Speak your mind on collision repair and towing tonight on CITY Pulse 24 TV

November 30, 2004

Join Don Teevens and Rick Kirk along with moderator Peter Silverman tonight on CITY Pulse 24 television in Toronto.

With collision claims down 30% and motorists fearful of making claims, the collision repair industry is facing some tough times.

Do you have a towing horror story ?

Join Don and Rick at 9:00 p.m. for a full hour of collision repair news and comment.

(see headlines)

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the claims frequency rate in Ontario feel to 12% in 2003, down from 27% in 1993.

Insurance Bureau of Canada's Ontario Vice-President Mark Yakabuski confirmed a 30% drop in collision repair claims in the past 18 moths, and a 20% drop in home insurance claims- but said this trend is now reversing itself.

John Norris, Executive Director of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) says shops he's talked to have seen their business fall by 30% to 47%. Some have had to lay off staff.

Although business is down, shops have been hit with 30%-40% hikes in commercial insurance, further eroding profitability.

Norris points out that although insurance profits have rebounded, insurers haven't spread the wealth by raising the rates they pay body shops.

Don Teevens of Hawley Collision Centre in Mississauga has experienced a 50% drop in insurance-paid repairs.

"About 90% of the people who come into my shop say they don't want to go through insurance," said Teevens. "They are literally petrified. Some are afraid to give you their name."

Teevens estimates he's fixing about 25% more cars than last year, but making less money because he's doing more minor repairs and fewer major insurance claims.

However, he's seen people pay $7,000 out of their own pocket for a repair to avoid a big rate hike.

"Even if they finance the $7,000 on a line of credit they figure it's better than seeing their premium go up by 31%," notes Teevens.

High auto insurance rates are also causing car sales to stall. For the first ten months of the year, new vehicle sales in Canada are down 4.9% compared to 2003, despite low financing rates and hefty incentives by automakers.

Auto analyst Dennis DesRosiers has cited insurance affordability-along with high prices-as factors pulling sales down.

"It's had a very, very negative effect on us," said Hugh Brennan, owner of Brennan's Dixie Chrysler in Mississauga.

"We're seeing cases where a person's car payment is $300 a month, but by the time they add in gas and insurance, it's up to $1000 per month."

(Courtesy Toronto Sun)

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Spurred by the death of a mother of three at the hands of s serial joyrider, Nova Scotia is calling for tougher penalties for car thieves-especially young ones.

Justice Minister Michael Baker said yesterday the federal Criminal Code must be amended to make motor vehicle theft a separate, indictable offices punishable by more jail time.

"In my view, car theft is not a property theft defined simply by whether the value is under or over $5,000", Baker told a news conference. "It is a potentially violent offense with more capacity for destruction than a single bullet fired from a firearm".

Eighty-one Canadians were killed and other 127 seriously injured in accidents involving stolen vehicles from 1999 to 2001.

(see headlines)

With some 25 appraiser's and adjusters attending the meeting, the Fourth Annual General Meeting of P.A.V.E. (Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators) were eager to find out about Ontario's Bill 186(2002) that provides for self-management of the collision repair industry.

The Oakville, Ontario meeting all day Sunday event featured HARA's preetnation on their accomplishments and successes in the collision repair industry.

P.A.V.E. Executive Director Dean Renwick had invited HARA to make the guest-note presentation.

Attender members also discussed insurance libilty issues with appraisals and the challenges of appraisals on older vehicles that are antique or classic.

For the HARA presentation to P.A.V.E., and pictures of the event please click http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/pave.html

For more information on P.A.V.E. please see www.trustpave.com

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. –

CAPA earlier released a document that reported findings from two compliance tests conducted on four part numbers of OEM and Independently Manufactured Automotive replacement headlamps. Due to the negative nature of this report, and conflicting recent testing results from competing independent labs, CAPA should withdraw its report or defend it by open and full disclosure.

