ASSOCIATION MEMBERS GET FREE ADMISSION TO AUTOMECHANIKA

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

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

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

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

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

Show hours are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoffman Estates, IL- May 22, 2008 - Industry professionals attending the I-CAR International Annual Meeting or the Collision Industry Conference in July can support a good cause and enjoy a day on the golf course by registering for the Seventh Annual I-CAR Education Foundation Golf Tournament, sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., that takes place on Thursday, July 24, 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ at the Tournament Players Club.

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

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

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CAF-FCA RETURN ON TRAINING INVESTMENT (ROTI) STUDY

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

WHY A ROTI STUDY?
HR Challenges for Industry:

•  Skills shortages, high turnover, low productivity

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

•  Low participation in training in comparison to other countries

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

PART OF THE SOLUTION: RETURN ON TRAINING INVESTMENT
Background:

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

Current Study :

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

Benefits of Participating:

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

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

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

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

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

Trades Included :

•  Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (NOC 7322)

•  Cook (NOC 6242)

•  Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic (NOC 7313)

•  Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician (NOC 7312)

•  Construction Millwright and Industrial Mechanic (NOC 7311)

•  Electrician - construction (NOC 7241)

•  Bricklayer (NOC 7281)

•  Machinist (NOC 7231)

•  Sheet Metal Worker (NOC 7261)

•  Cabinetmaker (NOC 7272)

•  Storekeeper and Parts Clerk (NOC 1472)

•  Boilermaker (NOC 7262)

•  Plumber (NOC 7251)

•  Electrical Power Line & Cable Worker (NOC 7244)

•  Hairstylist and Barber (NOC 6271)

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

(See Headlines)

SPONSORS ENSURE SUCCESSFUL GOLF TOURNAMENT

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

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

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

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

•  Akzo Nobel Coatings

•  Audatex

•  BASF Canada

•  Canada Brokerlink (Ontario)

•  Carcone's Auto Recycling

•  Co-Auto Co-operative

•  DuPont Canada

•  Fix Auto

•  Impact Auto Auction

•  LKQ Dominion Auto Recycling

•  Miller's Auto Recycling

•  Ontario Service Safety Alliance

•  Rush's Auto Parts

•  Sherwin-Williams Automotive Refinishing

•  Standard Auto Wreckers

•  Treschak Enterprises

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

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

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

(See Headlines)

MARSCIN ASSUMES NEW ROLE AS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR
FOR THE I-CAR ® Education FOUNDATION

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - MAY 20, 2008 - Melissa Marscin has rejoined the staff of the I-CAR Education Foundation as Development Administrator. Marscin formerly worked as Senior Products and Services Specialist for the I-CAR Education Foundation and then for I-CAR. In her new role, Marscin will be responsible for implementing fundraising and grant programs including school curriculum grants , instructor training grants, and student scholarship s.

"I would like to welcome Melissa back to the staff of the Education Foundation," said Russell Thrall III, interim Associate Director of the Education Foundation. "Her wealth of knowledge about the industry's pre-employment education system and experience working with schools, colleges and donors will benefit both the Education Foundation and the schools and students who rely upon it for support."

Marscin is a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, I ndiana and has been employed by I-CAR since October 2003.

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The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us on the Internet at: www.ed-foundation.org.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® AND INDUSTRY LEADERS TAKE STEPS TOWARDS FURTHERING THE ORGANIZATION'S NEW ROLE IN THE INTER-INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - May 12, 2008 - I-CAR and industry leaders took important steps on May 7 with the first meeting of the Collision Repair Facility Industry Segment Advisory Council. I-CAR is diligently gathering feedback from the industry to provide product and services that are effective, relevant, contemporary, and meet the training needs across all inter-industry segments. To deliver on this new customer-focused role, I-CAR is engaging with the inter-industry on a segment basis to ensure that it has a clear view of the needs and interests of each segment, and strives to address them as efficiently and effectively as possible through its curriculum design and delivery.

"I appreciate the candor and the open and honest discussion that has taken place. Some of the tough talk can be difficult to hear, but for me it feels good to come back to a new and customer-focused I-CAR," explained Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body & Paint. "I sincerely appreciate the recent efforts of I-CAR and am fully engaged in the organization's revitalized role within the inter-industry."

