ARA Events

70th Anniversary Celebration + AGM
2022-09-30 08:00 - 2022-10-03 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, B.C., Canada
Registrations for the ARA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration events are now closed. Join us for the online AGM meeting!
This year’s Annual General Meeting (October 1, 9:00 am – 11:30 am) will be available as an online webinar, allowing members to vote on important matters from the comfort of their home. Please register here: ONLINE AGM

The Automotive Retailers Association is thrilled to announce that on September 30 – October 1, we will be celebrating 70 years of excellence in the automotive industry. We are excited to see you, as we take you Through the Decades. Dust off your golf and dancing shoes and come celebrate the past, present and future with us in Whistler! We invite you to two incredible days of play, inspiration, and connection with fellow ARA members, peers and associates. Together let’s honour 70 years of building support and change for our industry, as we continue to drive the industry to excellence.
We’re excited to celebrate with you, starting at our golf tournament, at the stunning Whistler Golf and Country Club, which is conveniently located near the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa. We have a special rate just for ARA members, so please use the link below to book yourself in before the rooms sell out. Along with our golf tournament fundraiser, we’ll be hosting a gala, casino night, and our pedal car auction as well!
The 70th Anniversary Celebration will be about reflecting on the many years the ARA has been an industry advocate, but also our efforts to grow and push our industry into the future. It will be about connection, engagement and showing you how much we appreciate our community.
Thank you for being the change and continue discovering ways on how we can be industry leaders together. And yes, even leaders need to play and have fun! Don’t hesitate and come on out for an unforgettable time to honour and celebrate the 70th anniversary of this organization that continues to support small and large businesses within the industry.
Event Outline
Friday, September 30
8:00 am – registration opens for the golf game
9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Golf tournament fundraiser
5:00 pm – 11:30 pm – Chairman’s reception & Casino night
– includes cocktails, buffet dinner, dessert tables, coffee/tea
– Casino opens at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 1
9:00 am – 11:30 pm – Annual General Meeting (AGM)
– view the 2022 AGM Agenda
– download the 2021 ARA AGM Minutes
– coffee/tea, muffins served
11:45 am – 1:15 pm – Luncheon & keynote speakers
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm Gala cocktail reception
6:30 pm – Gala banquet
– buffet dinner, dessert station, live music
8:30 pm – Industry awards, Pedal Car Challenge awards, Automotive Retailers Foundation Inc. (ARFI) awards presentations
9:45 pm -11:30 pm – Live music, dancing
All weekend: We invite all attendees to check out the history display of the ARA’s 70 years in business that will be available throughout the event.

**CANCELLATION POLICY**
Guests may cancel their 70th Anniversary Celebration & AGM and Golf Tournament tickets without a penalty in these two instances: 1) if the government issues a formal travel restriction, or 2) if a guest shows a positive Covid-19 test, and a doctor’s note is provided to the Automotive Retailers Association.

Event Sponsors
Thank you to all sponsors for their great support of this event.

Key Event Sponsor

Paul W. Schwartz Law Corporation

2022 Collision/Glass Annual General Meeting & Trade Show
2022-06-10 12:00 - 2022-06-11 18:00 | SHERATON GUILDFORD HOTEL, 15269 104 Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Exhibitor and Attendee Information and Registration
Information and registration is now available for exhibitors, supporters, and attendees. Click the button appropriate for your interest:
EXHIBITOR INFORMATION ATTENDEE INFORMATION

The ARA’s first-ever Collision and Glass Trade Show, June 10/11 2022.
What should have been the second annual Collision and Glass Trade Show is yet another example of the impact the pandemic has had on industry. It does, however, demonstrate the “can do” attitude of the collision and glass industries as they continue to push forward, even when faced with adversity and challenge. In recognition, the ARA is doing its part to provide a forum for the collision and glass community to come together and connect, as well as to see and hear about the latest tools and information to help businesses succeed.
The message is simple, “Industry is evolving, evolve with it.” With the introduction of the ICBC Repair programs, many shops require access to information. Other topics to be discussed are how to gain efficiency, become more profitable, and utilize management systems. This trade show and AGM will provide the chance to be up to date in your specific industry sector. As an added bonus, there will be both glass and collision sectors intermixing, which will be advantageous for all, especially considering the required specialization and expertise related to ADAS.
On Friday evening, June 10, 2022, there will be an industry dinner with bar service. This will be a great opportunity to meet with peers, speak about the common issues and concerns faced by all, and hear from industry experts on how to overcome and even prosper.
Keynote speaker:

Bob Beranek, Automotive Glass Consultants

Both Bob is extremely well known in the auto glass industry and will provide you with a new perspective on how to conduct business.

