23 minute read
See Corvette Production
PPG on March 25 announced it has named ColorVision of Springfield, MO, its Automotive Refinish 2021 Platinum Distributor of the Year.
The annual award recognizes the distributor that demonstrates outstanding performance, extensive knowledge of PPG products and an unwavering commitment to serve and support its customers--key qualities that are fundamental to the PPG PLATINUM DISTRIBUTOR™ program.
Natalie Scott, PPG director, PPG Platinum Distributor program, Automotive Refinish, U.S. and Canada, presented the award to ColorVision’s leadership team during PPG’s annual Platinum Distributor Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony in February. Gary and Kathy Allen, co-owners of ColorVision, accepted the honor on behalf of the company.
“Platinum Distributor of the Year is our most prestigious Automotive Refinish customer award, as it recognizes deep knowledge, mutually valued partnership and shared success,” said Scott. “ColorVision was selected due to its outstanding year-over-year growth spanning a five-year period. It was an honor to present the trophy to a
“Without question, this award is a tribute to our team,” said Gary Allen. “The past two years have been quite a challenge, but the
ColorVision is the recipient of the PPG Automotive Refinish 2021 Platinum Distributor of the Year award. Taking part in the celebration are, from left: Tom Maziarz, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish, Americas; Chris Dewes, former PPG director, PPG PLATINUM DISTRIBUTOR™ programs; Christopher Wegley, ColorVision operations director; Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and CEO; Connor Allen, ColorVision general manager; Kathy Allen, ColorVision owner; Gary Allen, ColorVision president; Jay Elliott, ColorVision sales director; Natalie Scott, PPG director, PPG Platinum Distributor programs; and Chancey Hagerty, PPG vice president, global Automotive Refinish.
company that fully embraces and uses all the resources available through the PPG Platinum Distributor program.” knowledge, experience and resiliency of our people combined with our trusted relationship with PPG positioned us to continue delivering for our customers in a challenging marketplace.”
Founded in 1987, ColorVision has been a member of the PPG Platinum Distributor program for more than 25 years. Specializing solely in collision and commercial paint, body and equipment, the company maintains 11 branch locations across five states. The key to the company’s success lies in its commitment to provide each customer with top-quality products backed by an unmatched level of service and support.
The PPG Platinum Distributor program began as a loyalty and support initiative for PPG single-line distributors, with the ultimate goal of providing exceptional service and benefits for PPG’s Automotive Refinish customers. The program delivers competitive advantages to participants by aligning PPG technology, training and customer support with the entrepreneurship, customer awareness, local market knowledge and service capability of independent distributors.
Source: PPG
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Corvette Production
materials which used to be plentiful are now constrained, and numerous automotive parts manufacturers have had trouble with their production as a result, it could be almost anything. There’s also the possibility Russia or some other nation hacked a supplier’s computer network, like what happened to Toyota recently.
The part that’s brought production to a halt must be exclusive to the C8 Corvette. No other GM production facility has been shut down. There are also plans to add more positions in April to increase Corvette production.
Considering production shutdowns have plagued the C8 starting with the UAW strike in 2019, there are a lot of people who are anxiously awaiting their turn to own the mid-engine American sports car.
Before you start panicking, the shutdown is only for the week of March 21. It’s expected to fire up again March 28, unless something unforeseen happens.
NABC Recycled Rides® Program Donates 2 Refurbished Vehicles to Springfield, MO, Recipients
In a feel-good event, two deserving Springfield, MO, recipients experienced a life-changing moment when they were presented vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families.
The event was sponsored by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program along with Crash Champions collision repair, GEICO and Enterprise.
Further supporting the initiative were the following businesses: Keystone Automotive, Henry’s Towing, Highway 160 Auto Salvage, Bud’s Tire and Wheel and Youngblood Nissan. The presentation was held at the Crash Champions’ South Springfield location. The deserving recipients were selected by Springfield Dream Center and the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, and the event included the following donated vehicles that were refurbished by Crash Champions: a 2017 Chevy Sonic and a 2016 Nissan Rogue.