“MQVP® was mentioned in the second study dated May 13, 2004, so we felt compelled to review the findings,” said William Hindelang, President of MQVP Inc. “MQVP Inc. requested from CAPA a full and open disclosure of all information surrounding these studies,” said Neil Stolman, Director of Operations. Stolman added, “We have sent 13 certified letters over a period of 6 weeks to Jack Gillis, Executive Director and members of the CAPA board. To date we have received no substantive, accountable response. All certified letters were signed for and confirmed receipt by the postal service tracking system.”

CAPA’s interest and motivation behind this study may not be unbiased. Independently produced automotive replacement lamp manufacturers are not in the CAPA program and the two manufacturers in the MQVP program have resisted endorsing the CAPA 301 requirement as unnecessary. One has to wonder why CAPA would perform such a test on parts not in their program knowing that this issue would cause a negative reaction within the industry. Information provided in their report raises more questions about their own tests than they answer.

“Why would CAPA hide? What would CAPA hide?” asks Hindelang. He added, “Their web site says they are a Not for Profit organization with a mission to be a consumer advocate and ‘promote price and quality competition in the collision parts industry, thereby reducing the cost of crash repairs to consumers without sacrificing quality.’” Unless this study’s results can be accurately and completely replicated, this is possibly just fear mongering. These and other independently produced parts previously passed DOT, FMVSS 108 requirements, and the manufacturers have some recent confirming “pass results” from independent labs. “If lamps have a potential to be out of spec, we want to know and react accordingly, for both quality and, more importantly, safety concerns,” stated Neil Stolman.

Essentially there has been no timely response of commitment from the CAPA organization to assure MQVP Inc. will receive open and full disclosure of the facts leading up to conducting and publishing the study on the internet. There are rumors of disagreement in the ranks of CAPA technical committee and their board over the results and approval of this study.

If CAPA believes firmly in both their actions, motivations, and the accuracy of results of this test project, then they should be agreeable to an open and full disclosure. MQVP suggests that CAPA should be willing to submit to a review by a panel of experts from the OEM and Aftermarket industries. A member panel should include an OEM and an Aftermarket product expert, a lab calibration and certification expert, a statistician, a FMVSS 108 and photometric expert, and a safety product engineer. “If CAPA won’t agree to such an independent review or withdraw their study, then CAPA’s intent and motivation should be obvious and the credibility of the study findings should be discredited,” stated Hindelang.

MQVP Inc. is an ISO registered information systems and quality management services firm. MQVP Inc. provides supplier qualification based on current OEM and auto industry methodologies, and international quality systems standards. The services include quality assurance tracking and traceability systems to members of global supply chains. They are located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Their website is www.MQVP.com.

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NIAGARA BREAKFAST MEETING A SUCCESS FOR HARA MEMBERS

Continuing morning chats "valuable and informative" says shop owner

November 23, 2004

Collision shop owners, Niagara College representatives and HARA staff met for the first group breakfast, sponsored by HARA in Niagara region this morning.

The ten or so shops enjoyed a morning coffee and food courtesy of HARA, and discussed strategic directions issues for the association, the lack of apprentices, were shown new proposed door rates changes, and had a opportunity to take home dozens of brochures, manuals and guide books that made available.

Both car dealerships and independent shops were represented and spoke during a presentation on HARA's successes in bringing new training opportunity to Niagara. HARA has recommended to the provincial government that Niagara College's request for permission to offer a pre-apprenticeship program, be honoured.

Including in the morning "chat" were updates on HARA's successes which included a half-hour discussion on challenges that shops experienced with the hiring of recent graduates of the local college's apprenticeship program. A key comment was the introduction into the Legislature yesterday, of a Bill that would offer a 25% tax credit in the hiring of an apprentice.

Further morning "chats" are planned with other Niagara area shops, followed by evening presentations in Hamilton and the Halton area as members get a chance to learn and speak out.

Pictures of the morning get-together are available for viewing at www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/niagarabreakfast.html

(see headlines)

11/18/2004

Attendance at the 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) saw a big rise with its move to Las Vegas this year.

Attendance totaled 30,243, representing a 26% increase over the previous year. This year's Exposition experienced a 13% growth with more than 500 companies occupying 2,000 booths.

