May 19/06: Due to the holiday weekend, the deadline for the current batch of numbers for the Wily Web Winners contest has been extended to 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 26th. "This means if you haven't checked yet, and your membership I.D. number is one of the numbers that are posted, it's not too late to claim the corresponding prize," advises Bonnie Black who administers the popular contest.

(Simply click the NUMBERS button on our main page to see if YOU are a lucky WINNER.)

BIZOGRAPHY / Business Autobiography from an AARO Service Provider "Hello. My name is Tony Auchincloss, the owner/operator of Tool Inventory Appraisal System."

WE CAPTURE THE VALUE AND PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT: That's not just a slogan - it's my company's mission statement! I'm in the business of protecting your business.

If you had a fire, major theft or other disaster at your shop that resulted in the loss of your tools and equipment, would you be able to provide an accurate and complete list of lost inventory, and the proof of ownership that your insurance company would require to expedite your claim? That's exactly what I provide with my Tool Inventory & Appraisal System (TIAS).

Before I developed my specialized process, I spoke directly to insurance companies and with the police to learn exactly what they want. They told me the details of each lost item are required, with proof of ownership. If these things are not available, the claim is in serious danger of being denied.

I surveyed business owners to determine if they have protective systems already in place. The resounding answer was "no". Invoices are collected to some extent, they told me, but they rarely represent an entire inventory. In fact, I discovered that 96 percent of all shop owners have no idea how much money they've invested in tools and equipment, nor could they provide a detailed list of those assets.

My goal was to fill this need by establishing a system to provide the police and insurance companies with the details they require to approve a claim quickly. As it turns out, the TIAS program also assists garage owners to purchase adequate insurance coverage in the first place. Bruce Eccles, whose business Eccles Auto Service was honoured with the 2001 SSGM Garage of the Year award, contacted me when it was time to renew his insurance this past February.

"My insurance was coming due and I thought I should probably bump it up again; I was going to go for $300,000 coverage for both buildings," he recalled. "The insurance guy - Jay Bentley of Curtis Insurance, the company that administers the AARO Garage Choice Plan - recommended TIAS. Tony was here for two full days and it turns out I was way under-insured," said Eccles.

While I was at Bruce's shop in Dundas, I went through a process of identifying each tool and piece of equipment, and inputting its make, model, description and serial number into my program. I also take scores of digital photos that depict the condition of inventory items. Finally, the entire shop, including the tools and equipment, is captured on videotape. I work with my clients to determine the extent of assessment required, and to time my work so the shop's daily operations are not impaired.

The TIAS customized software program has more than 700,000 tool part numbers programmed into it - and that's just parts. Cross-referencing a client's inventory with the high-tech database matrix allows me to determine both the market value of today, and the replacement cost of each entry. My 25-years experience in the automotive sector helps me understand the workings of the industry, and gives me the necessary knowledge to analyze the data that is being collected.

As I proceed, I am able to identify potential health and safety issues regarding the tools and equipment, as well as point out applicable WHMIS requirements. Additionally, I am able to develop a recommended inventory-replacement schedule for my clients. At the end of the process, I deliver a comprehensive record of the catalogued inventory and a detailed appraisal. These are provided in both written and CD-ROM formats.

"Tony Auchincloss did an appraisal for us last January. We desperately needed it," said Sue Abram, who with her husband Paul runs Abram's Service Centre in Barrie. "I don't think there's a shop out there that has a true idea of the value of their inventory. Tony is very thorough. No one would ever have time do this for themselves," she added.

In recent months, I have been fortunate to receive endorsements directly from the insurance industry as well. For example, Dean Morrissey, Vice President of Sales for Lombard Canada who underwrite the Curtis/AARO Garage Choice Program, wrote a letter recommending the services of TIAS.

"These services may be of value to businesses in the automotive repair industry in providing a current and complete inventory of tools and equipment, as well as the dollar value and condition of tools. They can help ensure that repair shops are adequately covered with proper insurance on their equipment, and can ease the claims settlement process," his letter reads.

The backing of this insurance company, and many others, confirm that I have been successful in my goal to provide proper protection for the large investments made by automotive repair shops.

Recognizing my response to a specific need in the industry, the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario invited me to become an Associate Member/Service Provider, and to participate in its AARO Dollar Points membership rewards program. In a recent mailing to its members, AARO published my company contact information with the reminder that "it is a requirement of an insurance policyholder to prove their loss of insured property to the insurance company".

In my work with clients, I have been pleased to learn that the uses for my services go beyond disaster planning. The appraisals are being used in applications for bank loans and extended lines of credit. They are also useful for someone planning to sell a business. Moreover, at tax time, the precise cash values assigned to tools and equipment allow accountants to calculate depreciation accurately.

TIAS makes good business sense. It is truly is a program that should be established and maintained by today's professional garage operators.

"Going forward, when I buy something I'll put it on my spreadsheet," Bruce Eccles says of the asset ledger included in the TIAS package, "and Tony will download it later. It's a win-win for everyone."

