INDUSTRY WEB SITE HITS 330,000 HITS IN JANUARY 2006

Auto industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers will bring up-to-date information and insight regarding Canada's aftermarket to this September's CarFixWORLD aftermarket and collision event.

DesRosiers is president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., and is considered by the automotive industry as one of North America's leading analysts. He will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, September 30, at 11 am. His talk, entitled "Top Ten Trends the Aftermarket Needs to Respond To" will be free for all attendees.

Since starting his consulting company in 1985, DesRosiers has become literally the "go-to-guy" for interpretive insights into the Canadian and US automotive industry. His thinking is sought not only by automotive executives throughout the supply chain but also by government policy makers and the media.

CarFixWORLD will take place from Friday, September 29, to Sunday, October 1, 2006 at the National Trade Centre in Toronto. The Events Division of Business Information Group, a strong participant in Canada's automotive aftermarket, produces the event.

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March 6, 2006

www.ciia.com in co-operation with Vancouver Community College is offering for their clients and members an online plastics repair course to help meet the needs for industry upgrade training.

The Automotive Plastic Repair course explores plastics identification techniques and repair procedures standard to the collision repair industry using a media-rich format including more than two-dozen videos and interactive animations. Successful participants receive a VCC Certificate of Completion.

An instructor is always available during the course and can be reached by phone or e-mail at any time.

The student on his or her own schedule and time frame can complete this eight-hour course for a cost of $215.00 plus GST.

Course dates:

March 21st to April 4th
April 24th to May 9th
May 15th to May 29th
June 5th to June 19th

View a course demo video at:
https://content.vcc.ca/autocollision/promo/promo-files/vcconlineprogramsdemo_large.wmv

For more specific information contact the college at: www.technologyandtrades.vcc.ca/autocollision/html/online training.html

To register for the course please call 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

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The state's largest automobile insurer is backing away from its policy of customer steering under pressure from repairers, consumers and government.

In what can only be viewed as a win for repairers in Australia, reports are circulating in the Sydney press that the largest automobile insurer in New South Wales, NRMA Insurance, is now backing down under the mounting criticism of its Web based collision repair job bidding system.

Under pressure from repairers refusing to do work for the insurer, consumer outrage, and the attention of state lawmakers, NRMA has just announced its intention to allow customers to choose their own repairer. According to one report in the Sydney Morning Herald, customers will still be required to bring their cars to an NRMA center for assessment but will no longer be forced to use the insurer's preferred repairer.

Newly appointed CEO of NRMA Personal Insurance, David Issa, told the Herald that premiums would not rise as a result and the company would bear any additional cost. "Customers are saying to us that they want to have choice," he said. "We will continue to recommend our preferred repairer network as it's made up of quality repairers who continue to meet our high expectations."

Issa was handed the CEO job in February, replacing Rick Jackson, who had been at the helm throughout the development and introduction of the insurer's Web based repair system.

Reports say that NRMA is still committed to its online bidding system, Care and Repair Service, however, and it is just that system that has drawn the focus of some government officials who feel the system may result in unsafe repairs.

The Minister of Fair Trading, Diane Beamer, has voiced concern over the system in the past saying that it may be unfair to customers and repairers. Her office, which is responsible for safeguarding consumer rights, commissioned an independent study of NRMA's Web-based Repair Management (WRM) system which found many flaws in the system.(courtesy of Collisionweek)

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March 2, 2006

The www.ciia.com collision repair web site has just highlighted another industry record.

With over 330,000 hits on the web site in January alone, the site is the busiest collision repair and autobody information web site in Canada.

The most popular areas for viewers are the employment ads for Canada that are regularly updated, the collision shop index of shops across the country that perform collision repairs and the news/events file that provides industry viewers with the most shop-specific information available.

The industry web site at www.ciia.com, (short for Collision Industry Information & Assistance) carries updated information on training opportunities, insurance and consumer news, and a significant amount of information on aftermarket parts, procesedures on repairing damaged vehicles, and opportunities to report errors in estimating guides. Many other areas of interest are included on the site.

