TRAINING DRAWS, FREE PARTS ADS AND NO GST OFFERED
TO MEMBERS OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATION
Special Offers And Incentives To Make Shops More Profitable

This is a special opportunity to join your local collision repair association. This year-end special offer is to generate shop owner interest across Ontario to join and participate in the valuable activities and benefits of association life.

Any new or renewing trade association member that pays their membership by December 30, 2008 will receive the following:

• Waiving of the GST
  The association will pay your GST on your membership.

• FREE Parts Ad
  A 50 word ad on the industry web site at www.ciia.com to list old parts that every shop has collecting dust. Exchange old parts for cash with a FREE listing on the industry web site.

• A Draw For Free Internet Training
  A special offer for one lucky person from five different shops will now be able to access all 23 of the association's online training courses over the course of a full year for FREE. (The normal value is $100.00) Training courses include popular topics like Automotive WHMIS, Isocyanates, and Hoist Safety Training.

New Association Members Also Receive: The Autobody Profitability Workbook, How to Market your Collision Shop manual, brochures on profitability and safety in shops, the Prep for the Future report, as well as the Health and Safety information package. New handouts will include a five part human resources package, How to become a Salvage Inspection Station and Technician Equivalency package information including grants and incentives folders.

For more information, or how to become a member of your local association contact 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

Other membership advantages can be found at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/mbenefits.html

(See Headlines)

OSSA Safety Group - Savings For Collision Shops Across Ontario

Based on its success in attracting 38 auto dealers in the Toronto area to its Safety Group program, the Ontario Service Safety Alliance is expanding to offer programs for auto & truck service businesses in Toronto, London. Hamilton, Barrie, and Ottawa in 2009, making available an opportunity that could help you receive a financial rebate for your efforts in improving your health and safety program.

This program will enable auto and truck service businesses across Ontario to work together to develop sustainable health & safety programs, share best practices and reap savings in WSIB costs. Businesses have, in the past, received rebates on their annual WSIB premiums of up to 6%. They have also reduced their injury rate by over 20%, further reducing their annual premiums.

Please read the brochure on the www.ciia.com web site. The brochure describes what is involved, how it works and what is expected of you. OSSA is flexible and open to creating separate, local chapters based on the response provided they have a minimum of 15 in each region.

This is a great program and opportunity and we encourage you to sign up. The deadline for registration is December 31, 2008. If you require further information, please call OSSA at 1-888-478-6772 and ask for safety group.

The brochure can be viewed at:
http://www.ciia.com/documents/Auto%20service%20firms.pdf

(See Headlines)

COLLISION INTER-INDUSTRY GIVES POSITIVE REVIEWS OF I-CAR'S NEWEST TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

Hoffman Estates, IL - November 25, 2008 - Inter-industry professionals who completed I-CAR's newest course, Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02), at its premiere at NACE in Las Vegas, Nevada, had a lot to say about the program aimed to increase industry professionals' knowledge of hybrid-electric technology and alternative fuel vehicles.

"This program gave a great breakdown of electric and electric/gas combination vehicles already here and the new technology on its way," said Kevin Czar, Appraisal Unit Team Leader for TD Meloche Monnex Insurance in Edmonton, Alberta. "A key takeaway for me was how to disable an electric vehicle. This is especially important because if a vehicle is not disabled properly it could be dangerous for the technician and the appraiser writing the estimate. I want all of our appraisers to take this course because it is so rich in information."

"I found the step-by-step procedures to disconnect an electric vehicle highly beneficial," said Kendell Karlson, Estimator for Larry Chris Auto Body, Inc. in Burley, Idaho. "As an estimator it gave me a better understanding of the charges associated with completing these procedures and others. The program is very vehicle specific and to-the-point," said Karlson.