NABC Recycled Rides is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of never take for granted. We are all incredibly thankful to the organizations and individuals who made this possible.”
reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated more than 2,750 vehicles valued at more than $38 million. “My family and I could not be more grateful for this wonderful gift,” said Kevin Cross, one of the Recycled Rides recipients. “Having a reliable vehicle that we can count on for getting to work, running errands and taking part in everyday family activities—especially with our children—is a truly life-changing opportunity and one that we will
“Crash Champions is a national company, but every one of our shops is connected into their local community,” said Matt Ebert, CEO and founder of Crash Champions. “The Recycled Rides program is a perfect example of how we can contribute in our own way to improve the lives of our neighbors. We are collision repair experts, and it’s wonderful to use that expertise to help a family in need with something as important as safe and reliable transportation.”
After winning Paint the Future awards, three startups have already signed letters of intent to continue working together on sustainable business opportunities with AkzoNobel.
The solution from Israeli startup SolCold is a sustainable self-cooling coating based on anti-Stokes. It uses the sun’s energy to keep the inside temperature much cooler without having to use any electricity.
Latvian startup Aerones brings a robotic solution to wind turbine maintenance. Its crawling robot allows technicians to safely and efficiently perform inspections, cleaning and repairs at height.
From the Czech Republic, SprayVision brings a data-driven approach to optimizing spray application of paint, offering customers full control over the process. The solution helps to reduce environmental impact by saving material and improving quality.
Source: AkzoNobel LG Chem’s LG Energy Solution (LGES) will invest $1.7 billion into its existing, wholly-owned lithium-ion battery cell plant in Holland, MI, which was built in 2010.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the investment will quintuple the plant’s capacity, as well as create an additional 1,200 jobs, on top of almost 1,500 now.
The exact output in GWh/ year has not been disclosed, but currently, it’s 5 GWh/year.
The company produces in Holland large lithium-ion polymer battery cells and packs for electric vehicles. According to the info, the expanded plant will produce a new format of batteries— specifically, new long cell design batteries.
“As the future of the electric vehicle industry grows, LG Energy Solution needs the additional capacity to allow for the production, testing and storage of materials needed for battery manufacturing,” the company said. “The expansion includes the construction of several new facilities on LGES’s existing footprint in Holland.
“The state-of-the-art Michigan plant will use the most advanced and efficient battery cell manufacturing processes,” it continued. “Particularly, the facility will manufacture the company’s new long cell design batteries with improved energy density thanks to cutting-edge technologies that allow engineers to more fully utilize the space within the battery pack. The long cell design batteries are expected to advance EV’s driving range and ESS’s energy storage, and at the same time, simplify the overall structure of battery pack.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund announced a package of incentives to support the investment:
A $10 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the creation of up to 1,200 jobs A $10 million Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant to assist with job-related training A 20-year Renaissance Zone to the city of Holland, valued at an estimated $132.6 million
Up to $36.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to Allegan County to reimburse the company for the purchase of machinery and equipment, with an additional $50,000 for grant administration
LGES’s investment in Holland is not the only one in Michigan, as the company announced also a new joint venture plant with GM—the third Ultium Cells plant. The $2.5 billion Ultium Cells JV plant will be located in the city of Lansing and Delta Township.
The other two Ultium Cells plants are currently under construction in Lordstown, OH, and Spring Hill, TN, where production should start in 2023.
Additionally, LGES will invest in Canada, with Stellantis, and is considering a new plant in Arizona.
In other words, LGES is allin with several sites under construction simultaneously.
Gas Prices Continue to Stymie Illinois Small Business Growth
by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Almost two-thirds of Illinois small business owners report experiencing a significant negative impact from high gas prices.
According to Alignable’s Gas Price poll, 62% of Illinois small business owners said they are suffering from high gasoline prices, one of the highest percentages in the nation. “Prices across the board are really going up, and with the gas prices going up, that is adding insult to injury on top of what else people have been facing through inflationary trends,” said Alignable lead researcher Chuck Casto.
Businesses hit the hardest are transportation-related, but also cleaning services. They rely on their workers driving often long distances to and from clients’ homes or corporate facilities.
Casto said some businesses you wouldn’t think about are dealing with financial pressures.
