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May
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In
order of most recent
BLOCKADE
NEARLY SHUTS CALEDONIA AUTO BODY SHOP
Damage
caused by Insurrection against the government may not be covered
in insurance policy
May
31, 2006
Bill Kirouac was on the verge of closing his auto body shop. Customers
stopped coming to his Caledonia business the moment news hit that
natives were occupying a development site. Later, the street where
his business is located was blockaded, portions set on fire and
then a trench dug across the road, all on national television.
His native customers also disappeared.
For the entire month of April, the father of two brought in only
$1600, a 90% drop in business.
His wife found a job working at an Ancaster restaurant to help
make ends meet. Bill is still struggling to get the business back
on its feet.
Last week, a massive vandalism attack, where a burning car was
sent into the local hydro transformer station, caused $1.5 million
in damage, and shut down power for most of the town. Premier Collision
was without power for two days. The local provincial highway is
still blocked with a barricade and the bridge over the local rail
line has been burned down, causing an additional $1.2 million
damage and shutting down the rail line business.
Bill is one of the first business owners to show up at the Haldimand
Caledonia Community Centre to apply for a piece of the $500,000
in provincial emergency relief. Frustrated, Bill says " I
just hope that it's enough"
Bill has had little or no work most of this month too but is now
gradually seeing some vandalism and insurance work arriving at
this door. Bill warns that getting insurers to pay for the repairs
is tough. Vandalism claims must be police-report documented very
carefully he says, as insurers have indicated that their policies
specifically exempt damage caused by "insurrection against
the government" and shops in Caledonia are being told that
some damage claims may not be honoured.
(see
headlines)
|
Nova
Scotia repairers join forces for marketing
In
an effort to positively influence the industry in their local market,
six Nova Scotia collision centers have created their own marketing
and purchasing group. The primary purpose of the Integrity Collision
Network (ICN) is to collectively market their membership to customers,
including insurance companies, in a fair and ethical manner. The
group includes consists of Carroll's Collision, The Coachworks Incorporated,
Keizer's Collision, MacPhee Collision, O'Regan's Collision and Wolf
Collision. All serve the Halifax region.
According to ICN, the catalyst for the formation of the group was
the emergence of national banner groups in the Nova Scotia marketplace.
The group was concerned by the willingness of some insurance companies
to give preference to banner groups, over their existing, local
DRP shops.
ICN's founding members have a history of providing high quality
workmanship, customer service, claims administration, employee development
and environmental responsibility. In a press statement, the group
said they felt "it was necessary to work together to ensure
these high standards would not be eroded."
The new group is a diverse mix: three independent shops and three
dealer shops. Members participate in well over 50% of the total
collision repair market in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
(see
headlines)
|
VISTA
ISSUE POSITION
May
26, 2006: The following is the National Automotive Trades Association
(NATA)
position regarding Vehicle Information and Service Tools Access
(VISTA) as provided
by Glenn McNally of NATA in his initial proposal to the Automotive
Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) three years ago.
All automotive repair outlets serving the motoring public in Canada
require access to service information and tools and training in
order to provide necessary service to vehicles in a timely and
cost-efficient fashion. Repairs to ensure that vehicles comply
with provincially mandated safety and emission programs require
that Canadian technicians have access to this information on a
level consistent with their American counterparts.
Recent developments in automotive technology require that replacement
components be programmed or initialized using information and
equipment available from the vehicle manufacturer. The database
listed at http://www.nastf.ca lists manufacturer Web sites that
provide pcm reflash and initialization data, service info, on-demand
training programs and manufacturer-validated service tools. NATA
seeks access on an equal level with our Automotive Service Association
(ASA) counterparts in the United States, and would be prepared
to enter into an agreement with OEMs here in Canada similar to
the one that exists between ASA and the new car manufacturers
in the United States.
NATA members wish to establish a voluntary agreement to provide
aftermarket service providers with access to this information,
in order that they may continue in their partnership with OE service
provider outlets in providing the level of service the Canadian
motoring public has come to enjoy and expect in the past. The
service providers represented by NATA affiliated associations
are more concerned with these needs than the issues being raised
in the U.S. under the Right to Repair legislative effort. Right
to Repair proponents appear to be seeking access to information
that would allow aftermarket parts suppliers to acquire engineering
info on replacement parts through legislation, versus diplomatic
discussion, dialogue and agreed-to consensus.
For further information on this subject, please contact VISTA
spokesperson
Glenn McNally: gmcnally@nastf.ca http://www.nastf.ca
416 460 4077 Toronto ON 250 412 7177 Victoria BC
The National Automotive Trades Association of Canada currently
represents:
• Automotive Retailers Association of British Columbia (ARA)
• Automotive Service and Repair Association of Alberta (ASRA)
• Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR)
• Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba (ATA)
• Hamilton district Autobody Repair Association (HARA)
• Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO)
• Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia (CRANS)
(see
headlines)
|
CertifiedFirst
partners with Rollit Management Consulting
The
CertifiedFirst™ Network of PPG Canada and Rollit Management
Consulting, Inc. have entered into a strategic relationship to provide
Rollit's services to members of the CertifiedFirst ™? Network
of collision repair shops across Canada
.
Rollit Management Consulting provides a wide range of financial
consulting services to mid-sized companies including financing,
refinancing, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. In addition,
it helps companies to develop business plans, offer accounting support
services, and perform operational reviews and viability assessments.
"We see a great deal of potential in the businesses who are
members of the CertifiedFirst Network," Lyndon Rollit, president
of Rollit Management Consulting, Inc., said in a press release.
"Members of this elite organization have proven customer satisfaction
track records, provide high-quality work and are first rate at what
they do.
"Our years of experience helping businesses to reorganize gives
us a wealth of knowledge in helping mid-sized businesses come up
with a system of efficient operational procedures and a sound business
plan."
Norm Angrove, national manager for the CertifiedFirst Network Canada,
commented: "The partnership we have developed with Rollit is
an example of the many benefits available to members of the CertifiedFirst
Network. We aspire to help our shops improve every aspect of their
business – from the products they use, the training available
to their employees, advice on operational procedures to financial
planning. That's what membership in the CertifiedFirst Network is
all about."( Canadian Underwriter)
(see
headlines)
|
|
Strong
Q1 results at ING Canada
The
first quarter of 2006 brought strong results for ING Canada Inc.
(TSX: IIC.LV) with a net income to $185.9 million, representing
a 17.3% increase from $158.5 million the first quarter of 2005.
Revenue also increased to $1,133.8 million, up 3.2% from $1,098.8
million in the comparable quarter of 2005.
Earnings per share for Q1 2006 amounted to $1.39, compared to $1.19
for the corresponding period in 2005.
ING Canada also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share
on its outstanding common shares, payable on June 30, 2006 to shareholders
of record on June 15, 2006.
