California Bus Association (CBA) recently held its annual Maintenance Seminar at ABC Companies' new Sales, Service and Parts facility in Coast Mesa, Calif.

The association was founded in 1969 and is one of the nation's largest and most respected regional trade organizations. The two-day event, held Jan. 26 and 27, was attended by 52 technicians representing 29 coach operators, as well as 23 suppliers and the California Highway Patrol.

ABC Companies recently moved into the new complex, which includes 11 double-length service bays, a 75,000-square-foot warehouse, and a $2 million parts inventory to support operators in the Western U.S. and Canada.

Due to the high attendance, innovative teaching methods were necessary. One example was Pacific Coachways' Mark Richards' use of a closed circuit TV hookup. Rather than have technicians crowd around a coach, making it difficult to observe, a live picture of the bus was piped to a large monitor inside the facility. The cameraman would focus on the parts being discussed and every participant could see and hear clearly.

Suzie Peterson, of CBA said, "ABC's staff couldn't have been more helpful — they were like a well-oiled machine. Their efforts, as well as those of the presenters, were reflected by the evaluations our attendees filled out. Old timers and first timers felt the event was both well organized and very informative.'