Across Canada Report: Show and Tell Time

While it seems far off, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada has officially launched its campaign to promote the 2002 Canadian International Automotive Show (CIAS) to be held at the International Centre May 3-5, 2002.

A press conference was scheduled in Toronto in September. The show is focused on training and education and the theme is “Accelerate Your Knowledge.”

The 2002 CIA Show Committee is co-chaired by Frank Reeves, Dayco Mark IV Automotive, and John Vanstone, Specialty Sales. What should be of particular interest to jobbers is that AIA has decided to organize a subsidized busing program to help jobbers in outlying areas get more of their installer customers to the show. The AIA is hoping to attract close to 25,000 people to the show.

Another significant piece of news is that the AIA Annual Convention will be held during the same three days. It’s going to be an action-packed three days, that’s for sure, but it will mean jobbers will be able to spend less time away from the store. The major WDs and buying groups are also planning on holding company meetings during the show.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

Lloyd Reynard, Vancouver Island and British Columbia Division rep, reports that Parksville Auto Parts on Vancouver Island is now a Lordco store. Lloyd says that Ken McLennan continues to manage the operation.

Congratulations to Don Birks, editor of the Southern Alberta Division Quarterly, on another great issue complete with color photographs of the North/South combined golf tournament held in Lacombe, Alberta. The new division chairman, Dave Desmarais, says that during his time as chairman, his goal is to become even more involved with the local technical college, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The college is very active in automotive education and training and has recently added a new building, known as the Clayton Carroll Automotive Building. “This will further enhance SAIT’s capabilities to train more technicians and automotive trades people,” Desmarais says.

Former AIA chairman John Baragar is chairman of the automotive aftermarket fund-raising committee for SAIT. Anyone who wishes to make a financial contribution or offer support in other ways is asked to contact him at the UAP/NAPA office in Calgary, (403) 212-4600.

AIA vice-president Marc Brazeau attended a recent Southern Alberta Division meeting to review AIA programs and services.

Here is our first report from Cor Verbeek, who is the new field representative for the Southwestern Ontario Division. Cor notes that Ideal Supply has purchased the UAP/NAPA stores in Woodstock and St. Mary’s. Also, Len Ryerse, a UAP/NAPA associate in Tillsonburg, has purchased the UAP/NAPA store in Ingersoll. The division is planning a one-night garage management course provided by John Cochrane of Cochrane Automotive in October. Cor retired from Quaker State last year, and prior to that worked for Fenco, where his son Rob still works.

The Quebec Division reports that the results of Phase 2 of the vehicle emissions program, “Un Air d’Avenir,” has been presented to the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. Members have participated in the inspection of about 7,000 light duty vehicles in all parts of the province as well as 2,000 heavy-duty vehicles at 14 inspection centres. AIA members who have invested time, money and equipment into the project include UAP/NAPA, Uni-Select, Carquest, Entrepot de Montreal, Vast-Auto, Canadian Tire and equipment manufacturers Sun Snap-On, ESP and SPX.

Don’t forget AIA’s Sixth Annual Automotive Forum in Toronto, November 4. You can register online on AIA’s Website, www.aiacanada.com.

Before I forget to remind you, October Is Car Safety Month. Take advantage of the promotion material from AIA.

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.