Claude Dussault, president and CEO of ING says the Company's investment
results improved as a result of favourable fixed income and equity
market gains.
"Our underwriting results benefited from improvements in claims
frequency and severity and although prior year claims development
was less favourable compared to last year, it was once again strongly
positive in the quarter," Dussault says. "In addition,
our total number of insured risks continued to increase, mitigating
the impact of reductions in insurance rates."
Currently ING reports that it anticipates that top line growth for
the P & C insurance industry will remain below historical levels
for 2006. Additionally depleting ING anticipates is underwriting.
The Company also says commercial insurance will continue to be competitive
adding that "while prices are softening, returns are expected
to remain above historical evels."
(Canadian Underwriter)
(see
headlines)
|
Cease
and Desist Order Against ING Insurance Company of Canada ("ING")
and ING Novex Insurance Company of Canada ("Novex")
On August 22, 2005 the Superintendent of Financial Services issued
the following order:
REGARDING
the Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter I.8, as amended, in particular
section 441, and the Automobile Insurance Rate Stabilization Act,
2003, S.O. 2003, c.9.
AND
REGARDING ING Insurance Company of Canada ("ING") and
ING Novex Insurance Company of Canada ("Novex").
CEASE AND DESIST ORDER
On August 4, 2005, the Superintendent of Financial Services ("Superintendent")
issued a Notice of Proposed Cease and Desist Order as she was of
the opinion that ING and Novex had committed an unfair or deceptive
act or practice by inadvertently charging rates for coverages or
categories of automobile insurance that were not approved by the
Superintendent.
On
August 4, 2005, ING and Novex were each served with a copy of the
Notice of Proposed Cease and Desist Order. Neither ING nor Novex
requested a hearing within 15 days.
TAKE
NOTICE THAT pursuant to section 441(7) of the Insurance Act ("the
Act"), the Superintendent hereby orders that ING and Novex
("Companies"): (A)
Reimburse affected policyholders by a date and in a manner acceptable
to the Superintendent. The plan for reimbursement shall include
the following features:
(i)
In any case where the amount to be reimbursed is $5 or greater,
reimbursement for the appropriate amount plus interest shall be
sent to the latest address on file, or the last known address from
the policyholder's broker.
(ii)
A notice shall be placed in a national newspaper informing the public
of the reimbursement process and the fact that amounts to be reimbursed
of less than $5 can be obtained upon request.
(iii)
Any amounts that remain unclaimed after an appropriate period of
time shall be donated to Safe Kids Canada/SécuriJeunes Canada
- National injury prevention program of the Hospital for Sick Children.
(B)
On or before the Companies' next annual general meeting, the Companies
shall provide to the Superintendent confirmation, in writing, that
their respective boards of directors are satisfied that their current:
(i)
written internal control procedures with respect to the handling
of policyholder complaints are effective and that senior company
officials, with appropriate authority, have the responsibility and
adequate resources to oversee the receipt, investigation and response
to policyholder complaints, including those complaints involving
rates, classification and
billing; and,
(ii).
written internal control procedures with respect to system change
management are effective and that any system change that will have,
or potentially have, an impact on rates applied to policyholders,
are reviewed and approved by a management official or committee
with management responsibility extending beyond the operational
unit proposing the change and that system changes are consistent
with current industry and IT standards.
TAKE
NOTICE THAT section 447(2) of the Act provides that any person who
fails to comply with any order made under the Act is guilty of an
offence and liable on a first conviction to a fine of not more than
$100,000 and on each subsequent conviction to a fine of not more
than $200,000.
AND
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE THAT section 447(4) of the Act provides that
every director, officer, and chief agent of a corporation who caused,
authorized, permitted or participated in a corporation committing
an offence, or who fails to take reasonable care to prevent a corporation
from committing an offence, is also guilty of an offence and is
liable on a first conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000
and on each subsequent conviction to a fine
of not more than $200,000.
ISSUED
AT the City of Toronto, August 22, 2005
|
Cease
and Desist Order Against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance
REGARDING the Insurance Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter I.8, as amended,
in particular section 441.AND REGARDING State Farm Mutual Automobile
Insurance Company.
CEASE AND DESIST ORDER
On
December 8, 2005, the Superintendent of Financial Services ("Superintendent")
issued a Notice of Proposed Cease and Desist Order as he was of
the opinion that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
("State Farm") committed an unfair or deceptive act or
practice by charging rates for coverages or categories of automobile
insurance that were not approved by the Superintendent.
On
December 8, 2005, State Farm was served with a copy of the Notice
of Proposed Cease and Desist Order. The Insurance Act ("the
Act") provides that within 15 days after receiving the Notice,
a person may request a hearing before the Financial Services Tribunal.
In a letter dated December 8, 2005, State Farm waived its right
to a hearing.
TAKE
NOTICE THAT pursuant to section 441(7) of the Act, the Superintendent
orders State Farm to:
(A)
Reimburse all affected policyholders (both current and former policyholders)
in a manner acceptable to the Superintendent. The plan for reimbursement
shall include the following features:
(i)
Affected policyholders shall be reimbursed the amount that was paid
in excess of the approved rate, interest at a rate of 5% from the
time of overpayment to the time of reimbursement and any refund
required for overpayment of Ontario Sales Tax.
(ii)
Reimbursement shall be by means cheque and/or credit to the policyholder's
account.
(iii)
In any case where the address of a former policyholder is unavailable
or a cheque sent to a policyholder remains uncashed after a specified
date, the reimbursement amount shall be donated to charity.
(iv)
At the conclusion of the reimbursement process, State Farm shall
provide the Superintendent with a written report containing details
of its compliance with the reimbursement plan.
(B)
On or before February 28, 2006, State Farm shall:
(i)
Provide written confirmation to the Superintendent that its Chief
Agent and Senior Vice-President for Canada is satisfied that State
Farm's written internal control procedures with respect to its operating
processes have been reviewed and amended so that the deficiencies
that resulted in, or permitted, the charging of unapproved rates
have been appropriately addressed.
(ii)
Establish and implement written internal control procedures, acceptable
to the Superintendent, which shall ensure that a senior company
official, with appropriate authority, will be given the responsibility
and adequate resources to oversee the receipt, investigation and
response to inquiries, complaints and concerns made by agents or
policyholders involving rates, classification and billing.
TAKE
NOTICE THAT section 447(2) of the Act provides that any person who
fails to comply with any order made under the Act is guilty of an
offence and liable on a first conviction to a fine of not more than
$100,000 and on each subsequent conviction to a fine of not more
than $200,000.
AND
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE THAT section 447(4) of the Act provides that
every director, officer, and chief agent of a corporation who caused,
authorized, permitted or participated in a corporation committing
an offence, or who fails to take reasonable care to prevent a corporation
from committing an offence, is also guilty of an offence and is
liable on a first conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000
and on each subsequent conviction to a fine
of not more than $200,000.