“You are seeing it with beauty salons,” Casto said. “On the other end of the scale, accountants are reporting that they are having trouble.” The poll shows minority-owned businesses are having more challenges with the increase in gas prices, as 74% reported a very significant negative impact on their business growth. However, veterans aren’t far behind, with 70% of those businesses also struggling with high gasoline prices.
Another reason Illinois businesses face higher gas prices than in most states is Illinois has the fifth-highest gas tax nationally at nearly 40 cents per gallon, according to data from the federal government.
Prices have eased a bit over the past couple weeks, but the average price for a gallon of gas in Illinois is still hovering around $4.50 a gallon. Motorists in Danville, Kankakee and Bloomington-Normal are paying the least for gas in the state, while Chicagoans are paying the most.
Nationwide, Californians pay the most for gas, while motorists in Illinois neighbor Missouri are paying the least.
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When customers and vendors arrive at CARSTAR Mount Orab in Williamsburg, OH, they are greeted by the director of operations, Jackson Barnes, who offers a handshake and a welcome from his desk, where his Snap-on toolbox is by his side.
He is 6 years old, son of owners Kenny and Sarah Barnes, and he has literally grown up in the collision repair center.
Kenny and Sarah Barnes were high school sweethearts and married young. Kenny Barnes went on to work in the collision repair industry for 25 years, including managing locations in Cincinnati for a previous CARSTAR franchise partner. Sarah Barnes was in real estate.
When the opportunity came available, the Barneses joined forces with their friends Chris and Jennie Clark to open their own CARSTAR location.
“Kenny had always dreamed of owning his own repair center, so we took the leap,” said Sarah Barnes. “We opened when my son was 2.5 years old, and we’ve been a family business ever since. We worked 24/7 in the beginning, and our son Jackson was right by our side. He literally potty trained in the front office bathroom. But it’s been an amazing experience to all be together and spend so much time raising our son in this type of family business environment. We’re very fortunate to have this opportunity, but we worked hard to get here.”
Sarah Barnes never intended to have a career in collision repair. She had one in real estate and was used to working on her own. When Jackson was born, she intended to be a stay-at-home mom. Then they opened a collision repair center, and she agreed to help out in the beginning. That soon turned into 50-hour weeks.
“When we started, we worked around the clock through weekdays and weekends,” Sarah Barnes said. “Then we got our business established, earned our customer base, achieved our certifications and built our insurance relationships. CARSTAR was incredible in helping launch our business and guide us through the process. Today, they are right by our side as we continue to grow amid today’s changing industry.”
Sarah Barnes said she and Kenny have learned from each other through the process.
One of the keys to being successful in a family business is keeping the “family” first and foremost, Sarah Barnes noted.
“When we leave the building, we leave work behind and don’t talk about it at home,” she said. “We keep our weekends dedicated to a family activity together. We both now have the opportunity to coach soccer and baseball and spend a lot of time with Jackson. That’s great for our son, and for the whole family. We couldn’t have done this without building a family business. Kenny always says his worst day here is still better than his best day working for someone else.”
Jackson Barnes is ready to follow in his family’s footsteps, even as he is learning his ABCs.
“He’s already learned to be a great help around the shop,” said Sarah Barnes. “He greets the customers, the delivery guys always check in with him, and he helps keep the team on task. When parts come in, I have him assist in checking in and organizing them, like it’s a game. He’s also learned to apply putty when most kids are playing with PlayDoh, and he can even buff a little.” Right now, Jackson earns his allowance for working in the shop in Pokemon cards, but Sarah and Kenny Barnes would be very pleased if he took over some day.
“We want him, and all kids, to know that there is a path to success that doesn’t require an investment in a college education,” said Sarah Barnes. “There are other options out there that can provide a great life for a family. If Jackson decides to take over for us, that would be amazing, but we’ll support whatever decision he makes.”
For anyone considering a family business, Sarah Barnes highly recommends the experience, flexibility and ability to work together.
“It has been so nice to raise our son together while building our business,” she said. “We never would have had this opportunity if we didn’t work so closely as a family. Yes, you have to separate your family life and work life sometimes and not take things personally. But, we’re very fortunate. I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for the world.”
