Jil McIntosh Wins the Car Care Canada Award for Car Safety Journalism

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, October 24, 2008 - Car Care Canada is pleased to announce that Jil McIntosh is the winner of the 2008 Award for Car Safety Journalism. Her article Out of Sight, But Still Deadly was published in the Toronto Star Wheels section on August 2, 2008.

Car Care Canada presented the award last night during the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Awards Gala. "Jil's article described a first-hand account of a very serious safety issue.  Out of Sight, But Still Deadly described our award winners' experience with a young driver who was operating a vehicle that was in serious disrepair," said Patty Kettles, Manager of the Be Car Care Aware program.  "Jil helped a young woman change her tire while stuck in Jil's driveway.  Luckily, this kind gesture was enhanced further when Jil discovered and notified  the driver about a potentially fatal mechanical issue.  The article clearly articulated that while a vehicle may look fine on the outside, an annual check-up by an automotive technician is vital to ensure a vehicle's mechanical fitness is sound."

A panel of three judges were impressed with Jil's expressive writing style and factual account of a personal experience. 

This is the fourth year for the Car Care Canada Award for Car Safety Journalism to be part of the 25th Automotive Journalism Awards Competition. The Award was created to encourage the coverage of vehicle safety as an important component of overall vehicle maintenance. Articles related to all aspects of vehicle safety, from new technologies to vehicle maintenance were considered.

About Car Care Canada

Car Care Canada is a non-profit advocacy group that is the leading source for research, education and communication about the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. For more than 15 years, Car Care Canada has been recognized for its credibility among consumer media, the motoring public and the industry. Car Care Canada is committed to building awareness and knowledge about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to prepare consumers to make sensible and safe decisions about their vehicles. To learn more visit www.carcarecanada.ca .

About AJAC
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is an association of professional journalists, writers and photographers whose focus is the automobile and the automotive industry. The majority of the journalists test-drive, and report on, new vehicles on an on-going basis in various media across the country.

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Owner of A-1 Towing Passes Away

DALEY, Richard Stephen It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Stephen Daley, on Monday, October 27, 2008, in his 53rd year. Beloved husband and best friend of Gale. Loving and adored father of Stephen, Kristen and Tamara (John). Much loved Pop to Garrett and Clariese. Cherished son of Bernard and Marjorie and son-in-law of Mary and the late Donald MacPherson. Dear brother of Randy (Diane). He will be sadly missed by his sisters-in-law Charlene, Patricia, Joan and Sharon and brothers-in-law Brian and Dave. He will be missed by his dear cousin Ruth. Rick Daley was the proud owner/operator of A-1 Towing Service Hamilton for 27.5 years. Richard's life passion was the towing industry. In recognition for his accomplishments and contributions to the industry, Rick was inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Chattanooga, TN, on September 20, 2008. Visitation at BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME, 947 Rymal Road East, Hamilton on Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Vigil Prayers will be held on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 63 Hwy #20 East, Stoney Creek on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Paul's Anglican Church Cemetery, Mount Hope. Memorial donations to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Fund of McMaster University would be appreciated. Please sign the on-line Book of Condolence at www.baygardens.ca

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Terrace Ford Collision Wins Envirnomental Award

On October 3, federal MP Mike Wallace was on hand to join in a celebration to honour Terrace Ford in Burlington Ontario for their environmental efforts. Collision shop manager Rick Book, working with the paint team at Co-Auto Co-operative has successfully changed over to a waterborne paint product prior to the formal government   announcement.

Praising Rick actions, were MP Wallace and Don Teevens of Co-Auto. The shop received a plaque from their paint supplier, BASF Canada for their environmental commitment to the community.

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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.

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I-CAR ® CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN CANADA AT CANADIAN ANNUAL MEETING

Hoffman Estates, IL - October 21, 2008 - I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, held its Canadian Annual Meeting on October 17, at the Hilton Montreal Airport in Dorval, QC. The day-long event, which attracted nearly 200 collision repair inter-industry professionals, was held in conjunction with the meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF).