I urge other business owners to play the "what-if" game and consider taking a proactive approach to business security. It doesn't cost a thing to give me a call for more information.

Tony Auchincloss
Tool Inventory & Appraisal System Inc.
1-866-877-2259
www.toolappraisal.com

Editor's Note: BIZOGRAPHY is a new regular feature of BAY WATCH, the Official Newsletter of AARO - the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario.

Posted May 15/06

May 15/06: By popular demand, on September 16, 2006 dynamic instructor Duane Marino will convert your Front Counter Person into a Salesperson. AARO members have told us there is a real need for this, and they'll be impressed with Duane. When it comes to service advisor training, he's simply one of the very best in the business.

"Click Here" for details on the seminar.

May 13/06: The mobile A/C servicing season is upon us, and it will soon be revving up advises AARO Training Coordinator Frances Ricci. "Our Etobicoke and Markham training locations are sold out, but technicians in Hamilton and Ottawa who would profit from an A/C service/repair tune up s/b reminded that there are still seats available. Tell them to hurry, though - the classes get underway May 16th in Hamilton and May 18th in Ottawa," she said. Contact Frances at 1-800-268-5400 to register.

YOUTH IN TRANSITION (YIT) is a Service Canada funded program that Don McLaughlin (Goodturn Ride Centres, Hamilton) suggested we inform his fellow AARO members about. As Vice-chair of the Hamilton-based Skilled Trades Alliance, he is an outspoken advocate for the the career opportunities available to young people in the automotive service industry.

"The idea behind YIT is to assist eligible, unemployed or underemployed youth (30 years of age and under) to gain permanent employment for which they might not normally be considered due to a lack of work experience and/or skills," explained McLaughlin. "And AARO members will be pleased that YIT will provide them with wage subsidies as an incentive to hire young people who have been pre-qualified to participate in the program. It's a win-win situation. Service Canada offsets some of the costs for orientation and supervised on-the-job training, and the garage owner gets reimbursed for up to $5.00 an hour of the employee's wages," he said.

(Note: Eligible individuals must be hired for a 26-week, full-time position that is part of normal business operations, and which provides relevant work experience and skills development.)

In his local stomping grounds - the greater Hamilton area - the Service Canada delivery agent for YIT is the Burlington branch of the YMCA. But Mclaughlin pointed out that the program can be accessed through YMCA branches serving many other communities across Ontario.

"Bill (AARO's executive director Bill Burkimsher) was asking for a YMCA contact person that interested members could call to find out if a branch in their respective area was offering YIT placements," said McLaughlin. "I believe the AARO office was in touch with Skilled Trades Alliance chair Lily Lumsden who, as it happens, works for the Burlington YMCA, and I think she provided them with the contact information," he added.

AARO membership services manager Luanne Fedosoff advises that Don is quite right. She phoned Lily and got the person's name and a telephone number for our members to call:

Following are the specifics for the Youth In Transition Program:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Must be for a minimum of 30 hours/week for at least 26 consecutive weeks

Must be a regular employee/employer relationship

Paid hourly or salaried

Regular deductions (EI, CPP, etc) made by employer from employee's pay

Employee cannot be self-employed, sub-contracting, commission or on contract

The employer must have been in business for at least 1 year

The employer would not necessarily hire the worker without this program

The subsidized job position would not displace any existing workers

 

THE WAGE SUBSIDY

Subsidy Period: 26 weeks in duration

Subsidy Consideration: Determined by a demonstrated opportunity for skills training/career-related work experience

Amount of Subsidy: Employer pays full regular salary/wage to the employee; YIT then reimburses the employer a portion of the wages; up to $5.00/hour

No subsidy claims can be made for overtime, statutory holidays and sick days

Subsidy Claim: Employer submits claims to YIT on a monthly basis

Claims and work experience progress are monitored by YIT Employment Counselors

Posted May 11/06

May 10/06: McLAUGHLIN SCORES HAT TRICK! Longtime association member Don McLaughlin (photo) has picked up his 3rd nomination from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for its annual "Minister's Apprenticeship Employer Recognition Awards". The government recognized Don's garage business (Goodturn Ride Centres, Hamilton) for its leadership in apprentice training.

On behalf of AARO, congratulations to you, Don. You serve the membership proud for being honoured again in 2006. Three times a charm!

May 9/06: Aware that our Association Members love their Mothers, the AAROettes wish to remind you that this coming Sunday, May 14th is Mother's Day.

May 5/06: QUESTIONS about the upcoming GST reduction? You've no doubt heard that effective July 1st, 2006 the rate drops to 6%. We've put together some information for you based on the most F.A.Q. fielded by AARO staff members ... "CLICK HERE" for the answers, and a link to the pertinent page on the Canada Revenue Agency Web site.

May 3/06: "HOW YOUR SHOP CAN SAVE $500" is a message to Ontario garages from John Norris, the Executive Director of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA).