"There is an extensive amount of information on electric vehicles and the components of the vehicle that are also electric-powered such as electric air conditioning and power steering and the safety issues in disconnecting an electric battery properly. It also covers what can and can't be done on a hybrid vehicle and the real safety issues for whoever touches an electric vehicle. There's also a real focus on the changes ahead in the industry with additional information on propane and hydrogen powered vehicles," stressed Scott Balogh, Material Damage Supervisor for Safeway Insurance Company in Westmont, Illinois.

"I've already highly recommended this class to my appraisers. In the insurance industry, a lack of knowledge can hurt you in the long run and can cost more money based on items and procedures that are necessary and unnecessary in the repair process," he added.

-More-

Harry Raleigh owner of Raleigh Auto Body in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts added, "This program supplies the proper procedures and warnings we need to stay safe while on the job. I also sent this information to our local fire department because it is a matter of safety for them to know and properly shut off hybrid vehicles."

Additional information within the program includes:

•  Saving time and money by understanding electric air conditioning systems and the     unique compressor oil used in hybrids.

•  Protecting yourself by learning unique damage analysis and repair considerations     regarding electric-assist power steering systems and inverter/converter cooling     systems.

•  Protecting yourself by learning how with each new hybrid vehicle there is a twist on     the conventional hybrid system technologies.

•  Gaining insight into the future with alternative fuels, from the current ethanol blends,     propane, and compressed natural gas fueled vehicles, to future technology such as     plug-in hybrid electrics, the new pure electrics, and hydrogen fuel cell test vehicles.

Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) is now available across North America. For 2009 dates and the most up-to-date listing of the currently scheduled classes, visit www.i-car.com and register for a class scheduled near you!

###

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 ® announces 30th Anniversary Industry Event To
Take Place In Washington, DC, For July, 2009;
Annual Membership Meeting To Take Place In
Hoffman Estates, IL Office, February, 2009

Hoffman Estates, IL - November 19, 2008 - Given current market realities, I-CAR has revised its plans for 2009, and has announced that it will celebrate its 30 th anniversary at its industry event, July 28 through August 1, 2009, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

"We had planned initially to coordinate the 30 th anniversary celebration with Board and Membership activities in early February, and to hold that meeting at the Omni in DC, as well," said I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen. "However, we believe that this revised schedule is better for the meeting attendees and the many corporate and individual sponsors who make the I-CAR events possible."

"In these times, when we are all sorting out the impact of the latest developments in the economy on our businesses and on our families, it is unrealistic to expect that customers, sponsors, employees, volunteers, instructors, can support the expense associated with two major events," said Edelen.

The I-CAR International Board of Directors and I-CAR members will be gathering in February at the I-CAR Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, IL for their Annual Meeting.

Robby Robbs, I-CAR International's Board Chairman offered, "This is the responsible thing to do for the industry. The Board and our Membership will tend to governance responsibilities in February. Come July, we will take the opportunity to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the inter-industry founding of I-CAR. We will share this celebration with the inter-industry and seize the opportunity to recognize the contributions of our supporters, customers, sponsors, volunteers, and employees over the past thirty years."

"Thirty years of servicing the inter-industry is a significant accomplishment and we look forward to this momentous occasion by celebrating this milestone with our many industry supporters," noted Mr. Robbs.

Mark your calendars now! Additional details on the I-CAR 30 th Anniversary Industry Event will be forthcoming.

###

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)

Caliber Collision Centers Partners With Private Equity Firm ONCAP

CA-CALIBER-COLLISION *>> IRVINE, Calif. - Caliber Collision Centers ("Caliber" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its senior management team, in partnership with ONCAP, has invested in the Company. ONCAP is a leading mid-market private equity firm based in Toronto that was established in 1999 by Onex Corporation, one of North America's oldest and most successful private equity firms.

"This partnership represents a new chapter for Caliber. With the commitment of our capital partners and our sustained operating performance, Caliber is now entering its next stage of growth as we look to strengthen our presence in our current markets, as well as
expand our footprint into new markets and states," said John Hovis, President & CEO of Caliber. "We remain committed to providing quality repairs and service to our customers and insurance clients, and look forward to seeking targeted opportunities for business growth."