The I-CAR event offered technical training, special sessions for instructors and volunteers, an industry "Town Hall" meeting for a discussion of I-CAR's potential future in Canada, and a dinner program that recognized the contributions and achievements of Canadian volunteers.

The I-CAR training event provided an opportunity for participants to attend Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles and Aluminum Panels and Structures Damage Analysis, conducted in French. Other courses, Steel Unitized Structures, Technology and Repair , and Steel Full Frame Technologies and Repair, were offered in English.

The "Town Hall" meeting, at which the results of a market study sponsored by I-CAR and conducted by Creative Partners in Performance, Inc., of Toronto, were presented, was well-attended by as many as 100 participants.

I-CAR President and CEO, John Edelen expressed his thanks to the volunteers and staff who made the event possible. "The Québec committee, under the leadership of Patrice Marcil, has done an outstanding job of ensuring the success of this event," he said adding that, "(I-CAR Area Training Coordinator) Joe DaCunha and (assistant) Marilyn Jones-Sooman have worked diligently with this team, as well as instructors Raymond Bourgeois and Claude Fortier, to engage both the local Québec market along with representation from the national audience."

The day's events concluded with a dinner at which four original members of the Québec committee - Claude Lapointe, Philippe Fugère, Denis Barriault, and Normand Laurendeau - were honored for their contribution in bringing I-CAR training to Québec 25 years ago.

DaCunha also acknowledged Canadian achievements that had been previously recognized at the July, 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting.

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Those awards included the Superior Performer Award , presented to Patrice Marcil of the Québec Committee for achieving the highest percentage over goal attainment in students taught and setting a high standard for consistently offering I-CAR classes to the industry; the Instructor of the Year Award, p resented to Saeed Ahmed who most exemplified the I-CAR presence in the classroom, a commitment to excellence, and keeping pace with technology; and the Founders Award p resented to Claude Lapointe for his commitment to the I-CAR Volunteer spirit.

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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.

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I-CAR ® CEO EDELEN PROVIDES UPDATE TO CCIF
PARTICIPANTS AT MEETING IN MONTREAL

Hoffman Estates, IL - October 20, 2008 - On October 18, with the support of CCIF Chairman Tony Canade and Canadian Collision Industry Forum CCIF Executive Director Mike Bryan, I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen addressed the 300 attendees at the CCIF conference, and updated these key industry leaders on the events of its own Annual Meeting held the prior day.

"Roughly a year ago, the I-CAR International Board of Directors established a Task Force under the leadership of Roland Taube, to consider the issue of I-CAR in Canada. The Task Force commissioned Creative Partners in Performance Inc. to conduct a market study to provide insights into these issues, including the level of support for training by the inter-industry, generally, and the implications that this has for I-CAR in the future," said Edelen. "The Task Force will use this research, and the feedback gained at yesterday's "Town Hall" meeting, to formulate its position and to prepare its recommendations to the I-CAR International Board. This will take place in February 2009."

"The question of what changes need to be made in order for I-CAR to be successful in Canada is not a question that

I-CAR can answer for itself or on its own. It is a question that must be answered by the inter-industry."

Edelen closed his comments to the CCIF participants by stating, "Over the course of the discussion yesterday, the level of engagement of the participants and of industry thought-leaders from across the industry segments suggests that there is still great support for I-CAR in Canada in the future."

Edelen concluded by emphasizing that, "In the meantime, as the Task Force and the Board and the inter-industry sorts through what form this might take, we are here. We are scheduling I-CAR classes, conducting I-CAR training, and continuing to support the training needs of the inter-industry as best we can under our current structure. And, we intend to continue to do so until we can transition, hopefully, to an industry-supported alternative in 2009."

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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.

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I-CAR ® ENGAGES CANADIAN COLLISION REPAIR INTER-INDUSTRY IN "TOWN HALL" CONVERSATION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRY TRAINING
AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING

Hoffman Estates, IL - October 20, 2008 - I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, held its Canadian Annual Meeting on October 17, at the Hilton Montreal Airport in Dorval, QC.