For more information visit www. CARSTAR.com.
Source: CARSTAR
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Two identical bills would give Missourians a one-time, six-month motor fuel tax holiday, but an exemption of the state’s sales tax also was mentioned during a hearing March 22.
Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles and sponsor of House Bill 2801, and Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit and sponsor of House Bill 2813, testified their bills would allow Missourians to keep dollars as they face high fuel costs and the highest inflation rate—7.9% in February—since 1982.
AAA reported the average price per gallon was $3.765 in Missouri. After hitting a record $4.33 per gallon on March 11, AAA reported March 22 the national average for a gallon fell to $4.25, 72 cents higher than in February and $1.37 more than last year.
Missouri’s current gas tax is 19.5 cents per gallon, and it will increase by 2.5 cents on July 1. Senate Bill 262, signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike Parson last year, increased the gas tax by 73% to 29 cents per gallon by 2025.
“The intent is really important and that’s to give some Missourians relief,” Fitzwater said. “We’re trying to figure out a path for that. I’d be willing to look at any type of the six months is underestimated as the agency receives three or four matching federal dollars for transportation projects.
“It could be $978 million to $1.3 billion dollars lost for doing projects,” Schroeter said. “We
tax cut for everyday Missourians.”
The gas tax is expected to generate approximately $500 million in additional revenue for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) to improve roads and bridges. MODOT estimates it needs $745 million to complete all necessary projects.
Eric Schroeter, assistant chief engineer for MODOT, testified the estimated loss of $318 million for have a planned bond issuance of $500 million, which would be used to match approximately $1.5 to $2 billion in federal funds. So uncertainty in revenue or a reduction doesn’t make bond issuance attractive or likely. This could have an impact of over $3 billion towards projects.”
Fitzwater stated Missouri’s record levels in general revenue and additional new federal transportation funding would allow the state to develop a plan to “plug some holes.”
Rep. Wes Rogers, D-Kansas City, told the committee Maryland and Georgia recently passed gasoline tax holidays, and it’s being considered in Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Tennessee. He suggested a sales tax exemption would help more taxpayers.
“It’s a noble goal when you know inflation is out of hand and normal people are trying to get by,” Rogers said. “If I was in the majority party and I was trying to do something to offer relief, I would look at a sales tax holiday. I think that would more directly impact people who need it the most.”
House Bill 1594, sponsored by Rep. Sara Walsh, R-Ashland, wouldrepeal the gasoline taxpassed last year. The bill was voted out of the Special Committee on Government Oversight 8-2 on Feb. 16, passed in the Administrative Oversight Committee 6-5 on Feb. 25, and was placed on an informal perfection calendar March 1.
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On April 4, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program teamed up with the Certified Collision Group at its inaugural conference to present a refurbished vehicle to theRonald McDonald House Charities® of St. Louis.
The vehicle, a 2017 Ford Escape, was donated by Allstate and repaired by CCG member Schaefer Autobody, which has 14 locations throughout the St. Louis area. St. Louis-based Enterprise “stuffed the trunk” with wish list items for operations at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.
The vehicle will be used to provide transportation for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis while their children are being treated at area children’s hospitals.
The presentation was held at the CCG Conference at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis provides a home-away-from-home to families from across the United States and the world,” said Dan Harbaugh, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. “For many of our families, safe and reliable transportation is a huge barrier for them, especially when their child is receiving medical treatment. Now, with the help from the National Auto Body Council and the NABC Recycled Rides program, with this new vehicle we can go the extra mile for families by helping relieve the burden of transportation.”
For Scott Schaefer, owner of Schaefer Autobody, the involvement in this project is a labor of love.
“We have always wanted to do a NABC Recycled Ride vehicle to help children and families being treated at the local children’s hospital,” said Schaefer. “Our family has a passion for supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities and the local hospital through our own experiences. This project has allowed us to combine that passion for helping others with the passion we have for delivering the highest-quality repairs every day. We’re honored to be able to refurbish and present this vehicle to help families in need.”
NABC Recycled Rides is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated nearly 3,000 vehicles valued at some $42 million.