"On Saturday morning, with one day left in the show, we were 26% ahead in our attendance and this increase held strong throughout the close of the event," said Galen Poss, president, Hanley Wood Exhibitions, the show management company that produces NACE.

NACE was held Nov. 3- 6 in Las Vegas, and for the first time, the event coincided with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows AAPEX and SEMA.

"Moving NACE to November to coincide with AAIW was clearly the right thing to do," said Ron Pyle, president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the show sponsor. "Moving the show up a month had a positive impact on its success, and the Wednesday through Saturday schedule was also well received."

NACE will return to Las Vegas in 2005, and will be held Nov. 2-5, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Akzo Nobel Announces Price Increase for All Coatings Resins

Akzo Nobel Resins announced a price increase for all Coating Resins sold in North America. Effective January 10, 2005 the increase will be approximately 5 percent and will affect all product lines.

Akzo says the increase is the result of continued pressure for all major resin raw materials, especially styrene and acrylic monomers. Global supply issues and persistently high pricing for crude oil and natural gas derivatives continue to perpetuate high raw material costs and shortages.

Akzo Nobel Resins will continue to do everything possible to maintain supply and control costs to its customer base through these very difficult times.

(courtesy CollisionWeek)

(see headlines)

Candid Conversations

It was an evening marked by open information exchange, candid dialogue and very tense discussion. In the end, the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association's October 7 Collision Repair At The Crossroads evening was a good opportunity for insurers and repairers to voice their thoughts with the provincial government in attendance.

Ontario MPP Mike Colle, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Finance and Ontario's lead on auto insurance and towing issues, addressed delegates expressing an understanding of the need for greater rules governing collision and insurance. Acknowledging that Bill 186 -- the Collision Repair Standards Act -- was not ultimately passed into law, Colle pledged that his government would do something to protect consumers in the collision repair and insurance domains.

"We're willing to sit down and try to find solutions," he said. "We believe that [collision repair] is a safety issue that Ontario consumers are not appreciating."

Colle believes that the decrease in insureds willing to repair their vehicles through insurance could result in more cases of negligent repairs. The rationale suggests that consumers may end up repairing the vehicles, on their own dime, at discount backyard operators -- which may result in an unsafe car being put back on the road.

Colle says the Liberal Government continues to introduce measures aimed at lowering premiums and restoring consumer confidence in insurance. "This year," he announced, "premiums are already lower than last year by an average of 11%."

Colle finished his address with either a warning or a plea to insurance companies in regard to their treatment of collision repairers.

"I hear about shops that have done good work for twenty years and still do not have access to the DRP. I want to see more shops getting a chance," he said. "It's not good enough to only have preferred shops out there. I want more options available for consumers."

INSURERS ON DEFENCE

Other speakers included HARA executive director John Norris, CISCO president Alex Szabo and HARA president Tony Nigro. All updated the industry on the progress of their organizations. Also on hand was Toronto Sun columnist Maryanna Lewyckyj who offered a good natured but serious toned roast of the insurance industry.

In the final and controversial session, Insurance Bureau of Canada vice president of Ontario Mark Yakabuski, ING Insurance Company of Canada's vice president of property claims Ted Doyle and Aviva Canada vice president of claims Wendy Hillier joined Colle for a question and answer panel.

Moderated by Hara's Norris, the questions posed were submitted by HARA members.

One question asked how insurers plan on restoring consumer confidence in the claims process. The intimation, of course, is that more claims will help to buoy some of the industry slowdown.

Yakabuski contended that the industry may see a bounce back to more plentiful claim levels. "Things have changed. The average auto premiums in 2003 were $1499. The average auto premiums [in the middle of 2004] were $1399. This year, there has been an 80% decline in complaints about rates," he said. "Looking ahead, would I make a business plan based on the [reduced] claims experience of the past 18 months? No, I would not."

Doyle noted that the insurance industry actually wants to see more customers enter the claims process. "It's absurd to have a high-priced product that nobody uses." He also noted that as an individual on the claims side, he's cognizant that a long-term reduction in the amount of claims being processed could lead to a reduction in jobs for claims adjusters, appraisers and managers.