The event began with an open inter-industry "Town Hall" meeting attended by approximately 100 industry professionals, at which the results of a market study sponsored by I-CAR and conducted by Creative Partners in Performance, Inc., of Toronto, were presented.

I-CAR International Board of Directors Chairman Robby Robbs led and moderated a panel of inter-industry thought-leaders, who considered the research findings and the underlying issues at hand. This panel was comprised of:

•  Roland Taube, of Akzo Nobel, a member of the I-CAR Education Foundation's Board of Trustees, and the Chair of a Task Force established by the I-CAR International Board of Directors to formulate a recommendation to be presented to the Board on I-CAR's future in Canada;

•  Shirley Stobnicky, of Creative Partners in Performance Inc.;

•  Dana Alexander, a collision repair facility owner, past member of the I-CAR Canada Board of Directors, and a member of the I-CAR Board's Canadian Advisory Committee;

•  Tony Canade, president of Assured Automotive, Chairman of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum, and a member of the I-CAR Board's Canadian Advisory Committee;

•  Dale Finch, Executive Director of the Automotive Retailers' Association (ARA) in British Columbia, and Executive Vice-President of the National Automotive Trades Association of Canada (NATA);

•  Keith Jones, of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and a member of the I-CAR Board's Canadian Advisory Committee;

•  Rémy Rousseau, the principal of Publications Rousseau;

•  Darryl Simmons, the publisher of Collision Repair magazine, related bi-lingual publication supplements, and repair industry web sites;

•  Rich Zamperin, the Canadian Director of Auto and Property Claims, for the Allstate Canada group of companies and a member of the I-CAR Board's Canadian Advisory Committee.

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The attendees participated actively and interacted frequently with the panel members and one another in the discussion of the issues.

Shirley Stobnicky, President of Creative Partners in Performance Inc., presented the research findings, and positioned four alternatives for I-CAR's future in Canada for consideration:

•  I-CAR should remain in Canada as it is currently structured - as a "region" of I-CAR International's U.S.-based operation, but with an improved infrastructure;

•  A Canadian I-CAR entity should be established, for the express and exclusive purpose of licensing I-CAR's products and providing I-CAR training and related services to address the Canadian market;

•  A Canadian entity should be established to address the broader training needs of the Canadian auto collision repair inter-industry, and pursue the licensing of I-CAR curriculum as one of a broader portfolio of multiple training offerings;

•  I-CAR should withdraw from the marketplace.

In the discussion of how I-CAR might approach the option of I-CAR continuing to operate in its current model, but with a more significant investment in infrastructure to meet market expectations, Robbs asked I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen to comment as to the feasibility of this option. The exchange elicited a very candid comment from Edelen on the ability of I-CAR International to fund this kind of activity in Canada.

"When you consider an appropriate allocation of corporate, general and administrative expense, the Canadian operation has been significantly subsidized by U.S. operations over the past number of years. Given our losses in (the 2007 fiscal year), and our efforts to regain profitability in a 'down market', it is not realistic to expect the current level of subsidy to be sustained, let alone investing further in a model which is declining," said Edelen.

"The core issue at hand," said Robbs, "is that based on the trend of declining participation in I-CAR training, the Board has questioned the wisdom of continuing down this path." Robbs observed that, "the success of this structure in any market is determined by the level of engagement by industry leaders at a national, regional and local level and across industry segments. Unfortunately, this is something which has been sadly lacking in Canada for some time and clearly represents a need for change."

After the "Town Hall" meeting, a number of attendees reflected that they had not fully appreciated the financial implications inherent in the question of I-CAR's Canadian operation and its recent performance, and that these insights were an important factor in elevating the need for the Canadian inter-industry to come together and to develop alternatives and options for the future.

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Robbs closed the meeting with these observations: "Each and every one of us is shaped by our experiences. If we do not take the time nor recognize the importance of being trained, then we are guilty of accepting mediocrity. The underlying fabric that drives quality, efficiency and ultimately shapes customer satisfaction is training. We must all accept that there is a cost associated with developing knowledge and that every stakeholder in the repair process shares responsibility. Given the complexity of modern vehicles and the heightened sensitivity around customer service, it is no longer acceptable that each repair serve as a training ground."

