   12th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 11th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE P.A.V.E. PRESENTS APPRAISAL WEBINAR to ONTARIO MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION Edward Melnike receives St. John Ambulance Special Certificate of Appreciation P.A.V.E. HONOURED WITH "PREFERRED VENDOR" DESIGNATION FROM INSURANCE PARTNERS AT 10th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 9th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE WAYNE COPELAND RECEIVES RIGHT COAST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service Celebrates 30th Anniversary Glen Clarke's 2009 Targa Newfoundland Adventure 8th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE CAADVICE On the Road - How to Buy a Vintage Car LANT INSURANCE 30th ANNIVERSARY RECOGNIZED BY P.A.V.E. SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE "Wounded Soldier" Presentation SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Appointment of Mr. Ron E. Folkes, B. Com., LL.B. as Legal Counsel ONTARIO CHAPTER of MODEL T FORD CLUB CELEBRATES 3OTH ANNIVERSARY FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service Sponsors 150th G.N.E. Reception EXCLUSIVE APPRAISAL SPONSOR CHOSEN ANNOUNCEMENT Recent Licencing of Mr. Brian C. Asbury, President; BCA Services Consumer Protection P.A.V.E. FOUNDER SIGNS CONSUMER PROTECTION INSURANCE PROGRAM EVALUATORS' SECOND CONFERENCE SUCCESSFUL! 11th ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE 
P.A.V.E.'s 11th Annual General Conference was held on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 in the “Dofasco Dome” of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum located on the premises of the Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope, Ontario. A Continental Breakfast preceded the Conference which began promptly at 9:00 A.M. P.A.V.E. C.E.O, Dean Renwick chaired the meeting and welcomed P.A.V.E. members, directors, legal counsel, advisory board members, insurance industry partners, and guest speaker, Jim Cowan to the 11th conference. Renwick expressed the gratitude of P.A.V.E. for the ongoing financial and business support that continues to be provided by Lant Insurance Brokers of Stouffville, Ontario; Reeds Insurance of Lindsay; Zehr Insurance of New Hamburg; and Crosslands Insurance of London, Ontario. Representing P.A.V.E.'s insurance industry partners were Mike Wilson of Lant, Jason Wilson of Reeds, and John Zehr and Scott Smith of Zehr Insurance. John Charno of Crosslands Insurance was unable to attend. Joining Chairman Renwick at the Head Table were Ron Folkes of Folkes Legal Professional Corporation and P.A.V.E.'s legal counsel; P.A.V.E. Director, Paul DelGrande, Chairman of the Corporate Impressions Group; Mike Conlon, Vice-President of Claims at The Guarantee Company of North America and a P.A.V.E. Advisory Board Member, and Ron Wilson, President of RJ Vintage Garage Appraisals, and a P.A.V.E. Advisory Board Member. Absent was Jil MacIntosh, an Advisory Board Member. The conference was pleased to welcome Mr. Jim Cowan of Classic Auto Appraisals in Port Robinson, Ontario who had agreed to speak on the issue of Vehicle Branding. Mr. Cowan was one of the team who actually developed the Mandatory Vehicle Branding Program for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation over ten years ago. One of P.A.V.E. most recent new members - Don McCartney of Duke's Appraisals - was in attendance and accompanied by his company president, Duke Brown. Edward Melnike was the event photographer. Chairman Renwick opened the Conference with the following comments: It again gives me great pleasure to welcome Members, Directors, Advisors, and Insurance Industry Partners of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. to our 11th Annual General Meeting. I'm grateful to the staff at this year's new location here at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and particularly to Shannon Shephard, Assistant Catering Coordinator, as well as Pam Rickards, Deputy Director of the Museum. I chose to relocate this year's AGM late last year when I was on an appraisal assignment for a car that had been donated to the museum as a fundraiser by my long-time client, Robert Kearns. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum holds a personal significance to me. As you will see there is a Federal Government Historic Plaque in front of the building honouring Eileen Vollick who on March 22nd, 1928 became Canada's first licenced woman pilot who flew out of this very same Mount Hope Airport. That plaque was the initiative of my late Mother, Dorothy Renwick who was a pilot herself and championed getting formal recognition from the Federal Heritage Department for Eileen Vollick's historic accomplishment. My Mother's determined efforts resulted in the plaque getting erected in 1976. It's my pleasure to introduce P.A.V.E's Advisory Board members who are joining me at the Head Table and they are: Paul DelGrande, Mike Conlon, Ron Wilson, and of course, P.A.V.E.'s corporate counsel, Ron Folkes. I can't express enough gratitude to each of these people for their support and counsel over the past year, so let's express our combined thanks at this time with a show of hands! I'm also extremely pleased to welcome our guest speaker who has agreed to join us at this year's meeting - Mr. Jim Cowan. Jim will be formally introduced to you later in this morning's program. ************ When I first began the journey to implement consumer protection from the special interest vehicle appraisal industry in 1996 I really had no expectation that journey would grow and succeed to become as relied upon as it has today. P.A.V.E.'s growth and success are due to the dedication and commitment of you, the members, our directors, and insurance industry partners. Again this year P.A.V.E. has received substantial financial support from our special interest vehicle insurance partners enabling us to continue to serve and protect consumers in the most professional manner. I would like to formally recognize and thank our sponsors who are represented today by: Mike Wilson of Lant Insurance Brokers in Stouffville; Jason Wilson, Manager of the VINTAGE Auto Insurance program at Reeds Insurance Brokers Ltd. in Lindsay; John Zehr, President and Scott Smith, Manager of the VINTAGE C.A.R.S. insurance program at Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. in New Hamburg. Unfortunately due to a last minute event involving his son participating in a Remembrance Day ceremony as an Air Cadet, John Charno, President of Crosslands General Insurance Brokers in London is not able to attend. I believe it's important for insurance consumers to understand our insurance partners are the major coverage providers for the insurance of special interest vehicles here in Ontario. It's also important for consumers, and others who may have recently entered the Canadian special interest vehicle insurance market to realize there's a number of reasons Lant Insurance, Reeds Insurance, Zehr Insurance, and Crosslands Insurance have all expressed their commitment to continue to insist on professional appraisal reports, contrary to the “new guys” who may offer a more lax approach to tried and tested Canadian underwriting standards. I was gratified to receive Jason Wilson's letter accompanying his company's sponsorship cheque stating in part that: “Side by side with great appraisal partners such as the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc., I know we can continue to provide the quality of service that our mutual clients have come to expect - and deserve”. At a Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Jaguar gathering I attended this past summer, I discussed the subject of insurance now being offered without insistence upon an appraisal being filed at the inception of the coverage with a senior Ontario Crown Attorney. My friend was of the strong opinion an insurance company that chooses to offer Agreed Value coverage on vehicles without first obtaining a professional appraisal is providing an open invitation to fraud. Insuring a collector vehicle without reviewing a professional, objective appraisal can be compared to buying a collector vehicle without first doing your own inspection. We'll discuss future changes impacting the appraisal industry later in today's program. Our Advisory Board members continue unchanged from the appointments made at last year's meeting and they include Mike Conlon, Claims Manager for the Guarantee Company of North America in Woodstock; Ron Wilson, President of RJ Vintage Garage in Lindsay; Jil McIntosh, syndicated automotive writer of Oshawa; and Paul DelGrande, Chairman of the Corporate Impressions Group headquartered in Mississauga. Also, all members of P.A.V.E. are especially grateful for the legal advice provided by our Corporate Counsel; Ron E. Folkes of the Folkes Legal Professional Corporation in Brampton. Again, on behalf of all P.A.V.E. members I sincerely thank our sponsors and our advisors for their time and generous financial support. That support has enabled us to expand our roster this year with the licencing of three new members - Ed DeLong who has taken over Mike Salter's Precision Sportscar Appraisals, and Tony Brown, and Don McCartney who have officially joined Duke Brown at Duke's Appraisals. All of us at P.A.V.E. thank each of you for your decision to become members of Canada's only accreditation and regulatory organization governing the special interest vehicle appraisal industry. And our future membership expansion looks good with a membership prospect who is in the final process of actually becoming a licenced P.A.V.E. member and that is David MacFarlane of Southampton, Ontario. David wanted to join us today but a last minute family matter prevented that from happening. My review of the past year has shown interest in P.A.V.E. membership and initiatives increased by 28%, with 20 enquires being received at Head Office as opposed to 14 the previous year. One of those enquiries was from a Great Falls, Virginia-based professional appraiser whom I've known for many years. I can assure you he would be most welcome to join should his application be received. His experience would be of great benefit to P.A.V.E.'s in-house collection of expertise. And, of course, the expanded territory under P.A.V.E.'s unique Professional Errors & Omissions insurance policy would automatically cover his U.S.-based operation. Also on a very positive note is the fact we've increased our membership during 2010-2011! I believe that increase in membership from 25 to a total of 28 is the result of better qualified appraisers recognizing the real benefits of P.A.V.E. membership, as opposed to their joining what amounts to a simple “listing” of appraisers where membership requires little professional scrutiny. There still remains an element of shock value when many applicants realize exactly how much work and commitment is required to become an accredited, licenced and insured appraiser who meets the requirements of our organization. P.A.V.E. members continue to be the front line of defense relied upon by our insurance partners in the underwriting of new business that's covered under OPCF 19-A “Agreed Value” insurance policies. In addition to our long-term insurance partners P.A.V.E.'s roster of members continued to be preferred by the insurance underwriters at TD/Meloche Monnex Insurance. Our reputation for competent, objective professional appraisal reports also continue to be relied upon for “After Loss” insurance claim settlements where vehicles were not insured on an “Agreed Value” basis. Many P.A.V.E. members I've spoken with confirm they've been retained by various claims personnel at State Farm Insurance. State Farm is another long-standing relationship I value and do not want to see jeopardized in any way. Let me remind each and every member of P.A.V.E. that our growing insurance industry acceptance is based on all P.A.V.E. members exhibiting a professional understanding of the work they are doing, and being able to actually prove their findings and opinions. It is of great concern to me that there have been a couple of instances this year where thoroughness, documentation, and value research have been formally questioned and based on my reviews, appear to have been lacking. P.A.V.E.'s reputation is only as strong as the weakest link and it is my goal that all members exhibit the same overall strength to ensure there are no surprises lurking for those who rely on our expertise. A presentation by Mike Conlon and Jim Prowse later in the day will discuss the selection process for an “Umpire” to act in the resolution of a loss where the vehicle's value is in dispute between two appraisers. Regardless of whether one, or both, appraisers are members of P.A.V.E. it is always my first move to suggest three P.A.V.E. members. P.A.V.E. members are the ones for whom I know their backgrounds and commitment to integrity. Issues have arisen with non-P.A.V.E. appraisers refusing to agree to an “Umpire” suggested from the P.A.V.E. roster as they have the mistaken impression all members will stick together regardless of the facts in the matter, even to the point of only doing what they're told to do and say by that terrible Dean Renwick. Obviously that's a totally wrong impression but it's one we should address, and that will be done in this afternoon's discussion with Mike Conlon and Jim Prowse. It continues to discourage me to see many of the estimated 350 so called appraisers in the Province of Ontario continuing their practice of showing themselves as somehow being “licenced” by the Ontario Ministry of Finance when all these individuals have is a ministry “registration” number permitting them to complete simplistic, tax value forms. Appraisal consumers should understand there is only one accreditation, licencing, and insurance program available in Ontario, and that is through our Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. Fraud alerts remain uppermost in the minds of insurance companies, especially where total losses are concerned. I was recently asked by a major insurer to review a claim where the insured did not have his vehicle insured under an “Agreed Value”, 19-A endorsement. After a theft loss the insured submitted a non-P.A.V.E. appraisal in the amount of $16,500.00 + applicable taxes. This was for a rust-rotted, winter-driven, 1971 vehicle that was ultimately shown by two P.A.V.E. members to have had a much lesser “Actual Cash Value”. The claimant indicated he felt the initial appraisal was “high” but seemed to want to take a shot at winning his company's “Auto Lotto” anyway!! One of the other results of my review was that one of our P.A.V.E. members was not as thorough in his inspection of the vehicle as he should have been, and thoroughness is one of the points I'll be covering in my “Staying on the Same Page” discussion in this afternoon's program. As members of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc., we can never lose sight of P.A.V.E.'s commitment to provide our clients with the highest level of integrity and accuracy. In conclusion, I assure all members, appraisal consumers, and insurance industry partners that it is the mandate of P.A.V.E. to continue to act as the special interest vehicle appraisal industry's Self-Regulating Organization (SRO), while continuing our commitment to develop and upgrade industry standards. ************ Following Chairman Renwick's remarks the meeting was turned over to Ron Folkes who conducted the corporate affairs segment of the organization's AGM in compliance with law. The Minutes of the previous year's Annual Meeting, which took place on November 7th, 2010 were distributed to members present. On a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the Minutes were adopted. On motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the Notice of Annual Meeting dated October 3, 2011, was sufficient and that this meeting would constitute the Annual Meeting of members of the Association. On motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the directors of the Association for the previous year were re-appointed, being Dean Renwick, Paul DelGrande, and Ron Folkes. On motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried the Financial Report as read and tabled by Dean Renwick was adopted, and the appointment of auditors for the ensuing fiscal year was dispensed with. Some member discussion took place involving the raising of additional funds for the organization through the increase of membership fees however it was Chairman Renwick's position the current fee structure should be maintained for at least one more year without increase. Next, the members were invited to present their individual overviews of their appraisal business during the past year. It was the general feeling of members that volumes of pre-insurance appraisals were down - generally in the range of 20% to 25% - and a likely cause would the worsening North American and world economies. A number of members reported an increase in Ministry of Finance appraisal requests, as well as “after loss” appraisal business. Some members reported an increase in appraisal prospects who were clearly only “price shopping” in pursuit of the “cheapest” appraiser out there. Chairman Renwick stressed to P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners that it is far more prudent for them to refuse appraisals from the “cheapest” appraisers, and go with the most highly skilled and qualified appraisal professionals. John Zehr, President of Zehr Insurance stated he has instructed his company personnel to recommend P.A.V.E. members first, and not rely on “fly-by-night” appraisers with little, or at best, questionable qualification. Next, long-time P.A.V.E. member Mike Salter was presented with an engraved crystal plaque showing he has been granted “Lifetime Advisory Member” status upon his recent retirement and sale of his “Precision Sportscar Evaluations” business to new P.A.V.E. member Ed. Delong of Brantford. Mike joins previously honoured “Lifetime Advisory Members” Roger Kleinsmith of Welland, and Jim Prowse of London. Following the morning break and group photo session with Edward Melnike, the group returned for an in-depth and informative talk by Jim Cowan on the issue of vehicle “Branding”. Jim was introduced by Director Paul DelGrande who revealed: “Jim began his involvement within the automotive industry in the early 1960's. Jim had a special interest in all things related to the Muscle Car and factory performance field. Eventually his career saw him employed with the Ontario Provincial Government for almost 25 years. Part of that government work saw Jim become one of the individuals who put together the Ontario Vehicle Branding Program. Jim is also a recognized vehicle appraiser and his appraisal business has been relied upon for almost thirty years and specializes in the authentication and valuation of historic race cars, street rods, prototypes, and antique fire apparatus. Jim's expertise also extends to the appraisal of Land Speed Record Holding vehicles. In addition to being a member of a number of national and international organizations, Jim is the past Legislation Director of both the Canadian Street Rod Association, and the Canadian Street Rodding Hall of Fame”. Jim's talk was very insightful and among the things learned is that Branding in Ontario only applies to 1981 and newer vehicles. Brands that can be applied to a title range from “NONE”, to “SALVAGE” (a vehicle with damage that can legally be repaired and re-certified for road use), to “IRREPAIRABLE” (a vehicle that can never be licenced for road use due to the severity of either collision or flood damage), to “REBUILT” (a previously “Salvage”-branded vehicle that has been repaired, inspected, and re-branded as being fit for road use), or the never seen “STOLEN” brand that is only available to MOT personnel. Chairman Renwick thanked Jim for taking the time to share his first hand knowledge of the Ontario Branding Program with P.A.V.E. members and presented Jim with an engraved crystal plaque. At this point the meeting adjourned for a buffet-style lunch prepared and served in the “Dofasco Dome” by the terrific catering staff at the Museum. Following lunch the official program included 45 minutes for a self-guided tour of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Not known at the time the program was planned was that David Pringle, an old friend of Jim Cowan from their days at the Ontario Ministry was a volunteer tour guide and after he heard Jim would be speaking he made a commitment to personally escort our group through the Museum and provide members with many sights and stories not available to the public, including actually sitting in the cockpit of a de-commissioned United Nations plane parked on the outside tarmac, as well as getting up close and personal with the Museum's restored WWII Lancaster bomber that is one of only two in the world that is airworthy. That special tour took an hour and a half, and David's outstanding effort proved him to be an exceptional Ambassador for the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum! Next on the afternoon agenda was an update from Ron Wilson and Dean Renwick regarding the issue of a Ministry of the Environment campaign that saw street rods being stopped and inspected during this past summer in order to ensure compliance with appropriate vehicle emissions regulations. The Ministry is now requiring street rod owners to prove the year of manufacture of the engine powering their vehicles, and it is the position of the MOE the year of engine manufacture is what governs emissions testing and equipment that's required to be fitted, rather than the year of the vehicle. Not much information has been provided on this new initiative by the MOE. Roger Kleinsmith indicated a similar program has been in place in California for a number of years. The MOE's apparent position is viewed by P.A.V.E. as one that will create a serious impact on the street rod segment of the hobby in Ontario, and P.A.V.E. has requested and scheduled a November 15th meeting with the Director of the Sector Compliance Branch of the Ministry of the Environment. P.A.V.E. will be represented at the meeting by Ron Wilson, Larry Shackleton, and Dean Renwick. Next on the program was a presentation by Mike Conlon and Jim Prowse regarding the procedures required for the appointment of an Umpire in the resolution of evaluation matters where a difference of opinion exists between two independent appraisers. Mike brought copies of the relevant insurance act sections for members to review. He also brought copies of the Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1). It was recommended that in all cases where there is a dispute between a P.A.V.E. appraiser and a non-P.A.V.E appraiser, that the P.A.V.E. appraiser should recommend another P.A.V.E. member to act as Umpire as P.A.V.E. members have a known level of competence and integrity. P.A.V.E. members have been proven to act with total independence and it is as unrealistic and absurd to suggest two P.A.V.E. appraisers would act with collusion, as it is to suggest two lawyers - both members of the Upper Canada Law Society - would act with collusion. In situations where the two appraisers fail to agree on an Umpire, the matter will be resolved by referring the matter to a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice. Next was a suggestion put forward by member Bruce MacLean of Winnipeg via e-mail for the group to consider establishing a private, members-only “chat” room as a component of the P.A.V.E. website. The members felt the current method of being able to contact other members via either e-mail or telephone was sufficient at this time. Edward Melnike, P.A.V.E.'s web master indicated a “chat” room could be established however there would be additional member costs involved for development and maintenance. Allan Lewis made a presentation with respect to the looming issue of new insurance programs that may not require appraisals for insurance coverage being offered to Canadian consumers in 2012. This development has had the attention of the Canadian appraisal industry for at least the past two years and Allan took this opportunity to thank all of our insurance partners for their commitment to continue their support of appraisals. It was clear at this meeting all of P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners understand the importance a professional, objective appraisal report has on their underwriting success. An appraisal report is required by the Ministry of Finance for every vehicle over twenty years of age that's sold privately in Ontario and it's reasonable to conclude a full appraisal should be required for the insurance of those vehicles. Following a short mid-afternoon break Bruce Farrow made a presentation outlining his company's decision to forward the majority of its completed appraisal reports to clients and insurance companies electronically. None of P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners are insisting on electronic filing at this time however Bruce has realized a significant cost saving being able to avoid mailing and courier costs. Bruce stated he would be willing to assist any other member who may wish to set up an electronic filing system for appraisal reports. Dean Renwick presented his thoughts on the past year as well as encouraging P.A.V.E. members to ensure they are “Staying on the Same Page”. One of the activities in which he participated on December 7, 2010 was an appraisal webinar originating from Iola, Wisconsin put on by Old Cars Weekly. The webinar was headed by Larry Batton, President of the American Appraisal Group (AAG). Mr. Batton made it clear an appraisal is an absolute necessity for peace of mind when insuring a vehicle - both for the owner and the insurance company. A professional appraisal ensures the condition, value, and authenticity, are firmly established. Appraisers must be realistic in establishing values and cannot simply match investment value to insurance value. The webinar also provided advice to appraisal consumers on how to select an appraiser. Consumers should ask how long the appraiser has been in business. An appraiser should not be a buyer/seller of vehicles. Mr. Batton stated “a professional appraisal should cost in the range of $250.00 - $350.00 and an appraisal costing $50.00 is simply no good!” A number of other suggestions were made with respect to professionally completed appraisals and Renwick was pleased that these are already incorporated in P.A.V.E. members' work. Members were also reminded they must be as professional as possible in the preparation of their reports. If you can't physically see something on a vehicle, make a declaration to that effect in the report said Renwick. If you're told something about a vehicle, state who told you so and precisely what you were told. If an odometer is - or is not - verified, make that declaration in the report. And, of course, always check the title with the actual VIN on the vehicle. Currently there is a strong market for original - unrestored - vehicles and such vehicles must also be well documented. On the subject of services P.A.V.E. members can offer clients, member Doug Anann spoke to the fact he has provided seven “Diminished Value” reports for clients over the past year and Doug claimed to have had a successful conclusion to five of the seven files. Diminished Value losses are not something generally considered by Ontario insurance companies although it is a routine component of loss settlements in 43 states including the state of Florida. Renwick said that as P.A.V.E. explores new appraisal opportunities, he will be looking into the legalities of assisting clients with the preparation of claims for “Diminished Value” in the coming year. Renwick reminded members of the fact that due to their being the most professional appraisers in the industry their fees are justified being the highest in their local markets. When an appraisal client is dealing with a P.A.V.E. member, they are dealing with the very best, and the fee for professional service should reflect that status. Members were also reminded to use the resources available to them such as presenting clients with a copy of the P.A.V.E., “Consumers Guide to Appraisers” brochure. In telephone conversations it's also helpful for members to refer appraisal prospects to the P.A.V.E. website at www.trustpave.com Renwick advised members that P.A.V.E.'s insurance broker had approached the organization with the offer to provide a group accident and sickness benefits program called the “Select Flex Benefits Solution” that is tailored for small business. One of the disadvantages of the program from Renwick's perspective would be the additional work involved in P.A.V.E collecting and remitting the individual member's premiums and forwarding them along to the insurance broker on a monthly basis. There was some member discussion of a benefits program and it was resolved not to proceed. The members had a final wrap-up discussion and with there being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 P.M. Participants at the 11th AGM were presented with a unique memento upon leaving.
P.A.V.E. PRESENTS APPRAISAL WEBINAR 
The half-day presentation covered many aspects and clarified the underwriting benefits of professionally prepared special interest vehicle appraisal reports as well as commenting on the legal ramifications of poorly prepared evaluations. This was the third presentation Mr. Renwick had been requested to make by OMIA, and underwriters from many of its sixty insurance company members attending included not only those physically at the conference, but others who joined via the internet. Edward Melnike receives St. John Ambulance
P.A.V.E. HONOURED WITH "PREFERRED VENDOR" 
P.A.V.E.'s Milestone 10th Annual General Conference was chaired by its Founder, President, and CEO; D. Dean Renwick on Sunday November 7th, 2010 at the Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg Ontario. Following a Continental Breakfast, Mr. Renwick called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. at which time he welcomed P.A.V.E. Members, Directors, Legal Counsel, Advisory Board Members, prospective new members, and insurance industry partnering representatives. Renwick expressed P.A.V.E.'s gratitude for the generous, ongoing financial and moral support shown by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Stouffville Ontario, Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. of Lindsay Ontario and its parent company; KRG Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Toronto, Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. of New Hamburg Ontario, Crosslands General Insurance of London Ontario, and Reeds Insurance of Lindsay Ontario. The members, directors, and advisory board members were pleased to welcome Christine Cadick, Office Manager at Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers; Mike Wilson of Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers; Abraham Baboujian, co-CEO at KRG Insurance Brokers Ltd.; and Jason Wilson of Reeds Insurance Brokers. Head table participants joining Mr. Renwick were P.A.V.E. Advisory Board members; Mike Conlon; Vice President Claims at The Guarantee Company of North America, Woodstock Ontario, Ron Wilson; President of RJ Vintage Garage and Appraisals in Lindsay Ontario, Paul DelGrande; Chairman of Corporate Impressions Group in Mississauga Ontario, and P.A.V.E. Legal Counsel, Ron E. Folkes of Folkes Legal Professional Corporation in Brampton Ontario. Joining the meeting were P.A.V.E.'s two newest members; Danny Kroll of Toronto who works with Bruce Farrow at Road/Show Automotive Appraisals, and Robert Hayes President of RW Appraisals in Dundas, Ontario. Ed DeLong attended the meeting as a potential new member associate at Mike Salter's Precision Sportscar Appraisals. Jim Prowse of London, and Roger Kleinsmith of Welland, who were honoured by P.A.V.E. as "Lifetime Advisory Members" at last year's AGM were also in attendance and provided insight into life after retirement. Edward Melnike; P.A.V.E.'s web and internet manager returned as the event photographer. Chairman Renwick's Opening Address was presented as follows: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome the Members, Directors, Advisors, and insurance partners of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. to this historic, 10th Annual General Meeting. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of everyone connected with P.A.V.E., the organization has become a reliable source enabling appraisal consumers to choose an accredited, licenced, and insured vehicle appraiser. P.A.V.E. is chartered as a "Not-For-Profit" organization and its Pro-Bono Publico operation is managed entirely by volunteers including legal counsel, and myself. Development of P.A.V.E. began in 1996 and that long-ago work has resulted in P.A.V.E. now being the oldest, special interest vehicle appraisal industry Self-Regulating Organization (SRO) in all of Canada. P.A.V.E. has the most highly regarded accreditation process in the appraisal industry, and that has resulted in it having the most qualified professional members. That stringent process has enabled strong and mutually beneficial relationships to develop and endure with many prominent insurance industry partners, not only within the antique vehicle insurance segment, but with other major companies too. I am extremely gratified to see the ongoing loyalty of P.A.V.E.'s membership as well as the welcome moral and financial support that continues to be provided by Lant & Company Insurance Brokers, Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers, Zehr Insurance Brokers, Crosslands General Insurance, and Reeds Insurance of Lindsay. Financial sponsors of today's AGM are represented by Christine Cadick of Lant Insurance; Mr. Abraham Baboujian, CEO of KRG Insurance Brokers and Mike Wilson of KRG subsidiary - Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance; and Jason Wilson of Reeds Insurance. Jeremy Matheson of Zehr Insurance Brokers in New Hamburg, and John Charno, President of Crosslands General Insurance in London have sent their regrets they could not personally attend today's conference due to prior commitments. Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of all P.A.V.E. members I applaud you for your generosity and support. The Advisory Board at P.A.V.E. underwent changes this past year with the terms of two long-time members ending, and two Board member nominees agreeing to assume positions. I'm extremely pleased to welcome new Advisory Board Members Jil McIntosh, well known automotive writer, and retired insurance executive, Ron Wilson. Jil and Ron join long term Advisory Board members Mike Conlon, Vice President Claims for The Guarantee Company of North America, and Paul DelGrande, Chairman of the Corporate Impressions Group. P.A.V.E remains extremely grateful for the guidance of its Counsel, Ron Folkes, of Folkes Legal Professional Corp. I'm proud to let you all know Jil McIntosh won the top prize for safety journalism at the annual awards of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) last month. Jil was awarded the CAA Road Safety Journalism Award for her May, 2010 article about sitting properly in vehicles, and part of that article included describing how an airbag works with particular reference to those "dumb enough to ride with their feet up on the dash and how the doctor will first extract your femur bone out of what's left of your pelvis, and then probably tell you that you'll likely never walk properly again". I've personally seen people doing that so many times I've lost count, so thanks to Jil for stating what should be the obvious. Again, on behalf of P.A.V.E. members I thank you all for your time, and the willingness to share your special expertise that enables our organization to become stronger and better able to develop future consumer protection initiatives as we move into our second decade of service. Changes to P.A.V.E.'s membership roster have also taken place over the past year. Long time member Heiko Schilf has moved on to another industry and dropped his membership. Danny Kroll who was a guest at last year's AGM has become a fully licenced P.A.V.E. member working with Bruce Farrow at Road/Show Automotive Appraisals. Another long time member Mike Salter has moved away from Toronto to Dwight, Ontario and has recently sold his appraisal business to Ed. DeLong who joins us today as he moves to become accredited, licenced, and insured as a P.A.V.E. member. Another qualified new member joining today's conference is Robert Hayes of RW Appraisals, located in Dundas, Ontario. I am extremely proud of these individuals who have made the decision to help professionalize their industry by becoming accredited members of P.A.V.E. and for sharing their unique areas of expertise with everyone in the organization. It is our members working together that brings strength to the organization, and financial benefit to its members. Let me make it perfectly clear - the founding of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. was begun in 1996 - FOURTEEN years ago! P.A.V.E. is the experienced voice of the appraisal industry. Clearly, P.A.V.E. members being accredited, licenced and insured differentiates them from the other estimated 350 unregulated Ontario appraisers, and offers meaningful reassurance and protection to appraisal clients. It continues to be part of P.A.V.E.'s mandate to remove any appraisal practitioners whose unethical conduct weakens the industry's image and usefulness to consumers. P.A.V.E. is in an ideal position to assume a leadership role should the appraisal industry become subject to a government regulatory framework including the certification and decertification of special interest vehicle appraisers over the coming years. These new regulations may be coupled with a possible complementary amendment to the Insurance Act. In my view there continues to be a strong desire from within the appraisal industry itself for some form of industry regulation, but many practitioners continue to appear unwilling to take the most professional path to achieve that goal by becoming members of P.A.V.E. Perhaps that unwillingness to consider P.A.V.E. membership continues to be the result of ongoing misperception of P.A.V.E.'s mandate and operation. Each of P.A.V.E.'s membership enquiries received during the past year was promptly handled with a letter and acceptable appraisal sample reports being sent back to the person making the enquiry. Without exception the enquiries ended once the individuals saw the amount of work that was required to become a P.A.V.E. member. It is interesting to me that an individual who had made enquiries to P.A.V.E. over the past couple of years but who clearly did not have the experience or knowledge to become a P.A.V.E. member is advertising his appraisal service in Old Autos newspaper. Again I have to stress that P.A.V.E. is not a diploma mill, and it remains as the only appraisal industry organization that continues to offer professional appraisers a meaningful accreditation program, licencing, a written Code of Ethics, a unique, extremely cost effective, Professional Errors & Omissions insurance program, a broad base of immediate recognition of the P.A.V.E. "Brand", and wide acceptance from the insurance industry. My one regret with the past year was Ed Lucas not coming on board as a new member. Ed, who many of you met at our Annual General Meeting a couple of years ago, was the reason I worked for two years to convince our Errors & Omissions insurers to broaden the policy to cover Ed as a U.S. member living in Troy, Michigan. My efforts were rewarded earlier this year with our insurers not only broadening the scope of the policy to cover U.S.