health and safety campaign

In the next few months, 11,000 service sector workplaces with room for improvement in their health and safety performance, will be approached by one of Ontario's three prevention partners: the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA), Ministry of Labour (MOL), or Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).

The outreach program was launched in April 2008, and replaces the MOL High Risk and Last Chance initiatives with a single, combined program, using new criteria. It is a five-year program intended to help the WSIB and MOL meet an aggressive goal called the "Road to Zero": to reduce lost-time injuries by 35 per cent over the next five years.

Hope for the carrot

If you're one of the 11,000 firms identified as "high opportunity," you want to hope you're one of the lucky ones whose letter comes from your designated health and safety association, the OSSA. This means you're being offered a "carrot"-an opportunity to work voluntarily and collaboratively with OSSA professionals to build on the positive things you may already be doing to drive down injury rates at your firm. Take advantage of this invitation to fine-tune your health and safety system, and avoid reappearing on the list next year.

Prepare for the stick

If, however, your visit or letter comes from the MOL or WSIB, it means you could be facing MOL orders or a Workwell audit. If inspectors have already arrived at your door, the two most important things you can do are cooperate fully, and don't procrastinate. Orders often have short deadlines, so invest whatever time and money is required to implement your fix, fast. See "Don't walk this road alone," below.

Avoid surprises

If you suspect you might be identified as high opportunity, but haven't yet been contacted, be prepared by being informed. Here's how the initiative works:

•  The MOL and WSIB assessed all 200,000 of the active firms registered with the WSIB prior to 2006, comparing each firm's health and safety data with its predominant rate group; 37,000 firms were selected to receive assistance with their health and safety program, 11,000 of them in the service sector.

•  The criteria for selection uses WSIB data and rate groups that firms are already familiar with, so you can understand exactly how you are doing and why you have been approached; for example:

•  Overall injury and illness performance (as per lost-time and no-lost-time injury rates; claim costs; and growth in insurable earnings) in 2006;

•  A traumatic fatality in 2005 or 2006;

•  A record of safety incidents that is higher than that of the firm's peer group;

•  An escalation of safety incidents year over year;

•  Claims associated with one or more of the four priority hazard areas.

Don't walk this road alone

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

•  Compliance checklist: it will walk you through the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

•  Professional review of your Joint Health & Safety Committee; health and safety policy and program; hazards; and orientation training. Find out what MOL inspectors typically look for.

•  Practice Workwell Audit: be prepared by voluntarily stepping through the process.

•  Customized recovery plan for your firm.

•  Health and safety compliance training.

Do it your way

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

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

(See Headlines)

INDUSTRY FEEDBACK SESSIONS KEY TO I-CAR ® INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - June 20, 2008 - As I-CAR continues to emerge as a leaner, more customer-focused training organization, its 2008 International Annual Meeting will reflect the change with a new focus. This year's meeting will center on providing attendees with relevant information that will enhance their roles as professionals in the collision repair inter-industry. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts with I-CAR at Industry Feedback Sessions scheduled for the opening day of the meeting, Thursday, July 24. Industry Feedback Sessions are absolutely free and open to the public. Seeking a candid conversation with attendees, I-CAR sincerely would like to know what it does right and more importantly what it needs to improve on.

Feedback sessions will be facilitated by Lou DiLisio, Automotive Industry Consulting, Inc.; Michael Condon, Condon Consulting LLC; and Rick Sherwood, OEM Collision Repair Resources, LLC and will be geared toward those in the collision repair, insurance, and vehicle manufacturing industry segments.

"This year's meeting will be an opportunity for those in the inter-industry to share their perspectives and to have I-CAR listen," explained I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen. "This meeting is a strong indicator of the turn I-CAR has taken for the better. Industry Feedback Sessions will allow I-CAR to engage in its new operating model and become a stronger customer-focused organization."

The feedback sessions will be structured around open-ended questions that will be posed to industry professionals in attendance. The goal of the questions will be to promote a productive discussion around the needs of the industry and I-CAR's role in fulfilling those needs.

"All three individuals are highly-respected in the inter-industry and each will bring a valuable perspective to this important component of the meeting," said Edelen. "I-CAR is grateful for their commitment to the inter-industry and their willingness to share their expertise during these sessions."