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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.

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We are a finalist.

Roberts Collision Fix Auto Barrie is excited to announce that we have been named a
finalist for the " Green Project " Award at this year's 6 th Annual Bell Canada Business Awards Gala, presented by the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce.

We were nominated because of the strides that we have been taking, over the last 12 months, by implementing the Akzo Nobel Sikkens "Autowave" waterborne paint system. In August of 2007, Roberts Collision Fix Auto Barrie was the first collision repair facility in Simcoe County to make the change. As of January 1, 2010, all collision repair facilities in Canada must be in compliance with this new regulation.

Since making the switch, we have seen a decrease of approximately 75% VOC emissions being released into the atmosphere. Which translates to 0.5 metric tonnes per year. Over the next five years, we are looking at an approximate decrease of 2.5 metric tones.

We are looking forward to the Gala Event and the chance of winning this brand new award. Watch for an update after the November 13 th Gala night.

150 Brock Street
Barrie, ON L4N 0X2
Tel: 705.737.5560
Fax: 705.737.3219
Email: barrienorth@fixauto.com

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Scott Kruger Joins The I-CAR ® Education FOUNDATION
As Executive Director

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - October 13, 2008 - Scott Kruger has joined the staff of the I-CAR Education Foundation as Executive Director as of September 29, 2008 . In this role , Kruger will be responsible for implementing the new mission of the Education Foundation which focuses on fundraising, grant research, and the distribution of scholarship funds to schools and students involved in collision repair.

"I would like to welcome Scott Kruger to the staff of the I-CAR Education Foundation," said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. " Scott's extensive background in fundraising will prove invaluable as the Education Foundation embraces its new fundraising mission. I look forward to seeing the future successes of the Education Foundation under his leadership."

"I am very pleased to be joining the I-CAR Education Foundation," said Kruger.  "It is exciting to be working with the dedicated group of professionals from the collision industry that both serve and support the Education Foundation.  There are many programs and priorities that we will focus on in the coming months, but my primary goal is to make sure that the Education Foundation supports the collision industry by enriching opportunities for students in collision education.  These students are working toward a lasting and rewarding career in collision repair and our goal will be to help them get there."

Kruger is a lawyer and an advancement professional with more than ten years of fundraising experience.  He earned both his BA and JD from the University of Iowa.  Kruger joins the I-CAR Education Foundation after serving as the first Executive Director of the John Marshall Law School Foundation.  Previously he after served six years as the Director of Development for the Southern Illinois University School of Law and Associate Director of Development for the SIU Foundation.  He has also been employed as a Director of Development for KCCK-FM/Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the Assistant Director of Development-Annual Giving for Minnesota State University in Mankato.  Kruger is a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals and the Counsel for Advancement and Support of Education.

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ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY Contributes $60,000 TO the I-CAR ®
Education Foundation to SUPPORT THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - October 9, 2008- Allstate Insurance Company contributed $60,000 in September to support the I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation's Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

"Allstate Insurance Company has been a key supporter of the I-CAR Education Foundation since its beginning in 1991," said Chris Evans, Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees. "This most recent $60,000 donation to support the Education Foundation's philanthropic mission shows that Allstate Insurance Company believes in what the Education Foundation is doing to enhance collision education in schools across North America."

"We continue to view the mission of the I-CAR Education Foundation as critical to the development of collision industry professionals," said Bill Daly, Assistant Vice President of Auto Claims for Allstate Insurance Company. "This mission aligns perfectly with the core values of Allstate, and our commitment to the industry that is so vital to our customers in their time of need. This contribution reflects that commitment and continued support of the Education Foundation."

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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 .

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New Support Promised for Apprentices

October 15, 2008

Prime Minister Steven Harper has promised that once elected, a Conservative government will provide a $2,000 completion bonus to apprentices who finish an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal or nationally recognized trade. Collision damage and autobody repairer technician is one such trade.