Michael Lay, Managing Partner of ONCAP, said, "We believe that Caliber's leading market position, extensive insurance relationships and excellent customer service has positioned the Company well for growth. We look forward to working with Caliber's strong management team to build the long-term value of the Company for its shareholders
and customers."

* About Caliber Collision Centers *

Founded in 1997, with headquarters in Irvine, Caliber currently owns and operates 66 professionally managed collision repair facilities in California and Texas. Caliber will continue to open and develop new locations in response to market needs and customer demand for quality collision repair services. Additional information on Caliber may be
found at www.calibercollision.com

* About ONCAP *

ONCAP is the mid-market private equity firm of Onex Corporation. Onex is one of North America's oldest and most successful private equity firms. It makes private equity investments through the Onex Partners and ONCAP families of funds. Onex also manages alternative asset platforms focused on Real Estate and Credit Securities. In total, Onex has more than $10 billion of assets under management. Onex shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol OCX.

For additional information on ONCAP, please visit www.oncap.com

Caliber Collision Centers
Shannon Lynard, Communications Specialist 949-224-0300
shannon.lynard@calibercollision.com
<mailto:shannon.lynard@calibercollision.com>

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® Education Foundation and AkzoNobel's
"The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry"
Announce 2008 Scholarship Winners

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - November 7, 2008- The I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc. and The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry , are proud to award eight young women with scholarships to assist in their education and advancement in the collision industry.

The top scholarship winner in the Secondary category is Nina Hunter, a student at East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ. Hunter will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and career in the collision industry. Neil Carroll, an instructor at East Valley Institute of Technology said, "Nina has had several challenges in her life. She is a Russian orphan and was adopted at seven years old. She has had to acclimate to several changes as well as learning a new language. It is exceptional to see any females succeed in our collision program due to the diverse ethnic and social structure of our students. [Nina] has learned to stand up for herself and is prepared to face the social challenges in the industry.I have been teaching for seventeen years and can't think of any student more deserving."

The top scholarship winner in the Post-Secondary category is Bonnie Peterson, a student at Cypress College in Cypress, CA. Peterson will also be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to continue her education and further her career. Dan Snook, an instructor at Cypress College said, "Bonnie has always strived to do her best in a male dominated industry, completing assignments and given duties on or before due dates with great enthusiasm. A typical school day for Bonnie starts at 7:30 am and finishes at 10:00 pm long after many other students have gone home."

In addition to Hunter and Peterson, six runner-up scholarships were awarded to students from career and technical schools and colleges around the United States. All of the runner-ups will receive a $2,500 scholarship to continue their education. In the Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Brittney Baker from Rolla Technical Institute in Rolla, MO; Tiffany Dunn from Orange/Ulster CTEC in Goshen, NY; and Tynika Howard from Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, MI.

In the Post-Secondary category, the Education Foundation congratulates: Jennifer Engelbrecht from Butler Community College in El Dorado, KS; Melissa Jamie Strong from Aims Community College in Greeley, CO; and Alicia Wade from Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL.

-More-

"Scholarships, like AkzoNobel's 'Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry,' make a significant positive impact in the lives of students enrolled in a collision education program," said Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director.  "Students, like the young women honored here, are making a considerable commitment to their education and training - the I-CAR Education Foundation is proud to have partners like AkzoNobel who recognize their commitment and are willing to invest in their future.  Congratulations to all of these talented young women and thank you to AkzoNobel for their generosity in recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who are the future of the collision industry."

A total of 339 career and technical schools and colleges that are ASE-certified to the NATEF standards in collision repair and refinishing received a letter and student application for this scholarship. Both the female student applicant and instructor were asked to write a short essay explaining why the student should be awarded the scholarship.

