JUNE 2020
A Quick Guide to Respirators, Beards and Voluntary Use PLUS: SIVE L U L EXC DIGITA US BON NTENT -11 CO Pgs. 10
Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing Canceled Dealing with Bankcard Telemarketers
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AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. Cover image www.istockphoto.com.
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2020 - 2021
CONTENTS Vol. 29 No. 6
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ............................4 Adapt and Overcome by Jesse Jacobson, AASP-MN Collision Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE................................................................6 When Will It All End? by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
PRESIDENT Matthew Feehan
LOCAL NEWS ............................................................................8
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Carl Thomas
NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................10
SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Archambault COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jesse Jacobson
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS! ....................................12 Dealing With Bankcard Telemarketers AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFITS ..................................................12
MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Tony Newman ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Loren Feldkamp COLLISION SEATS Randy Miller Lee Schlosser MECHANICAL SEAT Jeremy Nordgren
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver
Complete Health, Environmental and Safety Services (C.H.E.S.S.) ................................................................................16 A Quick Guide to Respirators, Beards and Voluntary Use DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT (@ WWW.GRECOPUBLISHING.COM) DEG Estimating Tips Insurance I.Q.: When an Employer Refuses Workers' Compensation Treatment Partners in Prevention UPCOMING EVENTS
LED E C N A C June 16
26th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing Keller Golf Course 2166 Maplewood Drive Maplewood, MN 55109
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. PUBLISHER Thomas Greco | thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli | alicia@grecopublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa M. Cuthbert | lisa@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten | joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com
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WELCOME NEW MEMBER:
MAY 2020 T & B Auto Services, Brainerd
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX AmeriPride ............................................................17 Buerkle Hyundai..................................................13 CBIZ ........................................................................7 Dentsmart ............................................................18 FinishMaster ........................................................9 Inver Grove Honda/Inver Grove Toyota ....17 Jack McClard........................................................10 Keystone ..............................................................8 Maplewood Toyota............................................13 Mopar Group ......................................................14
AASP-MN News
Morrie’s ................................................................4 Motorwerks BMW ..............................................IBC MPA ........................................................................11 Proven Force........................................................OBC Reliable Automotive Equipment....................15 Rosedale Chevrolet............................................18 Sherwin Williams - Matrix ................................IFC Straight & Square................................................6 Toyota Group ......................................................5
June 2020 | 3
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Adapt and Overcome It’s amazing how quickly things can change. We had just finished our annual Strengths, Weaknesses, OpJesse Jacobson portunities and Threats (SWOT) AASP-MN analysis and annual plan before we Collision Division headed out on a family spring break Director road trip to Kentucky. Nowhere in that plan did it say plan for and operate during a pandemic. Within a matter of days, we were cutting our trip short and preparing for a pandemic that was sweeping the nation. Like most of you, it took me a week (sometimes I still can’t believe it) to really believe that our state and country could halt economic activity that fast. One week you’re thinking about growth, expansion, sales records and hiring more staff and the next week you’re trying to wrap your head around how to operate safely by sourcing cleaning supplies, putting social distancing policies in place and retaining as many employees as possible. In the military, I was frequently put through decision making and planning exercises. This much change can seem overwhelming, but you must keep
4 | June 2020
moving forward otherwise you will freeze, get stuck and may not recover. Prioritize what is important and pick away at one thing at a time. For our organization, it is employees and their families, customers, facilities and equipment. With all these challenges, I can’t think of a better time to be part of AASP-MN. The Alliance staff has done a great job keeping members updated through email updates and sharing as much information as possible on the aaspmn.org website. In addition, we’ve held three Body Shop Session Zoom meetings and will continue to have them as needed. It’s inspiring listening to shop operators share ideas about strategy, finance, operations and how well shops are protecting their employees and customers. I’m still new to this industry and I’m always amazed at how many variables we have to adapt to: Generational employees, brand-new vehicle technology, insurance relationships, equipment and training requirements. Now add online estimates, drop-offs, payments, authorizations and pick-ups, without ever talking to your customer face-to-face. We will adapt and overcome.