ISSUED
AT the City of Toronto, December 9, 2005
______________________________________
Robert Christie
Chief Executive Officer and
Superintendent of Financial Services
TO:
Mr.
Bob Cooke
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.
Senior Vice-President and Chief Agent for Canada
100 Consilium Place, Suite 102
Scarborough ON M1H 3G
(see
headlines)
|
The
following educational business courses are now offered by Mohawk
College supported by HARA:
Creating
Amazing Customer Service June 6 Burlington full day
Communications and Interpersonal Skills June 11 Hamilton full
day
Getting the best from difficult people May 16,17 Burlington 1.5
days
July 11, 12 Brantford 1.5 days
Stress Management for Today's World June 19 Brantford full day
Designing Employee Job Description May 9 Hamilton full day July
5 Brantford full day
Successful Interview Techniques May 24 Hamilton full day July
19 Brantford full day
After the interview-References, Job Offers June 7 Hamilton full
day
Keeping the Best-employee Retention Strategy June 21 Burlington
full day
Assessing Business Ideas May 9 Hamilton half day
June 6 Burlington half day
Exploring Small Business Ideas May 9 Hamilton half day
June 6 Burlington half day
Building Business Plans May 25 Hamilton half day
June 20 Burlington half day
Marketing Your Business May 11 Brantford full day
June 22 Hamilton full day
The Art of Networking May 11 Burlington half day
June 14 Brantford half day
Time Management for the Entrepreneur May 15 Burlington half day
June 19 Brantford half day
Taking Care of Business May 25 Hamilton half day
June 20 Burlington half day
Succession Planning for Family Businesses May 3 Hamilton full
day
June 7 Burlington full day
Leadership Styles and Strategies May 2 Burlington full day
June 15 Brantford full day
Creating Mission, Vision and Values June 12 Hamilton full day
July 14 Burlington full day
Inspiring your Workforce May 15 Burlington half day
June 20 Hamilton half day
Business Ethics and Integrity May 15 Burlington half day
June 19 Brantford half day
Facilitating Multi-functional Teams May 18 Hamilton full day
July 20 Brantford full day
Team Building for Supervisors June 23 Burlington full day
July 6 Hamilton full day
Effective Supervisory Styles May 30 Burlington full day
July 26 Hamilton full day
Resolving Conflict May 3 Hamilton full day
July 14 Burlington full day
Team Building for Supervisors June 23 Burlington full day
July 6 Hamilton full day
Problem Solving May 31 Burlington full day
July 18 Brantford full day
Performance Management June 9 Hamilton full day
Coaching for Success June 16 Hamilton full day
All one-day and two-day Tools for Business Workshops start at
9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Half-day workshops run from 9:00
a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early. All class
fees include GST. Parking and lunch facilities are available on
site.
Fees: half day course is $133.75, full day course is $266.43 and
1.5 day course is $401.25
Also offered- one day workshops for: Introduction to Windows,
Access, Excel, Powerpoint, Word @ $144.00 and a two-day Simply
Accounting course for $225.00
Call 1-866-991-2011 to register or visit www.t4b.mohawkcollege.ca
(see
headlines)
|
|
I-CAR
ANNOUNCES PROGRAM CHANGES
Effective
January 1, 2007, both the Gold Class Professionals and Platinum
Individual recognition programs will require tested and ongoing
training.
Beginning on this date, position-related point requirements will
no longer apply and I-CAR will begin using the "5&2, 10&2"
requirements. All new Gold Class Professionals applicants' employees
must have earned 5 tested points, and all new Platinum Individual
applicants must have earned 10 tested points. Active Gold Class
Professionals and Platinum Individuals will not be affected.
Also effective January 1, 2007, maintaining the Gold Class Professionals
and Platinum Individual designations is simple. All Platinum Individual
applicants and employees of a Gold Class Professionals designated
business must earn at least 2 points of tested ongoing training
each year. All tested points can be earned through the following:
I-CAR Live (also known as I-CAR Enhanced Delivery), I-CAR Online
Training, I-CAR Virtual
Training, I-CAR qualification tests, I-CAR satellite delivery, or
I-CAR Industry Training Alliance training providers.
(see
headlines)
|
MAJOR
CHANGE FOR INDUSTRY ANNOUNCED
Canada to regulate low-emission auto refinish paint
May 5, 2006
In
a major change for Canadian industry, collision shops will now
need to adapt to using different coatings product for auto refinishing
and significant increased costs and possibly poorer quality finish
may be the result.
Environment Canada officials told an invited audience in Toronto
today that they are moving ahead with the regulation of manufacturing
and importing of auto refinish coatings.
The government outlined their concerns with air emissions from
coatings product despite the fact that refinish coatings VOC emission
have been already reduced through voluntary measures by almost
65% since 1992. VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are largely
solvent-based emission released in spray painting and are a contributor
to low-level ozone or smog, which can have significant health
impacts including increased morbidity.
In order to get a further 2 kilotonnes emission reduction, the
government will set regulations on the solvent or VOC content
in most auto refinish coatings used in collision repair facilities
in Canada. Because the federal government does not regulate end-users
( the shop), the regulation will initially impact coatings companies
who will only be able to manufacture these newer-technology coatings
for shop use. Shops will be obligated to
use the new coatings because no other coatings will be legally
available in the
marketplace. It is expected that the older product will be used
up first rather than replaced.
Environment Canada will look at comments over the next few months
to determine an implementation schedule and has committed to a
socio-economic study of the impact on shops that this regulation
change will demand.
Although paint companies can use whatever formulation they wish
in their paint coatings, the "as applied" VOC limit
in the paints must be reduced. Companies can use waterborne, high-solids
even ultra-violet paint applications or any other technology as
long as it meets the proposed new standards.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SHOPS?
Although a cost analysis will be done this summer, interviews
by consultants of shops in Canada and the UK identify that shops
found that the new coatings were initially more difficult to use
and sensitive in application and there was a major cost in equipment
updating or purchasing.
Generally, the older the booth the more likely the booth replacement
rather than updating was required. One coatings firm said felt
they that the quality of the coatings was not as good in matching
colour for the customer as well. Cost figures supplied by Environment
Canada's consultant identified: Blowers to enhance air flow around
vehicles at between $450 to over $1000 plus possible compressor
changes, portable infrared heaters at approx $6000, dehumidifiers
at $10,000 and new heated spray booths, if a retrofit is not available,
at between $64-$75,000
"We are disappointed that the government did not look at
other voluntary measures that have been successful in reducing
VOC emissions in the past by some 8.5 kilotonnes," said bodyshop
association President Tony Nigro.
"The further 2 kilotonnes emission reduction may have been
possible by increased
continued voluntary reductions, however, we now instead face uncertain
increased costs with federal regulation of coatings."