DiLisio, brings several decades of experience to the floor that touches all facets of the collision repair inter-industry. In the 1980's he began consulting and, in addition to his collision repair shop background, has worked with insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, refinish paint companies, body shops, salvage vendors, aftermarket parts manufacturers, and equipment manufacturers and distributors in a wide variety of services including strategic and tactical planning and implementation. He is actively involved with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and also participates on a number of other industry-related committees.

Condon, with an industry background spanning over 30 years, will also be instrumental in facilitating the discussion. Following a successful career with Allstate Insurance Company, in 2007 he established Condon Consulting, LLC, a firm focused on Auto Physical Damage and service to the collision repair inter-industry. Condon is known for his thoughtful approach to inter-industry issues and enjoys an unusual combination of business, technology, and supplier-relations expertise. He is an active participant in numerous organizations including CIC, CIECA, NACE, and various advisory councils.

Sherwood owns and operates OEM Collision Repair Resources, LLC.  Since 1988, he has assisted a variety of collision repair industry clients in the design, development and execution of programs to deliver the highest quality, most cost-effective collision repair to vehicle owners.  In 1998, he formed and has since served as facilitator for the OEM Collision Repair Roundtable, which brings together on a quarterly basis vehicle manufacturer representatives with collision repair and collision repair parts marketing responsibilities to discuss issues of common interest and concern.

I-CAR has intensified its market research efforts and the feedback sessions will continue to provide relevant information from the industry that will be used to shape the courses, products and services offered by the training organization.

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

(See Headlines)

Richmond, VA, June 19, 2008 - In the aftermath of the horrific hurricane season of 2005, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) produced, "Are You Prepared?"-an emergency preparedness brochure written specifically for collision repair facilities and their employees. The eight-page, full-color document is generously illustrated and includes such tools as an emergency preparedness insurance coverage review and supplies checklist.

Recent tragic events in America confirm that the need for this kind of information is as strong as ever. The outcomes of tornadoes in Iowa, floods in Wisconsin and fires in California remind our industry that disaster preparedness is a personal responsibility. Repairers simply can't hope that an outside entity like an insurance company or a government agency will make a business or family whole again. Business owners need to be accountable for the safety and well-being of their businesses, their hard-earned assets and their employees.

NABC created "Are You Prepared?" to help collision repairers in the event of such crises. It outlines the steps necessary to prepare for the worst, which could make it the most valuable document you own. The information in this brochure can make a real difference for your business, your family and our country, and thanks to NABC they are still available.

If you are interested in the NABC emergency preparedness brochure, copies can be downloaded at www.autobodycouncil.org . They are also available in bulk to be shipped, in which case all applicable shipping expenses will apply.

About NABC: NABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. Our ongoing and continued success is a direct result of the efforts and support of our sponsoring companies and membership. Please contact NABC directly for membership information. Call 1-888-667-7433 (888-66PRIDE) or go to www.autobodycouncil.org.

NABC ~ Changing the image of our industry, one consumer at a time.

(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.

June 18, 2008

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)

I-CAR ® ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF STAFF EXECUTIVE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - June 9, 2008 - The International Board of Directors of the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) today announced that it has appointed John W. Edelen to fill the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Edelen has served as interim chief executive since November 2007.

Sam Pezzullo, Vice-Chairman of I-CAR's International Board of Directors, made the announcement. "Since last November, at the request of the I-CAR Board, John Edelen has been serving as the Interim CEO of I-CAR. The Board is pleased with the progress that I-CAR is making under John's leadership, and we want to see this progress continue. Through his appointment, we will be able to provide the organization with continuity, and build upon the early work that John has done with both the I-CAR Staff and Volunteers. John has resigned from his position as a member of the Board of Directors, and as Chairman, to assume this leadership role," said Mr. Pezzullo.

Per the I-CAR Bylaws, Mr. Pezzullo, as Vice-Chair, will assume the responsibilities of the chairman position vacated due to Mr. Edelen's resignation from the Board.

