By Michael Raine
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — June 13, 2011 — The Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada (ARAAC), in conjunction with the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC), held its annual members on June 11 and 12 in Charlottetown, PEI. Just fewer than 100 people from across the region attended representing 35 companies.
Everyone got together Friday evening before the official start of the conference for a pub night put on by Jeff Miller Auto Parts and Covey’s Auto Recyclers and Trevor Kingsbury of Wholesale Auto Parts Warehouses. Everyone had a great time over food and drinks and burst into celebration when Maxim Lapierre scored late in third period to give the Vancouver Canucks a lead in the Stanely Cup finals. In typical maritime fashion, the mood was jovial and there were many laughs.
Following a members meeting on Saturday morning, ARC’s Steve Fletcher gave an update on the national associaiton as well as updates on the National Code of Practice, the Retire Your Ride program, the Switch Out program, and other national initiatives.
One highlight was a presentation of Dave Schandor from Marshall Auto Wrecker on “100 ways to improve your auto recycling business.” Among his many suggestions and tips, Schandor spoke about the importance of maintaining a clean, professional looking facility and inspecting all parts thorough and constantly. Schandor also advised recyclers to make the return process as painless as possible for customers because a happy customer is a regular customer.
Other presentations included Jeff Smith of Car-part.com on “The Importance of Communication for Auto Recyclers,” Janet Taylor of Summerhill Impact on “Switch Out and the CSPA's Mercury Free Buying Policy,” and Michael Hoeher of Recyclers Source speaking about “Profitability in the Least Expected Areas.”
Gloria Mann from Media Matters spoke about how Canadian Auto Recyclers and Collision Repair magazines are serving the auto recycling industry through their print publications, websites, weekly e-zines, and events.
Also on Saturday, a “best suggestions” contest was held and Ed Macdonald of Maritime Auto Salvage won with his suggestion of “listen to your staff.” He took home $100 plus bragging rights for his insight.
There was an outstanding lobster dinner on Saturday evening at the Lobster on the Wharf restaurant. You can see photos of the dinner in our photo gallery here.
On Sunday, Harvey Livingston and the folks at Island Auto Supply in Charrelottetown hosted a yard tour of their facility.
The conference was sponsored by ArcelorMittal – Scoudouc, Car-Part.com, Impact Auto Auction, John Ross & Sons, Monidex Distribution, and Wholesale Auto Parts Warehouses.
