Across Canada: Western Excellence Rewarded

Congratulations to the Northern Alberta Division and chairman Sean Corcelli on winning the 1999 AIA Division of the Year Award.

Not only has the division been very active, but it has also increased its membership by 10%. Much credit for the award goes to the division executive members who include: Carl Eskow, Rick Gibson, Darryl Moroz, Grant Wilson, Bruce Whyte, Zara Wishloff, Casey Wnuk, and AIA field rep Doug Dawson.

Also congratulations to the British Columbia Interior Division and the chairman of that Division, Bill Heinrich, for receiving the 1999 Most Improved Division Award. Division executive members include Brian Choboter, Kevin Clegg, Trevor Gilbert, Terry Pollock, Dieter Schuppener, Alan Trudeau, Daryl Utigard, Dennis Wyatt and AIA field rep Peter Gilchrist.

It won’t be long now before the AIA Convention and Trade Show in Montreal. Did you know that you can now register on-line for the show? But even if you aren’t registering, I highly recommend a visit to AIA’s web site at www.aiacanada.com.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

This from Doug Dawson in Northern Alberta: Dwight Stephens of Paddle River Automotive in Barrhead, Alta. has purchased Ft. Saskatchewan BTB in Ft. Saskatchewan. J. Kawczak of Twin Auto Parts in Lacombe, Alta. has purchased Ace Car Klinic Ltd. in Leduc, Alta.

Peter Gilchrist in the B.C. Interior notes that Legna Holdings Ltd. (UAP/NAPA) in Trail, B.C. has joined AIA. The store is owned by Don McLachlan. Another new member is W.L Forestry Supplies Ltd. (UAP/NAPA) in Williams Lake, B.C. Gerry Saini is the owner of that business.

And while everybody is getting ready for the AIA convention and show in Montreal in April, the Interior Division Convention Committee has met with AIA vice-president Bev Cook to discuss various programs and events for the 2001 Convention to be held in Penticton, B.C.

With spring around the corner, the AIA Southwestern Ontario Division has announced its first Spring Classic Golf Tournament to be held May 18 at the Ingersoll Golf and Country Club in Ingersoll, Ont. “This tournament will be the only spring tournament in our area and we are aiming to get 120 golfers out for this event,” says Dave Elliott, the division chairman. All proceeds will go to the Arthur Paulin Aftermarket Scholarship Fund. For further information call Reg Root, Pennzoil-Quaker State, 1-800-263-6200 ext. 513.

The Southwestern Ontario Division will hold its Drive Clean seminar April 5 at Fanshawe College. The featured speaker is John Cochrane of John Cochrane Automotive and the seminar topic is “Real Life Experience with Drive Clean.”

The Central Ontario Division has announced the date of its Summer Gold Classic Tournament. It will be held on June 21 at the Springfield Golf Club in Guelph, Ont. The division held a well-attended University of the Aftermarket seminar in February. The division is also offering members a St. John’s Ambulance First Aid Course.

On March 24, the AIA Atlantic Division is holding its Annual Winter Event in Halifax, N.S. It kicks off with a presentation by Dave Elliott on business practices over the Internet. The afternoon social event includes bowling and cribbage. The day winds up with dinner and entertainment at the Grafton St. Dinner Theatre. The Atlantic Division is establishing an Annual Atlantic Member of the Year Award based on various criteria including participation in AIA events, contributions to the industry, good business practices and the promotion of the Car Care program.

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.