The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced today that the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) has become its newest affiliate association. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, HARA becomes the second active Canadian affiliate of SCRS, joining the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) in British Columbia.
Focused on collision repair-related issues in the Hamilton area, HARA has experienced rapid growth in membership and service in other parts of the province where it uses the name Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA).
"The variety and scope of HARA services is unique," says SCRS Chairman Barry Dorn. "They provide standardized, professional online and classroom education on many different subjects, including vocational training. The group actively facilitates trade apprenticeship, and next year will begin to share information, tools and training with the Canadian vehicle manufacturers and importers in their national trade association. The differences in how HARA operates will certainly make an interesting addition to SCRS, but it is the similarity in our focus that makes the affiliation such a good fit."
HARA similarly anticipates the perpsective and expertise of SCRS membership to complement its own.
"The grassroots issues that SCRS addresses are key to the future success of the industry," says HARA Executive Director John Norris. "The opportunity to dialogue on a regular basis with other SCRS association affiliates from other jurisdictions is invaluable in providing solid hands-on information regarding programs on which others have worked. Their ideas and experience can help us ensure we follow their success and learn from their cautions."
With the addition of HARA, SCRS’ reach now extends to Canada’s most populous province.
"It’s exciting to have members in both the eastern and western parts of our neighbor to the north," says SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "Much opportunity is created when the industry is viewed from a more global perspective, and undoubtedly we will be exposed to new concepts, approaches, and efforts that can help our members and our profession move forward. It is an exciting opportunity for the SCRS network to cover a greater portion of North America, and we are exceptionally pleased to welcome HARA aboard."
More information:
• Society of Collision Repair Specialists
