proprietor in 1993 when his partner moved back to Michigan. At that time the business became environmental aware recycling cardboard, metal, glass and cans. PDX Automotive is one of twenty-two Automotive Services Association Blue Seal for Excellence Shops in Oregon.
Cognizant of being careful about what is put in the water and on the land, Lillie became of good friend of the environment. He recycles all metals, batteries, battery cores, anti-freeze, used oil and used oil filters. He combined his two locations last year into the current location, where he has been for over eleven years.
When asked what are the barriers to becoming a certified Eco-Logical Business, he offered that the paper work is daunting but the assistance given to him by members of the P20, helped him a lot to get through the work. He set up a spill prevention program and implemented it through training.
Training is a highlight for the company. Employee, Harold Peavy, has celebrated thirty-one years in the business. He says he's constantly going to school to keep his skills sharp and him competitive in the business. Peavy also says that all of the measures involved in the Eco-Logical Business Program are good for the business since they keep the shop competitive and out front environmentally. He feels the world is changing so fast that business must make the commitment to environmental standards of excellence.
Gerard Lillie states that controlling inventory through a recycling program in his shop makes each member of the staff conscious of costs and saving the environment. When a mechanic uses up a spray can or tube, he will return it to Lillie who will issue a fresh one. Inventory is controlled and the used item is recycled.
PDX Automotive has seven employees including Lillie with three ASE Certified Master Technicians, two at LI level. Lillie acknowledges Peavy's longevity with the shop. Of the other employees, Tod Connelly has been with the shop twelve years, John Polley, eight years, Justin Coleman and David Israel three years. Craig Hinds just joined the shop this past spring of 1999. Lillie pays for all training for his staff and subscribes to all automotive publications to keep current.
Lillie wants the staff to do a good job while they have fun and are aware of their impact on the environment.
ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Eco-Logical Business/ Automotive Services Program is a joint project of the Automotive Service Association, the Pacific Automotive Trades Association, AAA of Oregon/Idaho and the Pollution Prevention Outreach Team (Portland, Gresham, Clackamas and Washington counties, United Sewerage Agency, Metro and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality). This program recognizes businesses that reach the highest standards in minimizing their environmental impact.
BENEFITS TO CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY
- Certified Eco-Logical Business exceeds local environmental requirements and insures that Best Management Practices are followed.
- Certification assures customers that the business has taken the necessary steps to reduce water and air pollution, hazardous and solid waste.
- Certification of Excellence Award for responsible environmental management notifies the community that shops care about the environment.
BECOME OR FIND A CERTIFIED ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS
Automotive Shops
For an Eco-Logical Business Keep Your Shop In Tune manual or to schedule a certification visit to learn about ways to reduce pollution and cut costs, call 503.823.7807.
Auto Shop Customers
For a list of certified Eco-Logical Program auto shops, visit www.ecobiz.org/autolist.htm