AASP-MN News
WHY GENUINE PARTS? It’s the Right Thing to Do
You lose money when aftermarket parts don’t fit. Toyota Dealers are your best source for Genuine Toyota Parts. All it takes is one call. For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one of these authorized local Toyota Dealers: Inver Grove Toyota 1037 Highway 110 Inver Grove Heights, MN PH: 651-306-4630 FAX: 654-457-8705 www.invergrovetoyota.com
Burnsville Toyota 14730 Buck Hill Road Burnsville, MN 55306 800-448-5912 PH: 952-435-8401 FAX: 952-435-8515
parts@invergrovetoyota.com
Maplewood Toyota 2873 Highway 61 Maplewood, MN 55109 PH: 651-490-2648 FAX: 651-490-2652 TOLL FREE: 877-574-0667 parts@maplewoodtoyota.com
ToyotaPartsAndService.com AASP-MN News
June 2020 | 5
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
When Will It All End? There are three seemingly eternal events transpiring which are likely to make the year 2020 the longest of our lives. The Minnesota legislature has come Kevin Walli AASP-MN Lobbyist to a conclusion with no real resolution of the biggest issues facing the state. The Governor and the legislature fought over who should decide how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor has issued a series of executive orders that the Republicans in the legislature say exceed his constitutional power. They held up the state’s Bonding Bill for building projects until he relaxes his stance on the emergency orders. It’s looking more like we will have a summer full of special sessions as we repeatedly adjust to the reality of dramatically reduced state revenues and a corresponding state obligation to operate within a balanced budget. The COVID-19 pandemic itself is marching forward with no relief in sight. Business owners are justifiably concerned about how they will keep their businesses afloat. At the same time, others are concerned that loosening constraints too quickly may cause a second wave of infection and more illness and death. And then we have the election to end all elections. We have Presidential candidates from both major parties who are facing questions about their pasts and
about their ability to govern in the present. We have statewide elections for one U.S. Senate seat, all eight of our Congressional seats and all 201 state legislators. There is much to keep track of. For our part, we will work to keep you informed of what happens, and what does not happen, at the state legislature. We will provide information to the association as the federal government tries to provide relief to businesses who are struggling in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and will try to sort out what the Trump administration has in mind and how the Biden administration might act differently to respond to business needs resulting from the pandemic. As soon as practical, AASP-MN will re-engage our Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee with the Collision Advisory Committee to begin discussing industry concerns for the 2021 session. Next year is a major policy session when the state budget for the 2021-2023 biennium will be set. This is the period that runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023. The next budget process is going to be particularly challenging because of the lost revenue at both the state and local level – plus the loss of business income and corresponding personal income for business owners. For our specific industry concerns, as we come to the close of the 2020 session, there has been a renewed initiative to try to amend the state salvage title Continued on page 17
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June 2020 | 7
LOCAL NEWS 26th Annual Golf Outing Canceled The 26th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 is now canceled. Unfortunately, due to the current/anticipated requirements for social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it will not be possible to hold an event of our size in June. The health and safety of our members and the general public must take priority over what is normally a fun day of handshakes, hugs and genuine camaraderie. It remains to be seen whether the event can be rescheduled for later this fall or if it will have to wait until 2021. AASP-MN is also still in limbo with rescheduling its Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference. Stay tuned.
8 | June 2020
AASP-MN Weekly Updates Have you been receiving the weekly COVID-19 updates that the Alliance has been emailing and posting each Friday? If not, please call the AASP-MN office and we’ll try to help you resolve any technical issues that may be preventing you from receiving this valuable information! The Alliance Ramps Up Its Social Media Presence The association is ramping up its social media activity and would like our members to be a big part of it. If you haven’t already, please become our Facebook friend, follow us, like our page and share our posts at facebook.com/aaspmn. We’re introducing a “Member Monday” Facebook post. All we need is a photo of you, the outside
AASP-MN News
of your building or a group shot of your team members, your company’s name and location, the number of employees you have and one thing you’d like people to know about you or your business. Also, do you have an employee you’d like to brag about in our monthly Facebook “Awesome Repair Pro” post? If so, submit their name, photo, number of years they have been employed by you and a brief statement about what makes them an “Awesome Repair Pro” and member of your team to aasp@aaspmn.org. We’d love to show off our industry’s superstars! AASP-MN Awards Scholarships to Automotive Students The Alliance is pleased to announce it has awarded $19,500 in scholarship awards to help automotive service and collision repair stu-
dents pay for tuition or tools during the 2020-21 school year. The scholarships are in the amount of $1,000 or $1,500 per student and were made possible by a successful fundraising drive within the AASP-MN membership, as well as generous donations from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee and the Bill Smith Fund. Twenty college and high school students from 7 schools submitted completed scholarship applications. Applications were reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education and career goals, financial need and written recommendations.