On October 3, during the election campaign, the Prime Minister said he wanted to provide an added incentive for Canadians to finish their training and launch rewarding careers in the trades.

In a news release, Prime Minister Harper said, "In the next two decades, 40 percent of new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies according to skillswork.com. In 1998, that number was less than 20 per cent. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the country could be a short one million workers by 2020.

There were 13,606 Red Seals issued in 2006 to fully trained apprentices, almost 1,000 more than in 2005, but many people who enroll in apprenticeship programs leave before they complete their training. During 2005, nearly 294,000 Canadians were enrolled in apprenticeship programs, but just over 20,500 Canadians completed apprenticeships that year."

Other measures taken by government include:

-Introduction of the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year (to maximum of $2,000 per person) to help apprentices pay for the first two years of their education and training

-The new Tradesperson's Tools Deduction that gives workers an annual tax deduction of up to $500 for expenditures in excess of $1,000 for tools required as a condition of employment

-Raising the limit on the cost of tools eligible for the 100 per cent capital cost allowance from $200 to $500

-The new Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit that provides employers who hire and train new apprentices a tax credit of up to $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice

"This $2,000 promised incentive will further encourage collision repair technician apprentices across Canada to stay and finish their apprenticeships, while providing their employers with more skilled workers to repair today's complex vehicles," said John Norris, Collision Chair of the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA)

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I-CAR ® TO PREMIER NEW HYBRID & ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROGRAM
AT NACE 2008

Hoffman Estates, IL - September 18, 2008 - The world premier of the new I-CAR Live training program Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02) will take place at NACE 2008. This program is a follow-up to the popular Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicle (ALT01) class and features new applications of hybrid technology and alternative fuel vehicles. I-CAR will also conduct Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07) which discusses advanced metallurgy, how it relates to collision dynamics and the impact of these new materials on the collision repair industry and Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08) which offers understanding of full-frame vehicle engineering design techniques, new construction methods and materials, as well as vehicle-specific repair information.

Wednesday, November 5 th - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• World Premier - Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02)
• Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07)
• Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08)

Wednesday, November 5 th - 1 - 5 p.m.

• Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02)
• Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07)
• Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08)
  

Saturday, November 8 th , 2008 - 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02)
• Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07)
• Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08)

These training programs are available at the reduced rate of $75 per class and are sure to sell out quickly.

Participants may pre-register for these I-CAR training programs as part of their NACE registration by visiting the NACE web site at www.naceexpo.com or by calling 866.860.1962.

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Join I-CAR in celebrating 25 years of I-CAR training in Quebec with a full day of events Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Hilton Montreal, in Dorval, Quebec.

Town Hall Meeting

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has opened online registration to its 2008 I-CAR Canada Annual Meeting scheduled for October 17 in Québec. The day-long event will open with a "Town Hall" meeting that will offer the findings of research on the training needs of the Canadian collision repair market as well as an opportunity for inter-industry professionals to provide feedback about specific training needs.

Registration

Industry professionals who are interested in registering for the 2008 I-CAR Canada meeting can do so ONLINE or go to www.i-car.ca/meeting .

Sponsorship Opportunities

Display your company's support of technical training and I-CAR by participating as a sponsor of this event. There are several sponsorship opportunities to choose from.

I-CAR Training Available

Complete I-CAR training and help achieve or maintain Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual designations. Choose from programs in English or French.

Opportunities for I-CAR Canada Program Instructors and Volunteers

Program Instructors and Volunteers will not want to miss out on the day's events. This is an opportunity to learn about your role with I-CAR and how the Training Support Center and the Tech Centre support I-CAR Canada's efforts and much more.

Dinner & Recognition Program

This will be an excellent time for networking and socializing. A portion of the evening will be set aside to recognize all those who work hard to conduct I-CAR training in Canada. Entertainment will round out the evening.

