ACROSS CANADA REPORT: THE CONVENTION IS COMING!

Time marches on. There are roughly three months to go until the AIA Convention kicks off on May 30, 2001 in Penticton, B.C.

By now, the AIA members among you will already have received your convention registration with a brochure that outlines the program and other details.

The business sessions with topics like “Aftermarket Access to OBD II Information,” “Succession Planning,” and “Aftermarket Challenges and Opportunities” are bound to capture your interest. The social program definitely looks inviting and so does the pre-convention optional golf tournament at the Fairview Mountain Golf Club in Oliver, B.C. The optional tour that includes a visit to Lost Moose Lodge and a helicopter flight up Ellis Creek Canyon also sounds appealing.

I have traveled parts of the South Okanagan and those who haven’t will definitely love the area and learn why the sign says “Welcome to Penticton, A Place to Stay Forever.” While most of you won’t take them up on the offer, this convention is definitely a good excuse for Easterners to visit this beautiful part of the country and to tack on a little vacation time, too.

In other association initiatives, the AIA has revised the Waste Management Guidelines Manual. It has significantly more information about cost savings that can be achieved through reducing, reusing and recycling wastes. It also features comprehensive summaries of substantial changes to provincial and federal regulations, related web site addresses and much more.

Also, AIA has partnered with Training Solutions to launch an installer management program as part of its “Business Development 2001 and Beyond” program. Information brochures are available from AIA or you can call Cliff Young at Training Solutions at (905) 624-0066.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

Rod Webb, the Southern Alberta field representative, notes that the Earl Corbett/AIA Scholarship Fund Raising effort is in full swing. The division is hoping to raise $10,000 this year toward the endowment fund, with an ultimate goal of $30,000. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology will administer the fund which allows the division to offer a tax receipt for contributions of $10 or more.

And speaking of training and scholarships, Peter Gilchrist in the B.C. Interior informs us that the province has committed to doubling apprenticeship training in B.C. over the next few years, making certain that apprentices can qualify for financial assistance through scholarships and grants. That, of course, includes automotive aftermarket apprenticeship programs.

Doug Dawson in Northern Alberta reports that after many years in the wholesale business Dick Wells, Bumper to Bumper, Edson, Alta., has sold his store to Glacier Ridge Automotive in Valemount, B.C. Dick is retiring. Doug also reports that the Auto and Industrial Bumper to Bumper organization has purchased Lloydminster Bumper to Bumper from Ron Smith. The store will be run by Phil Hauck.

Harold Nichols reports from Richmond, B.C., that Shawn Boyd of Kenmac Parts in Gibsons recently sold his branch in Sechelt to Brian and Judy Watson. They will be operating as an AIA member under the name of J.B. Auto Parts.

The Central Ontario Division of AIA is kicking off the year with a meeting February 28 at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Toronto. Automotive guru Dennis DesRosiers is the guest speaker. The topic: Industry Trends.

And finally, the Atlantic Division will be holding its Winter Event March 23 in Halifax. The event consists of a luncheon, an afternoon of bowling topped off by an evening at the Grafton St. Dinner Theatre. A fun-filled day, to be sure.

Correction: I have been advised that Eion Wotherspoon is the store manager at the Lordco Parts store in Kamloops, not Jamie, as reported in my December column. Eion is a former manager of the Richmond location and he has been with Lordco for 20 years.

Note: If you have any information to contribute to this column please call Bob Blans at (905) 844-8616, Fax (905) 844-8731, E-Mail to blans@ibm.net or write to Across Canada Report c/o Jobber News Magazine, 1450 Don Mills Rd., Don Mills, ON M3B 2X7. In addition to AIA Division activities we are interested in hearing from you about the opening of a new business, change of ownership, expansions etc.