The web set also is the link to local collision repair trade associations across Ontario and the provincial groups in Canada, including the Canadian Collision Industry Forum, the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario and other organizations.

Updated environmental and compliance easy-to-understand assistance is also available for members and clients.

For further information please see www.ciia.com or e-mail info@ciia.com

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Mitchell’s 4th Quarter 2005 Report Identifies Shop Trends

March 10, 2006

Mitchell International’s Canadian shop trends report for the 4th quarter of 2005 makes for interesting reading.

Included in the data is:

- A 5.7% decline in average repairable vehicle appraisal values (compared to the same period in 2004)

- A 4.3% decrease in final appraisal value (some $140) to $3,133

- Parts use comprises some 45.7% of the appraisal value (down 1.5%)

- LKQ parts use increased 1.8%, aftermarket by 15% and remanufactured parts by 9.3%. The volume of alternative parts dollars has increased by about 7.6% since the fourth quarter of the previous year.

- Average vehicle age for appraisals was the same as the same quarter in 2003 at 5.6 years with ACV at an upwardly changed $12,697

- Labour currently comprises 44.4% of Canada’s average appraisal value and is up about 2.5% from the same time last year.

-Original Equipment parts represented some 70.8% of all parts used.

Average Body labour rates and changes by province are:

Additional information is available at www.mitchell.com

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TSN ’s Bill Gardiner and a 3M special workshop included

If you are a registered autobody or collision damage apprentice, then you are invited to attend the special Techniques in the Trades conference at Mohawk College.

With free demonstrations and discussions, along with a BBQ lunch and a chance for a $500 prize, the morning sessions at the College will be valuable to you.

If you are an autobody employer, this is the opportunity to have your apprentices attend free information opportunities.

On Saturday morning March 25th at the Stoney Creek Campus of Mohawk College (481 Barton St. E., Stoney Creek between Millen Rd and Dewitt Rd), a series of workshops in the different trade sectors will be highlighted. One workshop features TSN’s Motoring 2006’s Bill Gardiner on the auto mechanics issues.

For collision repair apprentices:

A 3M Canada workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and a session on Health and Safety in your workplace are open to you.

This 3M workshop will concentrate on 3M Paint Preparation Systems (PPS) and the 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive.

For more information on the event please see: www.skilledtrades.ca

Although attendance is free, apprentices should register for the event at 905-529-4160 or alliance@skilledtrades.ca

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The $1-million upgrade at Centennial College's autobody lab was revealed to visiting students and industry guests on Feb. 28 as the college and the collision repair industry hosted free tours of Centennial's new facility in Toronto for more than 300 high school kids.

The tours were followed by a dinner and awards presentation to thank the many companies and individuals who donated to both the Centennial project and to the industry in general.

The afternoon tours included presentations and displays of collision repair equipment, coatings from PPG Canada, repair estimating software from ADP, Lincoln Electric's welding lab, and collision repair products from 3M Canada. John Norris, one of the event's organizers, says the event generated a number of requests for apprenticeship in collision repair and autobody.

As a result of their tour, students at Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora, ON, will now get to work on a Lexus ES300. The school which brought the most attendees to the tour received a vehicle donated by Toyota and software from Mitchell International. Centennial College also received a Lexus vehicle for the autobody lab courtesy of Toyota.

Ann Buller, president of Centennial College, noted that "PPG had a very special role in this whole project. They initiated it, and have contributed enormously." PPG donated the contents of the paint room and made a cash donation.

Lee Smith, of PPG, recalls that when he was first approached about Centennial's autobody program, it was only on the subject of paint. "That expanded to trying to build a first-class facility that replicates the collision centres of today," he explains.

Those involved in the Centennial upgrade have achieved that objective. Centennial College now has a Saima downdraft spray booth, Saima curtained prep areas, a large, well-equipped paint room, its own welding lab (no more sharing with other programs), a Car-O-Liner spot welder, a Car-O-Liner frame machine and a Car-O-Liner computerized measuring system.

