Party in the Prairies: SAAR Spring Conference set for March 21-22, 2025
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan — Mark your calendars for the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) Spring Conference, which will occur at the Temple Gardens Spa in Moose Jaw on March 21 and 22, 2025. Director Tom Bissonnette has confirmed some exciting details of this year’s event, including a one-day training event emphasizing glue pulling as […]
CONSIDERING COMPENSATIONS
Are bodyshops being fairly compensated for paint and body supplies? Column by TOM BISSONNETTE In the intricate dance between insurance providers and bodyshops, a delicate balance is supposed to be maintained. Yet, beneath the surface, a stark reality often emerges—that of bodyshops feeling short changed when it comes to compensation for the materials they utilize […]
Regarding Rates: Saskatchewan bodyshop material rates to remain $6.12 per hour; SGI commits to 6.5 percent paint shop materials increase in 2024
Regina, Saskatchewan —Tom Bissonnette, director of the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) and Terry Beattie, SAAR board member and owner of LB Beattie Autobody, recently met with Saskatchewan Government Insurance Management to discuss bodyshop material (BSM) rates, among other topics. “Bottom line,” wrote Bissonnette in his weekly newsletter to SAAR members. “SGI will leave […]
IS IT TIME FOR A NATIONAL AUTOBODY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM?
Reflections and ponderings on industry enhancement Column by TOM BISSONNETTE More than a dozen years ago, there was a committee at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) headed up by Jay Perry of Ally Business Coaching and Mike Mario of Regina Auto Body. The committee produced a fantastic concept for a National Autobody Accreditation program. […]
Sweet Times in Saskatoon: SAAR hosts Fall Conference and trade show; closes event with karaoke
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Collision repair industry members were in Saskatoon last Thursday and Friday for the annual Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) Fall Conference, which featured the event’s largest ever trade show with more than 200 attendees. Of course, the Collision Repair team was there with our cameras and EV Repair Tour kit. Check […]
Putt Partners: Golf sponsorships still open for SAAR Fall Conference
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Looking to get your name out there and enjoy a round of golf at the same time? The SAAR Fall Conference’s golf tournament is still in need of sponsors as September quickly approaches. The Saskatchewan Association of Autobody Repairers (SAAR) traditionally hosts a golf tournament to kick off its bi-annual conferences and […]
SAAR On Sale: Fall Conference tickets on sale now
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — The time has finally come for you to get your hands on a ticket to the upcoming SAAR Fall Conference, set to run over two days at two beloved Saskatchewan venues. From Thursday’s golf tournament at the Dakota Dunes Resort to Friday’s world class tradeshow at the Prairieland Park conference centre, and […]
ALL HAIL
PDR is coming of age Column by TOM BISSONNETTE I remember the first time I saw a technician performing paintless dent repair (PDR), it was back in the mid 1990s and it was totally mesmerizing to watch the dents disappear by pushing them out from the back side. Then the thought struck me: “What is […]
HERE AND NOW
It’s time for serious change—are you in? Column by TOM BISSONNETTE In the past six years I have seen more change to the collision industry than I ever did in my first 30 years. I am not sure that I would be enjoying the business as much now as I did a short time ago. […]
Headstart on Spring: SAAR Spring Conference set for Feb. 10 to 11 in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan — One thing SAAR is known for is undying dedication to its members across the province of Saskatchewan. Another thing SAAR will now be known for, is a shaky grasp of when seasons are, as the association announced that its Spring Conference will be running from Feb. 10 to 11 in Moose […]
