The 2011 AIA Automotive Service Providers’ Forum in Atlantic Canada Deemed a Success

An involved Division is the key to a successful regional event – and with such great involvement from the AIA Atlantic Division it is no surprise that the 2011 Atlantic Canada Automotive Service Providers’ Forum was a great success among the participants. Over 80 people, nearly half of which were shop owners, attended the event at the Crystal Palace in Moncton, New Brunswick on September 29th, 2011.
The event started out on a high note with an opening speech from David Vaughan, chair of the AIA Atlantic Division, who congratulated everyone for attending the event. Participants were treated to a surprise appearance from Minister of Transportation for New Brunswick Claude Williams, who welcomed and encouraged attendees to participate in the Be Car Care Aware program, deeming it an exemplary program worth promoting. During his speech, Mr. Williams also announced that the Department of Public Safety would be holding a stakeholder meeting on the Motor Vehicle Inspection Program on October 11th as well as town hall meetings on October 5-6 and October 9th to discuss the program. AIA will be participating along with several members to ensure industry priorities are represented.
The solid line-up of workshop speakers fully delivered on the theme,”get directions to a profitable destination from top industry experts.” Experts such as John R. Watt, Bob Owens, Jonathan Ressler and Dave Meunier offered a varied program of practical and informative sessions based on solid data and industry expertise. Presentations ranged from eye opening tactics on how to increase a shop’s bottom line, to preparing for the future with succession planning to increasing productivity and profitability with your operations team. There was also a session dedicated specifically to the often confusing but ever-growing phenomena of Social Media. During lunch, participants got to hear from the Automotive Industries’ Association’s President Marc Brazeau as he identified the programs and initiatives the Association delivers to its members and the industry as a whole.