-based members, but also expanding the territory of the P.A.V.E. policy to cover all members on a "worldwide" basis. I'm proud to advise that P.A.V.E. is now in a position to consider American -based membership enquiries, thus enabling it to be a truly "International" organization with full benefits available to all members. I see P.A.V.E. membership poised for a surge of interest resulting from the promotion of this new ability to fully serve American members. It's my view that with P.A.V.E. being a successful Canadian organization, it is now set to become a successful North American organization should we choose to follow that path! Last year at this time I mentioned some of the appraisal industry challenges I felt P.A.V.E. would be facing in the coming year, not the least of which was the expansion of Michigan-based, Hagerty Insurance into Canada. As Hagerty advertises its insurance program as not requiring appraisals, this was a very considerable area of concern for all of us at P.A.V.E., as well as for our insurance industry partners. As I then said - "Hagerty's entry into the Canadian insurance market may - or may not - bring about a negative change to the appraisal industry. Only time will tell." The reality at this time is the Canadian Hagerty program, with its very low-key advertising, has had little visible impact on either the Ontario-based appraisal industry, or the existing specialty insurance markets. Anecdotally I'm hearing of insurance consumers who have approached Hagerty but were not satisfied with either the level of service, nor with the premiums quoted, in spite of there being no necessity to obtain appraisals. Earlier this week I received an e-mail from Jeremy Matheson of Zehr Insurance Brokers in New Hamburg in which Jeremy sent his sincere regrets at not being able to attend today's meeting due to his being part of the official party at the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony in Milverton. In that e-mail Jeremy said he wanted to bring all P.A.V.E. members up to date with recent happenings at Zehr's office. Jeremy said: "We have, as a brokerage, instituted an appraisal requirement policy at our office. This means that regardless of the company we are putting a client with, we are still requesting appraisals first and foremost. From our perspective as a broker, we need to protect ourselves from exposures due to misrepresentation, and dishonest clientele. We did not need a brokerage policy like this in the past since all of our companies requested appraisals, but with Aviva now bringing in Hagerty, I thought it best to do this. Secondly, we are now dealing directly with Hagerty with their new 0-14 year-old vehicle program for exotics and special interest vehicles. This program will give "19-A" coverage to vehicles that was previously unavailable, while also putting vintage vehicle type restrictions on their use". "Thank you to all the members of P.A.V.E. for their support and referrals over the last year. In order for all of our companies to grow we require the mutual support of each other. There have been a few times when I had a question on an appraisal where you were more than happy to have chat with me about the issues of concern. You have also been very up front with me when you have come across 'underwriting issues' with a mutual client and I am grateful to you when I receive those calls. In the coming weeks I will be sending out our redesigned brochures and I encourage you to call me should you have any questions". "I will be sending our cheque in the amount of $500.00 to you today for sponsorship of the conference, and to show our support for your group and the things you are doing for both our industries". "Thank you, Jeremy Matheson". The concerns of Zehr Insurance parallel those expressed by me in a July 20th, 2009 letter to Gregory Dunn, then Vice-President of Specialty Sales at Aviva when I presented my opinion the first people to take advantage of a Canadian "No Appraisal Required" insurance program would be those who saw an opportunity to profit from a fraudulent loss on a vehicle that was grossly overvalued by the client with no professional, third-party opinion being provided. Zehr Insurance, and indeed all of our insurance partners in this room, has a mandate to protect their loss ratios and profit commission income as best they can. It remains clear to me, and many others, the most effective protection is maintaining the requirement that a professional vehicle appraisal must be supplied for every vehicle insured. P.A.V.E.'s first Peer Review was completed in 2003 with the actual review being done by Mike Conlon, Paul DelGrande, and myself. The second Peer Review Committee of Doug Adams, Allan Lewis, and Larry Shackleton, was chosen at last year's AGM. The results of what I'm sure was a very time consuming process in which all members were required to participate, are tabled on the program for this afternoon. Thanks to each of you gentlemen for your work on the Second Peer Review, and I know all of us look forward to sharing and discussing your findings after lunch. P.A.V.E.'s commitment to professional integrity continues to be warmly received by our insurance industry partners, and other insurers, with P.A.V.E. members being consistently the first to be not only suggested, but actually recommended by insurance brokers to their clients. Last month I was pleased to be invited by Jason Wilson of Reeds Insurance in Lindsay to attend a luncheon marking the official announcement their collector vehicle insurance underwriting company had granted Reeds binding authority on new risks without having an appraisal hardcopy physically in hand - provided the appraisal had been completed by a P.A.V.E. licenced and insured appraiser. In the formal announcement Jason said: "P.A.V.E. has a stellar reputation in our industry and we have no doubt their appraisals will be accurate, complete, and professional". It is my own experience there is a clear business advantage to an insurance broker having the ability to bind coverage based on a 'phone call from the appraiser without having to wait until physically receiving the hardcopy of the appraisal report. The expertise of P.A.V.E. member appraisers continues to be relied upon by the insurance industry as a front line defense against many issues including over valuation - and under valuation - of the vehicles they are called upon to insure. A number of instances of both over and under valuation occur every year and the question that eventually gets asked by an insurance claims adjuster during an investigation is whether the inappropriate value was determined through simple appraiser incompetence, or whether fraud was involved between the owner and the appraiser. Insureds must understand that fraud and material misrepresentation of the insured property can be cause for an insurer to deny any claim in spite of the vehicle being covered under an endorsement OPCF "19-A". Along with many of you, I've personally seen these issues come to light when a vehicle is recovered after a loss, and a professional, third party appraiser such as myself, is brought in to determine a "pre-loss" value after recovery, or when an appraiser has used a "check-off-the-box" type of report that miserably fails to fully substantiate and document the true condition, authenticity, and value. One of the P.A.V.E. initiatives undertaken this year at the request of P.A.V.E. member, Mike Salter was to write Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan regarding his Ministry's use of "Appraisal Record" forms. In my letter I suggested to Minister Duncan that with the implementation of the HST it may be an appropriate point in time to consider the deletion of the last sentence of the form's "Certification" paragraph which states: "I certify that the appraised value of the vehicle is lower than average due to severe damage or excessive wear". I advised the Minister that as the appraisal record is currently used to determine taxable values on ALL privately sold vehicles twenty years of age or older, and not just substandard vehicles, it is reasonable to conclude many vehicles will not be of lower than average value, many will be of average value, and some will be of above average value due to condition or equipment at the time of appraisal. It was my suggestion the Ministry drop the now inappropriate sentence from future printing of the Motor Vehicle Appraisal Record. Minister Duncan's office responded in writing advising my concerns regarding the design of the Motor Vehicle Appraisal Record had been passed along to the appropriate ministry individual. I am not aware that any changes reflecting P.A.V.E.'s suggestion have been implemented by the Ministry, nor - not surprisingly - have I been contacted by that elusive "appropriate ministry individual". As I conclude my formal remarks, I want to assure all members, and present and future insurance industry partners, that P.A.V.E. will continue its leadership as the appraisal industry's Self-Regulating Organization (SRO) with a continuing commitment to maintain, develop, and upgrade industry standards, and to promote our initiatives and Brand to the Ontario market, as well as other Canadian and American jurisdictions". Ron Folkes, P.A.V.E.'s legal counsel then conducted the corporate affairs portion of the meeting by first reading the official Minutes of last year's meeting. The Minutes were unanimously accepted by a show of hands of the members present. Following the acceptance of the Minutes, the 2009 - 2010 Financial Report was presented and after discussion by the members, the 2009 - 2010 financial report was unanimously accepted by the members present. The Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. is legally chartered as a Not-For-Profit Ontario Corporation, and all Directors, Advisors, and Legal Counsel perform their responsibilities as unpaid volunteers. P.A.V.E. members shared their business experience during the past year with the group. Members generally felt their business had increased during the period and there was no evidence of the downturn that had been of concern last year due to the influence of Hagerty's move into Canada. Some members reported increased activity with requests for Ministry of Finance (MOF) appraisals, and with requests for after loss appraisals by insurance companies. All members expressed thanks for new business enquires generated from clients viewing the P.A.V.E. website at www.trustpave.com, and with the continuing flow of update appraisal requests generated from our insurance partners. Bruce Farrow reported he anticipates bringing two new appraisal associates into his company over the coming year. Bruce also provided insight into a soon to be announced, Federal Government initiative identified as Bill S-9 "Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act", that will see tough jail term penalties for odometer and VIN altering, and Bruce suggested how this may impact vehicle appraisers. Wayne Copeland expressed concern over the lack of consistency by Service Ontario in their acceptance of MOF appraisal record forms from less than qualified individuals who have - somehow - obtained a Ministry of Finance (MF) registration number. Chairman Renwick advised the meeting this concern had been addressed in a letter to Ontario Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan and the response from the Ministry showed the Ministry is not involved in self-monitoring their program at this time. Next to speak to the group was long-time P.A.V.E. Advisor Mike Conlon, Vice President Claims at The Guarantee Company of North America who informed the meeting his company had, after careful consideration, provided P.A.V.E. and its licenced and insured members with "Preferred Vendor" status. The official letter from The Guarantee of North America stated that: "Over the years we have found the appraisals completed by the members to be technically detailed and objective. As an insurer, we typically require an evaluation as to the value of a vehicle for claims settlement or underwriting purposes, and are confident we receive a balanced and supported opinion when we utilize P.A.V.E. members for this purposes." Chairman Renwick thanked Mike for his efforts in bringing about his company's "Preferred Vendor" status for the organization. "Clearly P.A.V.E has, over the past fourteen years become a known and relied upon "Brand" for consumers to rely upon for professional, objective appraisals and I'm pleased to add The Guarantee Company of North America to the other insurance companies and groups that consider P.A.V.E. members as "Preferred Vendors". Renwick again thanked Jason Wilson of Reeds Insurance Brokers in Lindsay for his efforts working with the underwriting company of their "Vintage Auto Insurance" program for agreeing to accept verbal opinions of value to hasten the underwriting process, rather than waiting up to fifteen days for the hardcopy to arrive on an underwriter's desk enabling a decision on a new risk. In the recent public announcement Brian Reeds, President of Reeds Insurance said: "We're also promoting a positive reciprocal relationship between the clients and the appraisers themselves." Abraham Baboujian; co-CEO of KRG Insurance Brokers Ltd. added his own personal thanks to P.A.V.E. and its members for the consumer protection initiatives they've developed since 1996 and added he was personally going to approach Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada to obtain "Preferred Vendor" status. KRG Insurance Brokers is the parent/owner of Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance, who market the successful "Classic Car Insurance" program underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance. "While these alliances are welcome and useful", Renwick said, "it must be understood they are part of a two-way street. Brokers and insurance companies are satisfied their referred clients will be treated with competence, integrity, and reliability from P.A.V.E. member appraisers, it is important that P.A.V.E. client referrals to insurance brokers must also be handled in a professional manner. It's discouraging to refer a client to a broker only to have that client contact me a week later and complain 'that insurance broker you sent me to hasn't even returned my call yet'. I say to our insurance partners - all of us at P.A.V.E. are pleased to send referral business your way - please don't leave us with egg on our faces because of a lack of adequate and/or competent staff in your office". "It has become clear to any experienced observer that knowledge and acceptance of the P.A.V.E. "Brand" is now strong, and that results in a definite benefit to not only consumers, but to appraisers who wish to grow their business through membership in the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc." declared Chairman Renwick at the close of the morning session of the 10th Annual General Meeting. At noon all AGM participants headed upstairs to Copper Creek's Valley View Dining Room and enjoyed the buffet luncheon. The afternoon session began at 1:30 P.M. and was led by Mike Conlon who provided some input regarding possible insurance industry changes that may broaden some policies to cover vehicles while on a race track. While these changes are being formulated, Chairman Renwick reminded members that unlicenced race cars can be considered for coverage by contacting Ralph Zutter, President of "Competition Insurance Incorporated". Competition Insurance is located in Edmonton, Alberta but can consider insuring race vehicles anywhere in Canada. Citing his continuing concerns over member business practices that could create a less than professional first impression, Renwick made another presentation entitled "You Don't Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression". Renwick stressed the need for all members to utilize the printed brochures developed by P.A.V.E. for use by all members. The "Consumers' Brochure" is ideal for use when first meeting a new client as it clearly explains the time and expense the member has gone through in order to upgrade his qualifications and become a licenced professional who is one of the best-qualified to handle that client's appraisal assignment . Professional appearing, printed business cards, letterhead, and envelopes are also a must. All printed material must incorporate the stylized "P.A.V.E." logo. Reports should be neatly assembled and may include brochures from related, local businesses that are recommended by the appraiser. The sample report shown by Chairman Renwick included brochures from a car cover company, a rust proofing company, an upholstery company, and a vehicle storage company among others. The issue of when and how to destroy appraisal files was also covered with the strong recommendation that due to the sensitive nature of appraisal file contents they should be destroyed by the appraiser retaining a professional document destruction company. Next on the afternoon program was the report of the Second Peer Review Committee, chaired by Doug Adams. Doug, Allan Lewis, and Larry Shackleton agreed to form the Committee at last year's AGM. It was the finding of the Committee there was much more work involved than had been initially envisioned with additional time and expense being required to make follow-up requests to some members for sample reports to be submitted. The Committee stated all but one member submitted sample reports for review. The purpose of the review was to ensure members are preparing their reports on a generally consistent format with a satisfactory level of information presented with an acceptable level of language being used in the preparation of individual reports. It was also required that members' reports must contain the unique "Evaluation Disclosures" page designed to minimize litigation against the appraiser, as well as the use of P.A.V.E.'s "Condition Guide", where appropriate. It was the finding of the Committee that members were performing on a generally satisfactory level with fifty percent achieving a score of 85% or more. It was stressed to members that the P.A.V.E. format using a narrative appraisal report style is required by all members in order to ensure appraisal consumers have no surprises when recommending and dealing with any member of P.A.V.E. The marked submissions were returned to individual members in sealed envelopes at the end of the meeting. The Peer Review Committee was thanked for its work by the group. Ron Wilson offered the final comments to the meeting by stating he felt P.A.V.E. appraiser members should not be complacent with the status quo with respect to the Hagerty Insurance involvement in the Canadian marketplace. It was Ron's strong opinion based on his considerable experience within the insurance industry that Hagerty will not continue to be satisfied with their fifth place ranking in the Canadian market, and P.A.V.E. and its members should campaign to fortify their insurance industry relationships across the board. "Insurance policy holders should also not mistakenly think that because an appraisal was not required when they took out a policy on their special interest vehicle that one won't be obtained after a loss when the insurance company suspects the vehicle was not accurately insured 'to value'. The issue of both under and over insurance values could be cause for any claim to be very carefully reviewed and quite possibly denied", said Ron. There being no further business before the meeting, on a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. was adjourned at 3:30 P.M. Mementos of the 10th AGM were distributed to all attendees by Chairman Renwick after the close of the meeting.
