Our corporation is implementing a new strategy aimed at making joining this collision shop owner association even more attractive.

We are currently forging partnerships with a number of suppliers of equipment, collision materials and specialised services so that our members can benefit from attractive discounts. Our primary objective is very simple: to make becoming a member of the Corporation des carrossiers professionnels du Québec (CCPQ) a profitable operation for collision shop owners.

The work of the corporation has always been, and will continue to be, to defend the interests of its collision shop owner members and to push constantly for their remuneration to be commensurate with the quality of their work and the value of their investment in training and equipment. The CCPQ has made a number of gains in this area over the years.

This new approach is designed to deliver immediate and ongoing benefits to our members. What’s more, the CCPQ, in developing these agreements for the benefit of their members, is targeting key positions that were constantly raised during our conversations. For example, our corporation is working to establish agreements with specialist firms that could give our members a serious helping hand while offering them an economic incentive. Among other things, our collision shop owners are asking for solutions to find the skilled labour they need, and we want to give them a helping hand.

The same applies to the supply of materials and equipment. Anything that can increase our members’ profit margins will undoubtedly be appreciated. Since the CCPQ represents a large number of collision shop owners, many suppliers will be interested in offering them discounts on the purchase of their goods and services. We will notify our members as and when these agreements come into force.

Thank you Evlyn

I can’t end this column without mentioning the departure of our colleague Evlyn Lagacé, who has been involved with the Corporation for over 20 years. As coordinator, she has been at the forefront of all our projects and at the heart of the organisation of our operations and events.

Over the years, Evlyn has been an unfailing ally not only for the Corporation, but for all the collision shop owners in our organization. An essential pillar and a remarkably versatile resource person, she has always supported us with professionalism and commitment in the most complex matters.

With a university degree in Business Sciences, she returns to her studies, this time in Applied Computer Science, a course that will undoubtedly lead her to new achievements.

I would like to thank her, personally and on behalf of all our members, for all her years of dedication.