I-CAR ® TO PARTICIPATE IN 2009 BODYSHOP
BUSINESS WATERBORNE CONFERENCE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 24, 2009 - I-CAR will offer Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) live training at the 2009 BodyShop Business Waterborne Conference to be held August 13 - 14 at the Sawmill Creek Resort & Conference Center in Huron, Ohio.

In addition to I-CAR training, the conference will offer a tradeshow and presentations by leading experts in the industry providing collision repairers with an opportunity to learn more about waterborne basecoats and environmental regulations that mandate their use.

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

•  Types of waterborne materials in use

•  Differences between waterborne and solvent-borne systems

•  Surface preparation and equipment requirements

•  Drying processes

•  Storage and waste disposal considerations

•  Typical conversion processes

You must register for I-CAR training and the conference separately. To register for Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) at the conference please visit the quick class search feature at www.i-car.com , for more information about the conference go to www.bodyshopbusiness.com .

###

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)

Compulsory Trade Certification Coming to Nova Scotia

Compulsory Certification for the collision repair trade is nearly a reality in Nova Scotia, reports Lindsay Gates of the Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia.

According to Gates, the final regulation is now before the Minister of Labour and Workforce Development who will present the regulation to cabinet for approval.

This follows passing through several committees to ensure the coming regulation has undergone proper review.

In the meantime, the provinces Apprenticeship Department has already been working to contact technicians who have been working in the collision industry for many years without certification. To assist these technicians in preparation for writing the exam, the Apprenticeship division has is offering refresher sessions to help them with upgrading their knowledge and skills. These sessions are to help the technician read and understand the terminology used in the testing.

In 2008 there were two session held in the Halifax- Dartmouth area, one in Sydney and a third in New Glasgow . These programs have certified approximately 58 technicians who were already working in the collision industry but now are certified. The success rate for those writing the exam to date has been in the 95% range.

Those who were not successful are being helped with upgrading their weaker skills and they will rewrite at a later date. There has already been a session completed in Kentville of 14 students, in 2009. And there is currently another session underway in Truro with 17 students and another session planned for Halifax- Dartmouth area for the coming fall.

Still, there are many technicians who have not yet applied for the upgrading, or to write the certification exam. They are being urged to take advantage of the programs being offered as the upgrading courses and certification examination are free now and for two years following the formal announcement of the trade becoming a compulsory certified trade.

Technicians who are interested in applying to write the certification examination or who have questions can contact the Apprenticeship and Skills Development division of the Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development at 902-424-5651 or 1-800-494-5651.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® TO PARTICIPATE IN 2009 BODYSHOP
BUSINESS WATERBORNE CONFERENCE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 24, 2009 - I-CAR will offer Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) live training at the 2009 BodyShop Business Waterborne Conference to be held August 13 - 14 at the Sawmill Creek Resort & Conference Center in Huron, Ohio.

In addition to I-CAR training, the conference will offer a tradeshow and presentations by leading experts in the industry providing collision repairers with an opportunity to learn more about waterborne basecoats and environmental regulations that mandate their use.

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

•  Types of waterborne materials in use

•  Differences between waterborne and solvent-borne systems

•  Surface preparation and equipment requirements

•  Drying processes

•  Storage and waste disposal considerations

•  Typical conversion processes

You must register for I-CAR training and the conference separately. To register for Waterborne Products, Systems, and Application (REF07) at the conference please visit the quick class search feature at www.i-car.com , for more information about the conference go to www.bodyshopbusiness.com .

###

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)

Small Bistro Cafe Opens In Automotive Body Shop

The menu changes every two weeks at the Club il Cavallino inside Formula One Collision, 9420 Tecumseh Rd. E., and Shawn Newmaster prepares it all in the open and airy cafe.

His burger and chicken pitas have become signature dishes and continue with each menu. The current offerings include a grilled portobello sandwich with a ciabatta bun, tuscan salad and slow-roasted baby rack ribs. There are breakfast items, too, such as french toast, a bagel breakfast sandwich and a tasty, nutrition-packed protein smoothie shake.

The items reflect Newmaster's training and experience -- having worked with area gourmet chefs. As a bonus, his coffee's pretty good.

As for the location, well, it looks as contemporary as the modern collision centre which, judging from a recent visit, tends to some luxury automotive metal. The restaurant area is separated from the office and busy garage, which looks so immaculate and spotless it feels more like a clean room for making computer chips.

Newmaster says simply he applied for the job offered by body shop owner Frank Gobbato, who wanted a restaurant.

"He's pretty innovative," explains Newmaster, who adds the building had some food-preparation capabilities from its former life as a bingo hall.

Newmaster expects to extend hours for dinner on a trial basis April 2 -4. An outdoor patio may be added in future, as well. For now, collision centre staff, customers and others in the neighbourhood can enjoy the view and food. Newmaster enjoys telling his food industry colleagues people really do drop by for lunch at the body shop.

Club il Cavallino, located inside Formula One Collision, 9420 Tecumseh Rd. E. is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 519-979-2937.

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

Tuesday March 31, 2009 Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates

6:40 p.m. College presentation Gordon McGregor, Algonquin College

6:45 p.m. Grants and Incentives Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

6:50 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:15 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:45 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance Safety (OSSA)

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

8:30 p.m. Update and feedback forms w/door prizes Visit supplier display tables in attendance

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

Thursday, March 26, 2009 North Peel Secondary School, 1305 Williams Pkwy, Brampton

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates

6:40 p.m. School presentation Don Ablett, Mike Bennett

6:45 p.m. Grants and Incentives Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

6:50 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:15 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:45 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance Safety (OSSA)

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

8:30 p.m. Update and feedback forms w/door prizes Visit supplier display tables in attendance

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

Wednesday March 25, 2009 Western Secondary School,
5791 North Townline Road., Amherstburg

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Western Secondary update Jamie LeGault, auto body teacher

6:40 p.m. OYAP opportunities Dario Rossit, school board

6:45 p.m. Grants and incentives Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

6:50 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:15 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:45 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance               Safety (OSSA)

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

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

Cost: $25.00 plus GST.

