The Benefits of Membership in the Automotive Retailers Association

• Representation
• Networking
• Group Benefits Plan
• Member Services

1. Representation

For decades now, companies in different automotive sectors in B.C. have dealt with government ministries, ICBC, WorkSafe, taxation authorities and other institutions on a collective basis on issues of common concern through their ARA divisions and industry liaison committees. In this way ARA members can match the negotiating power of the entities which regulate them, supply to them and buy from them on issues of common interest without restricting their ability to compete with each other.

It starts when you realize that obstacles in your path to success are shared by your peers. You agree that it would be worthwhile to seek solutions. But who has the time? Who has the resources? Who needs to hear what you have to say? Who has the power to help you?

If you make your living from the automotive service industry there is no other organization listening to you more vigorously than the ARA. Everything we do is member driven. Most likely, you have already benefited from the ARA's work without realizing it. Even if you don't have the time to be actively involved, just by being a member you are contributing toward moving our industry forward by making your association stronger.

The ARA was formed in 1951 by a group of automotive service business owners who realized that a strong, united voice speaks louder than the voices of individuals. This is as true today as it was back then. In fact, with environmental concerns, a diminishing pool of skilled labour, and shrinking profit margins, you could make the argument that working together is even more important today than ever before.

The ARA is owned by its members. They decide what the association does. Anything that gets in the way of your success can become an ARA project. As a member, you have the opportunity to be heard. As a member, there may already be solutions available that you can use today.

With the support of our members, we are the eyes, ears and voice of the Automotive Industry on industry issues, political and advocacy fronts. Our campaigns help define policy on many industry issues. The key benefit of membership is in supporting your industry. By supporting your Association, you support your industry, and therefore yourself.

2. Networking

Think of the ARA as the hub of a giant network. We are in direct communications with all levels of government, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, taxation authorities, educational institutions and private trainers, other associations in B.C. and across Canada and in the United States, and of course, our own members. To be a member of the ARA is to be "plugged in" to the network. Information flows through the hub and is redistributed to you.

Another aspect of networking is to be able to learn from your peers. As stated, through your ARA division, industry liaison committees and fellow members, you have the opportunity to share ideas and work on issues common to all of us without limiting our ability to compete with each other.

Each division has a chairman and an executive committee. These folks are industry professionals like you who have volunteered their time to work on Division projects. If you were to look at how these people run their businesses you would quickly realize that they know what they are doing. They are forward thinkers and industry leaders. Their businesses are profitable, and they are desireable places to work. They are respected in their community. They are very interested in doing what they can to help shape the business climate for our industry positively. They recognize that if it's good for you, it's good for them. Networking with people like this, and other industry professionals with whom we interact can greatly enhance your chances for success.

"The ARA fights the good fight and understands the issues that this industry is up against. The OEM information and scan tool access issue is just one example why we support and actively participate in the ARA."
Dave Hurtubise,
Hi-Tek Training Inc., Aldergrove

3. The ARA Group Benefits Plan: designed specifically for the automotive industry.

Our comprehensive Group Benefits Plan provides excellent health, dental, disability and life coverage for you and your staff, and it's a great employee retention tool. You can choose from a wide range of competitively priced options to create a tailor-made plan that works for you.

With some 5,000+ members, the ARA Group Benefits Plan allows the small business to secure coverage usually only available to larger corporations.

For more information, visit the Group Benefits area of our website

4. Member Services & Cost-saving Programs

The main reason to be a member of the ARA is to support our lobbying and industry advocacy work, but we also act as a buyers group. The ARA has negotiated special rates for a variety of products and services. For many members, their annual savings add up to much more than their ARA membership fee.

MONEY SAVING PROGRAMS:

  • Employee Benefits Program (health, life, disability)
  • Business & Home Insurance
  • Group RRSP Plan
  • Visa & MasterCard Transaction Processing Discounts
  • Supplier Discounts
  • Free Subscription to ARA Publications

...to list but a few.

The ARA supplies a number of standard forms and other useful items such as Service Record for Non-ODS System Stickers
The ARA has a good supply of air conditioning system inspection self-adhesive stickers available. These are available to non-members as well.

Sample:

These stickers are sold with a minimum quantity of 100. The price for non-ARA members is $27.20 for the first 100.
Discounts are applied for greater quantities. ARA members save even more.
To order, just call the ARA office at 604-432-7987.

PROMOTION
  • Advertise in ARA Publications
  • Roster/Member Services Guide
  • ARA Web Site "Find A Member" Service
  • Web Site Link Program
  • POS Material

MORE MEMBER SERVICES

  • License & Lien Searches, Lien Registrations
  • VIN Checks, ICBC Damage Checks
  • CarProof Service
  • CBV Collection Services
  • Technical Bulletins & Updates
  • Social Events, Conventions, Golf tournaments
  • Forms, Signs, Service Decals

Related Information:

• History of the ARA
• How to Join the ARA