Thank You to Our Sponsors To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments for AASP-MN’s educational programming and other activities in 2020. Platinum Fix Auto LKQ-Minnesota Lube-Tech & Partners Gold AASP National Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster Podium PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group
Collision program recipients: Austin Allison, South Central College, North Mankato Carter Brandes, South Central College, North Mankato Carisa Camarillo, Lake Superior College, Duluth Holly Isdahl, Dunwoody College of Technology, MPLS Makaila Kewatt, Hennepin Technical College, EP
Auto Service program recipients: Clifton Draghine II, Hennepin Technical College, EP Dylan Draxten, Dunwoody College of Technology, MPLS Madyan Khidir, MN State Technical College, Moorhead Luis Mendoza Martinez, Hennepin Technical College, EP Khoa Luc Nguyen, Hennepin Technical College, EP Reed Patterson, Lake Superior College, Duluth Logan Peterson, Ridgewater College, Willmar Matthew Pipes, South Central College, North Mankato Mitchell Robertson, South Central College, North Mankato Kaleb Vanhavermaet, Ridgewater College, Willmar Holden Whiting, Dunwoody College of Technology, MPLS Sean Wood, Dunwoody College of Technology, MPLS
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! The scholarship awards are the centerpiece of AASP-MN’s Automotive Education Fund, which was established to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.
Silver aaa Auto Parts AmeriPride Services Colonial Life Enterprise Rent-A-Car O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Sherwin Williams Single Source/NCS Suburban Chevrolet Bronze C.H.E.S.S. Twin Cities Auto Glass Leadership Conference Vendors 1 Collision Network 3M BASF Dent Impressions Dentsmart PDR Heartman Insurance
AASP-MN News
June 2020 | 9
NATIONAL NEWS
I-CAR Issues Update In an industry-wide announcement on May 6, I-CAR CEO and President John Van Alstyne shared the organization’s continuing COVID-19 relief measures, including updated training delivery plans, credentialing renewal relief plans, free and discounted training offerings, as well as highlights of recent progress and a look ahead at 2020 plans. Van Alstyne outlined the following:
10 | June 2020
• Continued industry-wide access to I-CAR’s full suite of online and virtual training, featuring all the newly updated and relevant “purpose-built” courses launched in October 2019;
• Extension of the organization’s live classroom and in-shop training pause, at least through June 15. Plus conversion of required live training into virtual training for ongoing delivery through at least the duration of the live training pause; • Modified credentialing renewal dates for I-CAR Gold Class® and Platinum™ recognition programs for businesses and individuals with renewal dates through September 2020, including defer-
AASP-MN News
ral of Welding Training & Certification™ requirements until 2021;
• Gold Class subscription payment relief (i.e. one month free or three months deferred billing for existing subscribers, three months free for new subscribers);
• Free access to I-CAR’s RTS (Reparability Technical Support), an online technical portal that provides collision repair best practices, OEM-specific searches, information and news; • Free registration for Using Vehicle Maker Repair Procedures course;
• Access to four free Production Management courses;
Continued on page 18
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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
Grant Success Story:
NEWGATE SCHOOL This month we want to highlight a success story at Newgate School in Minneapolis. Newgate School is a tuition-free non-profit automotive tech school dedicated to helping young adults succeed in their quest for self-sufficiency. It offers auto body and auto mechanic training for unemployed or under-employed adults and is self-sufficient in its own way – all revenue to operate Newgate comes from the sale of donated vehicles, many of which are repaired by students in training. In June 2019, the Small Business Assistance Program (SBEAP) at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) awarded Newgate $15,000 to purchase water-based finishes and paint booth equipment. The grant helped fund their project to convert from a 100 percent solventbased product line to primarily waterborne products. Wayne Hanson, school director said that, while “aware for some time that waterborne painting presented environmental benefits and the industry was trending toward this method… the holdback for us, being a non-profit organization, was the capital layout to make the change.” We followed up with Newgate after they had time to implement their project:
How long did it take to train to use the paint correctly? “It took a couple of months to learn how the paint and clear finishes reacted to each other. There are several clear coats on the market and some of them react differently, depending on what was on the vehicle. We had one case where we had to strip down and re-paint an entire car because a student didn’t yet understand the directions for mixing and application of the paint and clear coat.”
