At the Canada-EU Summit on October 17, 2008 in Quebec City, Leaders agreed to work towards a stronger economic partnership. The first step in that process was completed on March 5, 2009, with the release of the Joint Report on the EU-Canada Scoping Exercise, which provided the basis for an ambitious and comprehensive negotiation. Now, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is canvassing industry, including RAC members, for their views and comments on the opportunities and issues associated with freer trade with the EU.
RAC will be meeting with DFAIT representatives over the summer in preparation for the start of their negotiations which are expected to begin this October. RAC will be consulting with members to assess the market opportunities and risks associated with this FTA. In the meantime, members should notify RAC to discuss in detail key export interests and/or import sensitivities you may have with respect to the EU FTA.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Frank Reeves Receives a Honorary Membership
At the conclusion of the 89th Annual General Meeting, Doug Hamilton presented Frank Reeves, former Vice-President and General Manager of Dayco with a plaque awarding him the distinquished title of "Honorary" Director for his exemplary commitment to the Association, having served twenty years on the board of directors.
2009 Tire Inflation and Attitudinal Survey to be completed by Desrosiers Automotive Consultants
During the summer of 2009, motorists in six major centers across Canada may be asked to participate in a study to measure tire maintenance practices, including tire inflation pressure. Since the late 1990's The Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), has been working hard in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada to educate consumers on the benefits of proper tire inflation pressure, alignment, rotation and tread wear. The "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program has been reaching out to drivers to emphasize the value of proper tire maintenance and its benefits of improved fuel economy and safety. Communications Manager, Gilles Paquette, confirms that a six year old study ''provides a benchmark for us to work from. We signed an unprecedented four year agreement with Natural Resources Canada in 2007. One of our deliverables is this very study which will track our progress over the last 6 years.''
Since the original 2003 study was conducted, The RAC has been carrying the message to consumers across the country.
Desrosiers Automotive, a well known Canadian automotive consultant, has been contracted by the RAC to undertake a major study involving some 1,800 motorists from 6 major Canadian cities. The study will not only measure the level of tire maintenance (tire pressure, tread depth, tire wear, etc), but also capture the level of knowledge and attitudes of the drivers towards tire maintenance. These results will be compared to the original study to measure the changes in absolute terms.
"People are more involved than ever, in actions they can personally take to protect the environment" says Glenn Maidment, President of the RAC, and " it is rewarding to see the tire industry's ongoing commitment to the proper use/maintenance of their products."
The study will be carried out during the summer months and results are expected to be available in late September.
Since the original 2003 study was conducted, The RAC has been carrying the message to consumers across the country.
Desrosiers Automotive, a well known Canadian automotive consultant, has been contracted by the RAC to undertake a major study involving some 1,800 motorists from 6 major Canadian cities. The study will not only measure the level of tire maintenance (tire pressure, tread depth, tire wear, etc), but also capture the level of knowledge and attitudes of the drivers towards tire maintenance. These results will be compared to the original study to measure the changes in absolute terms.
"People are more involved than ever, in actions they can personally take to protect the environment" says Glenn Maidment, President of the RAC, and " it is rewarding to see the tire industry's ongoing commitment to the proper use/maintenance of their products."
The study will be carried out during the summer months and results are expected to be available in late September.
Peter Allen Appointed as Chairman by the RAC Board
The RAC Board of Directors appointed Peter Allen, Director of Commercial Business, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., as the incoming Chair to lead the Association for the 2009-10 year following the 89th Annual General Meeting held on June 17th in Mississauga. Mr. Allen replaces Doug Hamilton, President of Goodyear Canada Inc. who becomes Immediate Past-Chair.
The 2009-10 Board of Directors also includes Robert Hagerman of AirBoss of America Corp., Roch LeBlanc of American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Jim Schmidt, Bridgestone Canada Inc., Dave House, Cabot Canada Ltd., Bernard Gregoire of Hamilton Kent, Greg Bavington, National Rubber Technologies, Marco Zambianchi, Pirelli Tire Inc., and Mario Larose, Waterville TG Inc.
“The Board also wishes to extend its appreciation to Bob Galway for his four years of service to the Board, and his Chairmanship for the 2006/07 year.“
The 2009-10 Board of Directors also includes Robert Hagerman of AirBoss of America Corp., Roch LeBlanc of American Biltrite (Canada) Ltd., Jim Schmidt, Bridgestone Canada Inc., Dave House, Cabot Canada Ltd., Bernard Gregoire of Hamilton Kent, Greg Bavington, National Rubber Technologies, Marco Zambianchi, Pirelli Tire Inc., and Mario Larose, Waterville TG Inc.