EXPANDED INSURANCE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS 
P.A.V.E.'s 9th Annual General Conference was chaired by its Founder, President, and CEO; D. Dean Renwick on Sunday November 15th, 2009 at the Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg Ontario. Following a Continental Breakfast sponsored by Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc., Mr. Renwick called the meeting to order promptly at 9:00 A.M. at which time he welcomed P.A.V.E. Members, Directors, Legal Counsel, Advisory Board Members, prospective new members, and insurance industry partnering representatives. Renwick expressed P.A.V.E.'s gratitude for the financial and moral support shown by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Stouffville Ontario, Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. of Lindsay Ontario, Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. of New Hamburg, Ontario, and Crosslands General Insurance of London, Ontario. The members, directors, and advisory board members were pleased to welcome Geoff. Coy, Vice-President of Business Development at Lant & Co.; Mike and Jason Wilson of Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Inc.; Jeremy Matheson, C.A.R.S. Manager at Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd., and John Charno, President of Crosslands General Insurance Brokers Ltd. to the meeting. Head table participants were P.A.V.E. Advisory Board members; Mike Conlon; Claim Manager of the Guarantee Company of North America, Woodstock Ontario, and Paul DelGrande; Chairman of the Corporate Impressions Group in Mississauga Ontario. Joining the meeting was Danny Kroll of Toronto. Danny has been training for the past year with Bruce Farrow of Road/Show Automotive Appraisals, and it is expected Danny will be ready for full P.A.V.E. membership in the coming year. Ed Lucas, a potential new member from Troy Michigan and an enthusiastic supporter for the initiatives of P.A.V.E., is a well respected individual within the international antique car fraternity, having worked with many automotive leaders including Lee Iacocca, Edsel Ford II, Gordon Buehrig, Pete Estes, Bob Lutz, William Mitchell, Zora Arkus-Duntov, Andy Granatelli, and John Z. DeLorean, was unable to join the conference due to a last minute assignment that had him flying to Germany earlier in the week to complete an appraisal assignment involving two important automobile collections. The only stumbling block in Ed becoming a licenced and insured member of P.A.V.E. continues to be the lack of flexibility with our Professional Errors & Omissions insurance carrier to extend coverage to a U.S. based member. A resolution continues to be sought. This meeting marked a significant milestone in P.A.V.E.'s thirteen-year history with the recognition of long-time members Jim Prowse of London, and Roger Kleinsmith of Welland, who have retired from the appraisal industry, but continue their association with P.A.V.E. as Lifetime Advisory Members. Both Jim and Roger were presented with engraved crystal awards to recognize their service to the appraisal industry. For the first time in nine years both Edward Melnike; P.A.V.E. web and internet manager, and Jill Korman, our event photographer, could not attend this year's meeting and Ryan Gaudoin of Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service assumed the duties of event photographer. Renwick began his remarks stating the coming year will see the Canadian appraisal industry face a number of challenges including the continuing plague with the proliferation of incompetent and outright dishonest appraisal practitioners being allowed to continue their ways as a result of the total lack of government regulation. Other than dealing with a P.A.V.E. licenced and insured member, appraisal consumers have little protection from being the target of incompetence and dishonesty within the industry. Let's be clear here Renwick said, P.A.V.E. is the Canadian appraisal industry organization that offers a meaningful pre-membership qualification review, licencing, a discipline and dispute resolution process, a written Code of Ethics, and Professional Errors & Omissions insurance coverage. P.A.V.E. is not simply a Diploma Mill. Interest in some form of appraisal industry control and regulation evidently remains strong among appraisal practitioners as evidenced by the fact there are now two independent attempts being mounted to organize the industry in addition to the long-term initiatives of P.A.V.E. P.A.V.E. requirements for membership remain high, and that is perhaps the reason none of the over thirty membership application enquiries received at P.A.V.E.'s Head Office during the past year were successful in being judged acceptable for membership. Perhaps the realization of the need for industry control by appraisal practitioners is the reason behind a western Canada-based appraisal industry organization recently being created. Renwick stated that, “in my opinion it appears extremely counter-productive the individuals behind this new initiative chose not to consult with P.A.V.E. prior to crafting their apparent re-invention of the wheel. I can only envision the strength and expertise that would result from the broadening of P.A.V.E.'s membership base, had there been any level of consultation to establish a working collaboration. Mr. Renwick said it was a major concern to him, as it should be to P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners, there is such a large percentage of membership enquiries that fail to move forward to the point where the applicants become qualified, licenced, and insured members or the organization. Meaningful certification - whether compulsory or voluntary - raises the profile of professionalism of everyone working in an industry, and much more encouragement for P.A.V.E. membership should be coming from our insurance industry partners. In recent years said Renwick, I've had P.A.V.E. members express frustration that no one in the insurance industry appears to give a Rat's Ass about the quality and competence of vehicle appraisals so 'why are we beating our heads against the wall and paying dues and insurance premiums year after year to do our work in a thoroughly professional manner when some guy who really doesn't have a clue gets his one or two-page, check-off-the-box appraisal accepted just as readily as our detailed, narrative, and well researched reports'? It's tough for me to keep justifying to members that it's our mandate to continue to level the playing field. Clearly, more encouragement to consider the benefits of P.A.V.E. membership being passed along to the best of the 350 non-P.A.V.E. appraisal practitioners in Ontario from our insurance industry partners would be welcomed. Additional qualified and insured appraisers throughout the province would produce a win-win situation for both P.A.V.E. and our insurance partners. I was absolutely delighted to receive an e-mail from member Ken LeBlanc earlier this year in which he included a brief questionnaire he received from John Charno of Crosslands General Insurance in London. Ken had completed an appraisal on a client's vehicle and the client had sent the certified copy along to Crosslands to obtain insurance coverage. John had actually taken the time to create and distribute the questionnaire to vehicle appraisers who were submitting appraisals to his company. The questionnaire asked such things as 'how long the appraiser had been in business', would the appraiser submit a copy of his appraisal business letterhead, what was the appraiser's particular area of expertise, was he court experienced, and finally, do you have any affiliation with a professional organization - SUCH AS P.A.V.E. Thank you so much John for that sincerely appreciated effort to recognize the initiatives of P.A.V.E. and the commitment of its professional members. In my opinion it's not enough for our insurance partners to place P.A.V.E. members at the top of their appraisers' referral list, they should also delete the incompetent appraisers, not merely retain them at the bottom of their list. P.A.V.E. is unique within the appraisal industry Renwick observed, in that its members are really competitors. Most entrepreneurs view their competition as the devil - someone to fight or to avoid. Each of our members is committed to working ethically and building a business that works. Each of us recognizes the value in learning from the competition, and in sharing information. None of us knows everything and P.A.V.E. membership provides strength to each of us to learn from each other's mistakes, and to profit from the sharing of experiences. Learning and leadership are the competitive advantage from P.A.V.E. membership. Renwick confided 2009 was a bittersweet year for him personally as it saw the conclusion of a five year legal challenge over allegations of negligence and incompetence resulting from his 2004, 18-page Pre-Purchase Inspection of a $6,500.00 vehicle. While the matter was settled with absolutely no finding of negligence, the legal and other costs totaled over of Thirty Four Thousand Dollars! With more than thirty years' professional experience I find it personally embarrassing to be the only appraiser in Canada I'm aware of, who has been sued in this manner said Renwick. Clearly the lesson to be learned from this experience is that if it can happen to me, it can happen to any appraiser out there, and operating without Professional Errors & Omissions insurance is nothing more than tempting fate. It was very gratifying to have been invited by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (OMIA) of Cambridge to prepare and present two seminars covering the topic of professionally prepared vehicle appraisals in the summer of this year said Renwick. OMIA is the umbrella management organization for about sixty farm mutual insurance companies operating mainly throughout southwestern Ontario. Zehr Insurance uses OMIA member North Waterloo Insurance Company to underwrite its unique Antique Farm Equipment insurance program. At the first seminar I spoke to about thirty OMIA underwriters, and the second about a month later, I spoke to a similar number of brokers and agents. I found OMIA to be a highly organized and professionally run organization, and it was very rewarding to be invited to make those presentations. More than one of the OMIA companies confirmed to me they would be accepting P.A.V.E.-prepared appraisals exclusively as a result of my presentations. One of the most frequent questions I'm asked Renwick said is: What's required for me to become an appraiser? I tell people vehicle appraisal is an industry that operates with no government regulation and all they have to do is register their new company with the Ontario Ministry of Consumer & Commercial Relations, buy a box of business cards, and - voila` - they're an appraiser! The next most frequently asked question from individuals making membership enquiries to P.A.V.E.'s Head Office is: are there any training courses I can take to become an appraiser? At this time the answer is NO, other than to obtain a franchise with a larger appraisal company, or to get on the waiting list for Bruce Farrow's next appraisal course. Renwick recalled at last year's Annual Meeting he was tremendously hopeful of securing a level of Provincial Government funding to enable P.A.V.E. to design and present a training course for appraisers across Ontario. It was his vision the course would not only meet the needs of those who may wish to enter the industry, but for those who may wish to upgrade their existing skills to the point of being successfully considered for membership in P.A.V.E. In spite of some high-level government assurances he'd received at the time, Renwick was disappointed that absolutely no funding became available. In fact, “I didn't even get the courtesy of a reply to my letter that accompanied our government application for funding and I've now made the firm decision to consider a government funded training program to be a Dead and Buried issue at this point in time. The arrival of U.S.-based Hagerty Insurance Agency Inc. into the Canadian special interest vehicle insurance scene could present challenges to the Canadian appraisal industry that will have to be dealt with when they arise, however it is expected that P.A.V.E.'s level of expertise and professionalism will offer a unique, front-line opportunity for P.A.V.E. members to be of service to the Hagerty Insurance folks as they learn to stick-handle their way in the unique, Canadian insurance market. While the Hagerty collector car insurance programs do not require appraisals at this time, I have been assured of continued support for P.A.V.E.'s professional evaluation reports by each of our insurance partners. It is my opinion mounting a collector car insurance program in Canada without being able to base your underwriting on a professional, objective appraisal is a ticket to disaster and I expressed that position in a recent letter of Mr. Gregory Dunn of Aviva/Elite Insurance Co. which is the Canadian underwriter of the Hagerty program, said Renwick. Due to the impact of the Hagerty Insurance move to Canada I predict the appraisal industry should prepare itself to take a bit of a hit over the next eighteen months however I firmly believe P.A.V.E. members will actually find themselves better positioned to weather a storm than all our competitors due to P.A.V.E.'s strong brand recognition within the industry, as well as support for our professionalism from both the specialty collector markets and the mainstream insurance markets. P.A.V.E.'s legal counsel; Ron E. Folkes of Folkes Legal Professional Corp. in Brampton Ontario conducted the next segment of the meeting involving Corporate matters. First was the reading of the official Minutes of last year's meeting. The Minutes were unanimously accepted by a show of hands of the members present. Following the acceptance of the Minutes, the 2008 - 2009 Financial Report was presented and after discussion the financial report was unanimously accepted by the members. P.A.V.E. is legally chartered as a Not-For-Profit Ontario Corporation. P.A.V.E. members shared in the latest round table discussion of their business activity during the past year. With only two exceptions, members reported slightly increased levels of activity with at least three members reporting a substantial level of after loss appraisal work for State Farm. Renwick also spoke of his own increase in State Farm business, as well as achieving an increased number of referrals from TD Meloche Monnex, and Chubb Insurance, as well as other, non-specialty insurance markets who have come to recognize the benefits of the P.A.V.E. brand. At noon the meeting participants adjourned upstairs to the Valley View Dining Room at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg, Ontario. The award winning buffet is truly exceptional and the luncheon was again partially sponsored by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. Mr. Renwick formally recognized the excellent service provided at Copper Creek by its Catering Manager, Ms. Joanne Kuhla. After lunch a number of issues were discussed. The first was a presentation by Advisory Board member Mike Conlon who spoke on pending law changes directly affecting the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario (UCDA) involving enhanced disclosure of used vehicle histories at time of sale, and the potential for impact upon the appraisal industry. Clearly a number of these issues, including the documentation of a vehicle having a Branded title, must now be given careful consideration before a knowledgeable appraiser can provide an opinion of value. An appraiser's failure to report a Branded title could not only result in an inaccurate value, but litigation. Discussion ensued at the meeting and it was agreed a vehicle title should be viewed at the time of an appraiser's inspection and, further, it may be useful to actually take a digital photograph of the title. The next issue involved formatting the second, P.A.V.E. Peer Review Program. Doug Adams of Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service in Wasaga Beach confirmed his agreement to act as Chairman. Alan Lewis of Vintage Car Connection in Singhampton, and Larry Shackleton of GLS Appraisals in Barrie agreed to assist Doug on the project. This Quality Control initiative will again see each member submit two examples of their appraisal work completed over the past year for a thorough critiquing by the committee. The Peer Review Committee will report its findings at the 10th Annual General Conference. Discussion took place regarding acceptable terminology used in P.A.V.E. member appraisal reports used to obtain Agreed Value insurance under standard endorsement form 19-A. A motion was made to replace using the accepted term Agreed Insurance Value which generally includes all applicable taxes with the term Actual Cash Value not including taxes. The suggestion included showing the P.A.V.E.-developed definition of Actual Cash Value which is: the highest price, expressed in terms of money, that the automobile would bring in an open and unrestricted market, between a willing buyer and a willing seller, who are both knowledgeable, informed, and prudent, and who are acting independently of each other. The motion to change was voted on by members, and was defeated. Allan Lewis presented the results of his P.A.V.E.-member survey documenting the vehicles currently owned by P.A.V.E. members. Porsche was the most popular vehicle in the group. Allan supplied a copy of the survey to each member. A discussion took place regarding the benefit of including tire manufacturer's Date Codes in appraisal reports. It was felt this is a significant safety issue that was first brought to the forefront at last year's P.A.V.E. Annual Meeting with a news video obtained by member Allan Lewis detailing the tragedy that can result from tires that are beyond their manufacturer's recommended safe life. Renwick discussed P.A.V.E.'s Advisory Board and he stated the terms of Jeff Gray and Sandra Notarianni were expiring on December 31, 2009 and two replacement Advisors were to be confirmed by members effective January 1, 2010. The names of Ron Wilson, and Jil McIntosh were presented as Advisory Board replacement nominees. A vote ensued and both Ron and Jil were unanimously accepted. Renwick advised Announcements would be prepared and would run in a future issue of Old Autos newspaper. Presenting a Professional Image was the subject of a talk by Chairman Renwick. You only have one chance to make a first impression said Renwick. Members' work should be neatly formatted and typed. Letterhead, envelopes, and business cards, as well as all business advertising should also project a professional image at all times. Letterhead and business cards should include the easily recognized, green, stylized P that is the official P.A.V.E. logo, along with the words Licenced Member. Members were reminded to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all business times and Renwick particularly singled out that need for professionalism when attending cruise nights and auto related events where a P.A.V.E. member may be tempted to hand out business cards or other advertising material without first consulting the event organizers and offering to pay a fee, should that opportunity be available. Renwick presented the example of his own company paying a substantial fee to be commercial exhibitors at the bi-annual Toronto Collector Car Auctions only to see small time appraisers pay their twenty dollar admission to come in the front door as spectators, and then proceed to put their business cards in as many vehicles as they have cards. This is unacceptable conduct and does not demonstrate the professionalism expected from all P.A.V.E. members. Renwick confirmed P.A.V.E. fees will remain unchanged for the coming year including the $50.00 new membership/licencing review fee; the $750.00 first year membership/licencing fee; and the $250.00 annual renewal fee. The Professional Errors & Omissions insurance premium remains very cost effective for each member. P.A.V.E. membership continues to be a cost-effective marketing advantage when dealing with clients, claim adjusters, lawyers, and courts. Thanks for being invited to P.A.V.E.'s 9th Annual General Conference was given by Geoff. Coy on behalf of Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd., Mike and Jason Wilson on behalf of Frost Whetter Oaklin Insurance Inc., Jeremy Matheson on behalf of Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd., and John Charno on behalf of Crosslands General Insurance Brokers Ltd. There being no further business before the meeting, on a motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the 9th Annual General Conference of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. was adjourned at 3:30 P.M.