Colle says Ontario is committed to inspiring consumer insurance confidence. "I want to see legitimate claims being encouraged," he explained. "We want to see a consumer move away from being concerned about future premiums. What is happening right now is that cars are being fixed by [backyard operators], people not paying taxes."

INSURER SHOP RELATIONS

The evening turned a tad contentious when matters regarding shop-insurer relations came to the forefront. A question was posed asking why more shops are not permitted to enter into DRP relationships with insurers.

"We can't carry 100% of the shops in our DRP," said Hillier. "There's a limit to how many shops I can have on the list. It's based on our market share in a given area."

Doyle said collision repairers can expect DRP numbers to be pared down in the future. "We're looking to establish DRPs with less shops. We're looking toward strategic alliances. My guess is that you'll see even fewer DRP shops in the future because of consolidation in both of our industries."

Colle measured in with concern about directing traffic in general. "We're not happy with this concept of directing business," he said. "I think consumers should have choice. I can't see why adjusters would have a tantrum when consumers want to go to a shop of their choice."

Hillier responded to his comments. "Consumers do have choice. Certainly, at Aviva, they have choice."

These words elicited outbursts from shop owners in the audience, many of whom believe that their customers do not perceive they have a choice.

Audience members were encouraged to write down and submit their own questions. The exchange soon broke down into some unmoderated -- but insightful and welcome -- discussion between shops and insurers.

One particular exchange of interest took place between both Doyle and Hillier and Jay Perry, president of Automotive Business Consultants.

Perry asked why insurers are often unwilling to pay the standard amount of labour hours per operation as laid out by Mitchell and ADP estimating systems. Doyle responded that this practice might take place if there is another shop in the region willing to do the job for below the standard.

This answer was not acceptable to Perry.

"Every time [collision repair] tries to standardize what we do, the insurance companies undercut it. The estimating systems give guidelines, and insurers continually go to shops that don't abide by it. It's a short-sighted benefit. And you are penalizing shops for following the guidelines."

These words elicited applause among audience members. And to their credit, both Doyle and Hillier were open to future discussion.

"But," noted Doyle, "I encourage you to discuss this issue in the context of an actual repair."

Shops and the insurers stuck around after the formal session to discuss in greater depth. And while the evening brought out even more tension than answers, the frank and candid conversation was both rare -- and required.

(thanks to bodyshopbiz.com)

(see headlines)

As busloads of students arrived, the collision repair booth was active. Showing the “Art of Earning” CCIF/AIA cd-rom on career opportunities in the industry, with mock-ups of full frame and anybody design and handling a new spray gun, interested young people were introduced to the industry.

Careerapalooza was an all-day event held at the Hamilton Convention Centre that included interactive displays from schools, colleges, universities, employment service providers and trade associations, like HARA

“We had lots of inquires and handed out “The top ten steps to a collision repair apprenticeship package, apprenticeship connection brochures, info on the rules to be accepted as an apprentice and other industry material” said Helena Vladetic, from HARA, who was handling many questions.

Careerapalooza is an event to highlight the employment opportunities in industry as well as working with the Ministries and the College on new initiatives and planning.

Hundreds of students also listened to guest speakers explain the value of a career in the trades, watched a fashion show and tried out the many exhibits and demonstrations.

For more information on skilled trade opportunities in collision repair, please call 1-866-309-4272 or access www.ciia.com

Click on thumbnails to view pictures

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First Annual PPG CertifiedFirst/MVP Conference a Success

The CertifiedFirst Network and MVP Services, two industry programs sponsored by PPG automotive refinish, recently joined to host the first annual PPG Refinish 2004 CertifiedFirst Network Conference in Canada.

Held Sept. 24 - 26 at the Westin Calgary, the Conference brought together the expertise of collision repair industry leaders from both organizations to provide best practices in areas critical to overall business performance. Approximately 100 people attended the three-day event, which included training on insurance, technology, marketing, business development and management.

"CertifiedFirst Network and MVP Congress participants are dedicated to achieving high standards of quality and professionalism. Not content to rest on their laurels, their attendance at the conference demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence," said Keith Burns, manager, CertifiedFirst Network.