"The past months at I-CAR have been both challenging and rewarding," offered Mr. Edelen. "The organization has stepped-up to meet the challenges of these difficult times for the auto collision repair inter-industry, and for I-CAR. We are re-engaging with our customers, and taking their lead in finding ways to deliver increased value from the I-CAR training experience. Our Volunteers, Instructors and Staff have the highest levels of commitment to the Vision of I-CAR - that every person in the collision industry, current and future, has the necessary knowledge and skills relevant to their position to achieve a complete and safe repair," he continued. "I am grateful for the support of I-CAR Volunteers, Instructors and Staff, and for the confidence that the I-CAR Board has placed in me. I commit to do all that I can to lead I-CAR in fulfilling the Mission for which it was created by the auto collision inter-industry, close to thirty years ago."

"Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and in my 25-plus years involved with I-CAR, this is one of those times. As Chairman of the Search Committee, it seemed to me that the committee always ended up talking about finding someone with the talents that John had and was using in his position as Chairman of the Board and

-More-

Interim CEO," said Chuck Sulkala of ACME Body & Paint in Boston, Mass. "Several times we asked how long we could continue to have his expertise in the interim position as we searched for someone who had the mix of experience and skill sets that John was bringing to the organization. I believe this move will be the best short-term action for I-CAR, positioning us for long-term success to benefit the industry we serve."

"This is fantastic news!! I cannot think of a better person to lead I-CAR than John. John's knowledge of I-CAR, the strong relationships he's built within the inter-industry, and his passion for excellence to make I-CAR a stronger organization are a few of the reasons why the I-CAR International Board of Directors supported the idea of John becoming the Chief Staff Executive of I-CAR.  Personally, I've learned a great deal from John, and am honored to work with him," stated Mike Schoonover, President of Schoonover Body Works, who holds an Automotive Service Association (ASA) seat on the Board.  "I believe he will do a great job leading the staff and volunteers of I-CAR, by empowering them to provide high quality education to the Collision Repair Industry."

"As a member of the Board from the collision repair segment, I am extremely pleased that John Edelen has accepted the position of Chief Staff Executive of I-CAR. He has shown through his interim term that he has the experience and leadership skills to guide the very dedicated staff of I-CAR through these challenging times," stated Bob Keith, Director of Environmental, Safety, and Production for CARSTAR. "The Board will work with John and the Staff to rebuild the organization by providing a high quality product with a high level of customer service which we as repairers strive to deliver every day."

John Edelen had been a member of I-CAR's International Board of Directors for five years. He had been an officer at Allstate Insurance Company, responsible for Allstate's auto claim handling practices. He is a graduate of Rutgers College, and of New York Law School. John has participated in a number of executive post-graduate courses, including studies at: The Sloan School of Management at MIT, The Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, and a consortium of MIT, Tufts and Harvard, in Boston. Over the past ten years, John has served on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards, including: Tech-Cor, LLC; Sterling Collision Repair Centers; the Certified Aftermarket Parts Association (CAPA); the CynCast Corporation; and, I-CAR, where he most recently served as Board Chairman. In the past, John has presented at inter-industry forums such as CIC, NACE and IBIS.

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Auto Body Association Wins Unanimous Supreme Court Decision (Connecticut)

The Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) announced that it won a significant victory in its pending lawsuit against The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, with the Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously upholding a lower court certification of the class action. *

ABAC, along with three Connecticut auto body repair shops, allege that the insurance company engaged in a pattern of unfair practices that violated Connecticut law. The Hartford is accused of steering its customers to its "preferred" auto body repair shops rather than freely allowing customers to use body shops of their own choosing.

The suit further claims that The Hartford suppressed body shop labor rates by eliminating the use of independent appraisers and relying exclusively on its own automobile service representatives to perform appraisals so the company could control their content, including labor rates. The result: consumers do not get fair, independent appraisals of the damage to their automobiles.

"The Hartford reviews the appraisals to make sure they conform to company expectations," said Bob Skrip, president of ABAC and owner of Skrip's Auto Body, Inc., Prospect. "The Hartford has characterized shops that charge more than its approved labor rate as 'militant.'"

In its ruling, the Supreme Court paved the way for a Superior Court trial in the class action against The Hartford, a class that could potentially include hundreds of independent repair shops across Connecticut.

"This is just one more step in a long road against The Hartford and other insurance companies that seemingly disregard both regulations and consumers' best interests," Skrip said. "This is a very positive development for consumers and body shops statewide. It remains a long process but we are more confident than ever that the courts will rule in our favor."