WAYNE COPELAND RECEIVES RIGHT COAST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 
Wayne Copeland, Vice-President of Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada was honoured to receive a Representatives' Lifetime Achievement Award from the Right Coast Association. The prestigious award from the Syracuse, New York-based organization recognizes Wayne's 40 years of dedicated support and achievement within the Canadian collector and street rod hobby.
Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service 
The year 2010 marks the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Canada's largest, most relied upon special interest vehicle appraisal company - Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service. The company's uniquely detailed professional approach to vehicle appraisal has become the yardstick of the appraisal industry that is relied upon by not only special interest vehicle insurance providers, but direct insurance writers, mutual insurance markets, and the legal profession. As leaders in the vehicle appraisal industry, Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service realized the need for some form of industry regulation, and in 1996 founded the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. to provide meaningful consumer protection initiatives through a written Code of Ethics and having its professional appraiser members covered under an Errors & Omissions insurance program. Additional information on Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service may be obtained by visiting the company's website at www.antiqueandclassicappraisal.com.
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ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR P.A.V.E. 
The 8th Annual General Conference was chaired by Founder, President, and CEO; D. Dean Renwick. Mr. Renwick welcomed P.A.V.E. Members, Directors, Legal Counsel, Advisory Board Members, two prospective new members, and insurance industry partnering representatives. Renwick expressed the gratitude of the association for the ongoing moral, financial, and business referral support shown by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Stouffville Ontario, Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. of Lindsay Ontario, and Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. of New Hamburg, Ontario. Jeremy Matheson of Zehr Insurance was again unable to attend the Conference, along with a number of association members. Following a Continental Breakfast partially sponsored by Whetter Oaklin Insurance, the 8th Annual General Conference was called to order promptly at 9:00 A.M. President Renwick assured P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners of the organization's ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of integrity and professionalism in each and every one of its member's appraisal reports. Two prospective new members were introduced at the meeting. Firstly was Danny Kroll of Toronto. Danny is expected to be working closely with Bruce Farrow and his Road/Show Automotive Appraisals. Secondly was Ed Lucas, a potential new member from Troy Michigan. Ed is an extremely well respected and well known individual within the international antique car fraternity. Ed's "million dollar voice" providing insightful colour commentary regarding vehicles crossing the block has been heard at many collector car auctions and shows, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours. Ed told the meeting he became aware of the initiatives of P.A.V.E. a number of years when he visited the P.A.V.E. booth at one of the Toronto RM Collector Car Auctions. Ed confided to the group he had recently been retained to provide appraisals on many of the vehicles in the General Motors' Heritage Vehicle Collection, prior to its forthcoming liquidation. Renwick stated that: "through our efforts over the past twelve years, P.A.V.E. has become the recognized voice for the Canadian appraisal industry. Sadly however there remains little visible expression of interest in joining being shown by the estimated 350 so-called vehicle appraisers operating in the Province of Ontario. Our membership remains unchanged for the past year at twenty-three. P.A.V.E.'s membership statistics confirm there continues to be little appraisal industry desire to support the professionalism of the vehicle appraisal industry through membership in P.A.V.E. Oddly though, some non-P.A.V.E. appraisers have apparently also recognized the need for a unified industry voice, but rather than applying to P.A.V.E. for membership, have chosen to 're-invent the wheel' by starting what they must surely feel is a competing appraisers' association. Incredibly, apparently not believing TWO organizations offer enough choice, there is now rumoured to be yet a THIRD association for vehicle appraisers in the works in western Ontario! In my opinion, these are two of the most counterproductive steps that could be taken to strengthen, unify, and provide meaningful enhancements to consumers and the appraisal industry itself. Since 1996 when I started working on establishing P.A.V.E. it has been my goal to 'level the playing field' among vehicle appraisers, as well as to provide a measure of meaningful consumer protection. I believe we have succeeded in achieving those goals however it remains clear there is much work to be done in the future. In a recent interview as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Toronto Auto Dealers Association (T.A.D.A.), John Carmichael, President of City Buick Pontiac Cadillac Ltd. stated 'Industry associations play a significant role, and I don't think you can really get a grasp on how important they are to business until you get your feet wet and work with them'. It is abundantly clear there are many benefits to a strong industry association however reluctance from appraisal industry practitioners to add their voice and expertise to such an association remains as a very low priority in their minds. Having two Johnny come lately industry associations will, in my view, only serve to confuse those unaligned Ontario appraisers, although I suppose it is not unrealistic to imagine 'appraisers' who are turned down for membership in P.A.V.E. may seek to join an organization requiring lesser membership credentials. Renwick continued, "all P.A.V.E. members should be encouraged by a letter I recently received from Ron Wilson, President of Whetter, Oaklin Classic Car Insurance in which Ron stated his company's desire to see P.A.V.E. membership expand to at least forty members thus enabling P.A.V.E. representation across all areas of Ontario. To move forward and be successful, you must constantly seek to improve your business. All of us at this meeting have chosen to improve our knowledge, image, and value to appraisal consumers through P.A.V.E. membership, but the question remains - why doesn't everyone else do the same when there is so much value in working together and sharing information, rather than attempting to continue working independently in a vacuum? P.A.V.E.'s head office operates as a clearinghouse for enquiries that are received by 'phone or e-mail, and appraisal prospects are provided with contact information for the nearest, or best-qualified member. P.A.V.E.'s totally independent members enjoy the ability of working and communicating together on unique and difficult issues. I believe a single, and strong industry association will play a very important role in helping unite all insurance and appraisal stakeholders. The importance of a meaningful licencing program is increasingly necessary to protect consumers from the current free-for-all involving vehicle appraisers who deliberately mislead prospective customers into believing the appraiser has met some level of pre-qualification through the fraudulent misuse of Ministry of Transportation registration numbers, and other means. Operating with an Ontario Ministry of Finance Registration Number allowing an individual to provide Sales Tax Appraisal Records is absolutely no reflection of evaluation competence, stated Renwick. Ron Wilson also made the point his company would encourage the development of an ongoing training program for appraisers. Ron stated: "Most professions nowadays have associations that professionals can belong to. Insurance brokers for instance - most brokers in Ontario belong to the Insurance Brokers' Association of Ontario (IBAO). Brokers do not have to belong to IBAO to be a broker in Ontario, however most of us do choose to pay huge fees each year to belong. It adds credibility to your status as a broker if you belong, but more importantly it is an organization that provides us opportunities to expand our knowledge in our profession by way of attending one of the several dozen courses and seminars that IBAO runs each year. And yes, as members we still must pay additional fees to take these courses. Non-members can enroll to attend seminars however they are required to pay a higher fee to attend". Ron concludes his comments by saying: Dean, like anything else, sometimes things sound and work better on paper than in real life, but I think development of a P.A.V.E. educational program could be a very positive addition to P.A.V.E. by adding even more value to your already very professional and credible organization. Renwick admitted he was "indebted to Ron Wilson for taking the time to share those comments and observations". In view of the current recognition of a need for appraiser education, President Renwick was "extremely pleased to announce to you today, that at the request of Mr. John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for Ontario, P.A.V.E. has submitted a preliminary proposal to access Ontario's Sector Initiative Fund (SIF) to obtain funding enabling us to develop, present, and maintain a province-wide, community college-based training program for all vehicle appraisers. P.A.V.E.'s final submission to the SIF is expected to include details of not only an educational program, but include a request that all vehicle appraisers undergo a rigid test of qualification leading to formal licencing. It is P.A.V.E.'s position any future appraiser licencing program would be administered by P.A.V.E. on behalf of Ontario. Setting professional standards, along with workforce training and re-training programs are currently "front burner" issues for Ontario, and over four million dollars in advertising has been spent on a four-week blitz of television, radio, print, and Internet ads in the month of July. Minister Milloy announced in excess of $355 million will be spent on the three-year program that is hoped to attract 20,000 applicants over the three years. P.A.V.E. would be both proud, and uniquely qualified to participate in the ongoing development of a government initiative. Renwick advised attendees that "we'll be having an in-depth discussion this afternoon to provide details of P.A.V.E.'s involvement in the creation of such a partnership, as well as to solicit suggestions and participation from members with prior or current teaching skills that may be useful as we embark on this exciting new path. Displaying the stylized, green coloured P.A.V.E. logo on your letterhead and all advertising initially sets each of us apart from the other 350 appraisers flooding the market. We know there is a meaningful level of security and professionalism in place when a P.A.V.E. appraiser is chosen however, it's not an easy process to state concisely how you're better than your rivals so it's tempting to stick with a stale platitude and continue along running your business without change, but if you don't distinguish your service from that of your rivals, you'll find yourself struggling to survive. If an appraiser can't answer his client's question 'Why should I buy from you?' he'll be forced to compete on price alone. In today's volatile economic market an appraiser who markets his service on the basis of 'being the cheapest' is marked for failure. P.A.V.E. membership provides a strong marketing advantage when you are dealing with clients, insurance underwriters, claims adjusters, lawyers, and courts. Each of you is committed to operate your appraisal business with the highest level of competence and integrity, and that undertaking is proven by your agreeing to become pre-qualified, licenced, insured, and to operate under a written Code of Ethics. You may have noticed P.A.V.E.'s continuously running advertisement in Old Autos newspaper under the "Services Offered" section has recently been changed with the deletion of the VIN Verification service notice that was replaced with the tag line: "Appraising is not a hobby - hire a professional appraiser. Find professional appraisers that meet your needs with a visit to the website of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. at www.trustpave.com Let's be clear - P.A.V.E. membership is an independent appraiser's advantage in an overcrowded market. Our insurance industry partners agree on the benefits of our strengths, now it's time to convince consumers they should be dealing with a P.A.V.E. member. That remains one of our ongoing challenges and I welcome your comments on this issue at this afternoon's session said Renwick. Another of the things we're going to discuss throughout the afternoon is how we can maximize our usefulness to our insurance partners through our reporting additional information on a number of different topics including safety related issues. I've been told one of the major causes of insured loss over the past year is engine compartment fires. Jim Prowse first raised the issue of plastic fuel filter and neoprene flexible fuel line use at least a year ago. Every time I see a plastic fuel filter installed in what I consider to be an unsafe position, I include a comment in the appraisal report. The same goes for what I consider to be unsafe, old, or worn wiring. I would expect that after our earlier group discussion on the issue of identifying potentially unsafe issues, all P.A.V.E. members would be including this important information in their reports for the benefit of insurers and owners. Renwick expressed concern that "during a fairly recent conversation with an insurance partner on the subject of fire losses, I was discussing not only my including a narrative comment on plastic fuel filters, but also including the filter in my engine compartment photos, and the insurance partner replied 'many of the appraisals his office relied upon didn't even include engine compartment photos'. In spite of my continuing disillusion with some insurance companies, I implore underwriters and those with underwriting authority, to take a stand and actually reject those incompetent, unprofessional reports. There must be pressure brought upon the less than skilled appraisal practitioners to shape up or get voted off the island. Recently I've been made aware of bullying tactics reportedly employed by one southern Ontario appraiser who threatened to sue a broker who refused to accept the guy's appraisal, angrily telling the broker "there is no written definition of an 'appraisal', other than it should be a written opinion provided on letterhead. His point was: he had done exactly that and regardless of how little other information was provided about the vehicle, there were no legal grounds for the broker to reject the guy's work! One solution - other than simply caving in to the appraiser's threats as I was told the broker did in that case - would have been for the broker to stand his ground and request the appraiser make application to become a member of P.A.V.E. in an effort to determine whether or not his work actually met an industry standard. If not successful in becoming a P.A.V.E. member, the appraisal would remain rejected. I received and dealt with 26 formal membership enquiry requests during the past year, including those from Ed Lucas, and a Todd St. Clair who approached us through Ken LeBlanc. I look forward to receiving another from Danny Kroll early in the New Year. Each enquiry received a full response with sample reports being mailed out along with additional P.A.V.E. information and an application form where I considered it appropriate. Some applicants had absolutely no appraisal experience but: thought they would like to try something new as they'd owned old cars for many years". At least one applicant had some experience but was woefully inadequate, as I advised him. Astoundingly, within a month of sending my letter and critique, I saw this fellow was running a large, very professional looking advertisement in Old Autos for his western Ontario based Appraisal Service. Again - I'm forced to ask: 'how can appraisal work that is so dreadfully lacking in competence and meaningful 'detail', wind up being accepted by the insurance industry - especially as it enters an unprecedented period of volatile market correction?' That market correction will include the unraveling of the fraudulent overvaluation of all manner of questionable assets from stocks, real estate, boats, and of particular interest to those at this meeting, classic and collector vehicles. There's tremendous concern about what a global recession would do to corporate earnings all over the world. Underwriting losses can no longer be offset by investment income as that has all but dried up. Traditionally, profits achieved from investment income have long been used by insurance companies to offset underwriting losses. Now that the income/profit factor is all but lost, insurers are scrambling to stem the flow of red ink. Insurance companies are actively looking to reduce loss payments and in the case of the collector vehicle segment, I suggest they immediately get serious about tightening their underwriting programs. It's clearly time to abandon the old system of abdicating underwriting responsibility to the claims department. Neophyte underwriters within the insurance industry contribute to the lack of profitability. Because it was never explained to them, an underwriter may simply have no idea of the difference between a professional appraisal, and an incompetent appraisal. Perhaps a fair analogy would be to have a consumer compare a '19' endorsement with a '19A'. They both look the same but as we all know, there's a world of difference in the actual coverage. As the voice of the appraisal industry, P.A.V.E. remains committed to promoting our professional difference at many levels. On the topic of neophyte insurance underwriters, I can report early this year Allan Lewis and I had initial discussions with the Head Office of an insurance company, newly involved in the collector vehicle insurance program, to prepare and present a full day seminar on the collector vehicle industry and particularly on insurance appraisals, however after some discussion regarding fees our offer was rejected. This year, P.A.V.E. also faced a lack of underwriting expertise from Meloche Monnex Insurance with respect to a vehicle appraisal report prepared by Mike Salter. The front line underwriter wanted 'comparable' values taken from an AutoTrader magazine to accompany the appraisal, as well as insisting on a photograph of the trunk compartment. It was my contention if meaningful comparable values were required, the insurance company should do initial research to locate vehicles they felt were comparable, a purchase order should be provided to the appraiser, and he could then complete a physical inspection, prepare a report, and submit his invoice for as many "comparables" as they wanted to review in order to satisfy themselves the appraiser had, in fact, been accurate with respect to the initial appraisal report. That suggestion was initially ridiculed by the company and the issue took considerable time and effort to resolve with my involvement going directly to the President of Meloche Monnex in Montreal. I'm pleased to report to you Meloche Monnex now has what I consider to be a reasonable and mutually agreeable program in place with respect to the acceptance of P.A.V.E. appraisals as part of their vehicle underwriting requirements, and that process does NOT require the submission of 'comparable' values. Meloche staff now refer their clients with special interest vehicles directly to P.A.V.E's on-line roster to obtain appraisals that are acceptable to Meloche Monnex underwriters. The referral support from Meloche Monnex is clearly another added value for qualified independent appraisers to become licenced and insured members of P.A.V.E. It was reported in the financial press that last month, 8,836 Canadian consumers and businesses threw in the towel and filed for bankruptcy. That's up a staggering 28.4% from just a year ago!! In the current economy I foresee insurance companies will need to cut spending and services as they explore ways to offset diminished investment income. One of the ways to minimize the bleeding is to rely upon P.A.V.E. appraisals to establish accurate insurance