Throughout the Conference, PPG blended the best of its customer support programs to offer dealership and independent collision centers ready-to-implement marketing and training programs and business-building tools to boost insurance referrals and repeat customers. "The information and tools provided at the conference will help participants differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace," said Burns.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of several shops for their outstanding performance. A merit award was presented to three shops for achieving the Highest Customer Service Index: Garland Auto Body, Ltd., St. John's, NF; Dodge City Collision Centre, Saskatoon, SK; and Douglas Ford Lincoln, Barrie, ON.

In addition, four shops were singled out for Most Improved Gross Profit Per Employee Clock Hour. Winning this award were: Imperial Woodbine, Markham, ON; Cascade Collision, Hinton, AB; Windsor Body Works, Windsor, ON; and Alaska Hi-Way, Fort St. John, BC. Richard Marsh from Windsor Body Works also received a recognition award for his exceptional contribution and continued support of the CertifiedFirst Network.

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Yes, It's true. The industry web site at www.ciia.com operated by HARA, for the one year period ending October 30 recorded over 2.5 million hits

This is the largest use autobody web site in North America and continues to be incredibly popular in our news event, shops and employment sections, says John Norris, HARA's Executive Director.

Hits per day are climbing to over 10,000 per day in November 2004, with over 140,000 people actually making use of the web site during the last 12 months.

Over 35 million kilobytes of information were used in the last year with users of the site reading a total of 302,000 separate pages of information.

Shops and suppliers can advertise themselves on the site by contacting Helena at info@ciia.com

All site use is recorded daily and is open for viewing at www.ciia.com/stats

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HARA introduces another reason to be a member

November 10, 2004

Starting December 1, all HARA member shops will start to receive the new SB Partners newsletter that addresses modern business concerns.

Delivered electronically by HARA’s audit firm, the newsletter will be sent automatically to all HARA members by e-mail.

In past issues the newsletter handled topics such as:

- Business valuation
- Personal financial planning
- Minimizing credit card fraud
- Long term strategizing
- Technology and check-ups for your business
- GST and tax credit programs
- Financial indicators and check lists for your shop
- Auto deduction limits for tax planning and reporting

HARA President Tony Nigro says “this is just another advantage of HARA membership. We now offer special environmental and WHMIS training, new profitability manuals and product discounts and this new free service for members makes association membership even more valuable.”

Any member shop who does not want to receive this free assistance, should e-mail info@ciia.com or 1-866-309-4272 (HARA) and will be removed from the list.

HARA also reminds shops to access the free “Productivity” section of the industry web site for new “not-included” lists, ADP and Mitchell online estimating, aftermarket parts information, labour complaint time forms and small parts listing for payment. All of this and more is available at: www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/productivity.html

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Help a Child Smile Charity gives hope to youngsters

October 30, 2004

Brian Cullen Chev Olds’ Collision Centre in St. Catharines is where you will find Bertha Bertrand. The hard-working co-manager of the body shop has worked there for 15 years and was the winner of last year’s Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry Award, shared with only two other women in the last five years in Canada.

As well as being active in the industry, as a Board member of HARA, the collision repair trade association, she is also the local chair of the “Help Child Smile Foundation”, a charity devoted to children with cancer treated at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation

HARA, the collision repair trade association was approached by Bertha and HARA responded with a $1000 donation from the proceeds of their summer 35th Anniversary Golf Tournament, the Golden Horseshoe event.

“The donation was greatly appreciated, thank you so much” said Bertha Bertrand.

Help a Child Smile Foundation also raised some $207,000 during a recent event in Welland and St. Catharines.

For more information on the Foundation, please see www.helpachildsmile.com or e-mail helpachildsmile@sympatico.ca

(see headlines)

October 30, 2004

It usually happens as you are driving down the highway, and usually when big trucks are in the vicinity. Somehow, a rock or a pebble makes its way into the air and manages to strike your windshield, leaving you with a nasty chip.

Those of us who have had to deal with this misfortune in the past know that it's smart to make your way to a glass shop as soon as possible and have them seal the chip before it gets worse, and before it costs a lot more to fix.

