Across Canada: On the Way to the Forum

Although registrations for AIA’s 2000 Aftermarket Forum are steadily coming in, chances are that by the time you read this you will still be able to participate.

The Forum’s focus is “Perspectives and Expectations, Illusions and Realities.” It will be held at the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto November 22. As previously noted, it will feature top-notch speakers including well-known automotive guru Denis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Research, aftermarket veterans Lou Merz, Delphi Automotive Systems, and Gene Gardner, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, as well as researcher Richard Cooper, J.D. Power and Associates.

All of these people will reflect on the state of the present and the future of the automotive aftermarket. The accompanying E-Business Mini-Trade Fair makes it an event that you don’t want to miss. To register call Mireille Schippers at 1-613-728-5821 ext. 226, or you can email her: mireille@aiacanada.com. There is room for about 200 participants and close to that number of people have participated in the past.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

Harold Nicholls, Vancouver Island and British Columbia rep, reports that the Monk McQueens Western Automotive Aftermarket 2000 Invitational Golf Tournament held in August was a resounding success, raising approximately $50,000 in aid of children with disabilities, and for the first time some of the funds will go to prostate cancer research. Major sponsors of the event include Lordco Auto Parts and Monk Queens Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar. Lordco’s Doug Coates and former aftermarket personalities Gary Cooper and Stan Kingshot were MCs. About 150 golfers from all over Canada took part. Jobber News was proud to be one of the many sponsors.

Doug Dawson in Northern Alberta reports that the Northern Alberta Division kicked off a membership blitz at its September golf tournament by having an AIA information booth at the tournament. The blitz will continue this fall with members of the division executive calling on a number of prospective members.

And this from Michel Tremblay in Montreal: AIA’s Quebec Division president Michel Bourgeois has announced that it will be holding two division meetings, one in Montreal, November 19, and one in Quebec City, December 6. The meetings are designed to better acquaint AIA members with the issues that currently confront the automotive aftermarket. He says a strategic alliance will be established with the Montreal Booster Club and Quebec City’s ARMA to increase participation. The division will promote AIA to members and prospective members.

AIA updates: On September 1, AIA officially submitted its brief in support of Broad Based Tax Relief, Targeted Tax Relief, and Debt Reduction Strategy to the Clerk of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. It addresses the impact of the high cost of tools, the tool tax, the impact of technology, and shortages of skilled labor. AIA has also requested to appear before the committee in October. Also AIA and CARS scheduled a meeting with the Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance for September 12 to discuss Bill C-205, which calls for the deduction of expenses incurred by a mechanic required in his or her employment.

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.