On the Scene (April 01, 2008)

Dave Lush is the new chief operating officer of CARSTAR Automotive Canada. The new position was created to ensure the company is poised for its next phase in growth and long-term sustainability, CARSTAR noted. Lush will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, as well as the execution of business strategies and the strategic plan for CARSTAR. In addition, he will be responsible for developing and leading the 40 corporate management team members. He will continue to work closely with CARSTAR’s key stakeholders, including franchisees, insurers and suppliers. “I am pleased to welcome Dave to this new position,” Sam Mercanti, president and CEO of CARSTAR, said in a release. “His many years of experience in the Canadian automotive industry will not only benefit CARSTAR, but also its many partners and stakeholders.” •

Ismail El-Maach has been appointed senior engineer with MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientist’s injury biomechanics group.

El-Maach has more than 13 years of biomechanical engineering experience, with a special emphasis on testing biological materials and developing safety systems, an MEA release says.

El-Maach joins the firm at its first anniversary in the Toronto market and its 25th anniversary since inception. •

CDRG increases network

Canadian Disaster Restoration Group is pleased to add D&G Construction, based in Kapuskasing, Ont. to its membership.

D&G Construction is extremely delighted to have inked a membership agreement with CDRG. “We believe that we can help CDRG with its presence in Northern Ontario and expand its already vast network of members across Canada,” Andre Robichaud, manager, said.

Home-Aid Restorations, located in the heart of the East Kootenays in B. C. has joined the CDRG network, as well.

Home-Aid Restorations Ltd. is currently the only IICRC certified firm in the area and is run by Nathan and Jennifer Siebert. Together they hold 10 IICRC certifications and specialize in mould remediation and asbestos abatement, the company notes. •

The Nova Scotia Insurance Women’s Association held its annual wine and cheese on Feb. 7, 2008. Jane Richardson, CIAA Nova Scotia region chapter president, presented a cheque to Gilberte Theriault, chair for the Cancer Crusade Committee, on behalf of the Nova Scotia CIAA members. •

CIAA Nova Scotia region held its mid-year meeting in February.

The executive committee from left to right: Graham Campbell, second vice president, Candice Colwell, treasurer, Steve Topple, secretary, Jane Richardson, president, Richard van Horne, first vice president, Brian Taylor, education committee Chair, Carol Messervey, director. •

The Atlantic CIAA/CICMA Joint conference will be held June 25 -27 at the Inverary Resort, Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Seminar topics will include Identity Theft. •

Collision Solutions Network has appointed Flavio Battilana to the newly created position of COO. In his role as COO, Battilana will lead the strategic planning process of the network including the marketing, insurance relations and operational divisions. His experience in the collision industry from his former roles as director of insurance and director of operations for a national collision franchisor model, compliments the organization’s future goals, a CSN release says. •