According to Norris who also serves as the the Collision Repair Division Chair of NATA, the National Automotive Trades Association, a notice concerning the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) should be posted at the back of your shop to avoid a $500 fine from the Ministry of Labour.

Here is a link to the poster that you can download and print:

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pdf/poster.pdf

BUDGET CONTAINS GOODIES FOR GARAGES: There appears to be something for everybody in the minority Conservative government's maiden budget. To compliment the much ballyhooed GST cut, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty yesterday announced nearly $20-billion in additional tax relief. And our industry was not overlooked. Tax incentives are included for automotive service technicians (both apprentices and journeymen) and, yes, also for their garage owner-employers.

"This budget seems like a good first step in the right direction," commented AARO VP Lynda Collins who with husband George owns and operates C. Armstrong Motors Automotive in Ottawa. "I think we should provide our members with a summary of the incentives that Mr. Flaherty announced; you know, the ones that impact the auto repair industry," she added.

What Lynda wants, Lynda gets ... Click Here for the details!

Posted May 3/06

E-MAIL SPAM-SCAM ALERT: Brian Carlile, one of the ever-vigilant AARO Tech Team guys, warns members about a new e-mail ploy. A British citizen now residing mainly in Canada, Brian still spends two or three months each year in his homeland, and has clients on both sides of the ocean.

"I'm dealing with some e-mail issues for a company in the UK that encountered this new scam, and felt I should forewarn association members in case it becomes common here, too," said Carlile.

What happens is you receive an e-mail with a header that states:

"I apologize for this automatic reply to your e-mail"

The body of the message reads as follows:

"To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.

If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link below). Once I approve you, I will receive your original message in my inbox. You do not need to resend your message. I apologize for this one-time inconvenience.

Click the link below to fill out the request: ..."

"There is no virus involved and the email will pass through most spam filters. It is a good example of social engineering and could be believable to anyone other than a diligent postmaster for the domain in question," observed Carlile.

Keep an eye out for this one, because according to Carlile anyone having a busy day, and who carelessly clicks on the link, is headed for problems.

"By replying you confirm that your e-mail address is active and what your IP number is, (most shops will have static IP addresses,) and the details of your server. And to top it all off you will have inadvertently asked to be put on the 'gullible list' and wind up with even more spam invading your inbox," warns Carlile.

Editor's Note: "Thanks for the heads up, Brian."

Posted May 3/06

April 24/06: A health alert has been issued in the U.S. concerning salvaged "flood cars". Some of these hurricane zone vehicles were exposed to heavily contaminated water, even raw sewage. A small scratch from working on them could result in a serious infection. Called sepsis, it spreads rapidly from just the tiniest break in the skin. It is indeed deadly and can be carried by a car into your service bays.

Our associate and longtime friend Bob Beattie of the Used Car Dealers Association (UCDA) offers this advice for identifying a vehicle that may have found its way across the border: Look for a maple leaf on the driver's side door post; if you don't see one, it's likely the vehicle was initially registered in the U.S., he said.

"Click Here" for a specimen of the door post decal you'll be looking for.

"Click Here" to view a related article in 'MotorAge Online'.

April 20/06: New Canadian-made Ford Edge Debuts On TV This Weekend:

One of the most anticipated new Canadian-made vehicles, the 2007 Ford Edge, will make its national television debut in a new commercial featuring Wayne Gretzky. Edge will be joined by the Ford Fusion sedan and F-350 pickup in a "Game Changer" themed 30-second spot starting this weekend and running throughout the NHL playoffs.

The modern, stylish Edge – a sporty crossover utility vehicle to be built exclusively at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex – is tagged as Ford's "next game changer" in the TV spot. The commercial is voiced by Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland and features images of the vehicles along with home movies of Gretzky playing hockey when he was a child.

April 20/06: The National Automotive Trades Association of Canada (NATA) is holding its second meeting of the year on Friday, April 21, 2006 at the Delta Centre Suite Hotel in Edmonton. An "association of associations", NATA represents seven leading provincial and regional Independent sector automotive associations at the national level, and counts AARO among its affiliates. John Scissons, the national organization's Executive VP reports that three guest industry presenters are included on their busy agenda.

April 17/06: Time flies, the Blue Jays are playing ball and the Mobile A/C service season is almost upon us. Prepare your techs by registering them for for one of our Technical Update courses next month. At our Etobicoke, Hamilton, Markham and Ottawa classes, the subject matter will be... you guessed it ... primers and diagnostic tips on the service and repair of automotive "Air Conditioning" systems.

"Click Here" for course outlines, class dates, times and locations.

FROM DISABILITY TO POSSIBILITY is the direction physically challenged children head when departing the Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre. And AARO president Wally Clayson can personally bear witness to one of the hospital's remarkable accomplishments; it involved one of his own family members.

"I have a granddaughter who for many years was an outpatient at Bloorview. She was born with cerebral palsy and attended the centre until she was 17 years old," said Clayson. "She's a young woman in her early twenties, now, and just last year graduated from Carleton University with an honours degree in criminology and psychology. Go ahead, ask me if I'm proud," he appealed.