"When I-CAR set out to find the right industry professionals for their feedback, we specifically looked for leaders who aren't afraid to be open and honest with us, I believe we found the right people for the job," exclaimed Jeff Peevy,

I-CAR Director of North America, Field Operations. "I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish so far. We are determined to use their feedback to make the right changes quickly."

"We are continuing to make traction in truly becoming a customer-focused organization that is determined to provide the industry with timely and relevant training. The collision repair leaders provided I-CAR the critical qualitative and quantitative information needed to aggressively move forward," explained Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing.

I-CAR would like to acknowledge the following Collision Repair Facility Industry Segment Advisory Council members: Craig Griffin, Laney's Collision; Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body & Paint; Paul Blaski, Sterling Autobody Centers; Brett Bailey, CARSTAR; Rose Grenell, ABRA; Jim Pickett, Service King; Aaron Clark, Collision Solutions; and Chuck Lee, Gerber Collision & Glass . "The commitment of these individuals speaks volumes as they took it upon themselves to not only volunteer their time but also cover all of their own travel expenses too," said Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing. "I-CAR sincerely appreciates the dedication and motivation of these individuals."

-More-

The first Industry Segment Advisory Council representing the insurance industry is scheduled for May 22, at the I-CAR Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, IL.

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

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $70,000 WORTH Of
GRANTS UNDER THE ORGANIZATION'S NEW MISSION

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - May 1, 2008 -The I-CAR Education Foundation has proudly awarded curriculum grants to 23 schools providing I-CAR Live Curriculum and training grants that will assist 10 instructors to attend the I-CAR Instructor Qualification Workshop (IQW). The curriculum grants, with a retail value of more than $65,000, and training grants, with a value of $4,000, are funded by the Collision Repair Education Campaign , formerly the $100 per Collision Repair Facility per Year Campaign, and general donations made to the Education Foundation.

Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees said, "This is the first chance that the Education Foundation has had to show the success of our new mission. These grants will make a huge difference in the education of the students attending these schools and the businesses that ultimately employ them."

The schools receiving curriculum grants include:

Arcadia Valley AVTS (Ironton, MO)

Beck Career Center (Red Bud, IL)

Brashear High School (Pittsburgh, PA)

Butler County AVTS (Butler, PA)

Clearfield County Career & Technology Center (Clearfield, PA)

Dover High School and Regional Tech Center (Dover, NH)

Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School (Uniontown, PA)

Honolulu Community College (Honolulu, HI)

Hurst-Euless Bedford Technical Education Center (Bedford, TX)

J. Everett Light Career Center (Indianapolis, IN)

Madison Park Technical-Vocational HS (Boston, MA)

Miller Career and Technology Center (Katy, TX)

Modesto Junior College (Modesto, CA)

Montana State University-Great Falls (Great Falls, MT)

Nashoba Valley Technical High School (Westford, MA)

New England Institute of Tech (Warwick, RI)

Omaha Career Center (Omaha, NE)

Oneonta Job Corps (Oneonta, NY)

Ramona High School (Ramona, CA)

Southeast Career Technical Academy (Las Vegas, NV)

Sunnyside High School (Tuscon, AZ)

Warren County Voc-Tech (Warren, PA)

Whitewater Technical Career Center (Connersville, IN)

The 23 schools will each receive part of a package of the I-CAR Live Curriculum covering tasks required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). In addition, each school will become a member of the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance SM within the next year. Once a member of the Industry Training Alliance, the schools can award their students I-CAR credits (points) upon graduation.

The Instructor Qualification Workshop (IQW) grant recipients are: Bill Burnette from Regional Career Tech Center (Ypsilanti, MI); Edward Callico from Blue River Career Program (Shelbyville, IN); Garry Carr from Maine Vocational Region Tech (Brunswick, ME); Kurt Chrysler from Saginaw Career Complex (Saginaw, MI); Keith Crocker from Fred P. Hamilton Career Center (Seneca, SC); John Doty from Central Nine Career Center (Greenwood, IN); Rod Everson from New Market Skills Center (Tumwater, WA); Jaron Grayless from Ivy Tech State College (Fort Wayne, IN); Mike Patten from Grant Career Center (Bethel, OH); and Rick Starbard from Lynn Vocational Tech School (Lynn, MA).