PPG's Lee Smith received thanks for his support of both the Centennial College autobody lab upgrade and the Baja 1000 race team from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Simcoe, ON.

PPG Canada, through its CertifiedFirst Network, sponsors the Holy Trinity students in the Baja race. The students gain valuable, real-world experience by building their own vehicle for the race, and then acting as support and pit crew during the race. In the 2005 event, Holy Trinity placed third in its class. The Baja racer was on display during the Centennial tours.

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Centennial College’s new autobody lab the focus of industry event

Mix over 300 high school students with a Baja 1000 road racecar and a major renovation of the autobody lab at Centennial College and you have an exciting and busy special event.

Centennial Colleges’ Ashtonbee campus (at Warden Ave) is the site of an almost $1 million dollar remodeling of the autobody training and apprenticeship facility.

On February 28, 2006, the College and the collision repair industry hosted a free school tour opportunity at the autobody lab, with a chance to talk to the crew of the PPG Canada-sponsored 2005 Scorelite Racer, the student entry that came 3rd in its class at the 2005 Baja 1000 in Ensaneada, Mexico.

With presentations and displays of collision repair equipment, new paint coatings from PPG Canada, repair estimating software from ADP, Lincoln’s Electric’s new welding lab and products supplied by 3M Canada, the afternoon tour generated a number of requests for apprenticeship in collision repair and autobody. Officials from Job Connect, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, were in attendance to answer any questions.

Employers were invited to the Interview Area to speak with young people looking for employment in the collision repair industry.

Even before the tours, with over 400 young people sending in applications for autobody and apprenticeship training, the future looks bright for the College and young people learning the autobody and collision repair trade.

An evening industry awards dinner recognized those companies and individuals who have donated equipment, services and funds to the upgrading of the autobody lab.

The school that arrived with the most students for the tours won a free car, for their auto shop, courtesy of Toyota Canada and free software courtesy of Mitchell International.

Congratulation to Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora who now get to work on a Lexus ES300 with a further donation of another Lexus to Centennial College.

For more information on this special event and on how to become an auto body apprentice in Ontario please see: www.ciia.com or call 1-866-309-4272. For further information on Centennial College, please call (416) 288-5000 or www.centennialcollege.ca

For pictures of this event, please view here

Donated vehicles

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(offered in Burlington, Hamilton and Brantford)

The following mostly one-day workshop training courses are offered to collision repair centre managers and owners with dates from January to April 2006. The attached brochure outlines prices and locations.

Management and Customer Relations

-BUSN 10004 Creating amazing customer service
-COMM 10063 Communications and interpersonal skills
-CONF 10002 Getting the best from difficult people
-MGMT 10023 Stress management for today's world

Leadership series

-MGMT 10025 Leadership styles and strategies
-BUSN 10005 Creating missions, visions and values
-MGMT 10026 Inspiring your workforce
-MGMT 10029 Managing complex projects
-BUSN 10011 Business ethics and integrity
-BUSN 10012 Succession planning

Entrepreneurial Series

-BUSN 10013 Assessing business ideas
-BUSN 10014 Exploring small business ideas
-BUSN 10006 Building business plans
-MRKT 10011 Marketing your business
-COMM 10062 The art of networking
-MGMT 10024 Time management for the entrepreneur
-BUSN 10015 Taking care of business
-BUSN 10016 Succession planning for family businesses

Employee Recruitment Series

-MGMT 10031 Designing employee job descriptions
-MGMT 10032 Successful inerview techniques
-MGMT 10033 After the interview
-MGMT 10034 Keeping the best-employee retention

Managing Group Activities

-MGMT 10021 Facilitating multi-fundtional teams
-COMM BD022 Presentations with pizzazz
-MGMT 10022 Team building for supervisors
-EDUC BD023 Train the trainer