Established in 1999, The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry program annually recognizes the leadership contributions that are made by a unique group of individuals that have dedicated themselves to the betterment of this industry and their communities.

The Executive Committee of the Education Foundation Board of Trustees made the final selection of winners.

The Executive Committee consists of:

Chairman Chris Evans, State Farm Insurance Companies

Vice-Chairman Roland Taube, AkzoNobel Canada

Treasurer Doug Webb, CSi Complete

Secretary Steve Seidner, Seidner's Collision Centers

Trustee-at-Large Bill Daly, Allstate Insurance Company

Trustee-at-Large Gregory Settle, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Immediate Past Chairman Clark Plucinski, True2Form Collision Repair Centers

###

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)

YOU ARE YOUR COLLISION REPAIR ASSOCIATION!

Your local association, in co-operation with www.ciia.com has lobbied for passage of Insurance Act Amendments, regulatory issues, increases in insurance labour rates, disclosure of aftermarket parts on estimates/invoices, in addition to the discontinuation of "Bandit" towing.

We assist shops with compliance, employer/employees apprenticeship grants and incentives. We also provide valuable discounts on training, services, supplies and equipment. Our website, www.ciia.com , with over 12,000 hits a day, keeps you informed 24/7, while www.autobodyhelp.ca has practical interactive spray booths and answers to your questions with respect to health and safety, and compliance issues, enabling you and your employees to work safely and legally, reducing your chances of Orders or fines.

If you require further information on membership, please do not hesitate to call our office at 1-866-309-4272.

RECEIVE 14 MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR
THE COST OF A 12 MONTH MEMBERSHIP

Become a paid Member of your Local Association by November 15, 2008 and you will receive ALL benefits of Membership through to December 31, 2009.

For a listing of current member benefits see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/mbenefits.html

For further information on becoming a Member, contact our office at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com . We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

AS A MEMBER, YOUR COLLISION REPAIR ASSOCIATION WILL BE YOUR VOICE

(See Headlines)

TRAINING AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE

Always been curious about industry online training?

In an effort to highlight the value of online training in collision repair, Ontario's collision repair associations are offering shops a free online WHMIS refresher course at no charge.  This special offering is to try and help shops better understand and become familiar with online training.  The course can be completed at work or at home.

This course is designed as to assist staff that have previous WHMIS training and need a refresher.

Contact the association office at info@ciia.com or  1-866-309 4272 for your password and user number.

The associations also offer 23 other online courses including, full WHMIS, hoist safety training, and isocyanates training.  All courses are available as one package with a low price of $60.00 plus GST for member shops.  Please check out the course listings at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/itraining.html

(See Headlines)

NEW I-CAR ® HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROGRAM LAUNCHED AT NACE
NOW AVAILABLE NEAR YOU - REGISTER TODAY!

Hoffman Estates, IL - November 5, 2008 - The first I-CAR Live training program Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) has been completed at NACE 2008. This program is a follow-up to the popular Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01) program. This next level program will increase industry professional's knowledge of hybrid-electric technology and alternative fuel vehicles and better prepare individuals to service and repair the ever changing and emergent new technologies on today's vehicles.

Chuck Lee, Illinois Operations Manager for Gerber Collision and Glass, participated in the Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) pilot program and said, " "I-CAR asked what the industry wanted and they really delivered. This was an excellent, relevant class with current vehicle specific information that we could take back to our shops and use today . We didn't see any of the same material from other I-CAR classes. I have to commend them on listening to the voice of the industry!"

Additional information within the program includes:

• Save time and money by understanding electric air conditioning systems and the unique compressor oil used in hybrids. Part replacement may be required if improper oil is introduced to electric A/C systems.
• Protect yourself by learning unique damage analysis and repair considerations regarding electric-assist power steering systems and inverter/converter cooling systems.

