ACROSS CANADA REPORT: Time to Carry On

Early on the morning of September 11, my wife and I called our son Paul to wish him a happy birthday. Sadly, an hour later we realized that this was a birthday he will always remember.

It is tempting to tell you more about my own feelings, but I know that enough has been broadcast and written about that fateful day and the days that have followed. But in the context of the automotive aftermarket, I’m glad to be part of an industry that works hard to keep people mobile during a time when other modes of transportation, particularly air travel, have been reduced. It is important for our manufacturers, our WDs, jobbers and installers to keep doing what they have been doing for so many years.

That was certainly the sentiment of all those who attended the press conference in Toronto, hosted by AIA to kick off the 2002 CIA Show in Toronto which according to organizers will be the best ever. So jobbers, please plan to attend and bring as many of your installer customers as you can, utilizing AIA’s subsidized bus program.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

AIA’s field representative in British Columbia, Lloyd Reynard, says Uni-Select’s Fifth Annual Trade show, held at the Uni-Select Pacific Distribution Center in Burnaby, B.C., was very successful. Brian Miller of Uni-Select Pacific reports that there were 65 booths representing auto parts, PBE, and tool suppliers. About 400 Uni-Select customers, including some from Vancouver Island, the B.C. Interior, and the Vancouver Mainland attended the event.

The AIA British Columbia Division is organizing meetings with bodyshops in the province to make them aware of the new tools that are available to promote career opportunities in the bodyshop industry. The division will use the recently released “Prep for the Future” report and “Art of Learning” CD-ROM to promote the opportunities that exist for young people in the PBE sector.

Peter Gilchrist reports that the B.C. Interior Division has plans underway for a dinner honoring Garret Tanner, formerly with Dayco, and Phil Broderick, formerly with Monroe, who have retired. Gilchrist also reports that UAP/NAPA in Salmon Arm will be opening a branch in Enderby, B.C.

Dave Desmarais, chairman of the Southern Alberta Division, says that 45 golfers attended the Second Annual Earl Corbett Memorial Golf Tournament. The event raised more than $2,200 for scholarships at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Charlie Taylor, chairman of the Atlantic Division, reports that its golf tournament in Moncton, N.B., brought out 135 golfers. As usual it was a nice and sunny day, that finished off with a lobster dinner at which the six winners of the Marion Roberts Scholarships were announced. The division also had plans to participate in trade and technology fairs in Campbellton and Bathurst, N.B. in late October.

Michel Tremblay, regional coordinator for the Quebec Division, announced that the Automotive Forum that was scheduled to take place in November has been rescheduled to be held in February 2002 due to conflicts with other industry events. The new date has yet to be announced.

And, finally, the Ottawa Valley Division, in cooperation with the Ontario Drive Clean Office, will be hosting information sessions for installers interested in opening accredited Drive Clean facilities. As of July 1, 2002, Drive Clean coverage will be expanded to areas east of Toronto, including Hawkesbury, Cornwall, Ottawa, Kingston, and Belleville. The sessions will provide information about the rules of the program and the specific requirements. They will be held in January and February of next year.

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.