"Shops must recognize that the government's planned actions
will likely increase coatings prices, demand further specific
training and increase capital and operating shop costs for the
paint area. For those shops that decide to stay in the auto refinish
business, we can see very expensive bills coming to customers
and insurers in the future to pay for these
changes," said meeting delegate John Norris who was representing
collision repair shops at the meeting.
Presentation material from the meetings is available to association
members and clients of www.ciia.com by calling 1-866-309-4272
or info@ciia.com
(see
headlines)
|
ONTARIO
ASKS COLLISION INDUSTRY FOR INPUT
New
Auto Body Compliance web site coming soon!!
-
What are the key tasks performed at a shop?
- Frequently asked questions relating to compliance
- Main compliance challenges
On
April 18, the Project co-coordinator and the Director from the Ontario
Inspections, Investigations, and Enforcement Secretariat,(II &
E) provided the Sarnia Lambton County Bodyshop Association (SLCBA)
with their first look at the new, draft Ontario Auto Body Repair
Compliance Information Centre, and asked those questions. With 13
different Ministries and agencies with at least some jurisdiction
over the collision repair industry, the government was reacting
to concerns about the difficulty and confusion that shop owners
often feel in dealing with compliance issues. The Secretariat was
introducing a draft web based government information source designed
to assist collision repair and auto refinish facilities with easier
access to government information and regulations that are specific
to the collision repair industry, but wanted to ensure that the
planned web site met industry needs.
In
late 2005, staff from the government Secretariat, met for some two
hours with the Board of Directors for www.ciia.com and outlined
their plans. Recognizing often how difficult it is to access forms,
documents and information needed to run a profitable collision repair
business, the Secretariat was looking for industry input in the
initiative. They asked about what industry needed from government
and how to make accessing information for shops as simple and easy
as possible. How to find information that was specific for the industry,
so that shop owners would not need to spend hours of valuable time
in waiting on the telephone or finding information that needed "wading
through" in order to find the specific compliance areas related
to collision repair.
The
new compliance web site, will be soon available to help collision
repairers and will be accessed through the main Government of Ontario
website, but will also be featured at www.ciia.com and www.autobodyhelp.ca
when released. In the meantime, the Secretariat wants to continue
to improve the planned web site to meet industry needs and is asking
for your help:
What
are the key tasks at your shop? What are the major things that go
on at your facility that require more information?
Frequently
asked questions- is it about booth permitting, taxes remittance,
installing a booth, health and safety or rules for handling employees
? Are the new rules on installing a used spray booth too confusing
?
What
are the main compliance challenges? Are you worried about Ministry
of Labour or Environment inspections? Perhaps the Fire Department
has visited? Do you know of other shops that have offense orders
written and you want to avoid that?
This
is your opportunity for input into making the web site more valuable
to you. Please send any comments or suggestions to 1-866-309-4272
or info@ciia.com
or info@autobodyhelp.ca
(see
headlines)
|
Canada’s
professional associations jump onboard CarFix Career Forum
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto
– March 28 2006 - CarFixWORLD continues to grow in national
stature attracting a huge commitment from the country’s auto
collision and repair service industry. Three professional associations
representing the collision, auto service and aftermarket sectors
have stepped up to the plate, sponsoring the CarFix Career Forum,
a most important day of the event.
The
National Automotive Trades Association (NATA), the Automotive Aftermarket
Retailers of Ontario (AARO), and the Hamilton District Autobody
Repair Association (HARA) have teamed up to sponsor this special
Friday of the three-day event. The day will be dedicated to presenting
students and apprentices with the absolute latest information from
the world of automotive mechanical and collision repair services.
Throughout the day, there will be special presentations aimed at
students currently in automotive tech courses, as well as students
who might be interested in joining the rapidly expanding service
industry.
Carol
Bell-LeNoury of the Events Division of Business Information Group,
which is producing the three-day event, notes that the response
from students has already been
extremely strong. “We have commitments from the Kitchener/Waterloo,
Halton and Peel school programs to send students and apprentices
and we expect many more to take part.” Bell-Lenoury notes.
The
entire CarFixWORLD program is filled with interesting presentations,
including keynote speak Dennis DesRosiers, Canada’s leading
automotive industry analysts. In addition to introductory presentations
from industry experts tailored to the Career Forum, plus a job board
and resume exchange, an innovative 6-minute job interview will connect
young enthusiastic candidates with eager-to-hire industry members.
The day will have glamour too to keep students entertained as well
as informed. Alex and Quinton from Pimp My Ride will be on hand
for autographs and conversation, exciting competitions with Skills
Canada, pit stop challenges and some special surprises. “This
event is just what the entire automotive repair industry needs to
create excitement among young people and build for the future,”
explains John Norris of the NATA.
Bell-LeNoury
agrees, “CarFixWORLD is delighted that NATA is sponsoring Career
Forum Day. It is great to be working with a progressive association
dedicated recruiting candidates for the aftermarket and collision
industries."
CarFixWORLD
will take place on Friday, September 29, Saturday September 30 and
Sunday, October 1, 2006 at the National Trade Centre in Toronto.
For more information, please contact:
John Morris,
Marcovitch Public Relations
416-963-3222
john@marcovitchpr.ca
Carol
Bell-LeNoury
Business Information Group
416-510-5197
info@carfixworld.com
(see
headlines)
|
|
Mickey
Harris seminars well atttended
Three
colleges received some $500 each of special product after offering
space for the Custom Painting Seminars featuring Mickey Harris.
Sponsored by Caruk and Associates, each seminar was attended by
some 100-200
painters and held in community colleges, in Toronto, London and
Hamilton.
Mickey Harris is known as the premier automotive airbrush artist
in the country. Mickey painted the "Heroe's Truck"-the
number one show vehicle on Earth. He's a four-time winner of the
Dupont Top Gun award and countless other titles.
He is now in charge of Auto-Air Colors Educational programs, Publisher
of Airbrush magazine, and founder of the International Airbrush
Association and teacher.
(see
headlines)
|
CARS
training presents first refinish seminars
John
Beauregard and Rob Hill, training instructors for PPG Canada,
Automotive Refinish, presented two training modules broadcast
over the CARS Network, a satellite-based, interactive distance
learning channel in March.
The broadcast was the first time refinish training material was
presented over the CARS Network.
The CARS (Canadian Automotive Repair and Service) organization
is a not-for-profit organization established to serve the human
resource and training needs of the Canadian automotive repair
and service industry.
"The modules presented by Rob and John were the first in
our series of training modules presented by industry suppliers,
and the first CARS modules to offer instruction specifically designed
for refinish technicians," said Linda Brown, project manager
for CARS.
"The feedback we received was very positive and we were all
very impressed with their delivery and their wealth of knowledge
about refinish procedures.
We hope this collaboration will continue and we look forward to
having PPG instructors participate in future training programs
that will expand our curriculum to reach more refinish industry
personnel."