The heartfelt gratitude Clayson felt (having observed his granddaughter's amazing progress) is what inspired him to establish the Annual AARO Charity Golf Tournament. With first-hand knowledge of the wonderful work taking place at Bloorview, he knew the institution would be a deserving recipient of the funds raised at the event.

"Since that first tourney in 1993, our association has raised over $150,000.00 for this wonderful cause," enthused Clayson. His beaming eyes unmasked the pride and sense of accomplishment he felt; a good feeling that will grow even stronger later this year.

On June 1, 2006, Bloorview will officially reveal its new six-floor, 353,000 sq. ft. home. The beautiful state-of-the-art facility at 150 Kilgour Road in Toronto's Leaside area will be a space where physically challenged children can explore, interact and learn in an exhilarating environment – a place that recognizes the wholeness and promise of every child.

"Our ambition is nothing less than to make the new home of Bloorview Kids Rehab a national centre of excellence for paediatric rehabilitation, and to expand its influence and reach even further," explained Joe Bortolussi, a Bloorview service director/manager who over the years has been our association's main liaison concerning the golf tournament.

"Joe golfs with us every year - well, you might call what we do 'golfing' - and he usually turns out for our Christmas Dinner Dance," mused Clayson. "At the very least, that qualifies him as being a member of the extended AARO family. One thing is sure, we love the guy like a brother," he added, smiling.

Bortolussi said he is looking forward to October of this year when AARO board members will visit the state-of-the-art facility to observe the official naming of a room at Bloorview. The sign that will be placed above its entrance will identify it as 'The AARO Therapeutic Gym'. The formality of the occasion will be fitting. This year's event will mark the last in a series of 14 successive tournaments that Wally Clayson has personally organized.

"Wally is leaving one very large pair of (golf) shoes to fill," said AARO executive director Bill Burkimsher. "We owe it to him to all pitch in and make the 2006 AARO Charity Golf Tournament the biggest and most successful one yet. I can't think of a better way for us to say 'thank you' for his years of tireless service to AARO and the Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre," he observed.

Okay, enough said ...Wednesday June 28th is the date...
                                                Click" on the Flaming Golf Ball for details.

Posted April 17/06

April 14/06: Wishing those of our Members who celebrate it, "Happy Easter". This would seem an appropriate time to think of those who are less fortunate; physically challenged children, for example. Help them go From Disability to Possibility by turning out for the upcoming AARO Charity Golf Tournament in support of the Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre.

"Calling for Golfers and Sponsors" ... Click Here for details.

AMENDMENT TO CPA REGULATION DECLINED: The Consumer Protection Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Government Services has turned down an appeal to amend a Regulation in the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) concerning Repairs to Motor Vehicles. However, before we get into this, a little background:

The enabling legislation for the CPA was Bill 180 - the Consumer Protection Statute Law Amendment Act. Passed in 2002, the purpose of Bill 180 was to repeal consumer protection regulations on various industries, including the Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA), strengthen them, and bundle them together under one piece of legislation. Others subject to the new regulations included real estate brokers, travel agents, mortgage brokers, time share and vacation clubs, fitness clubs, and vehicle leasing.

Enforcement dates for the new CPA laws varied by industry. In the interim, although repealed, rules under prior legislation - such as the MVRA - remained in effect. The revised regulations affecting Motor Vehicle Repairers were not passed until May of last year, taking force on July 30, 2005. AARO gave its members lots of advance notification, (Ref. News Brief of Feb. 25/05,) provided the new CPA signs that were required, and all of our ducks were in order. Or so everyone thought.

Just when it appeared everything that was "said had been said, and everything that was done had been done", the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) got into the Act (excuse the pun). Approximately two months following the passage of the Regulations, (an eleventh hour response?... no, call it a half-past midnight reaction,) AIA wrote to the Ministry concerning the use of the term "Original Equipment Manufacturer" (OEM) in the CPA Regulation involving Repairs to Motor Vehicles. They contended that the disclosure requirement on repair orders relative to installed parts is discriminatory.

As it stands, the CPA regulation requires that "An itemized list of the parts to be installed must disclose if they are a New Part Provided by the OEM, or a New Part Not Provided by the OEM, or a Reconditioned or Used Part.

AIA wanted the wording changed to indicate whether each part is a New OEM Part, or a New Aftermarket Part that is Equivalent to or Superior to the Part Supplied by the OEM, or a New Part that is Not Equivalent to the Part Supplied by the OEM, or a Reconditioned or Used Part.

The Ministry accommodated AIA by agreeing not to enforce the "Parts Disclosure Section of the Act" while they took their recommendation under consideration. Wisely, in November they invited other industry stakeholders to comment on the amendment AIA requested.