values in today's declining market. Establishing current, updated vehicle values lessens the attraction for a recently out-of-work insured to sell his $25,000.00 collector car to his insurance company for the $50,000.00 it was appraised for five years ago. It's happening, and it's to the advantage of our insurance partners to insist on fair, up-to-date values as determined by objective, knowledgeable, professional appraisers. For those of you who want to take a first-hand look at current market values you simply have to click on to the RM Auction results for their Toronto Collector Car Auction held only a couple of weeks ago! There are still lots of car owners out there who haven't woken up yet, and as professional appraisers part of our responsibility is delivering that wake up call. The issue of vehicle overvaluation will be discussed in greater detail this afternoon with a short presentation by Bruce Farrow outlining the case of a Porsche that was sold by a high-end Toronto dealership and the very same day the purchaser had a non-P.A.V.E. appraiser value the car for FIFTY PERCENT MORE than the selling price. Bruce will discuss the inflated appraisal being accepted by an insurer, and the car's subsequent un-recovered theft. To the insurance industry in general, and to our insurance partners in particular, I again stress these situations are happening - they're going to become much more prevalent in the immediate future - and you're responsible for taking affirmative action to minimize loss payments." Renwick concluded his formal address by suggesting each of P.A.V.E.'s insurance partners "let P.A.V.E.'s professionalism be an integral part of your strategy to minimize losses. At the conclusion of President Renwick's formal address to the 8th Annual General Conference he again thanked everyone for taking time from their personal activities to support the ongoing initiatives of P.A.V.E. by sharing their expertise, as well as formally welcoming P.A.V.E.'s Internet technical advisor, Edward Melnike, and P.A.V.E.'s official event photographer, Jill Korman. Renwick also passed along the regrets sent to him by a number of individuals who were unable to attend the day's events. At this point in the conference, individual P.A.V.E. members were provided with time to give a narrative overview of their business activities during the past year. With only a couple of exceptions, members indicated business levels were being maintained at generally the same levels as the previous year. It was felt that as closer working partnerships with our insurance partners and others are forged, the volume of appraisal work for P.A.V.E. members should increase during the coming year. Following individual member presentations the meeting was turned over to Ron E. Folkes, P.A.V.E.'s legal counsel, who conducted the organization's corporate business including the reading of the official minutes from the previous year's Annual General Meeting and voting for a current Board of Directors. P.A.V.E. is a legally incorporated, not-for profit organization. The minutes were discussed and agreed to be accurate and in order as confirmed by a unanimous vote of all members present. The corporate business and voting was followed by President Renwick providing an update on P.A.V.E.'s initiative to access Ontario funding to establish, manage, and present a province-wide training and certification program for individuals who may either wish to enter the special interest appraisal industry, or who may wish to upgrade their current skills and appraisal completion techniques to a level where they would qualify for licencing by P.A.V.E. Renwick invited member discussion on such a partnership as well as specifically canvassing members with current and prior teaching skills that may be useful as the organization prepares embark on this exciting new path. At the noon hour the meeting adjourned for its lunch break and all participants enjoyed the Copper Creek's award-winning buffet that was partially sponsored by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd.. Both the Annual General Conference and the buffet lunch are no-cost benefits available to all P.A.V.E. members. The afternoon portion of the conference saw discussion regarding the development of a P.A.V.E. member-funded Trust Fund to replace the existing Errors & Omissions insurance program. Owing to a recent, out of court payment made under P.A.V.E.'s Errors & Omissions insurance policy it was felt by members to be highly advisable to continue the unique E & O insurance program. Member Larry Shackleton; a retired Toronto Police Service Auto Theft Squad investigator, proposed development of a joint initiative between P.A.V.E. and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (I.B.C.) that would see P.A.V.E. members receive stolen vehicle information quickly and directly from the I.B.C. Larry agreed to investigate and work out the details enabling such a program to be implemented. Larry Shackleton also proposed a modification to the P.A.V.E. Roster and web site that would see members' special areas of expertise highlighted. It's clear P.A.V.E. appraisers must be good "generalists" however each one has their own area of special expertise, and it is the intention of Larry's proposal that consumers who may be facing court appearances, or be involved in serious legal, or insurance matters would want to assure themselves they had the best qualified individual acting on their behalf. While not unanimous, the change was passed by a vote of members attending the conference. It was agreed that Larry would solicit this information from all members and pass it along to Edward Melnike for inclusion in the P.A.V.E. web site. A lengthy discussion on the issue of appraisers reporting on safety issues found with the vehicles they inspect was held. Concern was expressed that as all appraisers are considered in law as "Experts" and could be found liable for not disclosing an obvious safety defect should the vehicle they had just inspected be involved in a collision resulting in serious injury or death. The importance of adequate insurance is clear because even should the appraiser be found not legally liable for contributory negligence, substantial legal defense costs could accrue. P.A.V.E.'s legal counsel agreed an appraiser could be as legally liable for what he says, as for what he does not say in an appraisal report. Bruce Farrow and Allan Lewis made an updated presentation on the subject of tire Date Coding. An NBC News investigative report on the subject was played for members. Allan Lewis brought photos for members to actually see and understand the significance of tire manufacturers' Date Codes affixed to tire sidewalls. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the relevance of including the Date Code information in individual appraisal reports. There was also discussion regarding the legal liability of an appraiser who includes, or does not include the important tire safety information. In the end it was felt tires that are beyond the manufacturer's seven-year "safe life" (regardless of tread wear) should have that fact disclosed in an appraisal prepared by a professional appraiser. Legal Counsel felt the use of P.A.V.E.'s unique "Evaluation Disclosure" sheet would offer protection to member appraisers due to its clear definitions of appraiser skills, and scope of the report. It was agreed that wherever possible, P.A.V.E. members would include the tire Date Codes in their future reports. Jim Prowse made a presentation regarding the hazards of inappropriate placement of plastic, in-line gas filters, and the use of neoprene flexible fuel line. Jim explained with the increasing amounts of ethanol in modern gasoline, neoprene hose quickly deteriorates resulting in sudden rupture and leakage of pressurized gasoline onto hot engine room components such as exhaust manifolds and headers. Ethanol-safe flexible fuel line is now labeled "Fuel Injection". P.A.V.E. members remain committed to provide our insurance partners, and appraisal clients with as much information regarding visible safety issues as possible. Allan Lewis has completed the compilation of a listing of members' vehicles for internal use and reference. The vehicles range from a 1918 Chev "490" Touring to a 2005 Corvette "C-6". Allan has also agreed to develop a "Members Only" type of chat room for the benefit of members wishing to share technical information. The new "Members Only" area would likely be a part of P.A.V.E.'s existing Roster. Although not at this year's conference, Doug Adams proposed changes to the format of the P.A.V.E. Peer Review process. It was Doug's suggestion members should gather at one time to inspect one or two cars. Doug felt this process would enable the reviewers to more accurately measure the accuracy of individual reports. After much discussion by members it was felt that while the suggestion had merit, it would be virtually impossible to organize, and the existing method of conducting the Peer Review should be maintained. President Renwick asked members to provide suggestions of individuals who would consider sitting on P.A.V.E.'s Board of Advisors, and members agreed to do this and report the names of candidates to P.A.V.E.'s head office within the next few months. Subsequent to last year's conference a "Job Description" outlining twenty-two skills President Renwick felt were necessary for a successor to his position to posess was circulated. Mr. Renwick advised this year's conference that to date there have been no respondents. A very sincere thanks for being invited to the 8th Annual General Conference was given by Ed Lucas at the closing of the meeting. Members were advised a new membership/licencing review fee remains unchanged at $50.00 and the first year membership/licencing fee continues at $750.00. The annual renewal fee remains unchanged at $250.00. There being no further business before the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the 8th Annual General Conference of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. was adjourned at 3:30 P.M.
LANT INSURANCE 30th ANNIVERSARY RECOGNIZED BY P.A.V.E. 
Renwick presented the plaque to recognize and honour the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. on behalf of all P.A.V.E. members who work closely with Lant Insurance staff to ensure fair insurance values are maintained. In the case of Mr. Renwick's own company - Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal Service - the very successful business relationship with Tony and his staff has existed for over twenty-eight of those thirty years. Following the presentation, a luncheon was hosted by P.A.V.E. in downtown Stouffville. Information regarding the Silver Wheel and Custom Wheel insurance programs offered by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. may be obtained by visiting its website at www.lant-ins.ca.
P.A.V.E. VOTES TO DEVELOP TRAINING PROGRAMS 
The Seventh Annual Conference of the Association was chaired by Founder, President, and CEO; D. Dean Renwick. Mr. Renwick welcomed P.A.V.E. Members, Directors, Legal Counsel, and industry partnering representatives. Renwick expressed the gratitude of the Association for the ongoing moral and financial support shown by Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd., of Stouffville Ontario, and Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc., of Lindsay Ontario. Due to a last minute travel conflict Jeremy Matheson of Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. in New Hamburg, Ontario was unable to attend the Conference. Following a Continental Breakfast sponsored by Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. the Seventh Annual Conference was called to order at 9:00 A.M. President Renwick outlined a full slate of issues that would be discussed during the day. One of those topics was the development of a plan of succession for the Association in the event of Renwick's passing or becoming incapacitated. The Association has moved forward increasing its membership to twenty-three this year, "in spite of a fog of misperception and in some cases deliberately generated miscommunication that continues to exist within the appraisal industry regarding P.A.V.E. initiatives", said Renwick. "We must exercise every opportunity to proactively respond to any opportunity to shape and enhance public perception of the special interest appraisal industry whenever possible". "One such opportunity arose earlier this year when a Canadian Military Master Corporal; Jody Mitic was presented with a specially modified, hand-controlled Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The modifications allowed Master Corporal Mitic to operate the new bike in spite of having lost both legs in a land mine incident in Afghanistan. The folks at Barrie Harley-Davidson were so touched after hearing the Mitic story they quickly raised $50,000.00 in donations to make the bike a reality, and one of those who immediately stepped in to help was P.A.V.E. member appraiser; Larry Shackleton of GLS Appraisals in Barrie. I was extremely proud of Larry's contribution of a professional appraisal for the modified bike to this effort, and some of you may recall seeing a story that I arranged to appear in the May 21st, 2007 issue of Old Autos newspaper. That story put all parties, including P.A.V.E., in a very positive light." "This past year has seen an increase in P.A.V.E. membership interest. A number of those enquiring also expressed an interest in accessing an accredited appraisal-training course. P.A.V.E. continues to be unable to provide its own training program due to a lack of funding from any level of government." President Renwick formally introduced and welcomed the five newest members of the association: Douglas Annan of Ajax, Paul Calderone of Toronto, Glen Clarke of Mountain (in the Ottawa Valley area), Doug Kemp of Grafton, and Ken LeBlanc of Welland. Renwick cautioned against too much self-satisfaction with the membership increase, cautioning members to be mindful that P.A.V.E.'s 23 members are only a small percentage of the estimated 350 individuals now operating as special interest vehicle "appraisers" in the Province of Ontario. "A great number of those 350 appear happy with the 'status quo', and the lack of government regulation allows them all to continue to stumble along." "When they are only operating as a part time business with no real expenses they can continue to charge a minimum fee, and some members of the public are more than supportive of such an arrangement. Where is the insurance industry support of P.A.V.E. initiatives when these amateur and sometimes inaccurate appraisals are received on underwriters' desks", asked Renwick. "Our industry can no longer afford to sit idle! Legitimate vehicle appraisers deserve more from our insurance partners than to be lumped in with the less than professional practitioners." "I'm not certain there isn't more that should be done by the insurance industry to curb the continuation of these amateur, and sometimes dishonest practitioners. The insurance industry must realize the need for the special interest vehicle appraisal industry to be recognized and relied upon as a legitimate business", stated Renwick. "P.A.V.E. and its members have chosen to operate in a highly professional manner, with costs incurred to provide a very high level of competence and service, as well as providing Consumers - including those in the insurance industry - with a meaningful level of protection through a number of P.A.V.E. initiatives including our unique Professional Errors & Omissions insurance program." While there continues to be no clear Canadian alternative to the industry enhancing measures brought about by P.A.V.E., President Renwick stated his position that "qualified vehicle appraisers throughout Canada should carefully investigate and do their due diligence with respect to learning more about P.A.V.E., or any other organization that may surface, before making their final commitment to join." "Check out an organization's websites. Review their roster of members. Become aware of what meaningful benefits will actually result from membership. Speak personally with the contact people, and question members of the insurance industry to learn as much as you possibly can about P.A.V.E. or any other organization, and then make an informed decision." One of the questions that arise when dealing with industry self-regulation is: "Does it work?" One of the best-known self-regulatory bodies is the Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons. The College is required to review a number of very serious allegations against its members annually. "This year" Renwick stated "I was made aware of two matters connected with the appraisal of vehicles by P.A.V.E. members. One involved the possible 'under' valuation of a vehicle, and the other involved an allegation of 'over' valuation. Both matters were investigated and resolved by me during the year. It is reportedly becoming the norm in the Canadian medical profession that a mandatory re-certification should take place every five years or so, and I wonder aloud at this time if P.A.V.E. members should again be subject to a similar review process." "Implementation of a second P.A.V.E. 'Peer Review" would not be a witch hunt however I would like some form of assurance that all members are preparing their reports using the same general narrative format, with the same tried and tested language being used to ensure we protect ourselves as best we can from litigation. For those reasons I believe we should have a second "Peer Review" at some point in time during the coming year. Our first 'Peer Review' was held in 2003 with Mike Conlon, Paul DelGrande, and myself conducting the reviews over an intense, day-long session." "Either later in this Conference, or throughout the coming months, I would appreciate your input regarding the format the second review should take. Should it follow the path of the first review which saw each member submit two current appraisal reports for review, or should it involve another group meeting where every member gets to inspect a couple of on-site vehicles? I believe there are benefits to both courses of action, but personally tend to favour the group's on-site vehicle review method. Obviously, any meaningful, second 'Peer Review' will necessitate a lot of work and would require a number of volunteers, so I am asking each of you to consider letting your name stand for this important project." "I also believe appraisal consumers have a right to insist vehicle appraisers be held to a high standard, and that violators actually be punished." "Currently in my opinion," Renwick stated, "there is an inappropriate tolerance for wrongful appraiser conduct by the insurance industry. P.A.V.E. has its own disciplinary measures in place to deal with offending member conduct but the question remains unanswered of what is to be done with the non-P.A.V.E. appraisers who are proven to be unethical and/or incompetent? I foresee the execution of truly meaningful punishment requiring the strong support and co-operation of our insurance industry partners, and that is an issue I will be discussing with them at meetings throughout the coming year." "I earlier mentioned one of the reasons for a second 'Peer Review' was to ensure the language and phraseology used in each member's repots would help prevent litigation. As most of you know, I am the defendant in an action regarding my completion of a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) report in July of 2004. Some three and a half years later this matter is scheduled for trial in December of this year. The value of our Errors & Omissions insurance is very clear in this matter as my legal expenses are currently estimated to be in the area of Five Thousand Dollars and we aren't done yet! It is particularly irritating to me personally to find myself the Defendant, for the first time ever in an almost thirty-year professional career, for a vehicle with a selling price of Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars. The allegations are also highly suspect as my appraisal reports through the years have been relied upon by Courts, Insurance Companies, and Federal Government Departments for vehicles with values in excess of One Million Dollars!!!! I would also like to thank Bruce Farrow for his generous offer to provide professional support at trial." "The strengthening Canadian Dollar and declining American economy have combined to bring about a major, downward impact on Canadian collector vehicle values. Only a year ago when we were doing value research it was common to add 20 to 25% to the American value comparables. A few years before that we were adding 40% to establish Canadian values. Now our dollar is at and above par with the U.S. buck, and there is nothing to be added to those American price guide values! In stock