Did you have assistance from any other organizations in making the switch? “We received substantial support from Brett Ritzer of PPG, our paint supplier. At Keystone LKQ, Tim Rees provided inventory and training and Todd Grothe provided D1 |
hands-on support during implementation and training of instructors and students. Much credit should be given to Bjorn Olson, formerly of Environmental Initiative, who brought the grant opportunity to our attention. Also, we would like to thank Mayor Frey for championing environmental improvements in our community.” The school estimates that by switching to waterborne paint it will emit 1.5 tons fewer volatile organic compounds and 0.4 tons fewer hazardous air pollutants a year. The change means air is better to breathe for students, staff and neighbors. Newgate noted in its application that it is in an area identified by the MPCA as an environmental justice area of concern. These are parts of Minnesota with higher concentrations of low-income residents and people of color, groups that are often exposed to higher levels of air pollution. Newgate is located in an area of the Twin Cities with higher than average air pollution. For the past few years, the MPCA has been prioritizing work to improve conditions in overburdened areas. SBEAP has partnered with several business owners in the past who were transitioning to waterborne paint. Pairing with a non-profit organization was a unique opportunity and we’re happy to have had the opportunity to partner with Newgate. If you’re curious about compliance or pollution prevention resources, you can reach SBEAP at smallbizhelp.pca@state.mn.us or call at (800) 657-3938 or (651) 282-6143.
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When an Employee Refuses Workers’ Compensation Treatment Based on the geographic location of your business, many state workers’ compensation statutes limit and mandate certain employer actions when a worker is injured. Depending on the state, there are specific timelines to follow and forms to complete. But what about when a worker is injured and refuses to accept treatment or file a claim? What are your responsibilities? While the exact legal answer depends on your situation and state laws, consider the following to limit your liability. When You Notice If you notice that an employee has been injured, even if the employee has not mentioned it, gently bring it up and discuss the circumstances of the injury with the employee to determine whether the injury is job-related. Many state workers’ compensation statutes obligate employers to report injuries as soon as they have knowledge of them. Delay in reporting the injury could result in much more costly claims. Completing the paperwork to report injuries is not an admission of your liability—on the contrary, it could protect you. In the Case of Refusal When you do discuss the injury with the employee, explain that reporting job-related injuries entitles injured workers to certain benefits while recovering from the injury. If the employee does not wish to file a claim for the injury, file the employer’s portion of the report with a
statement of refusal to pursue a claim signed by the employee. It is crucial that you document this conversation to protect your business from being penalized in the future. Employees that do initially report injuries but then refuse treatment under the physician or facility that your organization furnishes should sign a similar form confirming this refusal. Benefits for Employees That Refuse Treatment State workers’ comp statutes vary, but in most cases, workers’ compensation benefits are suspended for employees that refuse to comply with any reasonable request for examination or refuse to accept medical service or physical rehabilitation which the employer elects to furnish. Benefits may not be payable for this period of refusal of treatment — check with your workers’ comp carrier. What to Do Now It is important that you prepare for an eventual employee refusal to submit a claim or refusal to accept treatment for a workplace injury. All employers should have a legal representative draft a form for refusal of treatment that complies with state requirements so it is immediately available when needed. Discuss with supervisors the importance of documenting and reporting all injuries, whether or not the worker chooses to report them. Workers’ compensation insurance is obligatory in most states. Contact Brad Schmid at CBIZ AiA at (763) 549-2247 or bschmid@cbizaia.com for more information.
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ESTIMATING TIPS All Three Systems: Aluminum/Clean Room Set Up – All three information providers have provided a response to address aluminum/clean room set up times. CCC and Audatex have stated this is a NOT INCLUDED operation. Mitchell states: “NO additional time is needed.” CCC DEG Inquiry 10980: “Set up a certified OEM approved Clean Room is not included in the estimated work time.” AUDATEX DEG Inquiry 11230: “The setup of aluminum room equipment including aluminum vacuum fume and dust extraction have not been considered in labor allowances.” MITCHELL DEG INQUIRY 13778: “A shop maintaining a dedicated aluminum repair area should not require additional time for setting up the Clean Room or setting up required extraction systems.” CCC: Door Skin/Door Outer Panel Replacement Repair Time – When replacing a door skin, CCC/MOTORS GTE states “straightening of door frame” is NOT INCLUDED. Additionally, any repairs required to the new door skin/outer panel after installation are NOT INCLUDED. DEG Inquiry 16087 states: • “MOTOR does not assign fixed percentages to different steps within a repair procedure. • The amount of damage and repair needed during the installation of the Outer Panel will vary due to technician skill level. • Any repair time needed would be an on-the-spot evaluation mutually agreed upon by estimators.” All Three Systems: Spray Out Card/Color Matching Considerations – Neither CCC or Mitchell have assigned labor values for color matching/spray out card operatations which are considered NOT INCLUDED operations for both. Any labor or materials required to perform color match and/or spray out cards, including clear coat and spray equipment set up, would be NOT INCLUDED.
