AARO re-elects Graf as president, solid sound financial footing

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) held its 69th annual business meeting in November 2007 which highlighted several important milestones and changes for the association and its members.

Don McWhinnie of Simon McWhinnie Riediger Chartered Accountants reported a turnaround for the association’s fortunes during its immediate past fiscal year; and Bill Burkimsher, executive director of the AARO, provided an updated on the NATA VISTA program, an initiative to resolve the service information access problem. He said a meeting held on October 1, with senior Industry Canada staff was productive, and a further meeting with Industry Minister Jim Prentice was to take place soon.

Rudy Graf (Graf Auto Centre, Toronto) was re-elected AARO president and two new directors were also elected: Stephanie Hill (Corporate Autoworks, Burlington) and Grant Willard (Two Guys Auto Service, Bracebridge).