Supervising for Results

-MGMT 10027 Effective supervisory styles
-CONF 10001 Resolving conflict
-MGMT 10022 Team building for supervisors
-PSOL 10001 Problem solving
-MGMT 10028 Performance management
-MGMT 10035 Coaching for success

Health and Safety

-SAFE 10020 Developing a health and safety policy

Microcomputer One-day Workshops

-HP 207 Introduction to windows
-HP 038 Access-introduction
-HP 039 Access advanced
-HP 040 Excel introduction
-HP 041 Excel advanced
-HP 043 Powerpoint introduction
-HP 044 Word introduction
-HP 045 Word advanced
-HP 10043 Simply accounting -level 1

All one -day and two-day workshops start at 9:00 and end at 4:00. Half-day workshops run from 9:00 to 12:00 or from 1:00 to 4:00. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time of the workshop. Course fees do not include GST. Parking and lunch facilities are available on site for a reasonable fee.

FOR DETAILED WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS, LOCATIONS AND COSTS PLEASE VISIT:

http://t4b.mohawkcollege.ca

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March 6, 2006

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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Hamilton, ON – Monday, February, 27th, 2006 - CARSTAR Automotive Canada, leaders in the North American collision repair industry, will today launch a groundbreaking new advertising campaign airing on The Weather Network and French sister station Meteomedia.

The national campaign uses humour to highlight and address some of the negative stereotypes surrounding the collision repair industry, and will run until the end of the year. The television commercials were developed in partnership with award winning Toronto advertising agency Bos, and will be supported with radio and newspaper advertising and in-store posters, in both French and English.

“We know the collision repair industry suffers from a poor image”, says Sam Mercanti, President and CEO, CARSTAR Automotive Canada. “When Bos approached us with this concept, positioning CARSTAR as the “

‘white knight’ in the industry, we absolutely loved it. CARSTAR has worked hard to set a higher standard and this campaign is the perfect opportunity for us to communicate some of the ways we are leading the industry in improving the collision repair experience for the consumer.”

The television campaign centres around three spots, using humour to address such stereotypes as the use of inferior parts and adding hidden costs to estimates. In one spot, a doctor stumbles over his words as he tries to convince a patient that even though they didn’t have “exactly the right part,” the surgery turned out “pretty good”. During the scene, the young male patient stares in bewilderment at a newly attached hand – that of an elderly woman with bright red nail polish. The tag line “What if hospitals treated you like some collision shops?” is followed by a statement that CARSTAR upholds “impeccable repair standards.”

“This campaign is creative, and much more clever and thought-provoking than I’ve ever seen in our industry before,’’ says Mercanti. It’s a great fit for us, particularly because it fits so well with our commitment to our insurance partners. We know that CARSTAR can help our partners build trust in their product through delivering an exceptional claims experience.”

This is Bos’ inaugural campaign on behalf of CARSTAR since they were chosen as agency of record in August of last year. Their agency, which has offices in Toronto and Quebec, works on several well known brands including Honda Canada and Fido.

“We enjoyed working on this campaign,” says Claude Carrier, Vice President, Bos Toronto. “CARSTAR is such a strong leader in the auto collision industry that our ‘white knight’ strategy seemed obvious.”

Through advertising, marketing and public relations, CARSTAR plans to increase their consumer brand awareness to 50% over a five-year period.

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New-car dealers best bet to get job done well
(from the Toronto Star, authored by the President of the Ontario Automobile Dealers Association)
PAUL STERN

One of the biggest misconceptions about the new-car industry concerns collision repairs.

Dealers frequently hear from customers who have made poor decisions after they've had an auto accident. Bad decisions can lead to higher costs, inferior repairs and a reduction in the value of their vehicle.

In many cases, customers said that they didn't know their options, and if they had known the many benefits offered by new-car dealers, they could have avoided a lot of extra time, expense and hassle.

After an accident, motorists feel anxious, confused and vulnerable, and they often make emotional decisions without knowing all the facts.

Knowing your rights and planning ahead will put you in a better position to make informed decisions about collision repairs.