AGENDA: Friday, October 17, 2008

·          7 - 9 a.m. Registration

·          8 - 10:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting

·          10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01) French

·          10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07)             English

·          11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Program Instructor and Volunteer Meeting

           2 - 6 p.m. Aluminum Panels and Structures Damage Analysis (DAM05) French

·          2 - 6 p.m. Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08) English

·          6 - 7 p.m. Meet & Greet Reception

·          7 -10:30 p.m. Dinner & Recognition Program

Event Questions:

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I-CAR ® , ASE, I-CAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION, AND NATEF TO HOLD DRAWING FOR CAR-O-LINER WELDER AT NACE 2008

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL / LEESBURG, VA - September 17, 2008 - For the fifth year in a row, I-CAR, ASE, I-CAR Education Foundation, and NATEF will co-sponsor a drawing at NACE; this year's contest winner will be awarded a Car-O-Liner CR 55 Aluminum Stud Welder and Dent Repair Tools. To be eligible to win the welder, entrants must be I-CAR trained as well as ASE-certified, or attend an ASE-certified NATEF career and technical school and college which also utilizes the I-CAR Live curriculum.

To participate in this promotion, eligible attendees can visit one of the participating organization's booths and fill out a registration form. The winner will then be randomly selected at the conclusion of Saturday's NACE exposition day and notified via phone.

NACE attendees can find these industry partners at:

- ASE & NATEF - NACE booth # N8623
- I-CAR & I-CAR Education Foundation - NACE booth # N2719
- Car-O-Liner Company- NACE booth # N3567

CONTACT:
Jolinda Ottum, I-CAR Marketing Communications Specialist
847.590.1198, Ext. 247
jolinda.ottum@i-car.com

Tony Molla, ASE Vice President Communications
703.669.6600, Ext. 614
tmolla@ase.com

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I-CAR ® OPENS REGISTRATION TO CANADA ANNUAL MEETING
AND "TOWN HALL" SESSION
ON OCTOBER 17

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - September 12, 2008 -I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has opened online registration to its 2008 I-CAR Canada Annual Meeting scheduled for October 17 in Québec. The day-long event will open with a "Town Hall" meeting that will offer the findings of research on the training needs of the Canadian collision repair market as well as an opportunity for inter-industry professionals to provide feedback about specific training needs.

The research, which has been funded by I-CAR, is part of a more focused approach that I-CAR has undertaken to identify common training needs and the potential repositioning of I-CAR in Canada to support those needs.

I-CAR President and CEO, John Edelen, said, "This a pivotal time for I-CAR. It is crucial that we gain a perspective on the level and nature of the Canadian inter-industry support for technical training and the role that I-CAR can play in addressing the needs of the inter-industry in the future."

I-CAR has scheduled its meeting in conjunction with the national meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) and the presence of participants for both events offers an opportunity for I-CAR to present the research to a broad base of inter-industry professionals in Canada.

The "Town Hall" meeting will include a presentation of research results, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Edelen and chaired by I-CAR Chairman of the International Board of Directors, Robby Robbs, which will offer a response to key findings. The session will conclude with an opportunity for input from the audience.

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"This will be a very exciting and enlightening event," said Robbs. "The "Town Hall" discussion of the I-CAR sponsored research into the training needs of the Canadian market will provide an important base from which we can move forward. I am certain that many will want to hear, firsthand, the results of this research and the range of potential developments for our auto collision repair inter-industry in Canada that they may suggest. I am really looking forward to a solid exchange with Canadian stakeholders."

The "Town Hall" segment of the meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on October 17, at the Montreal Hilton, Dorval, Québec, and will open a day-long meeting that will also feature I-CAR classes conducted in French and English, opportunities for instructors and volunteers to learn more about the importance of their roles in the inter-industry, as well as an opportunity to network with other collision repair professionals. Registration for the Annual Meeting is currently open and available at www.i-car.ca/meeting or for more information contact Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244.

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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.

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Hybrid-Electric Cars Subject Of Evening Course At Centennial College

With hybrid-electric vehicles becoming commonplace on Canadian roads, more and more auto technicians and drivers are curious about what goes on under the hood of these gas-saving cars and trucks.

To that end Centennial College, in collaboration with the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council, is offering a new training course on hybrid vehicle technology -- the first of its kind to be offered in Canada.