The two modules, both two hours in length, covered safety and
refinish procedures. "The CARS Network allows technicians
to participate in a classroom training experience without leaving
their work facility," said Hill. "The convenience of
this type of training is extremely valuable, as it makes training
much more accessible to a larger group of students. We were
pleased to be the first to present refinish training material
to the CARS audience."
For more information on PPG training courses, go to www.ppgrefinish.com
or call 800-970-2283. For more information on CARS, go to www.cars-council.ca
or contact CARS at
888-224-3834.
(see
headlines)
|
|
Distractions
cause most crashes: study
BLACKSBURG,
VA. Eight out of 10 crashes involve drivers who are drowsy, chatting
on a cellphone, applying makeup or otherwise distracted from the
road ahead, according to a U.S. government study that video taped
people behind the wheel.
For
more than a year, researchers with the U.S. National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
(VTTI) studied the behaviour of the drivers of 100 vehicles in Northern
Virginia and metropolitan Washington, D.C., equipped with video
and sensors. Researchers said the data showed the first links between
crash risks and popular multi-tasking activities - from eating and
talking to recieving e-mail in the driver's seat. They tracked 241
drivers, who were involved in 82 crashes of various degrees of seriousness
- 15 were reported to police - and 761 near - crashes. The data
showed what happens in the fractions of a second before a crash
or near miss. Reaching for a moving object while driving increased
the risk of a crash by nine times, while reading or applying make
up tripled the risk. Dialing a cell-phone also increased the risk
of a crash nearly three times. "
All of these activities are much more dangerous than we thought
before," Said Dr. Charlie Klauer, a senior research associate
at VTTI. "But also we're very concerned about the fact that
not only are we drinking our coffee and we're disciplining our children
and we're eating sandwhiches in the car, but the proliferation of
technologies in the vehicle have just exacerbated the the amount
of time that drivers are distracted," Klauer said.
The Associated Press
|
State
Farm (U.S.) Responses to ASA Questions on Select Service Program
(The following report provides an overview of recent ASA Collision
Division Operations Committee activities regarding a Q&A session
with State Farm's George Avery.)
The distribution date of the April issue of Collision Ops' ACTIONS
was delayed to include coverage of ASA's question-and-answer interview
with State Farm's George Avery regarding the Select Service pilot
program. Avery met with the Collision Operations Committee during
ASA's annual business meeting in Austin, Texas, April 26-29. All
responses from State Farm appear in italic text.
Q.
Guaranteed delivery dates - How will State Farm Insurance (SFI)
measure cycle time? Will SFI utilize a formula or another method?
A. Estimating software allows for tracking of repair cycle time.
In order to best service our customers, we can utilize this tracking
mechanism when appropriate to evaluate provider performance. It
is important that the repairer ensures that all cycle-time information
is completed prior to submitting the final repair bill.
Q.
Reduction in number of shops - What criteria will be used to determine
whether a shop is or is not on the program? Will it be geographic
location, CSI scores, post-repair quality control, the size of the
shop, whether the shop gives discounts/concessions versus those
shops that will not, or will the determination be made with other
criteria? A. Our selection of repair facilities is influenced
by State Farm's repair capacity needs in each market area and our
familiarity with repair facility performance in the areas of quality,
efficiency, customer service, business relationships, and competitive
pricing. Repairers invited to participate in the new Select Service
Program are evaluated and selected by local State Farm management.
Selections will include individual and multi-shop repair facilities,
large and small, within each market area.
Q.
What percentage or number of shops in my area are expected to be
dropped? Will any of this decision process consider input from local
SFI personnel concerning their shop preferences? A. At one time,
our repair programs had over 20,000 repair facilities - The size
of our repair network needs to match our repair needs in each market.
Local management will select the repairers who are best suited to
meet the repair value and capacity needs of our customers. By reducing
the number of repairers to the capacity we need for our customers,
we are able to provide a higher level of service and at the same
time better manage the quality and price we are paying for this
service.
Q.
CSI tracking - Will this be done internally by SFI or will this
be done by a third party? If by a third party, who will pay for
the CSI tracking? A. While State Farm does not require specific
CSI metrics for repairers, many of the top performing repairers
incorporate CSI reporting into their operations. Repairers use this
information to improve their overall business process.
Q.
Monitoring compliance with the new rules - Who will monitor compliance
and how will this be done? How can we be assured that the law-abiding
shops are not placed at a disadvantage when those who will break
the rules may be offering discounts, concessions and/or lower rates,
in violation of the rules? A. Local management will continue
to monitor claims activity and trends. They will also conduct regular
repair facility reviews to discuss results of performance with repairers.
Q.
It appears that State Farm is serious about changing the industry.
Will there be incentives for those having or maintaining high CSI
scores, cycle times, etc.? A. No. We will continue business relationships
with repairers best suited to meet the repair value and capacity
needs of State Farm (quality, efficiency, and competitive price).
Our commitment to customer choice and quality repairs is not going
to change.
Q.
Will the new program be marketed to agents? To the public? A.
We are communicating with agents to help them understand the features
and benefits of the new program. Advertising Select Service specifically
is not part of our current advertising strategy.
Q.
What will State Farm do to refer customers to the Select Service
shops? A. State Farm does not refer customers to Select Service
shops, but we do provide information about program features and
benefits at the time a loss is reported, so that customers can make
an informed decision regarding their vehicle repair needs. As with
State Farm's current programs, customers will maintain freedom of
choice when selecting a repair facility.
Q.
How will claims be handled for those consumers who chose a shop
that is not on the new program? A. No change in our current process.
A State Farm staff estimator will prepare the estimate. Customers
always have the option of choosing the repair facility and are free
to select repairers who are not participants in the program.
Q.
Now that the program has been in place for several weeks in the
pilot states, how are shops reacting to the pricing requirements?
A. It is too early to tell. We expect repairers to price their
estimates according to the provisions set forth in the agreement.
If we discover violations, local management will take appropriate
action. Lowering rates or getting other insurers to raise their
rates is an individual business decision made by the repair facility.
Q.
How have your customers responded to the new program? Have you advertised
it? A. Customers continue to value the option of using our claim
service programs to meet their vehicle repair needs. Advertising
Select Service specifically is not part of our current advertising
strategy.
Q.
Have you seen a reduction in repair costs in the pilot states? A.
There is not enough data to evaluate at this time.
Q.
What has been the reaction by repairers on the new program so far?
A. Repairers seem pleased to be a part of the program. They continue
to work with local management on communication procedures and clarifying
agreement provisions.
Q.
What, if any, changes to the program are anticipated based on feedback
from the pilot? A. We are learning a lot from our tests. We will
continue to collect feedback as we consider changes to the agreement
and companywide implementation.
Q.
