Across Canada Report: On the Way to the Forum?

If you haven’t registered for the 7th Annual AIA Aftermarket Forum to be held at the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto on November 21 you had better do so now. It has been close to a sell-out during the last couple of years.

As has been pointed out in previous columns, the speakers are top-notch, including Temple Sloan, founder, chairman and CEO of General Parts, Inc., who will speak in defense of three-step distribution. Others include Dr. Michael Graham, who will give his report card on the economy; Kathleen Schmatz, executive vice-president of AAIA (AIA’s U.S. counterpart), who will speak on brand trends; and a panel of car dealers who will discuss industry trends and look at the “Dealer of the Future.” Don’t miss this one. About 200 people attend the day-long event. You can register online at www.aiacanada.com or call association headquarters at (613) 728-5821.

Claude Robitaille, the Quebec Division coordinator, reports the division is planning its own Automotive Forum to be held March 8, 2003, in Drummondville, Que. It will focus on training and career development.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

On a personal note I was saddened, as I’m sure many of you are, by the news that former AIA chairman Pat Gorman has been ill with lung cancer. The latest report I received from his son Dan was that he was coping well and his spirits were good. In a statement to AIA members in the September issue of AIA Express, AIA president Ray Datt said, “I know your hearts and prayers go out to Pat, as do mine. Pat has indicated he would love to hear from some of his friends and colleagues in the aftermarket. Pat’s address is 9002-122 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8X 1N2. His email address is psgorman1@hotmail.com.

AIA has launched two new correspondence courses. One is the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Clear Language GuideBook that provides the most up-to-date information on TDG changes. The other is a course on Environmental Management Solutions. The course is designed to help Canadian automotive aftermarket companies that generate, handle, store, and arrange for disposal of their wastes.

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 rblans@sympatico.ca 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.