market circles it's called 'market correction', and in the collector car industry, it's a 'correction' that's probably long over due" in my opinion. "P.A.V.E.'s knowledgeable and prudent insurance partners will recognize this market 'correction' by insisting on their clients obtaining competent, professionally researched and prepared evaluation updates reflecting the changes in both the economy and market. The new reality is not going to be an easy sell to appraisal clients but I suggest each of us exhibit a 'firm and knowledgeably professional' approach when dealing with individuals requiring a current, or update appraisal." "In a recent conversation I had with Doug Adams he told me of a major, high-end performance car dealership that estimates the value of some of its stock has dropped by 50% if they have had that vehicle in stock for over a year. Half of the drop is the result of the stronger Canadian currency, and the other half results from the decline in the North American market. P.A.V.E. members MUST stay informed on what is happening in the marketplace. It behooves each of us to accumulate as much knowledge as possible and to share that information with other P.A.V.E. members. Part of the strength of P.A.V.E. lies in the diversity of its member knowledge." "I see the immediate major concern for our insurance partners may not be with their single vehicle, hobbyist insureds, but those clients with major, multi-million dollar collections. How well do you really know those individuals? How thorough has your underwriting really been through the years? Do recent financial background reports suggest these people are still financially secure enough to absorb a three or four million dollar potential personal loss should the collection need to be sold? And the question that should really scare the pants of every insurer is: 'would any of these clients ever consider mitigating their financial loss through a 'fire sale' that would see their collection being 'sold' to their insurance company at yesterday's values?" "Today, I suggest to our insurance partners this reverse swing of the pendulum as it pertains to the old car industry requires your immediate and careful attention as ALL of the special programs for collector vehicles are written by you on the basis of direct damage being covered on a '19-A' 'Agreed Value' endorsement. What it's insured for is what you folks will write a loss cheque for - no 'ifs', 'ands', or 'buts'! Be assured - P.A.V.E. and its members stand ready to assist you and your underwriters in any way we can." "While P.A.V.E. members operate in a professional manner, we must also be perceived to be operating above reproach, and I'll give you an example of a problem that's encountered at many shows, cruises, and auto related events. If you choose to advertise, participate, and promote your business at one of these venues please approach the show organizers and offer to pay for a booth, space, or the right to hand out your business cards or other advertising material. Do Not allow yourself to be the cheapskate who slides in under the fence and hands out his cards for free! And on the topic of professionalism, let me remind you to respect your fellow P.A.V.E. members when at shows, and when promoting your own business. It's an old adage but you should remember: You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." "It is written the future of the collision repair industry is in jeopardy, and in an article in the most recent 'Collision Repair Magazine' writer Sam Piercey of Budd's Collision Services in Oakville Ontario writes: 'Our industry needs help in a big way, and we need it right now. Teachers, government employees, local municipalities, employment agencies (the list goes on and on) need to pay attention to one simple fact. Skilled labour in North America is in serious danger of becoming extinct, just like the dodo and the dinosaurs. The collision repair industry needs more government input and more money from high profiting insurance companies." "Can a fair comparison be made between the problem the collision repair industry faces and our own special interest appraisal industry? Certainly with 350 practitioners in Ontario we've seemingly got more than enough bodies to service the insurance industry's needs, but the stumbling block is - how many of those 350 are truly qualified and committed to move into the future in a professional manner?" "What's the average age of the people at today's Conference? I've got to think it's at least fifty. Where is the future of OUR industry? Has anyone done anything to interest someone to consider entering the appraisal industry? Like anything worthwhile, operating as a professional vehicle evaluator is anything but easy and sadly, I don't see anyone taking an interest until the general insurance industry gets socked with some massive losses. Of course, the term 'massive loss' is relative, and what does the insurance industry consider as 'massive'? I know that with conversations I've had with a senior re-insurance manager, disasters like Hurricane Katrina, and the recent fires in California increase the costs of front line markets obtaining the all-important re-insurance layers, so it can be predicted with some certainty front line underwriting standards and limits will be narrowed in the near future." Mr. Piercey continues his article by stating: 'What we need is someone in government who will listen to our concerns. A first-term MP or a low-level bureaucrat won't get the job done. If you cannot afford to upgrade your business or educate your employees, how can you keep up? More important, how can you move forward?" Renwick went on to suggest "that concern could be addressed within our appraisal industry with a push to get many more of the professionally uncommitted, but qualified, 350 Ontario appraisers to give serious consideration to P.A.V.E. membership in the coming year." Renwick stated "I don't for a second pretend the problems facing our appraisal industry are anywhere near the magnitude of those facing the collision repair industry, but perhaps P.A.V.E. should be making an approach to Skills Canada, and other federal and provincial funding sources to develop an 'in-house' education program. A professional approach is required to train new people who choose to enter our profession, as well as to upgrade the skills of those already in the profession but are not yet qualified members of P.A.V.E. It seems difficult to attract young men into our industry" lamented Renwick. "I brought a young man into our own company a few months ago to eventually train as an appraiser using his particular expertise with Asian-built imports. Ryan is only 19 and while he has an exceptional knowledge of these cars and their modifications he tells me repeatedly after accompanying me on appraisal inspection assignments: 'how much work is really involved!' Ensuring the future of our industry, and the expansion of our individual businesses is a major concern to me that apparently has no clear answer at this time." At this point President Renwick thanked day-one supporter - Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Stouffville, Ontario and Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. of Lindsay, Ontario for their financial sponsorship of P.A.V.E. initiatives. Due to a last minute travel conflict Jeremy Matheson of Zehr Insurance Brokers Ltd. of New Hamburg, Ontario was unable to attend this year's conference. The Conference was then turned over to members who made individual business report presentations highlighting their activity during the past year. With only one exception all members reported increased levels of business during the past year. The Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. is an incorporated association and following the member presentations the meeting was turned over to P.A.V.E.'s Legal Counsel; Ron E. Folkes who presented the formal Corporate Minutes of the 2006 Annual General Meeting for discussion and voting. Following Mr. Folkes' segment President Renwick called for a vote regarding the implementation of the unique "P.A.V.E. NUMERIC CONDITION GUIDE" in accordance with the instructions made at last year's annual conference. Members voted to "use the form where they felt its use would enhance the clarity of any individual evaluation report". The use of the report was not made mandatory, as was the case last year, with the use of P.A.V.E.'s unique page of "EVALUATION DISCLOSURES". Following the vote the meeting was turned over to member Mark Cross who led a discussion to achieve consistency with the valuation of "unique" and "one-off" vehicles for which there may be little or no comparable identification or value reference. At noon the group adjourned for lunch. This year's luncheon was again quite spectacular with all participants enjoying Copper Creek Golf Club's very popular, high end Buffet. The group returned to business at 1:30 P.M. and discussion ensued regarding investigation of the cost to obtain Officers & Directors insurance coverage from our broker. It was also proposed that counsel would develop a Disclaimer for use on future P.A.V.E. member's future reports, and specifically on Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) reports. Member Wayne Copeland responded to President Renwick's call to investigate a plan of succession by stating it had become clear to him the responsibilities of running P.A.V.E. had grown to the point where it is unreasonable to expect one individual to run the organization single-handedly. Wayne immediately offered to stand and offer assistance and made a motion that was unanimously carried stating "the association would have a Board of Directors for the coming term". The new Board of Directors consists of the following people: Douglas Adams, Wayne Copeland, Paul DelGrande, Ron Folkes, and Dean Renwick. President Renwick produced a "Job Description" including a list of twenty-two skills he feels are necessary for a successor to the position of President & CEO to possess. A copy of that list will be made available to members of the succession committee. Member Jim Prowse led a discussion regarding identification of safety issues and the importance of insurers not only reading - but understanding and acting upon - the content and terminology of professional appraisals. Jim referred to his own experience completing after loss investigations of vehicle fires caused by inappropriate fuel lines and/or fuel filters. Member Bruce Farrow led a discussion regarding the development of a unique P.A.V.E. PAINT CONDITION GUIDE for use in member's future appraisal reports. It was agreed that Bruce would research and develop such a guide during the coming months, and its format and use would be voted on by the membership at next year's Annual General Conference. Member Allan Lewis led a discussion to enlighten members with regard to developing an understanding of DOT tire Date Codes. It is the tire industry's generally accepted rule that tires should be replaced after seven years regardless of a lack of visible tread wear or weatherchecking. Allan explained the universal date coding system. Members may wish to include specific tire data in their reports as a loss prevention benefit for owners and insurers. Dean Renwick led a discussion regarding issues of concern that have arisen during the past year stemming from an inconsistent approach to acceptance of P.A.V.E.'s VIN VERIFICATION FORMS on the part of some individual vehicle licencing offices. Renwick also touched on the issue of incorrect information being given by an uninformed third party to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation regarding P.A.V.E.'s participation in the Ministry's VIN Verification Program. "This was another in a long list of malicious and accusatory irritants P.A.V.E. was challenged with over the past year or so, but I'm pleased to advise this matter was very quickly resolved to the satisfaction of the Ministry, the Ministry's legal department, and P.A.V.E.", said Renwick. Webmaster Edward Melnike received suggestions from members regarding the installation of a "Members Only" chat room, and updating of the web site's "Key Words". Edward will report on the additional member costs involved to implement any changes or enhancements to the web site. Members expressed their general satisfaction with the benefits they receive from the web site at www.trustpave.com as well as from having their own "page" on the site. Dean Renwick brought forward the issue of the collection of professional fees stating: "it is rare for me to have a "Deadbeat" client, but it does happen once or twice a year where payment is not received at the time of the completion of the actual vehicle inspection and the guy decides to not pay after receiving the full report. Appraisers do not have a Mechanics Lien on the vehicle and that lack of status makes the pursuit of legal collection both time-consuming, and costly. Without a Mechanic's Lien, an appraiser would first have to post a $5,000.00 bond with the courts prior to having the vehicle picked up by a Bailiff". Renwick then advised members he had formulated a plan to incorporate a statement into all unpaid appraisals advising that ownership of the document remains solely with the appraiser - and NOT the client - until payment for services rendered is made in full. The suggestion had recently been discussed with Ron Wilson of Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. and Ron confirmed his office would be agreeable to returning any such reports to the appraiser involved, and then advising the insured that as they no longer had a valid appraisal on file their insurance would be considered for cancellation until a proper appraisal was immediately received by Whetter Oaklin's office. Renwick advised members it was his plan to have P.A.V.E. advise other Ontario Insurance Brokers of this program, and seek their co-operation. Members were advised the first year membership fee has increased to $750.00. The membership review fee remains unchanged at $50.00, as does the annual renewal fee at $250.00. There continues to be no increase in the renewal fee as a means of rewarding the loyalty of P.A.V.E.'s long-term members. There being no further business before the meeting, on motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the 7th Annual General Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 P.M. 
"Wounded Soldier" Presentation  Canadian Military Master Corporal Jody Mitic (R) is shown on April 14, 2007 receiving an appraisal from Larry Shackleton of GLS Appraisals for the "Buellseye" Harley Davidson motorcycle which was specially built and electronically equipped by Barrie Harley-Davidson to meet the needs of Master Corporal Mitic who tragically lost both of his lower legs as a result of a land mine explosion while serving in Afghanistan. The airbrushed "Beullseye" on the bike is a play on words reflecting the fact Jody served as a Sniper. One of the questions facing Master Corporal Jody Mitic after he stepped on a land mine while serving in Afghanistan three months ago involved trying to figure out how he could ride again with no feet. The crew at Barrie, Ontario's Barrie Harley-Davidson took up the challenge, and under the direction of the company's Steve Redford and Lorne Duncan a stock Harley Davidson was equipped with electronic hand controls to eliminate the use of feet to operate the bike. When word got out about the project, over $50,000.00 was quickly raised in both cash and services. One of those who agreed to help without a second's hesitation was Larry Shackleton of Barrie-based GLS Appraisals who sponsored a professional appraisal for the modified bike. Larry, who is a licenced and insured member of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. (P.A.V.E.) described the event as being "extremely emotional by everyone in attendance". Event organizer Cory Wickham stated there were more than a few tears being shed by even the biggest, most tattooed bikers" at the special presentation party. Larry Shackleton can be contacted by telephone at (705) 721-5050, or by e-mail at malibushack@rogers.com
   
 AT SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Sixth Annual Conference of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. was again chaired by the organization's Founder, President and CEO; D. Dean Renwick. Mr. Renwick welcomed representatives of two of the largest, Canadian specialty vehicle insurance programs as guests at this important meeting. "Particularly gratifying to all P.A.V.E. members is the fact the principals of both Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Stouffville, Ontario, and Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers Inc. of Lindsay, Ontario have provided not only moral support for the initiatives of the organization, but also substantial financial support", said Renwick. Also receiving a warm welcome at the meeting was P.A.V.E.'s newly appointed legal counsel; Ron E. Folkes, B.Comm., LL.B. of Brampton, Ontario. The conference began promptly at 9:00 A.M. with the President's address, the text of which follows: This year marks the sixth time we have met to discuss and react in a positive manner to issues affecting Canada's multi-billion dollar collector vehicle industry. Concern for overvalued, undervalued, and outright fraudulent appraisals is becoming a focus of concern for not only the collector automobile insurance industry, but for the real estate industry, and lending institutions. Banks and other lenders have recently voiced concerns over the growing incidence of fraud initiated through both intricate, and primitive appraisal scams. The Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators through its licenced members remains committed to serve our insurance industry partners as qualified "eyes and ears", providing not only definitive and objective vehicle descriptions and valuations, but also providing input with respect to storage conditions, or other areas of concern to responsible insurance underwriters. The past year has seen the unique P.A.V.E. consumer protection program of industry self-regulation through qualifying, licencing, and insuring its members publicly misinterpreted by a private individual. Responding appropriately to this individual's allegations has been annoyingly time consuming for me. It defies logic the special interest vehicle appraisal segment of the appraisal industry is being unfairly criticized, while concurrent with our consumer protection initiatives at P.A.V.E., the collision repair appraisal segment of the industry is clamoring for appraiser regulation, mandatory accreditation, and licencing, to go hand in hand with bodyshop licencing, through the Automobile Repair Regulatory Council (ARRC). Mr. Julius Suraski, an early guest speaker at P.A.V.E.'s 2002 AGM, and Publisher of "Car Care Professional" magazine laments in his June/July, 2006 Editorial that there will be "no end to ongoing problems in the collision repair appraisal industry because the appraising industry is NOT licenced or regulated". I believe that we, as professionals in the special interest vehicle appraisal industry, enjoy far greater independence from our insurance industry partners than our collision repair counterparts. It is reported in a Car Care Professional magazine article by Ian Boshi entitled "Appraisers Have a Lot to Say…" that if you sit down with collision damage appraisers and talk to them "off the record" they are unashamed to tell you they are the first ones who would benefit from a professional regulatory/licencing program. They know that those who are serious about their careers would welcome regulation, adherence to a business code of ethics, and would indeed welcome a body that would censure and punish those people who refuse to comply. Boshi suggests that "in the market today, collision repair appraisers are not really evaluators at all - they are really nothing more than cost-cutters for the insurance industry". Mr. Boshi continues: "if these appraisers were truly professional, then they would be governed by a licencing body that would hold them accountable to established industry standards, and for malpractice when those standards are breached. The fact that they are NOT licenced or regulated tells you all you need to know about the current status of the collision repair industry". Boshi states his view that he "always thought insurance executives would be concerned that the appraisal services they use would cause unnecessary legal exposure to their clients if an insured were injured in an accident that resulted from an improper repair". Boshi claims to have spoken with many insurance CEO's and has yet to find even ONE who is concerned about this exposure. To date, every company Boshi approached on this issue seems to be satisfied with their continuing practice of using non-licenced appraisers, despite the fact that when you