• Protect yourself by learning how with each new hybrid vehicle there is a twist on the conventional hybrid system technologies.
• Gain insight into the future with alternative fuels, from the current ethanol blends, propane, and compressed natural gas fueled vehicles, to future technology such as plug-in hybrid electrics, the new pure electrics, and hydrogen fuel cell test vehicles.

Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) will be taught in the following cities across North America.

11/6 - Lakewood, WA

11/8 - Memphis, TN

11/11 - Barberton, OH ; Tucson, AZ ; Houston, TX ; Lakeland, FL ; Irving, TX

11/12 - Butler, PA ; Erie, PA ; Montgomery, AL ; Schenectady, NY

11/13 - Knoxville, TN ; San Luis Obispo, CA

11/14 - Rock Tavern, NY

11/15 - Grand Falls-Windsor, NL ; Richardson, TX ; Katy, TX

11/17 - Princeton, WV ; Uniondale, NY

11/18 - Englewood, CO ; Canton; OH ; Dunbar, WV ; Kilgore, TX ; St. John's, NL ; Oregon City, OR ; Green Bay, WI ;

Mississauga, ON ; Dover, NH ; San Antonio, TX ; Grand Prairie, TX

11/19 - San Mateo, CA ; Colorado Springs, CO ; Bloomington, IL ; Melville, NY ; Orlando, FL

11/20 - Melville, NY ; Nashville, TN ; N Little Rock, AR ; Troy, OH ; Hoffman Estates, IL ; Pasco, WA ; Amarillo, TX ; Peterborough, ON ; Louisville, KY ; Miami, FL ; Appleton, WI ; Bremerton, WA ; South Portland, ME ; Morgantown, WV

11/23 - Billings, MT

11/25 - Topeka, KS

11/27 - Sudbury; ON

12/01 - Mundelein, IL ; Holly Hill, FL

12/02 - Fairlawn, OH ; Germantown, WI ; Upper Saddle River, NJ ; Macon, GA ; Jacksonville, FL ; Shreveport, LA ;

12/03 - Olympia Fields, IL ; Brockton, MA ; New Orleans, LA ; North York, ON ; New Hudson, MI

12/04 - Bettendorf, IA ; Mobile, AL ; Englewood, CO ; Martinsburg, WV ; San Antonio, TX ; Jacksonville, FL ; Bellingham, WA ; Oxnard, CA

12/06 - Port Huron, MI ; Houston, TX ; Murrieta, CA

12/08 - Sterling Heights, MI ; Indianapolis, IN

12/09 - Glen Ellyn, IL

12/10 - Plymouth, MN ; Valley Stream, NY ; Southborough, MA ; Stilwell, KS ; Weston, FL ; Savannah, GA

12/11 - Sault St. Marie, ON ; Pennsauken, NJ ; Medford, MA ; Effingham, IL ; Los Angeles, CA ; Kirkland, WA ; Birch Run, MI ; Blue Springs, MO

12/13 - Richardson, TX ; Jackson, TN ; Bismarck, ND ; Columbus, OH

12/15 - Fall River, MA ; Santa Clarita, CA

12/16 - Rochester, NY ; Merrillville, IN ; Silver Spring, MD ; Mississauga, ON

12/17 - Odessa, TX ; Wilmington, DE ; Fresno, CA ; Phoenix, AZ

12/18 - Eastlake, OH ; West Babylon, NY ; Bakersfield, CA ; San Antonio, TX

12/20 - North Las Vegas; NV

For 2009 dates and the most up-to-date listing of the currently scheduled classes,
visit www.icar.com .

###

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

(See Headlines)

Maaco Purchased

October 24, 2008 // Franchising.com // Driven Brands, Inc., the parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, Econo Lube N' Tune, AutoQual, Aero Colours, Drive N Style, and Tortal.net, announced today the acquisition of Pennsylvania-based Maaco Franchising, Inc., the market leader in franchised auto body repair and painting.

