ACROSS CANADA REPORT: Division of Labor

Although AIA has always been a strong national organization representing its members from coast to coast, one of the priorities of the association’s new chairman, Peter Tekker, is more involvement with AIA divisions and encouraging them to play a bigger role in the decision-making process.

He intends to work with the divisions to implement new programs and services, including a government relations grassroots lobbying program and new education and training programs.

AIA will also strive to have more representation from various parts of the country on its committees through the use of conference calls.

Although many of the division chairmen will continue into the second year of their two-year term, there are some new faces at the helm in some provinces. Newly elected division chairs who are also directors of the association include Jack Tatchell from Northern Auto Parts Ltd. in North Battleford Sask. He will chair the Saskatchewan Division. Dave Desmarais from Blue Streak in Calgary, Alberta will chair the Southern Alberta Division. Jeff Clark from Doug’s Truck and Automotive Inc. in Manotick, Ont., will chair the Ottawa Valley Division, and Charlie Taylor from Grote Canada will chair the Atlantic Division.

NOTES FROM AROUND

Peter Gilchrist, B.C. Interior Division representative, reports that Rick Anderson, general manager of Miller & Wyatt, and Mark Schuppner, manager of the Pandozi Machine Shop, both located in Kelowna, made an excellent “Opportunities Unlimited” presentation to 27 students of School District 23 in April. He notes, too, that Lorne Tippe, owner of the UAP/NAPA store in Kamloops, has taken over the United Auto Parts Distributor store in Kamloops and will operate that location as a branch store. Trevor Gilbert, UAP/NAPA Armstrong, B.C., has acquired the UAP/NAPA store in Sicamous, B.C. which will become the fourth store in the chain. Gilchrist further reports that Lordco took seven busloads of customers in the Okanagan Valley to its annual show in Vancouver.

Lloyd Reynard, Vancouver Island and B.C. Division, reports that Bruce Pridge, Kirk Auto Parts Campbell River Ltd., has purchased Kirk Auto Parts (Courtnay) Ltd. Brian Williams who owned the Courtnay store passed away last year.

Scott McKenzie, chairman of the Southwestern Ontario Division, along with his committee is hoping to organize a garage management course for the fall. The main concern is sufficient participation. He urges anyone interested in participating or promoting the course to call him at his office at Dana Canada, (519) 842-9526.

AIA vice-president Marc Brazeau has announced the appointment of Stewart Anderson as the new field representative for the Saskatchewan and Manitoba Divisions. He takes over from Cy Russell.