Accommodation
To book your accommodation, please contact the hotel at 1-800 587-3038 and ask for the ARA block room rate.
Thank you to all sponsors for their great support of this event.

2022 "Women in the Automotive Industry" Event
2022-05-05 18:00 - 21:00 | B.C., Canada
Women account for nearly half of the Canadian labour force, yet they only make up about seven percent of the workforce in the automotive industry. At the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA), we recognize the powerful impact that women make on our industry. With the growing labour shortages, women are also seen as a potentially untapped talent pool to fill vacant positions.
Now, more than ever, women are needed to help drive the automotive sector forward and inspire the change and progressive thinking needed to sustain the industry. To help women overcome some of the barriers to join the industry, such as a lack of exposure to the trades, misunderstandings of what trades jobs entail, or a lack of mentorship programs, the ARA, through its AutoCareersBC program, is excited to be hosting the second annual event, Women in the Automotive Industry, on May 5, 2022.
The goal of this event is to encourage and inspire females to join the automotive industry by showcasing the vast opportunities it offers them. The theme is See the Opportunity, Seize the Opportunity. We want females to see the countless positions and roles available for them in this diverse industry and seize them.
The event will take place in the Element Vancouver Metrotown hotel in Burnaby. The evening will start with a networking cocktail hour where all attendees will have the opportunity to engage and mingle, followed by a panel session of guest speakers talking about the challenges the industry is facing. Those looking to enter the industry will get a chance to meet with industry professionals to discuss what the industry might offer.
Even though the event is primarily dedicated to females interested in the automotive industry and looking for a career change, everyone who is keen on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce within the automotive industry is welcome to attend! Business owners and industry stakeholders are encouraged to join and share their career advice and real-life experiences with those starting in the industry.

Guest Speakers
Cassidy Mceown
Cassidy was born in Okanagan, raised in Enderby, B.C. Cassidy comes from a family of mechanics. The exposure to fixing cars at a young age fueled her passion for collision repair and restoration. She went to A.L. Fortune Secondary School and started her path through the dual credit program at Vancouver Community College, before continuing her studies of auto collision repair program at the Okanagan College. Cassidy also undertook an apprenticeship at Vernon Collision and is currently working with Fix Auto, when not filming the TV show Rust Valley Restorers.
Cassidy is one of the ladies of the Rust Valley crew and she seems quite pleased to have made it there. After four years on the show, she is mainly metal fabrication and bodywork, but also dabs in painting. She is not afraid of defying social expectations, instead, she goes hard after her passion. She has a wealth of knowledge about cars and the automotive industry. Cassidy is s strong believer you should never turn down a good opportunity and continue to chase your dreams.

Murray Voth, president of RPM Training
Being one of Canada’s most knowledgeable experts on the independent automotive service and repair sector, Murray focuses on improving profitability, best practices in management, financial management, systems implementation, human resources, and leadership. Murray has owned and operated automotive maintenance and repair facilities for 20 years. For the past 15 years, he has been dedicated to automotive shop management training and coaching, as well as consulting in leadership, strategic planning, and results management for small businesses.

Mentorship Program
During the event, we will be introducing a mentorship program designed to increase the number of women working in the automotive industry while assisting them with sustainable career development. The goal of the mentorship program will be to connect women with industry leaders who will offer support and advice while encouraging them to develop skills that can help them succeed in their role. The program will be discussed further during the event, but we do accept preliminarily signups upon registration.
REGISTER

Event Sponsors
A big thank you to our generous sponsors supporting this event!
PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Lunch and Learn - Licensed Auto Dealers
2022-04-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Mayfair Lakes Golf And Country Club
Come join the ARA for lunch to network with your industry fellows and learn what your association has been doing on your behalf, such as getting PST exemptions approved on pre-owned ZEVs, and more!
Where
Mayfair Lakes Golf And Country Club
5460 No. 7 Road
Richmond, B.C.
V6V 1R7
(604) 276-0585
When
April 28, 2022, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Advanced registration is required, please RSVP to dejlasabanac@ara.bc.ca

WreckMaster Training Level 2/3 & 4/5
2022-04-22 08:00 - 2022-04-25 17:00 | B.C., Canada
The ARA will be hosting WreckMaster hands-on training courses level 2/3 and 4/5, April 22 to 25 in Delta. This is an excellent opportunity for tow truck operators to upgrade their towing and recovery skills. Sponsoring this event are the ARA members Roadway Towing Ltd. and Mitchell’s Towing Ltd.

