The Spring 2023 Tracker is here!

Feb 6, 2023

Spring (not that far away) is a time of renewal, a theme that runs through the latest edition of The Tracker.

As always, this issue is filled with useful and pertinent information.  However, we’re also pleased to present a remarkable feature that underscores what can happen when smart minds come together in the world of used tire recycling.

Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) and  partners have transformed Nanaimo’s waterfront Maffeo Sutton Park into “an inclusive and accessible space for children of all ages and abilities …with a focus on active play and engaging sensory experiences.” We think you’ll find it a fascinating read, especially as pour-in-place-rubber (from 3,260 recycled tires) was used to replace the former gravel surface. If you’ve ever wondered if collecting and shipping all those used tires is worth it, be sure to read ‘Play for All’!

There’s more of course, including the return of our popular golf tournament, as well as info on the upcoming WCTD Annual General Meeting, to be held in Kelowna (bring your clubs!). Safety Corner (contributed by safety experts Leigh-Ann Stewart and Debra Haldane) is back, with helpful hints about your safety program, while Federated’s Chris Leahey outlines how to set up an emergency contacts list.

Check it out for ideas on how to hire and keep good techs, service tips from TIA, who’s on the move in the industry—and plenty more.

Spring may not quite yet be here. But The Spring Tracker will get you in the mood!

Download your Spring Tracker Today!

WCTD Golf is Back!

Jan 22, 2023

Image by drobotdean on Freepik

The association is thrilled to announce that we are proceeding with a WCTD charity Golf Tournament, to be held on June 25th at the Stony Plain Golf Course, in Stony Plain Alberta. The Charity we will be supporting will be the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The foundation is working to establish a potentially larger, dedicated children’s hospital and care space for children and families from the Edmonton area, northern and central Alberta, as well as for children from across Western Canada. If you’re in the area, and in the industry, please make plans to join us for what promises to be a fun day of golf and camaraderie, all in aid of a really good cause. 

Date: Sunday June-25, 2023; Registration: 9:00am. Start time / Check in time 8:00am. Location: Stony Plain Golf Course, 18 Fairway Drive, Stony Plain, AB, Format: 4 Golfer Best Ball

The cost for golf and dinner is $140.00 per person (dinner only $35.00 per person.)

Fees Include: Green Fees for 18 holes / Power Cart / Steak Dinner / Prizes
Eligibility: Open to all tire dealers, their staff, families, customers and industry suppliers.

Please consider becoming a sponsor for this important fundraiser. You can download complete sponsorship info here, and sponsorship registration here. To register your company foursome for the tournament, click here.

See you this June at Stony Plain!

 

 

Download the Winter Tracker!

Nov 24, 2022

Your Winter Tracker is brimming with useful news and topical views. We’re thrilled to introduce our new, regular column: Safety Corner, which is contributed by well known safety experts Leigh-Ann Stewart and Debra Haldane, the people behind Simply Safe. In this issue they discuss how to properly handle a visit from your provincial Health & Safety officer and, a bonus, Haldane offers up excellent advice on how to prepare your fleet and staff for winter driving conditions.

The future belongs to our youth—which is why WCTD is particularly proud of its Scholarship Program. Meet the group of this year’s accomplished recipients on pages 10-11.

How secure are your premises? Are they properly protected to deter theft and damage? Chris Leahey of Federated Insurance has some solid ideas to pass on. (Page 26-27).

There’s more, of course, from details on the newly approved credit card surcharge to why it’s crucial to properly maintain your sensitive diagnostic equipment. All this, plus notes from president Tim Hollett and executive director Ray Geleta. And a heads up to ‘Save the Date’ for this spring’s AGM, to be held in Kelowna!

Download the Winter Tracker today!

Winter Tracker 2022 cover

North Country Tire Extends its Customer Experience to Manitoba

Aug 9, 2022

Aug 1st marked the opening of NCT’s fifth warehouse aimed at supporting expansion into the Winnipeg market

North Country Tire (NCT), an Edmonton-based wholesale distributor of quality tires announces its newest commitment to expanding Western operations. The 50,000 sq ft warehouse in Winnipeg, MB represents an extension of NCT’s commitment to excellence in their customer experience from BC through to MB.