The IQW will help the instructors learn how to teach using the I-CAR Live Curriculum. In addition, completion of the IQW is one of the steps needed to induct the instructor's school into the Industry Training Alliance.

If you know of a school in your area that you would like to support, please contact the I-CAR Education Foundation at 888.722.3787, Ext. 282. You can also visit our website at www.ed-foundation.org for more information.

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The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation visit us on the Internet at: www.ed-foundation.org.

(See Headlines)

Publication Of The Proposed Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Concentration Limits For Automotive Refinishing Products Regulations

Dear Madam / Sir,

Stakeholders are invited to forward their comments on the proposed Regulations during a 60-day public consultation period which ends June 25, 2008 . All received comments will then be reviewed and considered by Environment Canada during the finalization of the Regulations. The final Regulations will be published thereafter in the Canada Gazette , Part II.

Background information on the proposed Regulations is available on Environment Canada's VOCs in Consumer and Commercial Products website at the following address: www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/voc/

If you have any questions regarding the proposed Regulations , please contact  Guy Gagné at guy.gagne@ ec.gc.ca or 819-994-5787.

Yours sincerely,

Joan Pollock
Di rector, Products Division 
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 12th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A  0H3

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® Education Foundation Announces 2008 Scholarship Winners

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - APRIL 29, 2008 - The I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the $30,000 in collision repair training and education scholarships that were created to assist deserving students pursuing a career in the collision industry. This scholarship is funded in part by contributions from local industry businesses to the Collision Repair Education Campaign , formerly the $100 per Collision Repair Facility per Year Campaign . Additional funding for the scholarship program came from the I-CAR Education Foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund supported by industry donations.

The top scholarship winner in the Secondary category is Matthew Landman, a student at Beaver County Area Vocational Technical School in Monanca, PA. Landman will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue his education and career in the collision industry. Mike Murdoch, an instructor at Beaver County Area Vocational Technical School said, "Matt has been a student here for two years now and I have come to rely on him to be a self-starter and leader in the shop. His classroom participation is excellent. His positive attitude leads by example both in shop and in class. His focus on learning hands-on skills shows interest in succeeding in the collision repair field."

The top scholarship winner in the Post-Secondary category is Michael Luna, a student at St. Philip's College in San Antonio, TX. Luna will also be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue his education and further his career. Richard Little, an instructor at St. Philip's College said, "Michael is an excellent student. If I owned a shop, he would be employed with me. Michael travels over 100 miles per day for school and has not been late or absent. He is dedicated to his studies and to reaching his goals. Michael someday will be an asset to this industry."

In addition to Landman and Luna, ten runner-up scholarships were awarded to students from career and technical schools and colleges. All of the runner-up winners will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue their education. In the Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Brandon Dennis from Medford Vocational Tech High School in Medford, MA; Joseph Doolan from Triplett Tech in Mt. Jackson, VA; Will Harpham from Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, MO; Tamaira Jackson from Fayette Technical Center in Lexington, KY; and Justin Lucius from Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, MI.

-More-

In the Post-Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Daniel Adami from St. Philip's College in San Antonio, TX; Craig Johnson from Portland Community College in Portland, OR; Travis McVay from Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, IA; Megan Reynard from Triplett Tech in Mt. Jackson, VA; and Sarah Zamarripas from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, TX.

"On behalf of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees and our many donors, I would like to congratulate each of these young people on their choice of the collision industry for a career," said Russell Thrall III, Interim Associate Director of the Education Foundation. "The scholarship awards these individuals receive will help them fund their continuing education and start them on the path of a successful career."

The I-CAR Education Foundation Student Scholarship program was announced in March 2008. Students were required to submit an essay explaining why they have chosen the collision industry as a career. Additionally, the applicant's instructor had to submit a recommendation.