The trial is tentatively scheduled for December.

The accusations against The Hartford were supported in the lawsuit by extensive documentation including internal memoranda detailing company policies, as well as several depositions by company employees, Skrip said.

"For years, every body shop owner in Connecticut has been forced to fight against The Hartford and similar car insurance companies," he said. "Enough is enough. Consumers should remember, it's your car. It's your choice where it is repaired."

Evidence in the case shows that when customers require auto body repairs, employees of The Hartford, 'customer care team specialists,' were instructed to direct the customers to a preferred shop in The Hartford's 'customer care repair service program.' Consumers were often pressured to abandon their choice in favor of The Hartford's preferred shop.

The specialists were trained to aggressively 'sell' the company's repair program by informing customers that, if they used the recommended shop, they would obtain discounts from their deductible and a lifetime guarantee for the repairs.

"Any insurance company touting a lifetime guarantee is offering the same thing that every other independent body shop offers," said Thomas Bivona, past president of ABAC and owner of My Way Auto Body, Stamford and Greenwich. The lawsuit, filed in 2003, was brought to the forefront under Bivona's leadership.

"The insurance companies clearly place considerable pressure on their specialists, with supervisors monitoring calls and coaching the specialists to break a consumer's will to go to their own neighborhood repair shop," Bivona said. "We found that The Hartford even offers cash bonuses and other incentives to specialists who direct customers to the preferred shops. Specialists could be disciplined for deficient performance."

"Insurance companies carjack consumers by steering them to repair shops the companies prefer - shops that may install aftermarket or used parts," Bivona said. "Using these parts may void a new car warranty - something insurance companies neglect to tell consumers. Consumers don't see that company preferred shops may cut corners on repairs, perhaps using inferior parts."

Atty. Alan Neigher of the Westport law firm Byelas and Neigher, counsel for ABAC, said, "We're very pleased and gratified that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the well-reasoned decision of the trial court. We believe this is another step toward bringing a sense of order to the auto body industry in Connecticut in accordance with Connecticut statutes and regulations."

Atty. David Slossberg of Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg and Knuff, Milford, co-counsel for ABAC who argued the case before the Supreme Court said, "We are very pleased with the Supreme Court decision which permits our case to proceed as a class action. It greatly advances our ability to represent and vindicate the rights of these hard working small business owners."

The legislature earlier this month approved a new law to tighten existing consumer protections from insurance company steering. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, along with a number of state senators and representatives, supported bills to deter "collusive relationships between certain insurers and repairers." (courtesy www.autobodyonline.com )

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® INTERVIEW WITH SCENE GENESIS ONLINE NOW

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - June 5, 2008 - Scene Genesis, a provider of web-based workflow and connectivity solutions for property and casualty insurers, recently conducted an interview with I-CAR interim CEO and Board Chairman John Edelen and it is now posted on its web site. The 20 minute interview covers the history of I-CAR, where it is today, the future of I-CAR training in the inter-industry, and closes with an emphasis on the strength of I-CAR being its strong volunteer and program instructor force.

"I-CAR came into being with the introduction of unibody vehicles over 30 years ago. Training was needed in order to repair these vehicles properly. Today we are at a stage that is similar to the origins from which I-CAR came. Emerging trends like alternative fuels such as hybrids, the increased use of aluminum in vehicles and the increased use of vehicle electronics and occupant protection systems complicate the ability to repair a vehicle properly. The use of waterborne paints and other materials used to protect the environment is also on the rise. The industry is calling on I-CAR for training in these emerging materials and new technologies," stressed Edelen.

"The ability of I-CAR to meet the needs of the inter-industry to a great extent is supported by a network of extraordinarily driven volunteers and part-time program instructors, that for me is so much the heritage and true strength of I-CAR," exclaimed Edelen.

The interview is available as a podcast at www.sceneexchange.com .

About Scene Genesis

Scene Genesis offers SceneExchange, a novel Web-based marketplace that lets participating insurance companies' customers choose among participating auto-repair shops for prompt, high-quality repairs. More than 3,000 autobody shops nationally have signed up.

SceneExchange puts collision shops on an even playing field and puts control over workflow into the shop owners' hands. During the product's pilot in the Carolinas, shops said that customers were better informed about the repair process-as well as more engaged-leading to higher satisfaction rates.

