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Industry Associations Pledge 2018 Resolutions by Chasidy Rae Sisk
Most folks view New Year’s Eve as a time to reflect on the recent year and make resolutions for the next as they strive to improve themselves or their lives. Collision repair industry associations have also begun preparing for 2018 by beginning to focus on their goals for next year and how they can help their members, advance their organizations and improve the industry for everyone. Several association leaders shared their 2018 New Year’s Resolutions with Autobody News. In 2017, a lot of associations focused on membership growth, bringing educational value to members and pursuing legislative initiatives to improve
the industry. Industry professionals can expect to see these endeavors continue into 2018, though industry leaders anticipate taking their efforts to new heights. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) spent a great deal of this past year on legislative endeavors, and plans to continue these initiatives into the New Year. ASA Executive Director Dan Risley shared, “ASA resolves to be represented, engaged and vocal in as many meetings, conferences, hearings, summits and alike in Washington D.C. and around the country that will influence the future direction of this industry, specific to new vehicle technology (telematics, (ADAS) advanced driver See Industry Associations, Page 15
Six Detroit Cops Charged With Extortion for Taking Bribes From Repair Shop Owners
See Detroit Cops Charged, Page 12
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
A half-dozen current or former Detroit police officers have been charged with extortion for taking bribes from auto repair shop owners in exchange for referring stolen and abandoned vehicles recovered in the city to their shops. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says four retired officers have pleaded guilty to the charges and are awaiting sentencing while two current officers have been indicted. “The charged defendants should have put the people of Detroit first,
rather than lining their own pockets,” U.S. Attorney Daniel Lemisch said in a release. Current DPD officer Deonne Dotson, 45, has been indicted on six counts of extortion, while officer Charles Wills, 52, is facing four counts of extortion. Retired officers James Robertson, 45, and Martin Tutt, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion. Retired officers Jamil Martin, 46, and Anthony Careathers, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of extortion.
Change Service Requested
by Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Metro News
VOL. 7 ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2018
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Year in Review: The Collision Repair Industry in 2017 by Chasidy Rae Sisk
Starting with the inauguration of the 45th President, moving on to the solar eclipse and three devastating hurricanes, 2017 has been a year to remember with many major changes impacting the United States. The collision repair industry has continued to change as well, with evolving technology and raging legal battles, including the now-famous John Eagle lawsuit in Texas. Associations around the country offered a variety of educational opportunities through meetings and conferences, and as the New Year crept up on us, Autobody News spoke with several association leaders about the best and most memorable things they did in 2017.
From getting associations off the ground to establishing a broader member base, several associations focused on growth this year. Stephen Regan, Executive Director of ASA-MA/RI, shared, “The most memorable thing ASA-MA/RI has done in 2017 is open its doors. We have brought back to the region an entity dedicated solely to the advancement of collision and mechanical repair shops and those who serve them. Unlike many state trade associations in the industry, ASA-MA/RI has a fully staffed, dedicated office location. Our sole purpose is the professional operation of the association on behalf of its members and supporters.” See Year in Review, Page 18
Happy New Year! from all of us at Autobody News
Midwest Auto Body Trade Show will be in Altoona, IA, Feb. 16–17, Featuring Attorney Todd Tracy The Midwest Auto Body Trade Show is predicted to break records in 2018, February 16 and 17th at Prairie Meadows, Altoona, Iowa. The 2018 show is responding to the current demands of the collision repair industry. Keynote Speaker will be Attorney Todd Tracy who won the $42M lawsuit for improper repairs in Texas. In his presentation, he gives hands-on engineering techniques that will enable body shops to conduct more detailed repair estimates as they begin to start thinking like crashworthiness experts. In addition, Tracy will discuss strategies for shops ‘to keep people like him out of their business.’ There will be two days of education and trade show for everyone involved in the collision industry. “We
need to get all stakeholders on the same page,”says ICRA President Laura Larson, “and this is the way to do it.” Leading industry educators will fill the compelling agenda. Classes will encompass autonomous driving vehicles, explore new industry culture, I-CAR training, AMI training and more. Scott Weiser, ICRA lobbyist will provide an update on legislation that affects our industry. Over 70 booths will bring new ideas, new technology and new information to this show. Product demonstrations and training on the show room floor. Welcome Reception is Friday night in the Trade Show area. Friday will be the Collision Repair Education Foundation Student See Midwest Trade Show, Page 48
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