What does State Farm expect the program to look and act like a year
from now? A. Our vision is to exceed our customers' expectations
by developing business relationships with the appropriate number
of top performing repair facilities in each market area. The program
will have a continued focus on local management matching repair
program capacity with our customers' needs for vehicle repairs.
Q
Is the request for reduced pricing/discounting for DRP and non-DRP?
If you are not on a DRP for a carrier, and the carrier pays less
than the shop’s door rate, is this considered a "discounted
rate"? A. Yes. The current Select Service agreement states,
"Labor rates and paint and materials pricing offered to any
other vehicle owner or insurer."
Q.
What if State Farm is the only DRP the shop has? Can they charge
the current rate they charge State Farm? If they are able to do
so, will there be pressure to bring the rate down to what others
are charging? A. Our agreement provisions will articulate what
is required of repairers as they participate in the program. We
would not expect to be paying more than our competitors for vehicle
repairs.
Q.
Does reduced pricing/discounting include customer/cash pay, dealer
warranty, or other non-insurance-related customers/transactions?
A. Yes. We received feedback from the industry regarding some
of the agreement provisions. We will evaluate this feedback and
lessons learned from the test as we consider companywide implementation.
Q.
Will there be a change in the way PCP is calculated, after the revised
agreements are in place? Will it still be open to all shops? How
will future prevailing labor rates be calculated? A. We are one
of the few insurance carriers that collect survey information from
the repair industry to determine pricing. We will continue to evaluate
this process and make adjustments as business conditions dictate.
Q..
What percent will the average shop see in any given market, due
to the reduction in the number of shops participating in Select
Service? A. The changes are unknown at this time. There could
be an increase in volume in areas where there was a reduction in
the number of repair facilities, but we do not have sufficient data
at this time. We will continue business relationships with repairers
best suited to meet the repair value and capacity needs of State
Farm (quality, efficiency and competitive price).
The
ASA Collision Operations Committee appreciated the opportunity to
speak with and provide input to State Farm and George Avery regarding
the Select Service Pilot Program.
Special
thanks to autobodyonline.com
(see
headlines)
|
BUDGET
2006
Introducing
a New Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
The difficulty Canadian employers have in finding skilled tradespeople
is becoming an impediment to economic growth. Meanwhile, many
young Canadians find themselves stuck in low-paying work, and
are either not encouraged to consider the trades or unable to
do so because of financial barriers.
To encourage employers to hire new apprentices, Budget 2006 proposes
a new Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, effective May 2,
2006. As a result, eligible employers will receive a tax credit
equal to 10 per cent of the wages paid to qualifying apprentices
in the first two years of their contract, to a maximum credit
of $2,000 per apprentice per year.
It is estimated that this measure will reduce federal revenues
by $190 million in 2006-07 and $200 million in 2007-08.
In addition to current federal support provided to apprentices
through the Employment Insurance program, a new Apprenticeship
Incentive Grant program will be established effective January
1, 2007. The program will provide a cash grant of $1,000 per year
to apprentices in the first two years of an apprenticeship program
in one of the Red Seal trades and other economically strategic
apprenticeship programs. This grant will be included in computing
the income of the recipient for tax purposes.
The Government of Canada will be consulting with provinces and
territories, employers and unions to best determine which other
apprenticeship programs will be included in the program. Their
views will also be sought concerning how to deliver the grant.
This grant for apprentices, together with the proposed tax credit
for employers, will provide a strong incentive for more young
Canadians to pursue apprenticeships and hence meet the future
need for skilled tradespeople that is crucial to the sustained
growth of the economy.
The cost of this new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant program, under
the auspices of the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development,
is estimated to be $125 million over 2006-07 and 2007-08.
It is estimated that about 100,000 apprentices will benefit as
a result of the new grant and tax credit.
Recognizing Tradespeople's Tool Expenses
Many employed tradespeople must provide their own tools as a condition
of employment. The lack of tax recognition for the cost of these
tools may contribute to the difficulties employers experience
in finding skilled tradespeople.
The new Canada Employment Credit will provide relief on the first
$1,000 of employment income, in recognition of expenses incurred
by employees. Budget 2006 proposes a new deduction of up to $500
to tradespeople for the cost of tools in excess of $1,000 that
they must acquire as a condition of employment.
EXAMPLE: A tradesperson earning $60,000 with $1,500 in tools expenses
in 2007 will be able to claim the new Canada Employment Credit
on $1,000 and deduct $500 under the new tools deduction. The two
measures will reduce federal income taxes by $265.
The tools deduction and the Canada Employment Credit together
will provide tax relief to about 700,000 employed tradespeople.
Budget 2006 also proposes to increase to $500 from $200 the limit
on the cost of tools eligible for the 100-per-cent capital cost
deduction. This measure will provide tax relief and reduce red
tape for self-employed tradespeople and small businesses.
These measures will be effective for tools acquired on or after
May 2, 2006.
It is estimated that these measures will reduce federal revenues
by $75 million in 2006-07 and $80 million in 2007-08.
(see
headlines)
|
CCIF
announced the 2007 meeting schedule on April 22 in Edmonton.
Meetings for next year are planned:
January
27, 2007 Marriott Airport Hotel Toronto, Ontario
April
21, 2007 Delta Airport Hotel Vancouver, British Columbia
June
24, 2007 Fairmount Newfoundland Hotel St. John's, Newfoundland
October
14, 2007 Westin Calgaray Hotel Calgary, Alberta
|
Ford's
Paint Innovation Helps Bust Rust
Chicago-area
Ford dealer John Guido remembers a time when at least one out
of every two vehicles sold at his Arlington Heights Ford store
was rustproofed by the dealership. *
"Rustproofing was a big after-sale item, said Guido. "You
did it either just underneath the car or you did complete rustproofing,
where you went into the door jambs, quarterpanels and other areas.
The complete treatment cost about $295."
However, as automakers improved corrosion protection, Guido and
other dealers began to experience a decline in rustproofing business.
"By the late 1980s, the amount of rustproofing we did began
to slow noticeably," said Guido. "I don't do it at all
now. I haven't for years."
Lindsay Fraenkell, a 26-year-employee at a Ziebart-Speedy Auto
Glass store in inneapolis, has a similar story.
"We only do about 20 percent of the rustproofing that we
did in the early 1980s," noted Fraenkell. "We've had
to diversify and offer additional services."
That's because rust is practically a non-issue on modern vehicles,
thanks in part to Ford Motor Company.
One of the first major automotive corrosion protection innovations
- a special paint layer called anodic electrocoat - was introduced
by Ford in the 1960s. Also known as "e-coat", this electrically
charged coating was applied in a large tank to an unpainted steel
body. Ford highlighted the new process in a print ad that appeared
in a 1969 issue of Life magazine.
