“In 2011, the auto recycling industry was looking at a number of issues with tires, the environment and end of life vehicle programs,” says Cheryl Hoimyr, Manager, Salvage, Administration and Finance for SGI Salvage head office. “At the annual industry meeting, the auto recyclers decided that it would be beneficial to create an association in which they could both negotiate and defend themselves. Until an official board could be elected, Hoimyr agreed to act as chairperson for the association. "The SARA meeting was held in June of 2011 and the board was elected along with Jack Smith as Chairperson," says Hoimyr. On September 26, 2011 SARA was established.

 

Canada’s auto recyclers were very supportive while establishing SARA and welcomed them with open arms. “The Automotive Recyclers of Canada and their sister associations were really welcoming and helpful in terms of sharing their experiences,” says Hoimyr. “They shared copies of their bylaws and they were more than willing to discuss why they made certain constitutional amendments. They allowed us to side-step a lot of issues we would not otherwise have considered.” Since Saskatchewan had never had an association before, SGI Salvage resigned their membership with ARC so that there would be an opening for SARA. SGI then became an active and supportive member of SARA. “This has been a very positive thing for the Saskatchewan auto recycling industry,” says Hoimyr.

 

Jack Smith of TopLine Salvage and Chairperson for SARA says, “We’re working toward an increase in memberships more all the time. This has been the first year so it took quite a while to get everything organized. It’s been a challenge but everyone has been really cooperative,” says. “It has been a total learning experience.”

 

Alan Fontaine, owner of Vic’s Automotive in Swift Current and Vice-Chairperson for SARA, spoke about the progress of the association. “This year has been a learning process. We’ve started organizing and we’ve been getting all of the members.” Fontaine also spoke about the plans for SARA’s future. “We want to continue getting everyone accredited. We also want to improve communications with SGI and continue growing with a bigger membership.”

 

Bruce Ehaman from Red Wing Auto Recyclers is also hoping for a bigger membership in the future. “I’m hoping to get as many members as we can. This year was all about getting things going and we’re actively trying to recruit more members.”