Why are so many consumers confused? I believe it's because two popular myths persist: the first is that insurance agents have the right to tell consumers where to take their vehicles to be repaired; the second is that new-car dealerships are more expensive than independent collision repair shops.

Both of these points are wrong.

The first thing consumers should know is that it's their lawful right to choose where their vehicle gets repaired. Some insurance claims offices or agents may try to influence your decision when selecting a repair shop. They often try to refer you to one of their "preferred" shops.

Don't let an insurance agent, however well-intentioned, convince you to have your car fixed at a shop against your will.

If you choose a new-car dealership that isn't approved by your insurance company, your insurance company may tell you that it cannot efficiently handle your claim. This is a classic steering tactic. Consumers should be aware of it and they should not be intimated by it.

Insurance companies may also say that they will not warranty any collision repairs if you take your vehicle to a non-preferred shop or to a new-car dealership of your choice. Well, this is another pressure tactic.

As a consumer, you should know that a new-car dealership is well equipped, its technicians well trained, and it knows your vehicle best.

Second, new-car dealerships are not more expensive than independent collision repair shops. Collision repairs are highly competitive in price, and the pricing structure for all collision repair work is dictated by the marketplace, and pricing is fair and reasonable, considering the unique advantages that dealerships offer to consumers.

If you're comparing independent shops with new-car dealership shops, don't base your decision solely on price.

Choosing the lowest price is never a wise idea.

For instance, an independent shop may exclude one or more of the labour operations from its estimate, or it may include the use of non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or replacement parts, in the repairs.

For overall value of service and quality of workmanship, the most trusted and reliable place to bring a vehicle for collision repairs is a new-car dealership.

The advantages in choosing a dealership are many, and include:

Dealers know your brand of vehicle better than independent shops;
Dealers utilize specific mechanical and collision brand technology that is required by the manufacturer;
Dealers have access to the latest manufacturing specifications and repair information for your make and model;
Dealership staff has specific training/product knowledge, as well as
brand-specific technical service manuals on site;
Dealers will repair your vehicle to the manufacturer's specifications and safety standards;
Dealers are held to the highest government, health, safety and environmental standards;
Dealers have modern facilities and amenities in which to repair your vehicle;
Dealers perform all mechanical and collision repair work; no mechanical work such as wheel alignments or special diagnostics is farmed out to the cheapest source;
Dealers use original equipment parts, which ensures the structural integrity of your vehicle and maintains its investment;
Dealers provide all warranty information and lifetime guarantees;
Dealers offer other services such a shuttle transportation, high-profile location, car rental access, quick estimates, fast turnaround times, etc.;
Dealers meet all government-approved guidelines for the safe disposal of toxic substances;
Dealers have a vested interest in performing quality repairs at a competitive price and treating customers fairly - they want to maintain long-term relationships with customers.

As part of the planning process, you may want to contact your local new-car dealership to discuss the various services it offers in detail.

You may also want to contact your insurance agent to discuss your auto insurance policy so that you are absolutely clear on what it covers.

If there are issues with your automotive repairs after they're done, it's better to deal directly with your new-car dealership collision shop.

In this case, you can hold one repair facility responsible for both warranty and collision claims, and the responsibility would be on your dealership to find a solution and not blame one of its suppliers.

So, if you find yourself in the position of being involved in an automobile accident, don't let others dictate how and where your vehicle will be repaired.

Do your research and consider the many benefits that new-car dealerships have to offer. Be an informed consumer so that you can make confident decisions about your vehicle repairs.

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

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The AIA Automotive Service Provider Association (ASPA) Council held their second official meeting on February 17, 2006, in Toronto. The members approved a mission and mandate for the Council which now sets the stage for the development and implementation of specific action plans and goals. Council members unanimously endorsed the need to work in cooperation with other AIA Councils and Coalition Groups to work towards a resolution to the problem that aftermarket automotive service providers face in accessing OE
service and repair information, training and tools. The Right to Repair challenge will be the most important priority that the Council will tackle in the months ahead.