In a letter dated March 23, 2006 from the Office of the Director, Consumer Protection Branch, the Ministry of Government Services advised all interested parties of their decision:

"The majority of responses advised it is appropriate and useful for consumers to know whether a replacement part is an "OEM part". These responses considered that "OEM" under the regulation means "parts provided by the original vehicle manufacturer", which would include "parts supplied by the designated vehicle manufacturers' parts department" and "assemblies distributed by the subject vehicles' manufacturer". This aligns with the similar reference under the Insurance Act regulation relating to repairs.

The majority also agreed that disclosing the actual parts manufacturer was neither practical or useful, and most did not view that as the intended effect of the regulation nor what it required in practice.The suggested alternative disclosure requirements were also viewed as being overly subjective and not as practically informative to consumers.

Now that the consultation has been completed, the Ministry is satisfied that the term "original equipment manufacturer" is appropriate to use in the regulation. The concerns about lesser value and problematic nature of alternatives appear well-founded, making change inadvisable. Repairers have systems in place by which they know if they have purchased an OEM part as the term is generally understood and can make this disclosure to consumers without undue burden."

John Norris, the executive director of HARA - Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association said his organization and the other affiliates of the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA) are pleased with the Ministry's decision.

"NATA was not involved because the CPA is an Ontario matter, and several Ontario-chartered associations responded to the Ministry directly. However, Bill Burkimsher of AARO and I did confer with some of our national peers about it, and they were of a like-mind with us on the issue," said Norris.

There is growing indignation among NATA Affiliates about AIA intruding in provincial matters. And the indignation turns to serious concern in situations like the proposed amendment to the CPA regulation. According to Norris, this was a case of AIA lobbying for something Ontario service provider associations - groups like AARO, HARA, UCDA and OADA, among others - clearly did not want.

For his part, Bill Burkimsher said no one questions the right of AIA to lobby on behalf of its members… providing they are forthcoming about who they actually represent.

"AIA is an association of aftermarket suppliers - everyone knows that. They felt the CPA amendment would be in their suppliers' best interest. Hey, fair enough. The rub here is that AIA also contends that it speaks for automotive service providers," observed Burkimsher. "Well, as the old proverb goes, 'you can't serve two masters', and they've just proven the truth in that."

Editor's Note:  John Norris serves as Collision Division Chair of the National Automotive Trades Association .

Posted March 31/06

March 29/06:  "Click Here" for a timely reminder from the AAROettes. (The ladies are always looking out for our members.)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBs) received much attention at the AARO Board of Director's meeting on March 14th. A TSB from Hyundai Auto Canada sparked the lengthy discussion.

Issued July 19, 2005, 'Hyundai Engine Mechanical Bulletin No. 05-20-008' concerned oil filters. Brought to the Board's attention by Industry Advocate Brian Taylor, (Brian Taylor's Automotive, Burlington,) the TSB reads as follows:

Some Hyundai vehicles may experience an engine knock noise when using aftermarket oil filters. Aftermarket oil filters may be constructed differently and use different materials than genuine Hyundai oil filters. This may change the specifications of the oil filter leading to pressure variations within the engine causing engine knocking noise.

Affected Vehicles: All Hyundai vehicles.

Warranty Information: Oil changes performed due to engine knocking noise when an aftermarket oil filter has been used is not a warrantable repair.

Discussing TSBs: (R-L) Walter Copetti, Rick Callaghan, Randy Skinner, Fred Emslie, Mike Adema, Lynda Collins

"One of my customers told me about this TSB and insisted that I use only an OEM (Hyundai) filter on his 2005 Sonota," said Taylor. "Once the seed is planted... hmm... is this tactic legal?" he asked.

The problem is not new to Independent garage owners, over the years it has often been a flash point for debate when they're gathered together and talking shop. Car dealerships are the culprits. Their service personnel routinely suggest that vehicle warranties will be null and void if aftermarket parts are installed. Worse still, some actually infer that it is only they who can perform the scheduled maintenance and service required to keep a vehicle's warranty intact.

Independent garage operators south of the border face similar challenges, but they have the Magnusson-Moss Warranty - FEDERAL Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975 to fall back on. Nothing equivalent has been passed into law here, although some industry spokespersons insist the automakers' Canadian divisions and their dealerships abide by the U.S. legislation.

(L-R) Directors Tom Zekveld, Denis Poirier, Vatche Shahinian, Gil Verwey

Under the Magnusson-Moss Act, if a failure occurs, the dealership has to prove an aftermarket product was at fault to deny warranty coverage. Moreover, if they specify that the manufacturer's service and disposables (like oil filters,) must be used, the Act requires that they supply them to the vehicle owner free during the warranty period.

During the Board's discourse on the matter, AARO director Walter Copetti (Walter's Advanced Auto Repair, Oshawa - Photo on Right) made an interesting observation: "Oil filters; air filters; sparkplugs; engine parts, etc., are usually not made by the vehicle manufacturer, they probably buy them from the same companies that supply our aftermarket parts," he said.

A round-the-table poll of the AARO Directors and Industry Advocates in attendance disclosed that when doing scheduled maintenance and service work, most of them are installing aftermarket parts and have not experienced any problems. However, one or two said they were playing it safe and using OEM parts, and that in some instances they actually found them to be less expensive than the aftermarket equivalents.