In the late 1970s, cathodic electrocoat began replacing anodic
electrocoat. The newer coating offered improved corrosion protection
and reduced the amount of energy needed to apply it. Not only
was Ford quick to make the switch, it also became the first automaker
to convert all of its North American assembly plants to lead-free
cathodic electrocoat by the mid-80s to reduce the environmental
impact of lead-containing materials.
Advances in steel added to improved corrosion protection for customers.
One-sided galvanized steel, which contained a protective layer
of zinc, led to two-sided galvanized steel. The inclusion of dip
phosphate by Ford in the 1990s further enhanced rust resistance.
Prior to dipping, vehicles were sprayed with phosphate. Spraying
provided cleaning and conditioning to the outside of the steel
body, but not to the inside where corrosion from road
salt frequently begins.
To help ensure effective application of the company's present
corrosion protection system, Ford relies on sophisticated computer
models in a process called "digital preassembly."
"We do early computer-aided design work in which we take
a vehicle structure as it evolves and evaluate it as an analytical
computer model," explained Jeffrey Helms, manager, Materials
Development and Release, Ford Global Paint Engineering. "This
allows us to predict and address such things as electrocoat coverage,
voids and drainage issues before we physically run a vehicle through
the actual electrocoat system in the plant."
Helms says that Ford also uses computer-aided engineering tools
to develop and tune the large ovens that heat and cure the electrocoat.
These tools are especially effective in helping Ford meet the
challenge of curing e-coat on thicker metal panels, which are
required to comply with more stringent safety regulations.
As added corrosion protection against stone- or gravel-related
paint chips, polyurethanes and polyvinyl chloride coatings are
employed underneath the paint on rocker panels and other lower
body areas. Body fasteners, such as bolts and screws, also are
treated with special anti-corrosion materials.
Ford engineers continue to look for innovative ways to improve
corrosion resistance while protecting the environment, according
to Ford Corrosion Technical Specialist Jeff Richardson.
"For example, the company is studying a new dip pretreatment
process that requires less energy and water, eliminates process
waste and further improves the corrosion resistance of metals
used in vehicle construction," he said.
(see
headlines)
|
Great
prizes lined up for CarFixWORLD attendees
RS
Finishing Systems Inc. has stepped up to the plate with a strong
incentive for attendees of CarFix WORLD. The company is donating
an Ausen spray booth (27 ft. x 13 ft.), valued at more than $50,000,
as a prize to the collision attendees. Bodyshop magazine is working
with CarFixWORLD and RS Finishing Systems to showcase this valuable
prize.
As well, Wakefield Canada, the country's marketer and distributor
of Castrol lubricants, has taken an aggressive position at the CarFixWORLD
event. The Castrol brand is prominent at the Grey Cup, so as major
sponsor, Wakefield is offering tickets and airfare to the 2006 Grey
Cup to be held in Winnipeg.
"We anticipate these two prizes will create a lot of interest
in the event and underline that this is now the aftermarket show
in Canada," comments Carol Bell-LeNoury, the show's manager.
In addition to the Wakefield/Castrol and RS Finishing commitments,
several other major automotive aftermarket companies have contracted
to take part in CarFixWORLD this past week. Dominion Sure Seal,
Snap-On Tools, FMSI Automotive, Mitchell International, Ingersol-Rand
Canada Inc., AMH Canada, SATA and The John Bean Company have all
signed on as exhibitors.
CarFixWORLD is gaining momentum quickly this month, adds Bell-LeNoury.
"With top notch presentations, a rapidly growing slate of first
tier exhibitors and now these exciting grand prizes from Castrol
and RS Finishing, this is now quite an exceptional event."
CarFixWORLD takes place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the National
Trade Centre, Toronto. For more information, visit www.carfixworld.com.
(see
headlines)
|
Sarnia
association comments on Ontario's new small business initiative
The
Sarnia Lambton County Bodyshop Association (SLCBA) enjoyed their
spring dinner meeting at the Huron Oaks Golf Course in Bright's
Grove. The association has a discount and purchase program with
25 different companies that provide lower prices and special offers
to lower their costs on services and products needed. SLCBA members
enjoy special prices on garage insurance (up to 25% off), solvents,
uniforms, inspection help, health and
safety needs and office supplies with a 50-770% discount on many
Grand $ Toy products, for instance. The local shops heard from one
of the guest speakers from Pre-Paid Legal Services that can assist
them with legal challenges or questions from their shop.
Shops
owners were updated on the CISCO program and the new presentation
just made to the province, as well as new changes in building permit
requirements for booths and the Ontario Consumer Protection Act.
Special
guests from the Ministry of Labour showed their draft Auto Body
Repair Compliance Information Centre web site and urged shops to
let them know what changes and improvements would be valuable for
them. The web site is designed to simplify compliance information
and more readily and easily answer the most common problems faced
by shops. Shops are asked to assist in identifying key tasks compliance
challenges and frequently asked questions.that are performed in
their respective facilities so that an industry view can be developed.
To assist please contact the association at info@ciia.com or 1-866-309-4272
(see
headlines)
|
HALTON
SKILLS COMPETITION SUCCESS
Robert
Bateman Secondary School in Burlington was the site of the Halton
Skills Competition in autobody, collision repair and automotive
painting.
Winners
of the competition will be competing against the best in Ontario
at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition in Kitchener/Waterloo
with a chance to advance to the Canadian finals in Halifax on May
23-26, 2006
Pictured
on the left is Mark Millson, previous autobody skills winner and
guest speaker at CCIF as a judge of the work of White Oaks Secondary
School student Mike Borge-Bills
Judges
were Mark McIntyre , 3M’s Paul Birchell, Bruce Pudsey from
BJ’s Custom Finishes. Sponsors were 3M Canada and Treschak
Autobody Supplies in Welland, Ontario
National
Winners 2005
Auto
Body Gold for Robert Bateman Student
Alex
Heaman-Maracle has done an outstanding job in the Halton, Ontario
and National Skills Competitions in 2005. Alex has worked steadily
in the auto body program at General Brock High School and Robert
Bateman High School. When participating in the Skills competitions
Alex put forth an excellent effort an earned gold for Robert Bateman
High School in the Halton competition. He then proceeded to the
Ontario meet in Kitchener-Waterloo where he escelled and won gold.
Alex represented Ontario at the National meet in Edmonton, Alberta
and while challenged with a technically difficult project continued
to persevere and won gold once again. It is a reward for both Alex
and the program to earn such a high level of recognition with in
the Skills program. The next endeavor Alex wishes to participate
in is the World Skill's competition in Japan in 2007
(see
headlines)
|
WARNING
ISSUED - COLLISION REPAIR SHOPS DO NOT NEED TO PAY A FEE TO ACCESS
CREDITS
www.ciia.com
says solicitation asking for $500 per apprentice is not required
April
3, 2006
The Collision Industry Information Assistance (www.ciia.com) web
site is warning shops that attempts to convince them to use a
company to obtain dollars owing to them in apprenticeship credits
is not needed.
