By CAR Staff
Edmonton, Alberta — May 7, 2014 — The Alberta Automotive Recyclers and Dismantlers Association have concluded another successful Annual General Meeting. The 2014 AARDA AGM took place on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, at the Reynolds Alberta museum in Wetaskiwin, Alta.
It was a fitting setting, the museum features many old and historic vehicles, providing the ideal backdrop for attending recyclers and associate members. In addition to old vehicles, attendees and their families took in an array of vehicular treasures, including antique farm machinery and a hangar full of restored aircraft.
Delegates arriving on Thursday evening were treated to a reception in the Reynolds Gallery, with some of the cars from the Museum’s current special feature “The Fabulous Fifties†on display.
The actual meeting itself took place on the morning of May 2 in the Museum’s theatre. The AGM officially opened with opening remarks by Steve Cox, AARDA’s President. After reviwing the minutes of the last meeting held in Sylvan Lake, Raelene Day presented the association’s financial statements. Next up were two presentations by Ian Hope, AARDA’s Executive Director. Hope discussed the year in review and the status of the association’s charitable program.
Other topics under discussion were the implementation of CAREC Certification, issues arising from parts procurement programs, and the sale of parts from water damaged vehicles.
The AARDA conference always offers great educational and networking opportunities. One highlight was the presentation by Caroline Sturk of Summerhill Impact. Sturk discussed the great things Alberta’s recyclers have accomplished by participating in Switch-Out, the national program that seeks to remove potentially toxic mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles.
However, it was the other part of Sturk’s presentation that really got the crowd excited. She invited all members of AARDA to take part in an ambitious new project: Tundra Take Back. While automotive recycling is a strong presence in most of Canada, the northern territories present numerous challenges to effectively recycling vehicles.
There are difficulties with transportation, but there is also little to no infrastructure. The new Tundra Take Back program will draw on the experience of professional auto recyclers to help ensure that end-of-life vehicles currently languishing are disposed of properly. In turn, this will help keep Canada’s north clean.
The official reception and gala dinner took place as the Best Western Hotel on the evening of May 2.
For more information on AARDA, please visit AARDA.com.