Director Glenn McNally (Advanced Automotive Diagnostics & Service) felt that the issue of aftermarket parts and their use on cars still covered by manufacturer warranty is something that needs to be discussed further with our suppliers.

"The aftermarket suppliers clearly indicate that any engine failure that can be traced to the use of their product will be covered by the part manufacturer, but we need more than that. We need clear statements from them indicating that their parts "meet or exceed" the warranty requirements of the original equipment manufacturer," said McNally. "Failure to have this kind of assurance leaves the aftermarket service provider at a percieved competitive disadvantage... our customers may wonder if the parts we provide are of the same quality as the OEM ones."

McNally then tabled a Motion that AARO prepare an 'open letter' to aftermarket parts manufacturers, asking them to look into providing a statement that reads "meets or exceeds OEM requirements" on their packaging, and in their catalogues and promotional materials. He went on to request that AARO forward copies of the letter to NATA (the National Automotive Trades Association) affiliates. As the issue crosses provincial boundaries, a statement from all interested parties should then be put forward across the country, he suggested.

McNally's Motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.

President Wally Clayson reported there was much lively discussion at the March 14, 2006 AARO Board Meeting

AARO President and board meeting chairman Wally Clayson was pleased that all of the afternoon's business had been completed in an expedient manner: "Our agendas always seem to be pretty full, and this one was no exception. We had lots of reports and updates and some good, lively discussion. We had lots of reports and updates and some good, lively discussion. I'm happy to inform our members that their best interests are being well-served by their elected representatives," he enthused.

Posted March 17/06

March 10/06: Whew... we're back... but just barely. Extensive work on our in-house network and outside servers continues, and is taking longer than expected. Compare our dilemma to a tricky vehicle diagnostic problem. (No, make that "several tricky diagnostic problems".) There's a light at the end of the tunnel, however. Our tech guys assure us that things will be back to normal in a few days. A stable membership database and "new look" member Web sites will be the reward for everyone's patience, they say.

Feb. 16/06: The AARO Newsroom will be closed February 17th through March 6th, 2006. The posting of new articles and News Flashes will be suspended during this period.

Note: Updates to "seat counts" for AARO On Track Training Courses will not be affected.

(The Spring 2006 print-edition of our newsletter Bay Watch will be circulated to association members during the "news downtime" on the AARO Web site.)

Feb. 16/06: Bob Clarke, Executive Director of the Automotive Retailers Association of BC (ARA), is recovering nicely from his recent heart surgery.

"Bob is in good spirits, glad to be alive - maybe amazed is a better word - and BORED out of his mind!" reports ARA's Lloyd Stamm. "He is looking forward to getting home, although he can’t say enough good things about his care at Vancouver General Hospital."

According to NATA Executive VP John Scissons, from news he has heard, Mr. Clarke may have returned home earlier this day.

FORD WORKERS SUPPORT PLANT PARKING EDICT: A strategy that began at its Dearborn, Michigan truck facility appears to be catching on at Ford Motor Company plants across North America.

                                                           Brandy Baker / The Detroit News
Cars and trucks not built by Ford are no longer welcome in the prime parking areas at
Ford's Rouge complex. Similar policies are being enforced at other plants.

Workers concerned about the red ink on their employer's financial statements - not to mention announced layoffs - are advocating a strict parking policy at Ford assembly plants. The idea is a simple one: if your paycheque says "Ford" on it, but you drive to your workplace in a vehicle that's manufactured by a competing automaker, allow yourself extra time for a long hike into the plant.

While such parking edicts may not have a huge impact on Ford's flagging sales, they indicate that many workers are rallying behind the company's efforts to stem corporate bleeding. Product loyalty - it's something they want their fickle peers to consider during the long trek in from the far side of the plant parking lot.

Posted Feb. 16/06

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $1 MILLION could present itself with one click of your mouse. In the latest twist to our Wily Web Winners contest, '5-paks' of QUEST FOR GOLD lottery tickets are up for grabs.

Here's the scoop: If your membership I.D. number matches one of the 10 'Lightning Strikes' bonus numbers that are currently posted, you could share in $23 million of prizing. That's the total - including 10 Top Prizes of $1 million - offered in the Quest For Gold lottery. Now wouldn't cashing in for a mil' just make your day!

Seventeen additional I.D. numbers that were randomly drawn from the AARO membership database are also posted. They're good for other valuable Wily Web Winner prizes. If yours is one of the I.D. numbers that appear, claim your prize by simply calling the AARO office to tell us you've won. How easy is that?

Bonnie Black, who administers the Wily Web Winners contest, is excited about the latest 'Lightning Strikes' bonus prizes: "The 5-paks of lottery tickets tuck nicely into a 5x9 envelope. I'm delighted because they'll be much easier to send off (to winning members) than some of the bulky merchandise is," she joked.