ask this question of their legal department - they are petrified of what may result. "I think this speaks volumes about the status of collision repair appraisers in the insurance community" concludes Boshi. Commenting on the current collision repair appraisal industry situation it is clearly the position of ARRC that "anybody who takes pride in their work strives for professionalism, and understands the need for regulation, education, and accountability. These are characteristics of true professionals. Appraisers need to embrace what regulation has to offer so that they can elevate themselves and become legitimate career professionals". It is my opinion the special interest vehicle appraisal industry remains truly independent, unlike the collision repair appraisal industry. Special interest appraisers - lamentably - continue to have little or no apparent reason to fear being terminated by insurance companies or brokers, regardless of how poorly or inaccurately prepared their evaluations are. Let me again be very clear by stating that of the estimated five hundred individuals operating as special interest vehicle appraisers in the Province of Ontario, I believe MANY to be honest and competent. The problem for the insurance industry and private appraisal consumers is not the GOOD guys, it's the BAD guys. All of us at this conference, including our insurance partners know they're out there, and many are known to us by both name and deed. Let me be very clear in reminding you there's a world of difference between twenty-five years' experience - and one year's experience - twenty five times over! I firmly believe the public needs a uniform way to identify the truly professional special interest vehicle appraisers throughout Ontario, and Canada. The best way to accomplish that is for the professional practitioners within the industry to become members of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators. It may well be time for P.A.V.E. to consider granting and trademarking a unique credential for its members. Our insurance industry partners have told us time and again that when they see the stylized P.A.V.E. logo on the bottom of an evaluation report they have a strong level of comfort in knowing the content of that document. They are confident that report will present an accurate, objective evaluation of that specific vehicle. Believe me, each and every one of us in P.A.V.E. appreciates the support and recognition we've received by being granted "preferred vendor" status by some of our insurance partners including the Guarantee of North America, and Royal/Sun Alliance however, I pose the question to ALL our insurance industry partners, that with five hundred appraisers to choose from; why the heck are the known bad guys STILL on your lists of acceptable appraisers??? I believe the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators and each of its licenced members have "served our time", and it's now appropriate to become more aggressive in expanding the share of work we receive from our insurance industry partners enabling us to continue as a meaningful consumer protection organization. It remains a mystery to me why the insurance industry continues to broadly accept evaluations on vehicles insured on a "19-A" "Agreed Value" form of coverage for hundreds of thousands of dollars from so many appraisers who are NOT licenced in a similar manner to your accepted repair shops, and repair specialists. In my opinion, it continues to be a completely incongruous situation that an appraisal from a guy with limited expertise, operating without a licence, or any form of liability insurance can have his "appraisal" in an amount of - say - a quarter million dollars accepted by an insurer - but the shop that completes the ten thousand dollar collision repair must be both licenced and insured! The insurance industry surely doesn't need me to remind it that when coverage is written on a "19-A" form, there's no "wiggle room to dodge the bullet" when its time to pay out on a total loss claim! I see P.A.V.E.'s future strength coming from increased membership. Those who have been around since P.A.V.E.'s Day One know that increasing our membership has been a tremendously uphill challenge for over six years. Because we continue to accept less than 10% of enquiries for membership, we are far removed from being considered as a so-called "Diploma Mill". Today is the day P.A.V.E. formally asks our insurance industry partners to return the courtesies we have shown through the years by our recommending your special insurance programs to our clients; by asking insurance companies and brokers to suggest to the appraisers they are comfortable and confident dealing with, that those individual appraisers strongly consider P.A.V.E. membership. All we're really asking is that we do business on a "two-way street". I believe "widening that street" is now in everyone's best interest. Alex Szabo, President of the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario (CISCO), wrote in the November 2006, Collision Repair magazine, responding to comments made by Wendy Hillier; Claim Manager of Aviva Canada, expressing his concerns over the lack of regulation within the collision repair industry by suggesting: "industry accreditation and self-management are simply not viewed by government as a priority". Mr. Szabo states: "other sectors had a licensing regime in place making self-management much easier". Clearly, Mr. Szabo's remarks must be interpreted as an endorsement of the licencing and industry self-regulating initiatives of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators and I thank him for that recognition. While it is the mandate of CISCO to protect the public from illicit shops who perform unsafe repairs and do not operate by the rules, it is also the mandate of P.A.V.E. to protect the public - including our insurance industry partners - from unscrupulous individuals who provide inaccurate, or fraudulent evaluations. Not unexpectedly, CISCO's research into a mandatory accreditation program showed the majority of shops that did not want to see mandatory accreditation are illicit shops, which do not operate by any rules. It is also possible, Mr. Szabo suggested, "there are possibly some repair facilities who feel they already meet a higher standard and do not want to see the rest of the industry rise to that level, however that type of selfish and parochial thinking is very much in the minority". P.A.V.E. has never attempted any similar industry research, primarily due to the lack of reliable contact data for evaluation practitioners being available to us however a program of inclusive membership promotion will be developed during the coming year. The special interest vehicle market is currently seeing a number of reduced rate programs being offered to the public. In my opinion, these new programs require skilled underwriters who will make their decisions based upon only the most accurate, and objective evaluations in order to achieve adequate insurance to value ratios. Appraised values that are too low deprive insurers of adequate premium income, while values that are too high will have a profoundly negative impact on profitability in the event of a claim. P.A.V.E.'s licenced and insured members are the insurance industry's most visible, most easily accessed, front line of help in achieving profitability in the days ahead. Confidence through competence is what P.A.V.E. offers our insurance industry partners. As everyone at this meeting knows, each P.A.V.E. member is insured under a unique Professional Errors & Omissions Insurance program underwritten through Encon Group of Ottawa. In today's litigious society I remain convinced this is one of the most valuable benefits of P.A.V.E. membership. Currently, two P.A.V.E. members are involved in legal actions. Both actions are being defended by Encon-appointed lawyers. Again, I put each member on notice that every single statement you put into your reports must be true and provable. If you are relying on someone else's opinion - SAY SO. If you don't have proof of something - SAY SO. Don't GUESS, or simply ASSUME something about any aspect of your appraisal. We are operating as Professionals, and every report must be a reflection of that Professionalism. Professionalism is important, and insurance is important. P.A.V.E. members have BOTH! Today's collector car industry is filled with more very high-valued vehicles than ever before. With widely varying values applying to similar vehicles there is a huge financial incentive to commit fraud. "So what if that '70 Superbird didn't come from the factory with a Hemi - We can just change the motor, punch out a new VIN and fender tag, and reap an extra hundred grand". Today's fraud artists can be very sophisticated and appraisers can be considered as the front line of defense against purchasers getting stuck with a "clone" instead of the real thing. The reality of today's collector vehicle industry leaves me again asking the question of why anyone who considers himself as a "professional" appraiser would want to continue operating without the protection of Errors & Omissions insurance - not only for himself - but for the enhanced protection of appraisal consumers, regardless of whether they be private individuals or insurance companies. I fully understand P.A.V.E. members wanting to maximize their on-going financial and moral investment in P.A.V.E. That added return on investment will come from an increase in membership, and that will only result with expanded public and vocal support of P.A.V.E.'s initiatives by our insurance industry partners. I say to our partners again today - don't be afraid to stand up and be counted - you are going to be the ultimate beneficiary of increased regulation within the special interest vehicle appraisal industry. P.A.V.E. cannot operate and grow on our own, anymore than the insurance industry can operate and profit without qualified, professional appraisers. I'm pleased to report that another benefit of P.A.V.E. membership for members has been the approval granted by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for the completion of VIN VERIFICATION FORMS for vehicles 30 years of age and older. This was an idea brought forth by member Mark Cross at our 2004 AGM, and I'm pleased to report a number of members have been retained to complete these forms throughout the past year. I have received telephone calls from across the province regarding this unique program and have made a number of referrals to local P.A.V.E. members throughout the past year. The VIN VERIFICATION FORMS, and the Ministry of Finance Appraisal Forms, are two ways to increase earnings for P.A.V.E. members. The day-to-day operation and promotion of P.A.V.E. is taking more and more of my time and creativity, but I remain firmly committed to see the organization grow and succeed. We remain indebted to our supporters who include the folks at Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers, and Ron Wilson and his crew at Whetter Oaklin Insurance Brokers, all of our Advisory Board Members, and especially Mike Conlon and Paul DelGrande. Also at this time I would like to personally thank our insurance industry partners who have provided generous financial support for today's Conference. Not able to be with us today due to other commitments are our Web Site Manager Edward Melnike, and our newest member Bruce Maclean of Oakbank, Manitoba. A very special participant at this year's meeting is my old friend and fellow car collector Mr. Ron Folkes. Ron is a Brampton resident where he has been practicing law since 1978. Ron was called to the Bar in 1974. He first practiced law with a Toronto Bay Street law firm specializing in vehicle insurance matters and personal injury, acting primarily on behalf of major Canadian insurers. During that time, Ron was editor of the insurance section of the Canadian Encyclopaedic Digest. In 1978, Ron established his own law firm in Brampton where the majority of his practise has involved insurance matters and personal injury, since 1982. During his career, Ron has taken many cases to trial at all levels of court in Ontario and he has participated in several reported decisions of the Ontario Court of Appeal in insurance matters and municipal liability. He has conducted hearings before a number of administrative tribunals and currently has a number of matters in litigation before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. During his career, Ron has also acted as counsel for, and director of a number of industry associations. He completed the incorporation of P.A.V.E. on our behalf and has drafted the by-laws for the Association, which have been approved by the interim directors. At the conclusion of the President Renwick's address the meeting continued with individual members providing capsule comments regarding their business operations during the past year. With only one exception, members felt their business volume had improved during the past year. The program then moved to a review of the results of a suggestion made by Bruce Farrow at last year's meeting involving the issues of Evaluation Report Disclosures, and Numeric Vehicle Condition Guides. Renwick stated his gratitude to members Doug Adams, Mark Cross, Bruce Farrow, Jim Prowse, and Larry Shackleton for taking the time of offer their well thought out input with respect to the content of these two forms throughout the past year. Each meeting participant was given a copy of the finalized "Evaluation Disclosures" and "Numeric Vehicle Condition Guide" and asked to briefly review the documents before we vote on sending them on to our insurance company for approval. There was also a brief discussion to resolve the uniform placement of these two forms within the appraisal document itself. Also provided was a sample of the P.A.V.E.-accepted "Actual Cash Value" definition and placement in an evaluation report. The "Evaluation Disclosures" was enthusiastically and unanimously accepted for inclusion in all future P.A.V.E. evaluation reports as a means to clearly define the purpose of an evaluation report, and to clearly state who is entitled to use that report. Use of the "Evaluation Disclosures" form as a part of future evaluation reports will provide a substantial measure of legally binding protection from litigation for P.A.V.E. members. There was considerable discussion, but no resolution regarding the inclusion of the P.A.V.E. "Numeric Vehicle Condition Guide" and this matter was put over for further discussion and resolution at next year's Conference. The "Numeric Vehicle Condition Guide" is a uniquely crafted document, which parallels the widely accepted rating guide developed by the "Old Cars Price Guide". A copy of each of these two, unique P.A.V.E. forms is included with this Conference Review. P.A.V.E.'s insurance industry partners expressed their desire for a more uniform level of professional-level appraisers throughout all areas of the province, as some areas of Ontario were felt to be under serviced at the present time. Suggestions were also made to have P.A.V.E. become more aggressively involved in self-promotion of the benefits of membership, and a number of valuable suggestions to accomplish this were made at the meeting by members and industry partners. A group discussion was led by member Jim Prowse regarding the safety issues surrounding Home Built, Replica, and Streetrod vehicles. Currently, government concern for this issue appears minimal at best, and does not yet seem to have even shown on the radar screen of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Jim also led a discussion involving the evaluation of "Tuner" and "Sport Compact" vehicles. While an initial contact to the Ontario government has been made by P.A.V.E. with respect to these issues, it appears the Provincial Government's new-found interest in addressing "Street Racing" issues, may make a follow-up from P.A.V.E. appropriate in the near future. Bruce Farrow and Tim Wickmann presented their views to show why vehicle values should be substantiated on a regular basis with Bruce stating his belief values are on a generally declining trend, and Tim presenting an example of a client who had had his vehicle fully and professionally restored but neglected to update the original appraisal and was forced to accept the lower evaluation amount when the car was involved in a total loss situation. Wayne Copeland and Doug Adams presented their suggestions that P.A.V.E. should reconsider the issue of how to develop and fund a formal educational program for appraisers who may wish to enter the industry directly from school, or who may wish to cross over from another industry, in addition to providing a refresher-type program for individuals already operating as special interest vehicle appraisers and wish to upgrade and strengthen their skills. President Renwick advised the Conference that P.A.V.E.'s first year membership fee will likely be increased to $750.00 in the coming year. "In recognition of the moral and financial support given by existing members, the annual membership renewal fee will remain unchanged at $250.00." Renwick indicated P.A.V.E. membership fees are reasonable, and cited a personal conversation he had with Mr. Larry Batton, President of the Charlottesville, Virginia-based Auto Appraisal Group Inc. (AAG) while visiting Boca Raton, Florida in 2005. During that meeting Batton explained the AAG "up front" fee was $5,200.00 (U.S.) however that "included a three-day trip to Las Vegas for each new member to attend an appraisal orientation seminar to show new member/agents the AAG method of completing their on-site appraisal templates". Apparently, once the local AAG appraiser has completed the vehicle inspection, taken photographs, and filled out the data-template, that documentation is forwarded to the AAG head office where the actual value is established, and the appraisal document is physically prepared and mailed to the customer. AAG does not offer its member/agents an insurance program. A number of formal motions were presented and voted upon by members, including the unanimous acceptance of a motion by Allan Lewis that the P.A.V.E. Interim Board of Directors, comprised of Dean Renwick, Paul DelGrande, and Ron Folkes, should continue as First Term Directors. At the noon hour, the Sixth Annual Conference saw all participants enjoying the magnificent Copper Creek Buffet Brunch, which was made possible partially through the generous financial support of Lant & Co. Insurance Brokers Ltd. Each guest was given a unique, pure chocolate, business card commemorating the Conference The Sixth Annual Conference of the Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators Inc. officially concluded at four o'clock. 
 
 
Mr. Ron E. Folkes, B. Com., LL.B. as Legal Counsel Dateline: Kleinburg, Ontario, 
The Professional Association of Vehicle Evaluators, Inc. (P.A.V.E.) was pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ron E. Folkes, B. Com., LL.B. as legal counsel, at its Sixth Annual Conference held at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg, Ontario on November 12, 2006. Mr. Folkes was called to the Bar in 1974. He first practiced law with a Toronto Bay Street law firm specializing in vehicle insurance matters and personal injury, acting primarily on behalf of major Canadian insurers. During that time, Ron was editor of the insurance section of the Canadian Encyclopaedic Digest. In 1978 Ron established his own law firm in Brampton where the majority of his practise has involved insurance matters and personal injury, since 1982. During his career Ron has taken many cases to trial at all levels of court in Ontario and he has participated in several reported decisions of the Ontario Court of Appeal in insurance matters and municipal liability. He has conducted hearings before a number of administrative tribunals and currently has a number of matters in litigation before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. During his career, Ron has also acted as counsel for, and director of a number of industry associations. Ron may be reached by 'phone in his Brampton office at 905-457-2118, or by mail at Ron E. Folkes Barristers & Solicitors, Suite One, 14 Nelson Street West, Brampton, Ontario, L6X 1B7.
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This morning Edward Melnike was with a St. John Ambulance Special Certificate of Appreciation for his assistance during a medical emergency. You may recall: in October 2007 Scott Wallace suffered a heart attack after playing hockey and Edward went into action using the arena's defibrillator and CPR to keep him alive. In May 2008 Edward was recognized by Mayor David Miller and Toronto EMS with a Toronto EMS Citizen's Award for saving Scott's life. We all proudly congratulate Edward for the initiative and instinct that led him through this emergency.