NCT’s newest distribution centre is strategically located at #3, 200 Discovery Place, Winnipeg MB, R3C 2E6 and will begin operations on July 1st. The opening will give customers in MB the opportunity to evaluate NCT’s service in the slower summer months, giving them the confidence to rely on consistent deliveries as the industry moves into the winter rush. “In a supply chain where there are many choices, we know consistency plays a key role in the customer experience. Because of that, we want to give Winnipeg customers the chance to test us before the busiest time of year. We want to earn their trust and demonstrate that we’ve got their back when it’s the experience of their customer on the line.” Jared PW – Vice President, NCT

Rapid Expansion

In seven years from the doors first opening in Edmonton, North Country Tire has quickly expanded to become one of Western Canada’s favourite regional suppliers. Now represented in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta and Kelowna, and Langley, BC; NCTs Winnipeg location showcases the commitment to being a Western Canada-wide provider of leading customer experience “Customer experience drives decision making in our family business, it always has. I personally invite local shops to try us out and experience our tires-simplified approach firsthand.” Cory Davis – CO, NCT

About NCT

North Country Tire is a locally owned and operated Canadian business, with a head office in Edmonton, Alberta. Established in 2015 by Cory and Chad Davis, NCT represents the Davis brothers’ first tire distribution centre, but not their first foray into tires. The family legacy started with their father, Clint, who gave the boys a deep education on the value of customer experience early in their development. A core value that remains at the forefront of NCT’s commitment today.

 www.northcountrytire.ca

On the Road Again! Shifting into ‘Normal’

Jun 9, 2022

This issue of The Tracker sees us all finally getting things back up to post-pandemic speed.

First and foremost, president Neal Shymko bids us a fond ‘adieu’ as he passes the gavel to incoming president Tim Hollett. However, says Shymko, “I’ll still be here and I will continue to represent you as past president and I look forward to working with our board members to do all that we can for the Association and for you, our members.”

The Summer Tracker is packed with valuable information to help you run your business successfully and safely, especially during this busy selling season. On that note, you’ll find an update on the return of the WCTD Safety Committee, with plenty more to come. We encourage you to let us know of any issues you’re encountering so that we may bring them to the committee’s attention.

Somewhat related, we urge you to read the special bulletin from the Motor Safety Association on the Dangers of Mounting Mismatched Rims and Tires. Also, don’t miss an important Federated Insurance communiqué on Preventing Electrical Fires. You’ll find also a Federated update on generally what’s been happening in insurance in our industry.

There’s also one more reminder to make sure all the necessary information on the WCTD Scholarship Awards is circulated to those who qualify. This year’s deadline for submissions is August 15th.

There’s plenty more in the latest issue of The Tracker, including a glance back at that most remarkable of cars, the Citröen DS.  Read up on what’s happening with your association. Download your copy today!

Federated Risk Insights: Battery Fires

Oct 28, 2020

Some common ignition sources for fires can occur when vehicles and equipment experience electrical malfunctions at service centres and repair shops. Highway motor vehicles, marine vehicles, recreational vehicles and equipment all contain various electrical components, such as batteries, cables and wiring, power generators and electronic control units. In a matter of minutes, your property could be engulfed in a fire as the flames from a vehicle encounter other highly combustible material as a result of ignition from an electrical source.

Real life scenario: A customer brings in a vehicle — with no immediate visible issues — to a repair shop. Later, the vehicle catches on fire and the fire extends throughout the building causing property damage. After a thorough investigation, it is discovered the cause of the fire was electrical in nature, due to the battery cable from a charger being left on all night. Charging electrical systems can build up heat, especially if damaged or if safety components like fuses fail. This heat build-up can cause components to melt and eventually ignite combustible material or even cause explosions.

Read about what precautions to take, how to protect your business and prevent life-threatening injuries here.