Level 2/3: Fundamentals
This WreckMaster course is best for business owners, company managers, trainers, health and safety reps or any career-oriented operators.
During this training, students learn how to:
» Stay safe on scene
» Prevent property damage claims
» Calculate your towing capacity
» Apply towing standards
» Use proper terminology
» Perform basic winching (including the Cruse Loop)
» Apply your new knowledge of resistance to real-life problems
» Earn customer confidence
All attendees receive a Level 2/3: Fundamentals training package with a workbook.

Register

Level 4/5: Advanced Techniques
This WreckMaster course is designed for tow truck operators who wish to update their skills to tackle more complicated and potentially dangerous scenarios on medium and heavy-duty jobs. It’s an especially good fit for company owners, trainers and organizations that work with or train fire and rescue personnel.

During this training, students learn how to:
» Stay safe on scene
» Use advanced towing hook-ups
» Calculate your truck’s lifting capacity
» Rig for a vertical lift
» Anchor your tow truck or carrier
» Tow and recover heavier weight classes
» Upright cars in complex scenarios
» Upright tractor-trailers using single lane parallel methods
» Work effectively on scene with a recovery team
» Improve employee relations and keep customers happy
All attendees receive a Level 4/5: Advanced Techniques training package with a workbook.

Register

ARA Pedal Car Challenge
2022-02-07 08:00 - 2022-07-31 17:00 | B.C., Canada
The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA), through its AutoCareersBC program, and BASF have teamed up for a new and exciting program, the ARA Pedal Car Challenge. The goal of this province-wide event is to encourage youth to consider the automotive industry as a viable career choice.
The automotive industry offers many different career paths that students may be unaware of or have limited exposure to. The purpose of the ARA Pedal Car Challenge is to introduce students to sustainable careers in the automotive trades and provide mentorship.
Each participating school in B.C. has been given an antique pedal car (a human-powered toy car), to design, modify, and paint. The students have also been provided with mentorship and guidance from the ARA’s industry partners (BASF, Color Compass Corporation, and Craftsman Collision). It is intended that this opportunity to design and manufacture a pedal car will help students learn the fundamentals of vehicle design and manufacturing while broadening their understanding of the industry.
To kick-off the event and inspire the schools, three teams of collision repair and restoration professionals took up the challenge of restoring three different pedal cars to extraordinary effect. 360 Collision Centres, P.J. Collision, and the cast of popular TV show Rust Valley Restorers all stepped in, each coming out with a Pedal Car Challenge story of their own. BASF provided the cars designed by 360 Collision Centres and P.J. Collision, including the paint, and Clint Wilson of Ideal Auto Wrecking donated the Rust Valley Restorers’ vehicle. To learn more, check Pedal Car Challenge article in the Collision Quarterly magazine.
Learn more about the ARA Pedal Car Challenge in this digital issue of ARA News. Click the image to start reading.
The completed pedal cars will be displayed and auctioned off during the ARA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration + AGM to help raise funds for the Automotive Retailers Foundation Inc. (ARFI), a program that offers scholarships and bursaries to individuals pursuing a career in the automotive industry.
Participating schools in B.C.:
Frank Hurt Secondary School
W.L. Seaton Secondary School
Brocklehurst Middle School
Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School
Clearview Elementary/Junior Secondary
Quamichan Middle School

Event sponsors:

Consider Becoming a Tow Truck Operator: AutoCareersBC Webinar
2021-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Online, Canada
Many do not realize just how important the role towing and recovery professionals play in keeping our world moving. To learn more and understand the importance of the towing and recovery industry, AutoCareersBC is hosting a free webinar “So you want to be a hero?” on November 2 at 11 am. The industry is filled with heroes and if you have ever wanted a job where you can help people and make a difference, consider becoming a tow truck operator.
Joining us is our guest speaker Chris Logan, owner/operator of Roadway Towing in Delta. Together we will discuss a day in the life of a tow truck operator, challenges and opportunities presented on the job, responding to automotive accidents, traffic management, what a new tow operator can expect to make in their first year, training and education, and—arguably the best part of the job—how to turn someone’s worst day into a positive experience.
Chris Logan has been a towing and recovery professional for over 14 years and the recipient of the prestigious WreckMaster of the Year award in 2019. He is an active supporter of professional training within the towing and recovery industry in Canada.
Webinar participants will get a chance to win a six-hour ride-along with Roadway Towing!
REGISTER

Who is this webinar for?
This webinar will provide valuable information to anyone who is interested in learning more about the towing and recovery industry, including people considering a career change, students choosing their future job, or even novice tow operators who are new to the industry.