Procrastinate too long, and that chip will grow into a nasty crack, eventually spreading from pillar to pillar. Once that happens, you're going to have to get the windshield replaced.

But why bother spending money if you can still see through the broken glass? That's because modern windshields are more than just windows. They're an integral part of a vehicle's structure, protecting occupants from being ejected during an accident, helping support the roof in case of a roll over and providing a platform to assist in air bag deployment.

When shopping for a windshield you may be tempted to go for the cheapest brand a shop has to offer. But before you do, remember there's more to consider than price.

You'll likely be offered the choice between an OE (Original Equipment) windshield and other "no-name" brands made by companies that simply make replacement glass.

However, the fit generally tends to be better with OE products. In many cases these companies have supplied the original part to the manufacturer, so they're very familiar with the part.

What's the difference? Plenty! Honda, for example, orders glass from PPG (in the glassmaking business since 1883) with a technology known as Variable Extrusion. "Typically when you extrude something, the cross section of the object stays the same for its entire length," explains Bruce Christie, director of branch sales and operations, PPG Canada. "In this part (for Honda), it has a tall lip up the A pillar to channel rain up over the roof. But because the same lip would create aerodynamic nightmares were it located at the top of the windshield it must be kept flat near the roofline and flush with the roofline - something you wouldn't get from a generic aftermarket windshield."

Some vehicles are equipped with glass that has special properties. High end sedans coming out of Germany, for instance, offer low E-coatings on the glass to reflect the sun's rays and keep the temperature of the cabin down. This coating can reduce the heat coming into the car by 20 percent, and therefore allows the vehicle's air conditioning system to function without undue strain. Replacing this type of glass with a cheaper no-name brand will lead to disappointment.

Some manufacturers incorporate heating elements into their windshields to keep windshield wipers from freezing, or they embed a radio antenna right into the glass. Replace one of these with a generic windshield and you'll lose the ability to keep your wipers frost-free, or tune in to your favourite radio station.

There's also a difference in distortion and optical clarity to consider. "OEM's have worked through the process of bending glass without creating distortions in the main viewing area," explains Christie. "And it's quite an issue. You're talking about some very significant bends, both horizontally and vertically."

Consumers will sometimes buy an aftermarket windshield with distortions, start to complain of headaches, and can't understand why. "Often we find that it relates to some sort of wave in the glass that can be difficult to detect, but if you're driving for long periods of time it starts to have an effect," Christie says.

Another issue too consider is contamination inside the glass. "A windshield is really two thin pieces of glass with a layer of vinyl in between," Christie explains. "The location in the factory where they put the pieces together has to be very clean, otherwise you get lint, hair and other debris trapped between the layers. Then you get the new windshield, see something on it, and get very frustrated because no matter how much you rub you won't be able to clean it off because it's between the layers of glass."

(special thanks to the Toronto Sun)

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Ontario Government Strengthens Workforce Skills and Helps Build a Strong Economy

Job Connect Awards Recognize Job Training Excellence

TORONTO, Nov. 1 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is recognizing 14 colleges and non-profit agencies that deliver its Job Connect Program with the Minister's Award for Excellence, Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, announced today.

"We are recognizing the efforts of these colleges and agencies to build strong partnerships with employers in their communities and strengthen the skills of our people," said Chambers. "Job seekers and employers across the province benefit from the excellent employment preparation and placement services that they provide."

The ministry's Job Connect Program helps people plan, prepare for and succeed in the job market, and is delivered by community-based colleges and non-profit agencies, such as youth employment centres and Adult Help Centres.

Each year, the program helps more than 125,000 people through 127 sites in 80 communities across the province.

The Minister's Award for Excellence recognizes achievement in service quality, service innovation and service results. The 14 organizations were honoured tonight at an awards dinner.

"A prosperous economy depends on a well-educated and highly-skilled workforce," added Chambers. "The services provided by these colleges and agencies will not only ensure we have a strong economy, but also help us build a quality of life that is second to none."