A selection committee comprised of members of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees, along with local I-CAR volunteers, made the final selection of scholarship recipients. Committee members included:

Geralynn Kottschade, Jerry's Body Shop, Inc. - chair

Terry Angell, Warren Tech

Paul B laski, Sterling Autobody Centers

Joe Burda, State Farm

Mike Devoss, State Farm

Tom Lantz, Leading Edge

Terry McEvers, Wurth USA

Craig Roberts, Manheim Total Resource Auction

John Saia, Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc

Greg Settle, Mercedes-Benz, LLC

John Ward, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

(See Headlines)

GOVERNMENT SAYS NO STUDY DONE ON IMPACT OF REGULATIONS
ON REPAIR SHOP PROFITABILITY

Government says as high as $772 million industry cost will close some shops.

April 26, 2008

Environment Canada today released their long-awaited low-VOC regulations for auto refinish paints in Canada, taking pains to not mention waterborne paints once.

Although shops are not regulated in this federal announcement, the new content rules for product, that takes effect at the beginning of 2010, means that the major coatings firms that possess more than 85% of the Canadian market will not be allowed to manufacture, offer for sale, sell, or import auto refinish coatings that do not conform with VOC content regulations announced. Exceptions apply, in aerosol spray containers, small volume applications (touch-up), OEM manufacture, lab use and export as well as a possible discussion on "exempt" solvents.

For auto refinish shops, who are regulated provincially, this means that obtaining some of the current product they use now will not be possible after the start of 2010, and current inventories need to be depleted. Although Environment Canada, in its enforcement budget, has only allocated less than a loonie per shop to deal with violators, it is expected that shops will need to at least change over to a low-VOC basecoat to be able to ensure continuing product supply. In most cases, for light vehicle painting, this is offered as a "waterborne" paint replacement, however Environment Canada says that most product in Canada now will not meet new standards.

Environment Canada admits that with 72% of the shops in Canada being in the "small category", that there will be impacts on their profitability and staying in business, although they admit they never studied shop profitability due to a lack of data. It is expected that shops will need to spend $141 million in new equipment costs, $125 million for new paints and $55 million in training to meet the new regulations, although a government "worst case scenario" identifies costs as high as $772 million in total. Paint costs are expected to rise 5 % per year for four years (largely due to transport and storage costs) and less after that. Government again admits that there is significant uncertainly that these figures are accurate.

Some shops will close, forecasts Environment Canada but they expect technicians to be hired by other repair shops. They admit that cost-cutting by insurers means shops are not in a position to increase the repair price, while the decline in the number of repair jobs results in lower revenues and profit margins for all repair shops. The government also expects that consumer paid repair price increases will be unlikely.

It is expected that shop costs will be between 1% and 2.5 percent of gross revenues, each year for the next 25 years. Taken in dollars, it means that the average shop must now budget an extra average $6000 per year, every year for the next 25 years for these new expected costs, assuming paint cost increases are as forecast.

Environment Canada did not announce any efforts to address underground economy or illicit product use operations, which was a major concern of the industry shop trade associations. No special credit or tax incentives for shops were offered although the government has identified the ongoing Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) for possible financing applications from shops.

Voluntary actions, rather than regulatory means, were promoted by the auto refinish shop industry to address lowering VOCs in Canada, with positive voluntary effort by industry accounting for a nine kiloton reduction to date in VOC emissions. The government diminished those actions, calling them insufficient, and that new regulatory methods announced will reduce emission from shops by a further 2 kilotons a year (or a further 40% of current emission level). These reductions anticipated through regulation would mean that auto refinish industry contribution to VOC reduction in total Canadian emissions will be one tenth of one percent of all VOC emissions.

"Our association has worked for cleaner air and lower emissions for many years and welcomes further emission reductions for the industry, and we also recognize that the costs of this regulation may be tough for some shops but the regulations will change the industry face forever, towards a better operating, more compliant, environmentally friendly new image." said HARA and www.ciia.com President and shop owner, Tony Nigro.

For more information, please call the association at 1 866 309 4272 or
see www.autobodyhelp.ca

(See Headlines)

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

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Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)

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Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)

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