Audatex states in DEG Inquiry 16149, “We have reviewed your inquiry regarding spray test panel process. The spray test panel is not included in the two-stage set up allowance. It is included in the refinish time and to be conducted at the time of vehicle refinishing. No change is warranted at this time.” If the spray out card is done in a separate operation away from the vehicle being refinished, any additional or duplicated efforts prior to vehicle refinishing process would be NOT INCLUDED. All Three Systems: Disconnecting Battery/Negative Terminal – Many OEM repair procedures may indicate to disconnect the battery/negative terminal prior to performing any type of work on the vehicle. DEG Inquiry 16158 response from MOTORS: “Per the Guide to Estimating, D&R of the battery is a not included item.” Disconnecting the battery multiple times may be required to facilitate proper disassembly, welding, dent pulling, refinishing process or – as necessary per the OEM procedures – having to move the vehicle from department to department. If multiple battery disconnects are required, it will require an on-the-spot evaluation. If the labor footnotes in any estimating system indicate that the labor is INCLUDED, the labor included would be for one disconnect only. Mitchell: Three Stage Operation - Let Down Panels – Mitchell CEG page 28 Refinish Procedures > Three Stage Refinish states the following operations are INCLUDED: • Apply toner to let-down panel • Apply clear to let-down panel • Repeat application to surface being refinished Please note: The process is considered included only when performing this step in the same booth cycle as the vehicle itself. If any part of the let-down panel process is done as a separate operation, away from the vehicle, or involves any duplicate operations, this would require an on-the-spot evaluation. Material costs are NEVER included in any color matching/let down panel operations.
Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG.
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Dealing With Bankcard Telemarketers “Here’s something for you to write about,” said an AASP-MN member. “Is there really such a thing as a wholesale bankcard rate, or is it just a lot of sales talk?” He continued by saying, “I continually get bombarded by salespeople telling me I can save 40 to 60 percent on my bankcard processing. All I have to do is send one of my monthly statements. How can they promise big savings, or any savings for that matter, when they don’t know what I’m paying right now?” Well, yes, it is all just sales talk. There are no such things as wholesale or retail bankcard rates, and they do not know what you’re paying right now. Here are two options to get the upper hand with a phone solicitor. One is to hang up and let him get on to his next call. Or, perhaps better yet, work him to your advantage by understanding the three basics of bankcard pricing: Interchange, assessments and processor mark-up. For the record, interchange is what the credit or debit card issuing bank gets. Assessments are
charged by the card companies (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). All processors pay the same interchange and assessments, based on the type of card your customer presents (debit, rewards, traditional, handkeyed, etc.). It doesn’t matter how big or small they are. There is nothing your processor, or you, can do about interchange or assessments. Think of those items as “at cost.” It’s the “over cost,” the processor’s fees, where you can take control and potentially start saving money. As an example, here is what a typical processor might charge: u Percentage added to the sale amount – .25 percent u Authorization or item charge, per sale – 10 cents u Batch closing fee – 25 cents u Flat monthly fee – $10 u Minimum processing charge – $25 u Annual fee – $199 u PCI monthly fee – $20 You should be able to find these fees on your original contract. When phone solicitors call saying they Continued on page 14
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS PROPERTY/LIABILITY AND WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA and United Fire Group (UFG) have created a program for members that includes a special premium discount, exclusive coverage and potential safety group dividend. CBIZ AIA can present quotes from multiple carriers and, as an added bonus, offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.
LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your Contact: Dennis Begley website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN members goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health Net Driven insurance, long-term care and disability insurance. Contact: Rich Mullen EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY BENEFITS 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.com Colonial Life Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet Contact: Deb Ferrao marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive 612-600-4135 / deb.ferrao@coloniallifesales.com industry. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are or Tracy Bailey eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. 612-801-0139 / tracy.bailey@coloniallifesales.com Dedicated representatives can help members transform INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 their benefit package with competitive rates, value added Contact: Mitchell1 Representative services at no cost and complimentary legal document preparation service. Colonial Life has the tools and flexibility 888-724-6742 x 6986 Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell to create a plan to fit everyone’s needs. 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at 888-724UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services 6742, ext. 6986. Contact: John Majchrzak Mitchell International 612-670-4034/ majchrzak-john@aramark.com Contact: Mitchell International Representative Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, 800-238-9111 entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit ww.w.mitchell.com/ their business with AmeriPride each year. products-services/collision-repair-shop-solutions/cloudCREDIT CARD PROCESSING estimating for more information. Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices.biz 800-288-6220 Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also technical information hotline, Direct-Hit. available.
12 | June 2020
AASP-MN News
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars. CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments. SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. (CHESS) Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance. PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Members receive a 20% discount on one-on-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 20% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20% discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.
AASP-MN News
June 2020 | 13
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS!
Continued from page 12
can save big money, ask what they charge on the aforementioned items. Doing so will give you an understandable, apples-to-apples comparison without giving up your statement. If they won’t say, it’s probably a good time to end the call. Don’t be surprised, though, if the response is, “I’ll give you free equipment.” As you can imagine, just as there is no free lunch, there is no free equipment. Believe me, the processor is recovering its cost by inflating the types of charges listed previously. Last word on equipment: Be very leery of equipment leases. They normally cannot be canceled and run four years. The total of the monthly payments far exceeds what a terminal would cost outright. Fraud Alerts: • In the automotive repair business, it’s not unusual to take a card number over the phone. Since this is a non-chip read transaction, the card companies will not stand behind you if the card number is stolen or fraudulent in any way. Know the customer well when accepting a card number over the phone.
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• If you need to refund a customer, be sure to do it on the same card that was originally used. There have been reports of cardholders asking that the refund be put on a different card. It’s possible the first card number was stolen but not yet reported as such. The card used for the refund is legitimate. The end result is you’ll be charged back for the original sale and the customer will receive the refund on his or her own card, at your expense. Again, know your customer. • Old, unused bankcard terminals, whether they are still in your possession or not, can be a problem. Hackers have shown they can obtain the terminal file number and start causing problems at your expense. Call your processor and ask that all unused file numbers be deactivated and deleted on their end. Just removing the program from your old equipment isn’t enough. As always, if you would like to see if the AASP-MN bankcard program will reduce your costs, please contact me at mach@retailfinancialservices.biz, or by phone at (612) 750-2988.
AASP-MN News
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dard for automotive repair and maintenance, just behind Hazard Communication/Right to Know, is for respirators. That’s no surprise to us, as we see violations all the time. We see people who must wear respirators – but have beards. Medical evaluations aren’t done. Respirators aren’t kept clean. People wear respirators that don’t fit. If respirators are worn incorrectly, the users may think they are being protected – but they aren’t. If you know what’s required for different types of respirators, you stand a better chance of avoiding misuse and avoiding OSHA citations. This chart provides guidance on what’s required for different types of respirators. Questions? Contact Janet Keyes, CIH, FAIHA – 651-458-4930 or jkeyes@chesssafety.com
16 | June 2020
AASP-MN News
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Continued from page 6
statute. This has been driven by a major parts supplier. Their bill did not pass before the session came to a close and there are several parties including AASP-MN - who are seeking additional discussion about whether the salvage title statute is in need of amendment. Another issue that is likely to come back next session in some form is the reliance of repair shops to complete vehicle repairs consistent with repair procedure specifications and other documentation issued by original equipment manufacturers. After much discussion with the insurance industry – and very nearly coming to a compromise – we will need to go back to the drawing board if we are going to resurrect this initiative. We have a lot of work ahead of us and just surviving 2020 will be an adventure. We look forward to looking for the light at the end of the tunnel alongside those of you in the auto repair industry.
AASP-MN News
June 2020 | 17
NATIONAL NEWS
Continued from page 10
• Five discounted ADAS course packages: Three courses for the cost of two;
• Free access to its New Era of Collision Repair Virtual Conference content, featuring leading industry speakers;
• And also coming in late May: Discounted Vehicle Technology Specific Course Packages: Three courses for the cost of two. A recording of the full announcement can found at youtube.com/watch?v=f0xNuXms02M&feature= youtu.be.
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18 | June 2020
AASP-MN News
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AASP-MN News
June 2020 | 19