(see headlines)

October 26 event brings suppliers and apprentices to the autobody lab

Almost 100 people attended the special evening celebration at Niagara College to celebrate apprentice at Niagara College in autobody and collision damage repairer and to see presentations from Treschak Enterprises, 3M Canada, the Collision Equipment Group and Akzo Nobel Coatings and Caruk Associates, and Specialty Products Sales.

After enjoying fresh BBQ cooked hamburgers and refreshments, attenders could look over the products at the booths, enter draws for prizes or attend apprenticeship orientation seminars- all offered free of charge.

Niagara College has just started it’s 24 week Modified Apprenticeship Program for autobody students and just finished it’s eight week pre-apprenticeship program as well.

The College’s Welland campus was the featured lab location for the event and was attended by staff from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities-Apprenticeship Branch who explained how to become an apprentice and the new grants and incentive available to employers.

Niagara College instructor Greg Wheeler presented the would-be collision repair apprentices with information on the program offered at the autobody lab. Ministry Training Consultant Dianne Granacki offered information to new apprentices.

Click on thumbnails to view pictures

(see headlines)

Government’s Industry Group urged to support pre-apprenticeship and other collision repair programs

October 19, 2004

Urging the provincial government to approve funding for community college applications, HARA, the collision repair industry trade association, met with the Industry Group, representing the autobody and collision repair industry.

The Industry Group is appointed by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to review certain elements of training and education in the trade of Autobody and Collision Damage Repairer and Automotive Painter.

Meeting at the Four Points Hotel in Mississauga, Ontario, the Group reviewed a proposal for support of Bill 186, the Ontario Collision Repair Standards Act, and then reviewed some posters and handouts from the guest speaker, the Executive Director of HARA.

Group chair, Robert Savioli, from Lakehead Motors in Thunder Bay, invited the Group to review a powerpoint presentation on HARA’s activities to date and updates on both the Autobody Career Day held in Toronto and HARA’s college and training awards night held on October 7 in Stoney Creek, Ontario.

The group received new data on autobody and collision repair damage technician apprenticeship enrollments and updates on new curriculum standards development and printing of the standards.

HARA urged the group to support the applications from three colleges for a funded pre-apprenticeship program and for two training school building modification programs

For a copy of the presentation to the Industry Group, please see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/CAMPE_october22.ppt
(MS Powerpoint format)

(see headlines)

Canadian Association of Motive Power Educators gets a first look at collision repair

October 22, 2004

An hour-long presentation on the achievements in the collision repair industry was well received and praised at the Fall meeting at Fanshawe College by the members of the Canadian Association of Motive Power Educators (CAMPE).

This was the first time a collision repair association has presented a Canadian update on their activities to promote apprenticeship and learning and how they attract and retain young people in the industry. The Executive Director of HARA handled the presentations.

CAMPE is a national bilingual network of community colleges and training institutions specializing in motive power training. Their mandate is the promotion and delivery of flexible, high quality, cost effective education, training and services to meet the needs of the industries involved in power.

Speaking at their Fall meeting in London, members of CAMPE, largely college educators, were shown the new “Steps to Collision Repair Apprenticeship” package now available online at www.ciia.com under “Training” and the Art of Earning cd-rom from the Canadian Collision Industry Forum and the Automotive Industries Association.

CAMPE members asked the HARA representative making the presentation, questions on air bag legislation and regulation, particularly in Ontario. Other areas of interest shown by CAMPE members were the change to customer-pay repairs rather than insurance-paid repairs and the decline in apprentices signing up for apprenticeship training at community colleges.

For more information on CAMPE, see their web site at: www.transportation.bcit.ca/campe/

For an online view of the “Steps to Collision Repair Apprenticeship” see: www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html

(see headlines)

Enterprise Rent-a-Car Announces Toronto, London Appointments

Moise, senior vice president for Canadian operations with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, North America's largest rental car company, has announced two senior promotions in Canada. Mindy Dodd and Tom Parker were appointed to Vice President/General Manager in the Southwestern Ontario and Toronto regions, respectively.

"We are delighted to welcome Mindy and Tom to our Canadian executive team," says Moise. "They have each enjoyed tremendous success while building their careers with Enterprise, and we know their regions will greatly benefit from their knowledge and experience."