“The Board also wishes to extend its appreciation to Bob Galway for his four years of service to the Board, and his Chairmanship for the 2006/07 year.“
2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid Be Tire Smart Mobile Project
After launching its pilot project in July 2008, the Be Tire Smart campaign 'mobile project' is back on the road. Travelling to a variety of community, cultural and automotive related events (car shows and tire dealer events), across Ontario, the mobile project team educates Canadian drivers about the importance of proper tire maintenance and the importance of measuring tire pressure monthly. The goal is to reach as many people as possible through motivating them to change their tire maintenance practices. The mobile project team communicates with event patrons by placing emphasis that tires are often the most neglected parts of a vehicle despite the fact that they are among the most important and easily cared for.
The Be Tire Smart- Play Your P.A.R.T mobile project functions as a narrow cast marketing project in that it reaches a defined target audience (Canadian drivers). The mobile project team disseminates specific and defined key messages to consumer audiences through community based social marketing. Through engaging members of each community that the mobile project visits, residents learn how they can play a part in contributing to a greener future, reduced fuel consumption and much safer roads. It is important to note that when members of a community use resources wisely -by each doing their part- it moves toward sustainability. To promote a more sustainable future, it is essential to know how to encourage individuals and organizations to adopt activities that collectively promote sustainability.
Through a combination of tire education and community outreach, the mobile project team initiates direct, meaningful intercepts with patrons at events, which includes but is not limited to: new parents, university and high school students, (who comprise the newer driver population), seniors, car enthusiasts, automotive industry members and new immigrants, all of whom will need to purchase tires in the future. It is through connecting with individuals on a one-to-one basis that they are given the chance to recognize that by adopting a few simple tire maintenance practices, they as individuals can increase their vehicle's fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, save money and make their vehicle safer.
As the trade association for Canadian Rubber Manufacturers and importers of rubber goods, it is essential that we promote responsible, correct use of our products. Through the effective use of community based social marketing, the Be Tire Smart program also provides significant benefit to industry Stakeholders. Through increased community involvement, industry members express a high level of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly more environmentally and socially aware.
At events, the project team demonstrates how to locate the correct tire pressure on a vehicle and how to measure tire pressure on the Be Tire Smart Hybrid vehicle. In addition to proper tire pressure the patrons are encouraged to:
Have their tires aligned annually.
Rotate their tires regularly.
Monitor tread wear and replace tires when the tire tread is worn out.
Conduct a visual check for embedded stones, glass and other foreign objects that could work their way into the tire and cause a leak.
Free tire pressure gauges and tread wear indicators are also distributed. Event patrons are encouraged to take part in a short tire maintenance survey for the chance to win a set of four new tires (Original Equipment -OE for their personal vehicle). We strongly encourage participation as the information provided serves as an important measure of what people know and what they are doing with their tires.
The Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R.T. campaign is funded by the twelve tire manufacturer company members of The Rubber Association of Canada, in collaboration with the Government of Canada under the leadership of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.
Members who are interested in having the mobile project make a stop at their event or tire service centre this summer, are encouraged to contact Gilles Paquette at 905-814-1714 to request program availability. The Mobile Project will be available until September 30th, 2009.
The Be Tire Smart- Play Your P.A.R.T mobile project functions as a narrow cast marketing project in that it reaches a defined target audience (Canadian drivers). The mobile project team disseminates specific and defined key messages to consumer audiences through community based social marketing. Through engaging members of each community that the mobile project visits, residents learn how they can play a part in contributing to a greener future, reduced fuel consumption and much safer roads. It is important to note that when members of a community use resources wisely -by each doing their part- it moves toward sustainability. To promote a more sustainable future, it is essential to know how to encourage individuals and organizations to adopt activities that collectively promote sustainability.
Through a combination of tire education and community outreach, the mobile project team initiates direct, meaningful intercepts with patrons at events, which includes but is not limited to: new parents, university and high school students, (who comprise the newer driver population), seniors, car enthusiasts, automotive industry members and new immigrants, all of whom will need to purchase tires in the future. It is through connecting with individuals on a one-to-one basis that they are given the chance to recognize that by adopting a few simple tire maintenance practices, they as individuals can increase their vehicle's fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, save money and make their vehicle safer.
As the trade association for Canadian Rubber Manufacturers and importers of rubber goods, it is essential that we promote responsible, correct use of our products. Through the effective use of community based social marketing, the Be Tire Smart program also provides significant benefit to industry Stakeholders. Through increased community involvement, industry members express a high level of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly more environmentally and socially aware.
At events, the project team demonstrates how to locate the correct tire pressure on a vehicle and how to measure tire pressure on the Be Tire Smart Hybrid vehicle. In addition to proper tire pressure the patrons are encouraged to:
Have their tires aligned annually.
Rotate their tires regularly.
Monitor tread wear and replace tires when the tire tread is worn out.