Under the visionary leadership of founder Anthony A. Martino and the superb performance of its franchisees, Maaco has achieved a market position and reputation unrivaled by its competitors. With nearly 500 facilities in the US and Canada, Maaco provides extraordinary service and value to customers with vehicles requiring cosmetic collision or paint repairs. With the passing of 75-year-old Anthony Martino in January of this year, Mark A. Martino assumed the Chairman position. Together with President David M. Lapps, both are committed to carry on the Maaco tradition of excellence, service and market leadership.

Regarding the strategic acquisition of Maaco, Kenneth D. Walker, CEO of Driven Brands, said, "An acquisition of this magnitude and caliber represents a significant upside opportunity for Maaco and the entire Driven Brands portfolio. Sharing best practices across franchise systems and strengthening our buying power will allow for even greater profitability and future growth."

This is the third Driven Brands' acquisition this year along with the AutoQual and Drive N Style companies, both purchased this past February.

Walker added, "Our success continues to improve both organically and by adding great brands because the companies share a common franchise-based business model in the automotive aftermarket."

Maaco Executive Mark A. Martino, with the company since its founding in 1972, will assume the position of Co-Chairman of Maaco Franchising, Inc. "Our destiny is to become the market leader in the auto body industry as well as recognized by our customers as delivering great quality at a great value," he said. "Driven Brands shares our vision and has the resources and the management team which best complements our progress toward continued growth."

President David M. Lapps, with Maaco since 1974, commented, "The acquisition will not change our day-to-day operations. As far as our customers and franchisees are concerned, the transaction should be seamless. We hope and expect that there will be changes in the future which help us to further improve our systems and our leading market position."

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands, Inc., is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and serves as parent company for the separate businesses: Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. (a franchise-based automotive service and repair chain); Econo Lube & Tune (a franchised chain of automotive repair/quick lube services); a franchised network of mobile services consisting of AutoQual, Aero-Colours & Drive N Style (specializing in automotive interior reconditioning and maintenance, paint refinishing and restyling services for Car Dealerships) and Tortal.net (developer of on-line training solutions for a variety of industries).

About Maaco

Started in 1972, Maaco's impressive growth has secured a dominant 47% share of the US automotive production paint market. With extraordinary brand recognition and nearly 500 Maaco automotive franchise Centers operating in the U.S. and Canada today and system-wide sales approaching 1/2 Billion dollars, Maaco has been recognized by consumers, experts in the franchising industry and the media for overall excellence and future growth potential. The company has been cited numerous times by Entrepreneur magazine throughout the past decade as #1 in the franchise category in its Annual Franchise 500 survey.

About Meineke Car Care Centers

Beginning in 1972, Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc. has expanded its menu of product offerings to meet the demands of a changing marketplace. In 1986, the chain relocated from Houston, TX to Charlotte, NC. Demonstrating steady growth, both domestically and internationally with locations in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South America, Saudi Arabia and China, Meineke now represents over 900 franchised service centers, with an additional 100 licenses sold and in development. The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers recognized Meineke in 2001 as its first automotive industry Franchisor to earn the coveted Fair Franchising Seal and Meineke regularly appears in Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual Franchise 500 (80th in 2008), a list of the 500 best franchise opportunities in America.

About Econo Lube N' Tune

Econo Lube N' Tune & Brakes was established in 1973 and was acquired by Driven Brands in 2006. The franchise automotive service chain has 190 units primarily in the Southwest and West and boasts 60 units which are co-branded with Meineke. This new concept of combining express oil changes with more technical repair expertise is proving very successful in the marketplace.

About AutoQual

Beginning in 1998, Ryan Elliott, an automotive entrepreneur, developed a series of proprietary processes and services for used/leased cars that not only made a car look and smell fresh but maintained that factory-new experience until the car was sold. The business quickly grew from a local Colorado-based company to a nationally recognized franchise with locations in 23 states and 4 provinces. In 2003 Automotive Franchise Systems LLC acquired AutoQual, building it to the category leader it is today.