Dodd and Parker join Enterprise's Canadian operations during a period of steady growth. Building on the company's success from last year, 2004 has seen the creation of 250 new jobs in Canada and the company anticipates a number of new rental office openings before the year is through.

Dodd to lead strong Southwestern Ontario team. Mindy Dodd joins Enterprise Rent-A-Car's London-based Southwestern Ontario office after spending 18 years with the company, most recently as a Regional Vice President responsible for the operations serving Central and Southwestern Kansas and Missouri, prior to that she held positions in Philadelphia and St. Louis. Dodd will oversee all rental car operations for Enterprise in Southwestern Ontario - comprising of 41 locations and more than 250 employees.

"I am thrilled to be joining Enterprise's Southwestern Ontario group," says Dodd. "And I look forward to building on their achievements by strengthening relationships with local businesses and residents, and helping our employees enjoy further professional and personal success."

Dodd made the move to Ontario earlier this summer, along with her husband and two children. "Southwestern Ontario is a great place to raise a family, and the business opportunities are tremendous. We're extremely excited about the move!" Dodd adds.

Parker joins Enterprise's largest Canadian region. Tom Parker joins the Markham-based Toronto head office following 16 years with Enterprise where he has held many positions in the Detroit area, including area manager, group rental manager and, for the last 7 years,
Regional Vice President for Detroit. The Toronto region is Enterprise's largest in Canada, comprising of 60 locations and 500 employees.

"Enterprise has offered me new opportunities, learning experiences and rewards throughout my career," says Parker. "I am eagerly anticipating this next phase in Toronto and look forward to working with the many talented people who dedicate their day to delivering the personalized and attentive customer service that we are known for."

Dodd and Parker began their careers in Enterprise's intensive Management Training (MT) program. Often referred to as "business school in disguise," the MT program prepares employees to manage all aspects of the rental car business. Enterprise's entrepreneurial business model provides employees with unprecedented opportunities for advancement and control over earning potential.

"Mindy and Tom are great examples of the opportunities available at Enterprise for a fulfilling, successful career," says Moise. "They are excellent role models for our employees and join our Canadian team at a very exciting time, when customers are increasingly embracing Enterprise's commitment to superior customer service and contributing to our steady growth."

(see headlines)

October 19, 2004

HARA, the autobody, auto refinish and collision repair trade association, today has advised both the Ontario Ministry of Environment and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services of their concerns regarding the posting for comment of new isocyanate standards for air emissions from auto refinish facilities.

The province has posted for public comment a rationale and description of new air emission standards for types of isocyanate emissions that may escape into the atmospheres from spray-painting activity.

In the past, the isocyanates found in paint product were largely considered to be absorbed in the paint curing process with little if any entering the atmosphere. Certificate of Approval review, a mandatory permit requirement for spray-painting shops, used very low standards for examining those emissions. Recently, the Ministry has led a technical examination at three large companies in the Toronto area by trying to design a new measurement process and measuring isocyanate emissions.

Their results, discussed in a recent conference and tele-conference last week, identified that the emissions may be significantly higher that previously thought.

If new higher levels of standards are developed, it is possible, depending on modeling data and distance from other local receptors, that from 40 % to ALL auto refinish shops may find themselves non-compliant with the new standards, if adopted.

HARA has expressed a concern to government that without a thorough examination of the cost/benefit analysis of these proposed changes, that auto refinish shops would be put in serious financial risk and a position of not being compliant with Ontario's environmental regulations.

HARA's President. Tony Nigro says " We anticipate that government will not want to put in standards that are so tough that most shops cannot meet them. We have no idea what emission reduction equipment may be viable or at what cost. We are asking Ontario to examine the impact of these standards in the same fashion they looked at VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is a critical review for the future of all Ontario shops."

With VOC standards, it was decided that the planned costs of abatement furnaces on rooftops to capture escaping VOCs would not be practical for the auto refinish sector and HARA successfully lobbied for a new system of paint formulation changes, spray guns, training and a maintenance program producing better