“Presenting a NABC Recycled Ride on the main stage at the CCG national conference was an amazing experience,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the NABC. “Our members CCG, Allstate, Schaefer Autobody and Enterprise all contributed their time, talents and resources to make this happen, and it is incredible to see those efforts come to fruition to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.”
Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides presentation include 1-800 Charity Cars, Alloy Wheels, All Star Auto Lights, Color Match, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Sunset Ford Auto Group, Xtreme Detail and Zisser Tire.
Source: NABC CCC Intelligent Solutions on March 31 announced asTech® , a Repairify company and a leader in diagnostic, calibration and programming solutions, has joined the CCC® Diagnostics network.
The integration makes it easier for repair facilities to capture and document scan information in CCC ONE® workfiles. This streamlined service is available now via CCC ONE.
The integration does not require a physical connection between the asTech device and CCC ONE. Information is uploaded wirelessly and the scan report is automatically attached to the vehicle’s CCC ONE workfile.
Activation is simple. Repair facilities using CCC ONE select their preferred diagnostic provider(s) from those available through CCC’s network and providers send scan data directly to the workfile.
Source: CCC Intelligent Solutions
“The education sessions were a big hit too,” said Janet Chaney, co-coordinator of the event and executive director of the Iowa Collision Repair Association. “Each classroom session was nearly full and additional chairs had to be brought in for a few of the sessions. The presenters worked hard to create workshops of value and the participants reported great satisfaction with the material presented.”
Mike Anderson, founder of Collision Advice, was the keynote speaker over lunch April 2. In his State of the Industry address, Anderson told the 300 people in attenas well as what the average repair order is by state.
Anderson also focused on workforce development. He reported 80,000 technicians will be
Mike Anderson, of Collision Advice, gave the State of the Industry keynote address. Credit:
Mark Claypool dance his theme for 2022 is “Grow Your Team, Grow Your Business and Change The Way You Compete.”
He pointed out that most shops leave a bunch of money on the table when writing estimates. He shared strategies to address this, sources for procedure documents needed in the industry by 2024, but demand is significantly outpacing a steadily declining supply of post-secondary collision technician entrants. He introduced an Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot program being powered in a joint venture between the Enterprise RentA-Car Foundation and Ranken Technical College. This program is designed to attract and develop entry-level talent to fill essential roles within collision repair, and enhance retention and advancement among collision repair technicians.
Other pilot sites are the College of Lake County in Illinois, Contra Costa College in California and Texas State Technical College.
Cotton and Chaney are working to secure a date and location for this event for 2023. Interested parties can keep abreast of future plans on the event website, www. midwesttradeshow.org, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ MidwestCollisionRepairTradeShow.
Contact Janet Chaney at 480720-2565 or Gina Cotton at 402304-2140 for more information.
Source: Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show and Conference
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Chicago Thieves Take Teen Cancer Victim’s Truck
by Steven Symes, Motorious
Jacob Watson, who is now 18, won his fight against bone cancer last year, so Make-A-Wish decided to do something extra nice for him.
The charitable organization restored the 2002 Ford F-250 gifted to him by his late grandfather. It was a sentimental gesture for a teenager who had been through a lot in his short life.
Then some thieves took it.
According to a local report, Watson was at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, IL, on April 2 when the truck was taken. He was inside for about two hours, but that was more than enough time for the thieves to swipe it.
“I kept it nice over winter, and I hadn’t had it out for not even a week, and this happened,” said Watson.
Witnesses describe seeing a gray Honda Odyssey with “completely tinted windows” by the truck. It sound like a suspect got out of that minivan and broke into the truck, then drove away with it.
The family is hopeful the 2002 Ford F-250 is located soon and returned in good condition. They’ve filed a police report and have been getting the word out through local media. Help spread the word so hopefully this has a positive resolution.
Car theft has been out of control for years now. That makes it more important than ever to take extra steps to secure your ride. There are a lot of ways to do that, like installing an alarm with push notifications, GPS trackers, kill switch, Trunk Monkey, etc.
Unfortunately, like Watson, you might just be going about your day when someone decides to take your property.
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