The 16-hour training course is designed to give participants an understanding of hybrid-electric technology, including critical safety issues and how to perform routine maintenance and service on current production hybrid component systems from leading manufacturers such as General Motors, Honda and Toyota.

The part-time course is intended for practicing automotive technicians that want to offer aftermarket service. It is also an invaluable aid to service advisors, autobody repairers or tow-truck operators who may be first at an accident scene involving a hybrid. Hybrid vehicle owners and enthusiasts can also enrol, although the level of technical information may be high for many laypersons.

A hybrid-electric vehicle combines a conventional gasoline engine with an electric motor fed by an on-board rechargeable energy storage system. The presence of the high-voltage electrical system can be a potential hazard to technicians and shade-tree mechanics who wish to work on these vehicles.

Centennial's hybrid technology course begins Sept. 17 at its Ashtonbee Campus in Scarborough. The course is scheduled on Wednesday evenings in four-hour blocks over four weeks. A second class begins on Oct. 22.

For more details, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/parttime.

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I-CAR ® TO PRESENT RESEARCH AND SEEK FEEDBACK FROM CANADIAN AUTO-COLLISION REPAIR INTER-INDUSTRY AT "TOWN HALL" ON OCTOBER 17

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 19, 2008 -I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has refocused its efforts in the Canadian market and will present the findings of research that it has undertaken at the

I-CAR Canada Annual Meeting scheduled for Friday, October 17 in Quebéc. The meeting will not only be an opportunity to hear the conclusions of the research, but will also serve as an invitation to inter-industry professionals to respond and share their thoughts.

I-CAR President and CEO, John Edelen, said, "I-CAR has undertaken the serious task of conducting research specific to Canada that will help us identify the training needs and level of support required by a training organization - as well as the potential role of I-CAR - in the Canadian auto collision repair inter-industry."

The research, which has been funded by I-CAR, will allow the training organization to take a more focused approach in identifying common training needs and the potential repositioning of I-CAR in Canada to support those needs.

I-CAR has scheduled its meeting in conjunction with the national meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) and the presence of participants for both events offers an opportunity for I-CAR to conduct a Canadian inter-industry "Town Hall" meeting, open to inter-industry professionals, in which they can learn more about the key findings of the research and share their ideas on the future of training for the collision repair inter-industry in Canada.

The Canadian inter-industry "Town Hall" meeting will include a presentation of research results, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Edelen and chaired by I-CAR Chairman of the International Board of Directors, Robby Robbs, which will offer a response to key findings. The session will conclude with an opportunity for input from the audience.

The "Town Hall" is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on October 17 th , at the Montreal Hilton, Dorval, Quebéc, and will lead into a day-long series of I-CAR and industry events.

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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.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2008 I-CAR ® CANADA
INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 17

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - August 8, 2008 - Don't miss the opportunity to join others in the collision repair inter-industry in Québec for the 2008 I-CAR Canada International Annual Meeting on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Hilton Montréal Airport hotel in Dorval, Québec. This eventful meeting will offer the following:

Opportunities for I-CAR Canada Program Instructors and Volunteers

I-CAR program instructors and volunteers will be provided the latest information and future direction of I-CAR in a breakout session just for program instructors and volunteers.

Dinner & Recognition Program

Join I-CAR in recognizing program instructors and volunteers for their continued support and efforts to increase professionalism within the industry by conducting I-CAR training. These individuals serve as the 'frontline' of I-CAR to the industry and will be honored during this event. This will prove to be a great opportunity to network with existing industry friends and also meet with new contacts.

I-CAR Training

Morning and afternoon I-CAR classes will be available for industry professionals at a discounted rate to achieve or maintain their Gold Class Professionals TM and Platinum Individual TM designations. Choose from Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01); Vehicle Identification, Estimating Systems, and Terminology (DAM01); Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07); and Steel Full-Frame Technologies and Repair (SPS08).

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Businesses can show their commitment to training by participating as an event sponsor. Please contact Joe Da Cunha at I-CAR Canada at 416.996.1949 for sponsorship opportunities.

Additional details and registration information will be available soon.

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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.

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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

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

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

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