Black explained that the real reason behind her enthusiasm is that proceeds from the sale of Quest For Gold lottery tickets support Ontario's amateur athletes in international sporting events, such as the Olympics. She said it also intrigues her that in the hands of an AARO member, the $20 value of the lottery tickets they've won could increase exponentially.

"Imagine if a member scratched his Quest For Gold tickets and discovered that he'd won a million dollars," enthused Black.

Editor's Note:  Hey, that "lucky scratcher"could be YOU! Click the NUMBERS button on our Web site's main page and check things out.

Posted Feb. 10/06

Feb. 9/06: After nearly a century of service to the motoring public, the doors are closing at Nash Garage. Located at 1183 Queen Street East, the place is somewhat of a Toronto institution. Proprietor Ross Nash has toiled for 56 years in its service bays, and his father Reg was there ahead of him in 1925, and his grandfather William Nash founded the business sometime prior to that. (Talk about staying power.)

Both Ross and his late father are past AARO Presidents, and just last November Ross served as chairman for our association's annual business meeting. "Enjoy your retirement from the garage business, Ross, but please return to preside over our annual meetings for many years to come."

Feb. 5/06: An internal Ford bulletin (issued at 6:00 a.m. this morning) confirms that a minivan replacement based on the Ford Fairlane concept is now set to go into production in Oakville beginning in February 2008. Ford calls the vehicle, code-named d471, a "people mover". Production volume for Oakville is set at 103,000 vehicles annually, and is likely to include 12,000 hybrids, sources said.

The production version of the Fairlane is expected to replace the Ford Freestar minivan, which has sold poorly since its 2003 launch. Plans for the Freestar and its Mercury Monterey companion remain unconfirmed, but Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, was quoted on Jan. 23/06 as saying there will be a 2007 model-year Freestar.

The Ford people mover will be accompanied by a Lincoln version, code-named d472, also to be built in Oakville; they are forecasting 26,000 Lincoln units annually, including 3,000 hybrids, sources said.

CALL TO ORDER FOR UPDATES: Okay, we learned in the foregoing News Brief why busy shop owners give up their time for association meetings. Let's now catch up on just what our Staff, Directors, Industry Advocates, Members and Associates have recently been doing. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; with this in mind, we'll keep things lean and mean word-wise, but supplant the verbiage with lots of photos.

A follow up on the Drive Clean 'Changes & Proposed Changes' Task Force would seem a good place to start:

Pictured on the right (foreground) is the chairman, Don McLaughlin (Good Turn Ride Centre, Hamilton) with committee volunteer Mark Bergasse (Mark's Auto Service, Oakville). The work of these gentlemen and seven of their peers culminated in a letter from AARO to the DC Office.

McLaughlin points out that 231 DC facility operators belong to our association. The function of the Task Force was to develop an AARO response to the program changes the Ministry of Environment had already made, and to review the further changes they were proposing, and make some formal recommendations concerning them.

"AARO represents the largest body of facility operators falling under a single banner. They deserve to have a voice speak out for them, and we formed the task force precisely for that reason," said McLaughlin.

To view the letter AARO submitted to the Drive Clean Office, "CLICK HERE"

An association program that spawns numerous meetings is the Auto Pac Employee Benefits Plan. This is hardly surprising when you take into consideration that close to $1 million dollars in claims are paid to AARO members and their employees every year.

Pictured above (L-R): Great-West Life Senior Accounts Manager Geoff Maier, Diane Freeman of AARO,
Insurance Consultant Jerry Douglas and AARO Staff Members Caroline Martin,
Debbie Grimes, Martin Stripnieks and Bill Burkimsher

According to plan consultant Jerry Douglas, for over fifteen years the Auto Pac Health and Life program has been one of the top performing and best run group insurance plans in his portfolio. This is a direct result of the time and effort AARO staff put in to ensure its ongoing success, he says.

Debbie Grimes, the senior Auto Pac Administrator attributes the program's longevity to the highly personalized service AARO provides to participating members.

"Busy garage owners don't have the time or patience to deal with third party administrators and voice mail. When they call AARO for assistance with a claim, a real person answers the phone and passes them over to me - not a recording of me, the 'living me' - and I do everything humanly possible to expedite things for them," said Grimes.

Diane Freeman, the association's sales and marketing manager says she's aware of members and their staff who have been insured under Auto Pac for over ten years, some even longer. "I know that to be true, because it was me who initially enrolled them. And Debbie is quite right, they're loyal to us because we have an intimate understanding of the industry, and we give them the personal service they deserve," she said.

Geoff Maier checks recent Auto Pac claims ratios

Whenever visitors arrive at the association's Burlington offices, it's almost certain that a meeting of some sort will soon follow. Matters directly related to AARO keep things running at a high enough hum, but sometimes it's business that's related to NATA, the National Automotive Trades Association. Such was the case late last month when John McLean the events manager in charge of the CarFixWorld Trade Show, and John Norris, manager of HARA, the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association came calling.