AutoCareersBC at Canadian Immigrant Fair
2021-10-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Online, Canada
AutoCareersBC is committed to attract new talents to the automotive industry and help young professionals decide which career path is the right for them. During the upcoming Canadian Immigrant Virtual Fair, job seekers will have an opportunity to stop at AutoCareersBC’s virtual booth and learn more about automotive careers available in B.C.
Mark your calendars and attend the free, all-day Virtual Fair on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28. Click HERE to register!

EVfriendly webinar
2021-10-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, Canada
It is with great pleasure to announce that the long-awaited EVfriendly program is finally here to help automotive industry accommodate the proliferation of electric vehicles. In this webinar, you will learn about the many benefits of shifting your business to electric and how EVfriendly can help you lead the way in this sector and instil trust in your customers.
Offering industry training and certification programs for licensed motor dealers, towing and recovery companies, collision and mechanical repair facilities, and vehicle dismantling and recycling businesses, EVfriendly supports the industry in adopting the biggest technological change of our lifetime. By helping your staff upgrade the skills needed to work on electric cars, EVfriendly builds confidence with consumers driving these vehicles, so they are assured that their car is taken care of by trained and qualified industry professionals.
Introducing the program and answering your questions during the webinar will be Ken Hendricks, senior advisor of the Automotive Retailers Association.
REGISTER

ARA 2021 AGM & Awards Presentations
2021-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Online, Canada
Help us raise funds for Automotive Retailers Foundation

You are all welcome to join us for a fun night in the company of like-minded people and beautiful cars tonight! Together we will recognize long-time ARA members, award Show & Shine winners, announce Outstanding Community Service and Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and raise funds via a virtual live auction in support of Automotive Retailers Foundation Inc. (ARFI).
REGISTER

Check out some of the great prizes you can bid on to help raise funds for the Automotive Retailers Foundation Inc. during the fundraiser on October 7:

Event Sponsors
The ARA thanks all generous sponsors who make this event happen. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Terri Land at events@ara.bc.ca

The ARA is your association and, although not in person this year, the AGM is a way for us all to connect and work towards better future. To help us advocate on your behalf, we need your input and attendance, so please take the time and register now.

3rd Annual Show and Shine - Awards Presentations
2021-10-07 18:30 - 20:00 | B.C., Canada
Public voting in the ARA’s 3rd annual Show and Shine contest is now over. Thank you to all participants. Winners in each category will be announced during the ARA’s Awards Presentations night, held virtually on October 7, at 6:30 PM. You are all welcome join us to spend a great evening in a company of beautiful cars and like-minded people.
See you all there!
REGISTER

CLICK HERE to make a donation to the Automotive Retailers Foundation.

Thank you to Show & Shine sponsors:

First WreckMaster Level 8/9R in Canada
2021-08-18 08:00 - 2021-08-22 17:00 | District of North Vancouver Fire Training facility, 900 St Denis Ave, North Vancouver, B.C., V7J 2G4, Canada
For the first time ever, Canadian tow operators will get a chance to elevate their skill sets to the highest level available without having to cross the border. The first Canadian level 8/9R WreckMaster course is scheduled for August 18 to 22 in North Vancouver Fire Training Centre, B.C.
This five-day intensive course allows its participants to explore the toughest, most dangerous, and unusual recovery situations, while enhancing and practicing their advanced math, critical thinking, and their leadership skills. The program combines classroom and hands-on instructions and its curriculum builds on top of the previous levels 2/3, 4/5, and 6/7 courses.
“The first three days of the 8/9R course include advanced rigging and winching techniques, while the last two days of the training are on rotators,” said WreckMaster lead instructor Bruce Campbell, who will be teaching the August course with his partner Jeff Martin.
The level 8/9 WreckMaster training will be hosted by the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) and sponsored by its members Roadway Towing and Mitchell’s Towing.
REGISTER NOW

AutoCareersBC Webinar: The Ideal Employee
2021-07-21 11:00 - 11:45 | Online, Canada
An employee is only as good as their employer

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so do the skills and qualities of its workforce. The image of today’s ideal employee is very different from that of an ideal candidate 10 years ago, as are the expectations placed on that employee by their employer.
In our third webinar in the AutoCareersBC series, “The Ideal Employee,” we will discuss not only what attributes to look for in a prospective employee, but, more importantly, what an employer should offer to attract and retain the younger generation coming into the industry. In the search for ideal staff, some businesses may forget that an employee is only as good as their employer, so whether an employee enhances their skills at work depends on the environment and level of support they get from their employer.
Sharing his insights on how to bridge the gap between employer’s needs and employee’s expectations will be guest speaker Rick Hatswell, president of Craftsman Collision, an established family-owned business with over 40 auto body shop locations across Western Canada. The goal of this webinar is to provide valuable information for both automotive businesses looking to bring young people into the workforce and job seekers interested in better understanding what they can expect from an automotive career.
REGISTER NOW