Pre-registration and payment is required.

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

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

Tuesday March 24, 2009 Danforth Collegiate, 800 Greenwood Ave., Toronto

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Danforth Collegiate update Bill Speed, auto body teacher

6:40 p.m. Centennial College update

6:45 p.m. Grants and incentives Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

6:50 p.m. Industry Update Collision repair association representatives

7:15 p.m. Ontario's Simplified Representative, Ministry of Environment

Environmental Permits

7:45 p.m. Waterbase Paints-Health and Gerald Robinson, Ontario Service Safety Alliance Safety (OSSA)

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Evening events will feature:

•  industry overview

•  school presentations

•  local association updates

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

•  health and safety presentations on use of waterborne paints

•  shop case studies

•  grants and incentives updates

Date and Location:

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 DaVinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St. S., Thunder Bay

Agenda:

5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Registration

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates Randy Sundell, NWOCRP

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

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

Environmental Permits

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

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

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

Thunder Bay workshop commences at 6:00 pm. A hot dinner will be served.

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

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

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® LAUNCHES OVERVIEW OF CYCLE TIME IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE COLLISION REPAIR PROCESS PROGRAM

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 9, 2009 - Repairers and insurers interested in how improving efficiency can help the bottom line will soon have a new training resource from I-CAR, The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. On April 13, I-CAR will launch its Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process (CYC01) live training program.

Inter-industry interest in cycle time improvements continues to grow as repairers and insurers look toward improving efficiencies for improved business practices and better results.

"Managers strive to reduce cycle time and achieve improved lean processes every day, this course brings technicians and office personnel into the same line of thinking," said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations, North America. "This course will engage employees at every level, bringing to their attention where they can improve in areas and help reduce cycle time in their workplace. When employees are engaged in the process, I believe, there is less resistance to change and an increased desire to improve the process and be part of the solution."

Recognizing this interest, the new I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course provides a thorough overview of cycle time improvements to shop and office managers, technicians and insurance company personnel.

The I-CAR Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process course details:

• Definition of cycle time and ways to improve processes
• How improvements can impact business efficiency
• Opportunities to improve customer relations
• "Time bandits" that can affect your business
• Current processes that can create opportunities to reduce cycle time
• Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) for improved processes

-More-

Registration for Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process is currently open for classes that will begin on April 13 and new classes are being added to I-CAR's class schedule on a continuing basis. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR at 800-422-7872.

###

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

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® MEETS NEW ONLINE TRAINING MILESTONE

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - March 3, 2009 - I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair announced today that it has delivered 15,000 online training programs.

"This delivery system is gaining ground with the industry," said I-CAR Technical Director, Jason Bartanen. "The number of collision industry professionals who choose to take online training has grown steadily since it was first introduced."

The online training system was first introduced in August 2005 and reached the "10,000 trained" milestone in July, 2008.

I-CAR Online Training programs are unique and contain content not found in I-CAR Live training. The content is designed to supplement programs listed in the I-CAR training paths.

I-CAR Online Training Programs:

•  Allow training at your convenience.

•  Are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

•  Are approximately 30-60 minutes in length.

•  Include interactive exercises, activities, and quizzes that make them both informative and fun.

•  Offer the ability to learn at your own pace.

•  Provide an ongoing reference tool - all purchased programs are stored in your personal Online Training library.

•  May contain vehicle- or procedure-specific information or general collision repair concepts.

•  Provide online post tests that let you validate what you have learned.

•  Offers one-quarter (0.25) of an I-CAR point upon successful completion of the post test, which may be applied to the Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual recognition programs.

•  Provide an instant certificate of completion that you may print upon successful completion of the post test.

Visit www.i-caronlinetraining.com for the latest information and take advantage of convenient I-CAR Online Training.

###

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)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

Thursday, March 19, 2009 The Banquet Centre, 1 Alhambra Sq., Belleville

Agenda:

5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Registration

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates

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

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

Environmental Permits

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

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

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

Belleville workshop starts at 6:00 pm. . A hot dinner will be served

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

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

(See Headlines)

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

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

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

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

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

•  Types of waterborne materials in use

•  Differences between waterborne and solvent-borne systems

•  Surface preparation and equipment requirements

•  Drying processes

•  Storage and waste disposal considerations

•  Typical conversion processes

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

###

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

(See Headlines)

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

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

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

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

###

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

(See Headlines)

HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Evening events will feature:

•  industry overview

•  school presentations

•  local association updates

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

•  health and safety presentations on use of waterborne paints

•  shop case studies

•  grants and incentives updates

Date and Location:

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

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

6:35 p.m. Local Association Updates

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

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

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

Environmental Permits

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

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

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

COLLISION REPAIR WORKSHOPS
HIGHLIGHT NEW LOW-VOC PAINTS

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

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

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

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

Date and Location:

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

Agenda:

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

6:00 p.m. Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Permits

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

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

8:05 p.m. Shop Case Study

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

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

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

MANAGEMENT SEMINARS FOR COLLISION INDUSTRY SHOP OWNERS/MANAGERS

Topics include:

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

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

Commencing in Feburary these five evening events will feature:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admission:

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

 Refreshments provided.  Question and answer sessions included.

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

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

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

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

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

NOTE: To view these files you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This Reader is free and you can download it from the Adobe Website