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ROBERT BATEMAN SECONDARY SCHOOL A WINNER IN SKILLS COMPETITION

Donated booth and positive instruction coupled with Budd's Collision generates
Skills Competition winners

Robert Bateman High School in Burlington Ontario has a lot to be proud of today. Two of their auto body repair students won Gold Medals at the Ontario Technological Skills Competitions, and one student, Craig Mannell won gold for Autobody Repair at the Canadian Skills Competition hosted in Calgary, Alberta. Joseph Belford won the Ontario gold medal in the Automotive Painting category, held at Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School in Waterloo. Use of the school as a contest location for Ontario was arranged though a donation by the collision repair trade association in Wellington-Waterloo region.

Both gold medal winners are OYAP students in Ron Postma's autobody class at the school and Craig is also employed as a co-op student at Budd's Collision Service in Oakville. The spray booth at Robert Bateman High School was a donation from Toyota Canada, facilitated by the local collision repair trade association.

Budd's Collision is an award-winning collision repair shop that caters to BMW vehicles and other brands in the affluent Oakville, Ontario neighborhood. Budd's is also the home shop for Mark Millson, a previous Ontario and Canada Skills Award winner.

Sam Piercey, Budd's Manager of the Collision Centre, recently was awarded the Halton Apprenticeship Advisory Council 2007 Honour Roll for businesses with less that 50 people category. Established in 1983 they have a solid commitment to the students from the autobody program at Robert Bateman High School. They have taken numerous co-op students and graduates and linked them to full time employment and apprenticeship.

The Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) Skills Program covered the expense of a second transport truck needed to ship automotive parts to Calgary for the National Skills Competition.

A photograph of the award winners and Sam Piercey accompanied
by the Halton School board staff

Other winners were:
Gold Medal National Autobody Repair Post Secondary Tyler Selzler, British Columbia
Gold Medal National Automotive Painter Post Secondary Daniel Green, Alberta

(See Headlines)

Steel And Auto Firms Join Mercury Switch Program

June 2, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario - Canada's steel and auto industries are supporting and funding a national program designed to remove mercury switches from older end-of-life vehicles before they are processed. The mercury was used in convenience light switches, such as under the hood or in the trunk, and in anti-lock braking systems. The program builds on the successful Switch Out initiative delivered by the national non-profit Clean Air Foundation (CAF).

With the new funding, CAF will expand Switch Out to all provinces and territories in Canada, providing the infrastructure for the collection, removal and management of the switches, along with educational materials to recyclers. The program is supported by Canadian automotive recyclers and dismantlers through their respective associations, the Automotive Recyclers of Canada and the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries.

"This program will ensure that the mercury-containing switches in end-of-life vehicles are properly removed and managed so mercury is captured and prevented from entering the environment," said Mark Nantais, president of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. "As of January 1, 2003, the use of mercury switches in new automobiles has been voluntarily and completely phased out."

Since 2001, Switch Out has engaged 448 auto recyclers to collect more than 160,000 switches nationwide.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® CONTINUES DRIVE TOWARD GREATER CUSTOMER FOCUS WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT ANALYST

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - June 2, 2008 - I-CAR is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Humpal to the position of Market Development Analyst effective immediately.

Humpal will report to Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing and will be responsible for data mining and statistical analysis/modeling to identify key touch factors that influence and/or predict customer behavior.  He will be accountable for collecting and analyzing market segment and industry data to support strategic planning.  His role is critical in providing I-CAR fact driven data on market needs which will ultimately help the promotion of I-CAR products and services.  Humpal will be a key leader in analyzing 'Voice of the Industry' data which is necessary to collect and assess to provide the industry the training it demands.

"We are very pleased to have Robert Humpal on board with I-CAR," stressed John Edelen, I-CAR Board Chairman and Interim CEO. "As I-CAR continues to center itself in its customer-focused role in the inter-industry it is imperative that we have the knowledge and data-driven facts to make sound business decisions on product offerings for the inter-industry."

Humpal brings over 15 years of market research experience to I-CAR with proven skill in developing business plans; including forecasting market demand, customer profiling, and product design and launch. He has completed Six Sigma Green Belt training. Humpal has also been part of product rationalization teams in the past which worked to reduce redundancy and make logical consolidations of product offerings.