AutoCareersBC Webinar
2021-05-26 11:00 - 11:45 | Online, Canada
Women only represent 13.7 percent of the workforce in the automotive industry according to the 2016 Canadian Census. With the labour shortage industry is currently facing, it has never been a better time to open the conversation to both women and men about promoting inclusivity for all.
On May 26 at 11 am, AutoCareersBC will host the webinar, “Change Begins with Us – Women in the Automotive Industry.” As the automotive industry is still predominantly male, this will be a conversation to discuss and identify not only what challenges women are facing coming into industry but also what opportunities are available to them.
“Change Begins with Us” refers to not just women, but also men. In order to break down barriers, we need to bring men and women together to openly engage in finding ways to make the workplace the best it can be and that begins with all of us. Change comes one conversation at a time.
This event is open to everyone: Are you a student wondering what career opportunities are available to you? An employer looking for ways to improve your brand to attract new talent? Someone working in industry that feels they face discrimination? Then please join us!
Our host Dejla Sabanac, ARA industry advisor and AutoCareersBC program coordinator, will be joined by Guest Speakers Chloe Jess and Mike Bocsik to discuss the skills and attributes women bring to industry, the advantages and disadvantages of being a women in industry, the importance of attitude, and what to do if you feel you are being discriminated against.
We look forward to seeing you all there!

WreckMaster Level 4/5
2021-04-14 08:00 - 2021-04-15 17:00 | Clover Towing, 5340-192 Street, Surrey, B.C., V3S 8E5, Canada
Description
Level 4/5: Advanced Techniques gives you the skills needed to tackle medium and heavy-duty jobs the first time, every time. No more near misses or failed attempts.
If you’ve taken the WreckMaster Level 2/3: Fundamentals course and you want to be able to tow and recover in even more complicated and potentially dangerous scenarios, the Level 4/5: Advanced Techniques course is for you.
It’s an especially good fit for company owners, trainers and organizations that work with or train fire and rescue personnel.

Details

Duration: 2 days
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Learn how to:
» Stay safe on scene
» Use advanced towing hook-ups
» Calculate your truck’s lifting capacity
» Rig for a vertical lift
» Anchor your tow truck or carrier
» Tow and recover heavier weight classes
» Upright cars in complex scenarios
» Upright tractor-trailers using single lane parallel methods
» Work effectively on scene with a recovery team
» Improve employee relations and keep customers happy
All attendees receive a Level 4/5: Advanced Techniques training package with workbook.

WreckMaster Level 2/3
2021-04-12 08:00 - 2021-04-13 17:00 | District of North Vancouver Fire Training facility, 900 St Denis Ave, North Vancouver, B.C., V7J 2G4, Canada
Description
The flagship WreckMaster training course, Level 2/3: Fundamentals, focuses primarily on light-duty vehicles, with introductory techniques for medium and heavy-duty work.
Level 2/3: Fundamentals is best for business owners, company managers, trainers, health and safety reps or any career-oriented operators.
Even the most experienced Level 2/3 grads tell us: “I didn’t know how much I didn’t know.”
» Stay safe on scene
» Prevent property damage claims
» Calculate your towing capacity
» Apply towing standards
» Use proper terminology
» Perform basic winching (including the Cruse Loop
» Apply your new knowledge of resistance to real-life problems
» Earn customer confidence
All attendees receive a Level 2/3: Fundamentals training package with workbook.

WreckMaster Level 2/3
2021-04-08 08:00 - 2021-04-09 17:00 | Clover Towing, 5340-192 Street, Surrey, B.C., V3S 8E5, Canada
The flagship WreckMaster training course, Level 2/3: Fundamentals, focuses primarily on light-duty vehicles, with introductory techniques for medium and heavy-duty work.
Level 2/3: Fundamentals is best for business owners, company managers, trainers, health and safety reps or any career-oriented operators.
Even the most experienced Level 2/3 grads tell us: “I didn’t know how much I didn’t know.”
» Stay safe on scene
» Prevent property damage claims
» Calculate your towing capacity
» Apply towing standards
» Use proper terminology
» Perform basic winching (including the Cruse Loop
» Apply your new knowledge of resistance to real-life problems
» Earn customer confidence
All attendees receive a Level 2/3: Fundamentals training package with workbook.

Auto Careers Webinar 1
2021-03-25 11:00 - 12:00
The debut in a series of webinars from AutoCareersBC.ca . The topic for this webinar is, “The advantages of working in an independent automotive repair shop.”