Conduct a visual check for embedded stones, glass and other foreign objects that could work their way into the tire and cause a leak.
Free tire pressure gauges and tread wear indicators are also distributed. Event patrons are encouraged to take part in a short tire maintenance survey for the chance to win a set of four new tires (Original Equipment -OE for their personal vehicle). We strongly encourage participation as the information provided serves as an important measure of what people know and what they are doing with their tires.
The Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R.T. campaign is funded by the twelve tire manufacturer company members of The Rubber Association of Canada, in collaboration with the Government of Canada under the leadership of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.
Members who are interested in having the mobile project make a stop at their event or tire service centre this summer, are encouraged to contact Gilles Paquette at 905-814-1714 to request program availability. The Mobile Project will be available until September 30th, 2009.
Ontario Tire Stewardship ramping up!
Building the infrastructure to handle over 12 million scrap tires annually.
The OTS Program is very quickly ramping up, and it's a good thing too, given the plan becomes operational effective September 1st. The official website www.ontarioTS.ca went live on July 6th which meant OTS could begin accepting registrations from stewards as well as service providers such as haulers, retailers and processors. If you are a steward, that is someone who supplies tires into the Ontario market, then you must register before September 1st and you must file your first remittance to OTS by October 30th, and every month thereafter.
OTS will be conducting a webinar for Stewards the morning of August 20th. We will pass along the details when we receive them, but if you have specific questions, don't wait until the webinar. We strongly urge you to contact the OTS office with your questions. Not only will they likely be able to answer your question on the spot, they are building a FAQ component to the website for commonly asked questions, so your questions will help them to communicate to other stewards.
Aside from building the infrastructure to handle the movement and tracking and processing of over 12 million tires annually, OTS is also building the communication pieces and POS material to help tire dealers explain the new program to consumers. To assist in this endeavor, a sub-committee of tire industry professionals from RAC, Canadian Tire and Wal-mart are working with a PR firm to develop these materials. You should begin to see the results of this effort by the time of the launch.
While there is still very much to do, and doubtlessly still a few missteps to make, it is not too early to thank a number of people and organizations for their immeasurable time, experience and skill to getting OTS where it is today. From the IBM Team: Ed Smith, Bob Ferguson and Nancy Brown-Andison (and a host of others!), Glenda Gies from WDO and Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of OTS. In addition, the OTS Board, always a strength of knowledge and persistence, worked tirelessly to see this through: Eric Gilbert, Usman Valiante, Jen Barbazza, Sarah Webb, Robin Hunter, Doug Hamilton, Philippe Trudel and Glenn Maidment. Equally important, the organizations which allowed, encouraged and enabled these people to participate include, Ontario Tire Dealers Association, Canadian Tire Corp., Walmart, Goodyear Canada, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., Retail Council of Canada and The Rubber Association of Canada.
The OTS Program is very quickly ramping up, and it's a good thing too, given the plan becomes operational effective September 1st. The official website www.ontarioTS.ca went live on July 6th which meant OTS could begin accepting registrations from stewards as well as service providers such as haulers, retailers and processors. If you are a steward, that is someone who supplies tires into the Ontario market, then you must register before September 1st and you must file your first remittance to OTS by October 30th, and every month thereafter.
OTS will be conducting a webinar for Stewards the morning of August 20th. We will pass along the details when we receive them, but if you have specific questions, don't wait until the webinar. We strongly urge you to contact the OTS office with your questions. Not only will they likely be able to answer your question on the spot, they are building a FAQ component to the website for commonly asked questions, so your questions will help them to communicate to other stewards.
Aside from building the infrastructure to handle the movement and tracking and processing of over 12 million tires annually, OTS is also building the communication pieces and POS material to help tire dealers explain the new program to consumers. To assist in this endeavor, a sub-committee of tire industry professionals from RAC, Canadian Tire and Wal-mart are working with a PR firm to develop these materials. You should begin to see the results of this effort by the time of the launch.
While there is still very much to do, and doubtlessly still a few missteps to make, it is not too early to thank a number of people and organizations for their immeasurable time, experience and skill to getting OTS where it is today. From the IBM Team: Ed Smith, Bob Ferguson and Nancy Brown-Andison (and a host of others!), Glenda Gies from WDO and Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of OTS. In addition, the OTS Board, always a strength of knowledge and persistence, worked tirelessly to see this through: Eric Gilbert, Usman Valiante, Jen Barbazza, Sarah Webb, Robin Hunter, Doug Hamilton, Philippe Trudel and Glenn Maidment. Equally important, the organizations which allowed, encouraged and enabled these people to participate include, Ontario Tire Dealers Association, Canadian Tire Corp., Walmart, Goodyear Canada, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., Retail Council of Canada and The Rubber Association of Canada.
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