Gearing up for Fall – and more – in the latest Tracker

Aug 1, 2023

With Summer in full swing, we hope everyone’s enjoying their vacation and having a safe and smoke-free season. For your reading pleasure, as Fall is right around the corner, the latest Tracker is ready for download.

Between the covers you’ll find plenty of news, including a report on WCTD’s very successful (now again annual) Alberta golf tournament, which took place in late June and raised significant funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

On a very sad note, we say farewell to our great friend and long-time supporter Wayne Budge, of Federated Insurance, who passed away on June 12th.

The height of summer can bring an array of challenges, including extreme temperatures that can be a danger to outdoor workers. We urge you to read the piece from the folks at Simply Safe (courtesy of WorkSafe BC) on what you can do to help protect your employees from heat stress.

TPMS, as always, continues to be in the news. Read up on why it’s important to make sure you or your techs have the latest in tool software for proper TMPS servicing. i.e. “Don’t Wait: Update!”

Plus, one final reminder that there’s still time to meet the fast approaching August 15th deadline to apply for WCTD Academic Scholarships. Please be sure to advise anyone eligible within your network to apply!

Download the latest Tracker today!

Download Your Summer Tracker Today!

Jun 13, 2023

Safety is a WCTD core value
Our Summer Tracker theme!

We don’t have to tell you that the Summer service season is now in full swing, with stores across the country seeing to the needs of the car traveling public. However, when times are busy it’s even more crucial to pay close attention to all matters of safety.

In this issue we look at the various ways you can nurture and build upon the ‘Safety Culture’ of your organization, as well as how best to look after the well-being of both staff and customers. Also related, we revisit best practices for safe roadside service and, specifically, the topic of effective warning lights for service vehicles.

If Summer’s here, sorry, Winter can’t be far behind. An interesting TRAC survey tells us that the winter tire market across Canada continues to grow by a considerable margin. Check it out for some revealing statistics that might assist you in planning your upcoming snow tire campaign.

There’s more, of course, from the ban on lead wheel weights that takes effect early in 2024, to advice from Federated Insurance on how to respond to customers who insist on bypassing TPMS.

If you’re in the area there’s still time to register for WCTD Alberta’s Charity Golf Tournament, June 25th at Stony Plain Golf Course, to benefit the Stollery Children’s Hospital. You can find registration forms on pages 25- 27. Come join us! We’d love to see you for a great day of golf, with fantastic prizes plus silent and live auctions.

Last but not least, the August 15th deadline for WCTD Academic Scholarship applications is fast approaching. Make sure all those eligible within your network know how to apply!

Download your Summer Tracker Today!

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!

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

Download Your Fall Tracker Today!

Aug 22, 2022

Where do you go to find potential new business? BC Director Paul McAlduff headed to Victoria, BC, to take in epic Northwest Deuce Days. If you’ve never been, you should plan to attend for one year. It’s a truly remarkable display of vintage autos and hot rods. Chances are you might even make some new friends and perhaps meet some new customers. Paul asks the question: Do Car Enthusiasts Make Good Customers? We think so!

WCTD thanks recently appointed OK Tire President and CEO Jim Bethune for taking the time to chat with us about a wide range of issues. We think you’ll find his comments interesting and illuminating.

Also in this issue, we welcome incoming President, Tim Hollett, with his opening message. Executive Director, Ray Geleta brings us up to speed on the possibility of a forthcoming national convention—and asks for your input. However, most importantly, nominations are now open for the next honourees to the WCTD Hall of Fame. Please, do take time to read the criteria and give serious consideration to those who might be deserving.

There’s plenty more, of course, from hiring more women techs, to Federated Insurance’s advice on how to protect your property from hail damage.

Download your Fall Tracker here!

fall 2022 tracker