A number of national, provincial and regional ASP Associations have joined the Council to date and several more are expected to join in the coming weeks. The Council members represent several thousand ASP's from across Canada which positions the Council as being an effective and representative voice for ASP's. In addition to the ASPA Council, AIA also represents several thousands other ASP's through the Jobber WD and Retailers Councils making AIA a truly national voice for the entire aftermarket service and
repair industry in Canada.

The following Associations belong to the AIA ASPA Council:

Automotive Oil Change Association
Automotive Recyclers of Canada
Automotive Trades Association Atlantic Canada
Barrie Area Automotive Service & Repair Association
Canadian Independent Automotive Association
Collision Industry Action Group
Independent Professional Glass Association
Kawartha Automotive Independent Repair Association
Motorist Assurance Program
Ontario Tire Dealers Association
Thunder Bay Association of Automotive Trades
Western Canada Tire Dealers Association
Windsor Professional Automotive Repair Association

The next meeting of the AIA ASPA Council is planned for later this Spring. For more information about the Council, please contact Marc Brazeau at 1-800-808-2920 ext. 222 or marc.brazeau@aiacanada.com.

The ASPA Council thanks the following AIA members for their financial support of the Council activities:

Affinia Canada Corp.
Blue-Streak Hygrade Motor Products
CARQUEST Canada Ltd.
Dayco/Mark lV Automotive
Federal-Mogul Canada Ltd.
Arvin Meritor (Gabriel, Maremont, Purolator)
Gates Canada Inc.
Grant Brothers Sales Limited
Pennzoil-Quaker State
Specialty Sales & Marketing
Ultra-Fit Exhaust Systems
Uni-Select Inc.

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The popular basic estimating collision repair training course is back to help those shop or office employees, new estimators and insurance company staff who may need assistance in estimating collision damage on cars and light trucks in Ontario.

Taught by experienced apprenticeship instructor, Jim Miles, this six night course includes, introduction to estimating, understanding vehicle construction , fundamentals of estimate writing, understanding collision manuals, additional charges and collision damage analysis.

The first course starts March 20 for three weeks in the evening, and is offered in response to shop inquiries. Locations this year are Hamilton, Mississauga and London, Ontario.
Inquiries on courses in Alberta should be directed to Cliff Riehl at Carlson Body Shop Supply, 780.237.0005.

A course outline and student information sheet is available on request. Students on the waiting list will get priority. Classes are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Class size is limited so please call early to avoid disappointment. Class notes are included.

Course fee is $350 plus GST for trade association members and $450.00 plus GST for non-members.

Students can register by calling the Association and www.ciia.com office at 1-866-309-4272 or by e-mail at info@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating.html

Hamilton Monday and Wed. evenings March 20,22,27,29, April 3,5 Mississauga Tuesday and Thurs evening March 28, 30, April 4,6,11,13 London Monday and Wed. evenings April 10,12,17,19,24,26

If there are interested students in other communities, please call the office at 1-866-309-4272 to inquire about possible courses in your area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Courtesy of Canadian Underwriter)

Several Canadian insurance companies are refuting claims that their companies are interested in a software program that would facilitate direct parts purchasing by insurers. A company called AutoWorks International Ltd. recently provided information to media stating that several insurers had "expressed interest" in its PartScan software.

Three of the named insurers, Allstate Canada, ING Canada and Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, contacted CollisionWeek, a U.S. collision industry publication, to deny AutoWorks'statement.

(from www.bodyshopbiz.com)

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- Signs Agreement to Sell Claims Services Business -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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October 7, 2005

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABC Consulting

Tri Lateral Consultants

Wellington Medical Group

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By John Norris, Executive Director, HARA

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

This is how a professional collision repair trade association works.

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

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

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

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

GAUGE YOUR REPRESENTATION

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

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

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

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

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

TOUGH SCHEDULE

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

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

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

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

(courtesy of BODYSHOP magazine)

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