 Most recently, Humpal was a Sales and Marketing Analyst for OfficeMax, Inc.  He has an extensive automotive background as he held several marketing and research positions with Chicago Rawhide (SKF) and Everco Industries (Moog Automotive). 

Humpal holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.  He also holds a MBA with a concentration in marketing. 

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

(See Headlines)

ASSOCIATION MEMBERS GET FREE ADMISSION TO AUTOMECHANIKA

Don't forget to visit our booth and see the industry presentations!

Canada's largest automotive aftermarket event is back from June 19th, 20th and 21st, 2008. Automechanika Canada again takes over the International Centre, Airport Road, Toronto, featuring products and presentations from suppliers and groups from Canada and around the world.

And now trade association members can receive a free pass for the show by simply contacting the association office at 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com.

This year there's something for everyone, from parts and systems, through accessories and tuning, repair and maintenance, tires and wheels, IT and management and service stations and car washes.

Collision repair shops are invited to automechanika and can also attend at no charge the three NATA (National Automotive Trades Association) seminars highlighting the VISTA program, NATA's answer to accessing OEM vehicle information and tools.

Show hours are:

• Thursday, June 19, 2008
  10 am to 6 pm
• Friday, June 20, 2008
  10 am to 6 pm
• Saturday, June 21, 2008
  10 am to 4 pm

Don't forget the Beer and BBQ Bash from 5 pm to 6 pm on Thursday evening.

The collision repair trade association is an affiliate member of NATA, and invites all shops to visit their booth at the show.

For more information on the VISTA program, please attend the presentations on Thursday, June 19th at 1:00 pm, Friday, June 20th at 1:00 pm and Saturday, June 21st at 3:00 pm.

Shops can also read the NATA updates at:  www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/vista.html

"To represent the best interests of the industry, providing opportunities for growth for
environmentally sound, profitable businesses, having trained professionals serving the public"
P.O. Box 47594, Centre Mall, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 7S7
Toll Free: 1-866-309-4272 or (905) 545-3388 Fax: (905) 545-3440
E-Mail: info@ciia.com Web: www.ciia.com and www.autobodyhelp.ca

(See Headlines)

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE I-CAR ® EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2008
GOLF TOURNAMENT
PRESENTED BY TOYOTA MOTOR SALES U.S.A., INC.

Industry professionals attending the I-CAR International Annual Meeting or the Collision Industry Conference in July can support a good cause and enjoy a day on the golf course by registering for the Seventh Annual I-CAR Education Foundation Golf Tournament, sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., that takes place on Thursday, July 24, 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ at the Tournament Players Club.

Individuals and teams can register for the tournament and the I-CAR International Annual Meeting online by visiting www.i-car.com/annualmeeting.

"Proceeds from the tournament support the Education Foundation's Mission to secure donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry," said Russell Thrall III, Interim Associate Director of the Education Foundation. "Through the support of the industry, during the past month, the Education Foundation distributed over $100,000 worth of student scholarships, instructor training and curriculum grants to support industry education. Participation in the golf tournament will help us continue this important work."

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CAF-FCA RETURN ON TRAINING INVESTMENT (ROTI) STUDY

EMPLOYER PARTICIPANTS NEEDED:
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - Forum canadien sur l'apprentissage (CAF-FCA) would like employers who train apprentices to complete a survey on the costs and benefits of apprenticeship training so an accurate return of training investment can be obtained. This document provides information about the project.

WHY A ROTI STUDY?
HR Challenges for Industry:

•  Skills shortages, high turnover, low productivity

•  Lack of substantive data to draw upon when making decisions about training

•  Low participation in training in comparison to other countries

•  Gaining a better understanding of the return on training investment will help inform Canadian industries when addressing these challenges

PART OF THE SOLUTION: RETURN ON TRAINING INVESTMENT
Background:

• In June 2006, CAF-FCA took an initial step towards enhancing the business case for apprenticeship with the publication of its original study of the return on training investment for employers, Apprenticeship - Building a Skilled Workforce for a Strong Bottom Line .  The study identified a positive return for apprenticeship training at a national level.
• In recent discussions with employers, trade associations, Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship, Sector Councils and other stakeholders, it has become clear that obtaining additional data relative to specific trades, size of business and regional differences would be of key importance to industry. 
• With the support of these stakeholders, CAF-FCA proposed to collect additional data and has recently received funding from Human Resources Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to conduct a follow up study.

