Hamilton-Area Association Holds 40Th Annual Golf Tourney

More than 80 aftermarket professionals attended the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association’s 40th Annual Golden Horseshoe Tournament, raising funds for a variety of causes, notably the Don McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship, which goes to support automotive studies at Mohawk College.

McLaughlin, owner of Good Turn Ride Centres, was an avid supporter of the industry and a skilled golfer, according to association executive director John Norris.

After the golfing activities for the day, Norris took the opportunity to update attendees on the state of association activities, including participation in forging a voluntary Right to Repair agreement with automakers, helping shops converting to waterborne refinish paints to achieve a new Certificate of Approval in a timely and cost-effective manner, and professional development courses.

“We actually have a Basic Estimating course being held in Mississauga as we are sitting here at dinner.”

Norris says that, despite the constant imperative to get training to the marketplace, there continue to be challenges in getting the word out and building attendance.

“We ran HR seminars on employment law, and we had 10 people. They just don’t get how important it is.”