Good morning everyone!


On Tuesday April 20th SAAR sponsored a Lunch & Learn to showcase the Estimate Scrubber application that can help your shop identify all the line items you are entitled to charge while at the same time giving you advice what not to put on your estimates so that you do not get rejections from the Image Desk.

One new feature of Scrubber is an ad on called Scrubber Wiki named after the information site Wikipedia. Essentially this ad on allows users to see and enter general or specific repair information on the vehicles they have scrubbed. Users can now access the knowledge of all Scrubber users to help them complete jobs by accessing other users’ experience.

You can check out the video of the webinar here.


If you want to check out Estimate Scrubber for a free one-month trial, you can email me at dir@s-a-a-r.com.


Swift Current SGI accredited collision business for sale

This progressive business has made all the investments and has met the requirements of the SGI SQARP program. It’s a profitable business with growth potential. There is strong evidence that supports the fact this business is well positioned to take advantage of the changes in the collision industry in the Swift Current market.

Ideal as a second location for a progressive repairer and equally attractive to an individual working in the collision industry in the region.

Owners are looking to retire. Building is available for lease or purchase.

Contact Larry Jefferies at Collision Builders – 
1-905-317-9066 larry@collisionbuilders.com 


Be sure to check out our website’s Buy & Sell posting board.


On Thursday, April 22nd Mitchell hosted a Diagnostic Workshop highlighting their Bosch Scan tool and a live demonstration of the TS21 ADAS recalibration unit. Well worth the time to watch the video here.


Donald Cooper does a regular Blog and his latest one “Have you created a vacuum of uncertainty at the top of your biz or dept?” has a great tool that you can download here to help you develop clarity at every level of your business.


We are thrilled to announce our next Elite Webinar featuring Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice and Jake Rodenroth from asTech on Tuesday, April 27th at 10 AM CDT!

  • WHY you can’t just rely on DTC’s when pre-scanning the vehicles,
  • Insights on calibrations
  • The differences between OEM and Aftermarket Scan tools
  • Mike and Jake’s secrets to success if you are having issues getting reimbursed from third-party payers

Sign up for free here.


FIRST AID KIT RISK ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

Earlier this month the province announced the new Saskatchewan OHS Regulations came into law. As part of the new regulations Saskatchewan employers are now required to complete a workplace first aid kit risk assessment that meets the CSA Z1220-17 standard.

MSA has developed a template that meets CSA Z1220-17 standard requirements. The template clarifies the entire process and includes a completed first aid kit risk assessment. For a copy of the template click here: MSA First Aid Kit Risk Assessment CSA Standard

MSA will be hosting a training webinar on how to use the First Aid Kit Risk Assessment template on April 28th at 8:30 am. For more information or to register click here: Training Webinar Registration


SAAR is currently in discussions with SGI to incorporate vehicle test drives into our standard repair processes. Many of you are doing them right now at no charge and that is the right thing to do. Some of you simply are not performing them and that could be a problem.


You might want to download a waiver form that Frank Terlep sent me, it may not help if there is a serious issue, but it may cover your backside in certain situations. You can access the form here.


Steve Marks of I-CAR Demonstrates MIG Brazing During SEMA 2019

Great video of MiG Brazing at 2019 SEMA Show 


You’re invited to sign up to Canbaba here!

Canbaba is a brand new all Canadian bulk wholesaling marketplace where you can easily list, buy and sell wholesale equipment, supplies and inventory.

Suppliers: sign up to create your free virtual business storefront and unlimited product listings. Just set your minimum order quantity.

Shops: sign up to create your free buyer account to shop, compare and easily buy Canadian wholesale products.

Join Canbaba here now!


The ARA Group Benefits plan has proven to offer significant savings and stable renewals. The association group plan is insured by Sun Life and is one of the largest in Canada, covering over 3,000 employees and their families. All revenue generated by the plan is used to support the automotive industry through the ARA.

 What is the difference of an association plan? The ARA employee benefits plans are self-administered by the association which runs as a not for profit. This means that members of the plan can use more plan for less cost than any other plan available outside of the association. For example, the ARA can obtain a target loss ratio (TLR) of 85%. This is 15-20% higher than most employee benefits plans offered in Saskatchewan.

 What is a target loss ratio? It is essentially the percentage of premiums paid that can be used towards benefits. Most plans offer a TLR of 70%, while the other 30% goes to administration costs, commissions, etc. Since ARA self-administers, it can increase your TLR by 15% meaning employees can use more of the plan without the worry of seeing an increase in premiums the following year.

 What does this all mean for SAAR members? Well to start, it is the opportunity to participate in one of the largest, longest running and most stable association plans in Canada. You have the chance to get more out of your group benefits plan while saving money along the way. So far, we have seen a 5-25% savings in premiums along with many improvements to current benefit plans. We encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity.

 How do I get on the plan? First, we would gather information and supply you with a quote. We will provide you with a comparison if you currently have a plan. We will also help you to analyze your plan to ensure you have the coverage you and your employees need. If you feel satisfied, we will implement the new plan the following month. If you wish, getting a quote is free and only takes about 10 minutes out of your day to supply us with the proper information.

If you wish to obtain a free quote and comparison, please feel free to contact one of our team members and we will happily help.

We look forward to working with you!

Leslie DeBoice                         Lee Campbell                             Ken Campbell

306-649-4000 x.111               306-649-4000 x.104               306-649-4000 x. 103

leslie.deboice@sunlife.com  lee.campbell@sunlife.com  ken.campbell@sunlife.com