L-R: Luanne Fedosoff , John Norris and Bill Burkimsher (standing)
look on as John McLean pulls up CarFixWorld Show data on his laptop.

AARO and HARA, and five other NATA-affiliated associations located across Canada have made a commitment to help organize the CarFixWorld Show.

"Things are still in the planning stage, but the intent is that our national organization will take charge of the Career Forum and related events on Friday afternoon and evening, the first day of the show. In a weak moment, I volunteered to head-up the NATA delegation that will oversee all of this," quipped Norris. "As I said, we're still sorting things out, but if it all comes together there's a great deal of work ahead."

Billed as a ''dynamic all-inclusive one stop face-to-face event", CarFixWorld will take place September 29, 30 and October 1, 2006 in Toronto's National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place.

Most of the foregoing meetings, and others, happened within the past 20 days. "But then there's also our own bi-weekly AARO Staff Meetings," Bonnie Black reminds us. "I look after the agendas and the minutes for these internal encounters, and believe me, there's never a shortage of things to discuss... I can attest to that," she said.

Black muses that the staff sessions are, by and large, 'meetings about all of the other meetings'. They're necessary just to keep everyone on the same page, and more importantly, to ensure that everyone is coping okay, she observed.

"Teamwork is the hallmark and shining principle we adhere to around here. If someone's workload is overwhelming them, and they're getting stressed out, we make sure someone else intervenes to lend a hand. If the teamwork approach wasn't in play, the entire lot of us would probably suffer from uncontrollable twitching," said Black, laughing.


Pictured (L-R): Frances Ricci and Bonnie Black

Posted Feb. 4/06

"BANG, BANG, BANG" GOES THE GAVEL … the sound is no stranger to the men and women working to help AARO members move forward in the automotive service industry. The time they spend at boardroom tables can not be avoided.

"If you're a technician working in a muffler shop, you're going to spend many hours with a wrench beneath a hoist. With AARO, you have a pen in hand, and you're seated at a board table," observed Lynda Collins (C. Armstrong Motors Automotive, Ottawa), the association's recently re-elected Vice President. "The workplaces are decidedly different, but one thing is common to both - and that's 'the work part'. And there's usually lots of it to be done," she said.

The demands of running an auto repair garage should more than satisfy the most dedicated workaholic. And yet some shop owners assume the added responsibility of serving on their trade association's board of directors. What drives them to do that?  During coffee break at the January 17th AARO Board Meeting, we prompted director Vatche Shahinian (Teknik Auto Service, Markham - pictured on right) for an explanation.

By comparison to many, Shahinian runs a relatively small, hands-on operation. Given that he personally starts and finishes many of the jobs that pass through his service bays, it's obvious that his time is already at a premium. Why, we asked, does he stretch his precious time even further to attend our meetings?

"The problems facing the industry today affect every garage owner, no matter how large or small. And, since no one individual could possibly begin to solve these problems on his own, I believe that each of us should be involved in a collective effort to protect our business investment," Shahinian said. "No one is going to do it for us, that's for sure."

AARO board member Rick Callaghan (410 Auto, Stouffville) said he concurred: "Business consultants say eighty-five percent (85%) of all business failures occur in firms that are not members of their Trade Association. If more garage operators understood this, I have to think they'd join AARO and get involved, too," he said.

Callaghan also finds the networking and camaraderie that takes place between members to be a significant benefit of association membership. But to gain the most from this, you must invest some time and effort in your organization's activities, he contends. He cited the annual Charity Golf Tournament and the AARO Christmas Dinner Dance as cases in point.

Listening in, veteran AARO board member Denis Poirier (J & D Auto-Tech, Ottawa) said he fully agreed with Callaghan: "Dale Carnegie once said that people rarely succeed in business unless they can have fun in what they're doing, and I think he was absolutely right about that." Poirier said a love for the auto repair industry, and a desire to interact and compare notes with one's peers usually foretells who will be around for the long haul.

"Kathy Farrell (the Ottawa AARO marketing rep) and my suppliers' salesmen can predict whose names will go up on a building, and then come right back down in two or three years. They're the same guys who never have anything good to say about the business, and who turn down repeated invitations to join our association," contended Poirier. "You feel compassion for them, but if they're reclusive, and determined to operate in isolation, how can anyone help?" he asked.

Photo (L-R): AARO Directors Tom Zekveld, Gil Verwey, Gerrard De Souza and Jim Angier

For her part, AARO sales and marketing manager Dianne Freeman had this to say: "Our most successful members 'are like grapes, they bunch together'… much as you fellows are doing at this board meeting, and twenty or so others will be doing at our technical training class in Hamilton tonight."

Editor's Note: Diane just trumped anything else we could add to the above article.

Posted Feb. 3/06

Feb. 3/06: Good news concerning ARA Executive Director Bob Clarke. Dale Finch, the B.C. association's Director of Division Services advises that while Mr. Clarke is still in ICU, and will be over the weekend, health care personnel have apparently observed a marked improvement in his condition. More word on his progress is expected soon.