Current Study :

• R.A. Malatest and Associates has been hired to conduct the research.
• This work is being overseen by the CAF-FCA Board of Directors and a Working Group which includes a broad cross-section of the apprenticeship community with employers, labour representatives, and Sector Council members.
• The data will be collected from June to September 2008.
• Employers can complete the survey via telephone, paper, or online.
• Employers seeking clarification on the questions being asked can talk directly to a survey administrator by calling a toll free number 1-877-386-1824. Contact information will be kept strictly confidential.
• The survey will take approximately 1 hour to complete.

Benefits of Participating:

•  Help your industry understand the financial costs and benefits of apprenticeship training in Canada:

•  The rate of return for specific trades will be calculated.

•  The costs and benefits for each year of an apprenticeship will be provided for each trade.

•  This information will help you when making training decisions that can affect the entire industry's ability to sustain itself and to remain competitive.

• Remain responsive:
• Employers told us and their employer associations that they would like to see more trade specific data so they can "see themselves" in the results.
• Meet employers' information needs so they can make knowledgeable decisions:
• When employers were asked what evidence would most convince them that apprenticeship training is a profitable investment at a recent CAF-FCA dialogue session, employers said additional survey results based on employer data would be the most convincing.
• The majority said they would like to see more trade-specific results.
• More than half of the employers said they would likely use the additional data in deciding whether or not to hire an apprentice.
• Assist employers' with human resource planning:
• Many employers are struggling with high turnover, high recruiting costs, and skills shortages.
• The findings may inform and assist employers when addressing their human resource challenges.

Trades Included :

•  Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (NOC 7322)

•  Cook (NOC 6242)

•  Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic (NOC 7313)

•  Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician (NOC 7312)

•  Construction Millwright and Industrial Mechanic (NOC 7311)

•  Electrician - construction (NOC 7241)

•  Bricklayer (NOC 7281)

•  Machinist (NOC 7231)

•  Sheet Metal Worker (NOC 7261)

•  Cabinetmaker (NOC 7272)

•  Storekeeper and Parts Clerk (NOC 1472)

•  Boilermaker (NOC 7262)

•  Plumber (NOC 7251)

•  Electrical Power Line & Cable Worker (NOC 7244)

•  Hairstylist and Barber (NOC 6271)

CONTACT: Emily Arrowsmith, Project Manager, CAF-FCA
(613) 235-4004, ext 201 or emily_arrowsmith@caf-fca.org

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SPONSORS ENSURE SUCCESSFUL GOLF TOURNAMENT

39th Annual Golden Horseshoe Tournament
Held Tuesday, May 6, 2008

For thirty-nine years, professionals in the collision repair industry have met for a friendly game of golf, conversation and competition. The 39th Annual HARA Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament was held on Tuesday, May 6 th at Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club in Dundas, Ontario.

With 80 golfers playing a "scramble " type event, game day was fun and valuable for all.

This Year's Sponsors Ensuring A
Successful Day Are:
(View Pictures)

•  Akzo Nobel Coatings

•  Audatex

•  BASF Canada

•  Canada Brokerlink (Ontario)

•  Carcone's Auto Recycling

•  Co-Auto Co-operative

•  DuPont Canada

•  Fix Auto

•  Impact Auto Auction

•  LKQ Dominion Auto Recycling

•  Miller's Auto Recycling

•  Ontario Service Safety Alliance

•  Rush's Auto Parts

•  Sherwin-Williams Automotive Refinishing

•  Standard Auto Wreckers

•  Treschak Enterprises

Special hole prizes, such as a men's racing bicycle courtesy of Co-Auto Co-operative and BASF, BBQ courtesy of Rush's Auto Parts and gift certificates from LKQ Dominion Auto Recycling and Standard Auto Wreckers made HARA's 39 th Annual Golden Horseshoe tournament a success.

"Without the generosity and support of the sponsors for the tournament, this event would not be possible. The Association thanks them for their assistance." says Tony Nigro, President of HARA.

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

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Top Ten Steps To A Safer And More Profitable Shop (20 pages)

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Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)

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Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)

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