About Aero Colours

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aero Colours was the first company to market an airbrush touchup process for repairing stone chips on automobiles. Using specially equipped vans, Aero-Colours began by servicing new car dealerships exclusively, then extended service to used car dealers and now provides service to owners of personal vehicles. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005 and services more than 225,000 vehicles per year.

About Drive N Style

Started in 2000 as Dealer Extras, Inc., founder Butch Davis created the first mobile installation company that specialized in the installation of unique interior and exterior restyling components. In 2004, Automotive Franchise Systems LLC acquired the innovative company, re-branded it to Drive N Style and began to develop a franchise network with a dealership-focused marketing approach promoting its unique "on-lot" installation capability.

About Tortal.net

Tortal.net is a training company that specializes in developing interactive on-line training solutions. Tortal.net provides the tools needed to set-up a training site, track users, build custom courses, and distribute the training content worldwide. For information on Tortal.net services contact their SVP Sales and Marketing at 704-644-8136.

NIAGARA AREA SCHOOL PRESENTERS WANTED 
Collision repair message to reach interested students

Across Niagara region, many schools are waiting to hear about the collision repair and automotive painting industry.

In co-operation with the Business Education Council of Niagara and the local collision repair trade association, there is a need to motivate collision shops owners with the opportunity to speak to classrooms about the trade.

From Niagara District Secondary School in Niagara-On-The-Lake, through West Park Secondary School in St. Catharine's to Kernahan Park Secondary School, the need to have guest speakers from the industry is important. These schools are looking for a guest presenter who has collision repair, auto body or automotive painter experience, to speak to young people about a good career in fixing damaged vehicles.

Shops owners who are interested in speaking about the value of an apprenticeship in this field are given brochures, videos, handouts and props for the presentation.  Many students are really interested in listening to your personal story of achievement in the trade. How did you start? What is involved?  How much can they make? What are the future employment prospects?

If you are a Niagara area shop owner and interested in highlighting your industry to young people, please call HARA at 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com for more information on this great way of showcasing your talent and your business.

(See Headlines)

Tips To Create A Solid Inquiry Through The DEG

While it is often easy to compare the different estimating products labor with one another, the times represented in their systems are all individual times that have been developed by individual companies. Inquiries that use a comparison between products as the basis for requesting a review do not produce positive results and will require the DEG to request further substantiation from your to process the inquiry.

It is also important to remember the value in the statement "a picture can say a thousand words." It is always easier to understand an issue and come to a reasonable conclusion when all parties involved start with the same general information to work from. Keep in mind that while the vehicle is in front of you to visually inspect, that may not be true for those reviewing your inquiry. A picture helps visualize why you are submitting the inquiry. When you are uploading your pictures, it is best to upload any other pertinent information as well. Some of the information providers require a copy of the estimate to be included with
the Inquiry submission. The estimate copy may have codes or information included in them that help the Information Provider identify why your issue is occurring. If an estimate copy is available, the DEG recommends uploading it at the time of the initial inquiry submission to save yourself from having to
email or fax it at a later date if it becomes necessary in the review of the inquiry. Personal information of the vehicle owner should be removed from the estimate copy for privacy protection, however if it is not, the
DEG does remove that information prior to forwarding it on to the Information Provider.

(See Headlines)

THINKING OF GOING TO LAS VEGAS FOR INDUSTRY WEEK?

REGISTER THROUGH US AND SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION AT THE SAME TIME!
YOUR CODE IS "27"

The National Automotive Trades Association has partnered with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) in conjunction with their Automotive Service & Repair Week (NACE and CARS) for the purpose of promoting more Canadian participation at North America's premier annual auto industry event. NATA will have a booth at NACE and will receive credit for every new registration generated through our special online registration link.

REGISTER NOW!

For more information:
www.NACEexpo.com
www.CARSevent.com

(See Headlines)

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

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

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

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

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