Halifax Nova Scotia–November 8 2010–The Automotive Recyclers of Atlantic Canada got together this weekend for a meeting at the Courtyard Marriott in Halifax Nova Scotia. Nearly all member companies were present and two new ones–Garage Gaetan St-Laurant Inc and Bastarache Auto Salvage Ltd–were voted in.
New ARA executive member Ed MacDonald provided a report on ARA activities and the increased interactive between Canada and the USA.
Steve Fletcher provided a report on the IRT in Quebec City. Delegates were able to watch some of the presentations as they work to digitize and publish all of the content. Members chose the presentation by Rob Wagman vice president of operations wholesale parts division with LKQ Corporation as he told the story of LKQ. This was especially relevant with their recent announcement of the purchase of Cross Canada Auto Body Supplies
Steve Fletcher provided an overview of the Green Parts marketing programs that originated in Ontario that are now available to all ARC Members.
ARAAC has developed a $25000 charitable nest egg through the Car Heaven program. A committee has been established to evaluate donation options and chose several strategies to maximize the awareness of the industry across the four Atlantic provinces.
Other presentations from the meeting included:
- National Code of Practice Audits Patrick McMahon (RYR Auditor)
- ArcelorMittal and Atlantic Canada Scrap Janice Belliveau
- Car-Part Messaging with Interchange (iCPM) and the Mercury Switch Locator Jeff Smith
- Hollander Partsview/Ebay presentation Laurie Woods
- Parts Description Standards and ICAR training Derek Covey
The delegates enjoyed an evening of food and fun on Saturday night at the Waterfront Warehouse.
While it rained all weekend long sometimes torrentially with long travel times–this event was deemed to be the most successful in ARAAC’s history.
“I’ve never heard of an association getting 93% of their members to a meeting” said Steve Fletcher managing director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. “That shows the renewed interest members have in their association and the great things that are happening in our industry.”