Tony Nigro of www.ciia.com advises that a number of shops have
been contacted recently and told that for a 25% contingency fee
or $500 per apprentice per year, a private company will obtain
a cheque owing to them for apprentice credits.
"The incentives and credits available to hire and retain
apprentices are often not know to shops. Receiving a call from
a company who will handle that credit for you is inviting, but
the fees are not. Shops can easily fill out and send in the forms
themselves, without paying contingency fees or a large percentage
of the monies owning to them, said Mr. Nigro,
President of the Hamilton district Autobody Repair Association
(HARA)
Starting May 18, 2004, an apprenticeship credit was available
for employers who would be eligible to receive a refundable tax
credit of 25 per cent on salaries for apprentices paid after May
18, 2004. Smaller businesses - those with payrolls under $400,000
- would be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30 per cent on salaries
for apprentices. For additional details on the tax credit : www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_42486_1.html.
In addition, the 2004 Budget also included a new $1,000 Apprenticeship
Scholarship and $2,000 Employer signing bonus initiative to encourage
employers in the trades to register new apprentices in sectors
where there is a high demand. This initiative will assist employers
to hire and register as apprentices young people under 25 years
of age who have left school prior to completing the minimum academic
requirements for apprenticeship
registration. Youth applicants must first complete their academic
upgrading in order to become registered apprentices.
A package to assist collision shop owners in obtaining their credits
themselves is available at 1-866-309-4272 or e-mail at info@ciia.com
For more information on how to become a collision repair apprentice
see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html
For warnings on solicitation for environmental fee scam please
see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/march05.html#scam
For warning on scams and outrageous fees see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/february06.html
(see
headlines)
|
CarFixWORLD
signs on significant exhibitors
Several
significant players in the Canadian aftermarket and collision industry
have signed on for CarFixWORLD, the automotive industry exhibition
taking place September 29 to October 1, 2006 at Toronto's National
Trade Centre.
The exhibitor commitment continues to grow and an early survey of
potential show visitors indicates attendance will exceed initial
expectations, according to John McLean, the event's manager.
Exhibitors who have signed on include Carcone's Auto Recycling,
Cars Systems Inc., Chicago Pneumatic Tool, Citation, Delphi, Dominion
Sure Seal, Fleetchek.com, Global Finishing Solutions, Gojo Industries
Inc., Henkel, Hofmann, Inov8, Matco, Transport Canada, RS Finishing
Systems Inc. and Thermofluid Technologies.
CarFixWORLD also conducted an email survey to trade publication
readers in both the repair and collision sectors. Nearly 1,000 replies
were received. The survey indicated consistent enthusiasm for the
"one big show" concept from all sectors of the aftermarket
community.
Survey respondents indicated an enthusiasm for the show to focus
seminars on product training, business management, technology/equipment,
tools and recruitment. "This speaks to our extensive schedule
of seminars and special presentations at the show.
CarFixWORLD will set a new benchmark for the industry," noted
McLean.
Check www.carfixworld.com
for more information.
(see
headlines)
|
FIRST
ONLINE PLASTICS REPAIR COURSE OFFERED IN ONTARIO
Training for licensed technicians and apprentices through the
Internet
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
(see
headlines)
|
LOCAL
SHOPS BEING INSPECTED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Ministry Staff Looking For Certificate of Approvals and Proof of
Training
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.
(see
headlines)
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Associations
Offer Huge Value
By
John Norris, Executive Director, HARA
The
Collision Industry Information and Assistance (www.ciia.com) web
site, operated by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association,
handles over 10,000 hits a day. The phone lines often field 30 calls
a day and at least 60 emails. Over 400 shops call regularly for
environmental help with training, certification assistance, wage
incentive information, hiring questions and inquiries from insurance
contact lists to manuals on how to market to brokers all the way
to requests for guest speakers at their local schools to getting
a fax number to send copies of abusive towing invoices.
This
is how a professional collision repair trade association works.
Individual
association mandates may be different but their passion and vision
should be clear and consistent: Help shops, serve the interests
of repairers, represent them and provide opportunities to move member
interests forward.
Let's
face it -- it's a tough marketplace our there and many shops are
struggling to stay profitable. They need more help right now and
should recognize that although their voice may not be strong individually,
their association's voice can be loud, active and successful.
Why
then are there so few shop members in their trade associations?
One reason is lack of communications. And it goes both ways. Some
repairers only hear from their trade association when once a year
an invoice shows up on the fax machine. Good professional associations
communicate by holding regular neighborhood style meetings or surveys
to gain better incite into shop needs -- yet often shops don't show
up at meetings or respond to the very associations trying to help
them.
Perhaps,
shops haven't yet realized the practical benefits of membership
in an active association. Can shop concerns be addressed? What's
in it for a shop to be a member?
GAUGE
YOUR REPRESENTATION
You
should always ask yourself the two basic association membership
questions:
What
can you do for me now and what can you do for the industry in the
future?
Most
professional associations can provide you their answers quickly
and the better associations have so many answers that it often has
grown to a list of advantages for the shop.
For
instance right now, do they provide services such as benefit programs,
garage insurance, uniform and product discounts, office and stationary
products discounts, forms, brochures, posters, manuals, training
courses, available tax credits or grants that you can use right
now to cut your immediate costs and put more money in your till?
What
about down the road? Can they prove to you that they are handling
the meetings and writing the letters and building the necessary
support with media, insurers, suppliers or government? Does the
association have the respect and trust it requires to solve your
issues? For instance, can they show you or post on their web site
or newsletters the meeting presentations or script or news releases
showing their successes in addressing your concerns.
TOUGH
SCHEDULE
Many
professional associations struggle with the daily frustration that
they are taking time away from working on needed industry projects
that can help shops and instead, are out trying to raise funds to
continue on with their good work- from the very shops they are trying
to help. If shops better supported their professional trade associations
with their membership dues, because of their recognized value for
the industry, associations could solve your industry issues quicker.
If
your professional trade association is working that hard for you,
you should be working hard for them. Their membership dues are fair
and you should not only pay their invoice when it arrives, but be
calling them to ask to become a more active member. Volunteer to
be school speaker, a letter writer or employer/mentor for young
students interested in working in our trade on the association's
behalf. Only through your help in adding to the
common strength can your professional association make your voice,
join with other voices, and become stronger, more effective and
listened to where it counts.
John
Norris is Executive Director of HARA, the largest local collision
repair and auto refinish industry trade association in North America,
operating from Hamilton, Ontario. The association also co-chairs
the Environmental Compliance Assistance program with government
to reduce costs, improve compliance and provide easier help tools
for shops at
www.autobodyhelp.ca and 1-866-309-4272.
HARA's
mandate and industry objectives and their successes in meeting those
objectives are featured at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/hara.html
(courtesy
of BODYSHOP magazine)
(see
headlines)
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