AASP-MN News January 2016

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January 2016

PLUS:

AASP-MN Hits Record High Membership for Second Consecutive Year www.grecopublishing.com

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CONTENTS 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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.

Vol. 24 No. 1

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ......................................................6 Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

by Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM, AASP-MN Executive Director

2015 - 2016

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7 Preparations Ramp Up to Renew Efforts to Prohibit Certain Insurance Company Claims Practices

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

PRESIDENT Tom Gleason

LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele SECRETARY-TREASURER Greg Kasel, AAM COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jim Siegfried, AAM

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S) ........10 Walk Around Your Building

by Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, MA, CSP, CRC INSURANCE I.Q. ............................................................................11 New Year’s Resolutions

by Dennis Spindler

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Wayne Watson

NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................14

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin

DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ....................................................................19

COLLISION SEATS Joyce Weinhandl Will Latuff

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................22 AASP-MN’s Insurance Program with United Fire Group

MECHANICAL SEAT Mars Overlee

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 14, 2016 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis

June 21, 2016 22nd Annual Golf Outing Keller Golf Course, Maplewood

For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or visit the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver ADVERTISERS’ INDEX PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963 PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com) DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com) MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman (jacquelyn@grecopublishing.com) EDITOR: Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net) ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER: Donna Greco (donna@grecopublishing.com) www.grecopublishing.com

aaa Auto Parts ............................................................17 AmeriPride ................................................................15 Axalta Coating Systems..............................................OBC Blue Net, Inc. ............................................................3 Buerkle Hyundai ........................................................11 CBIZ ..........................................................................IFC Choice Auto Rentals ..................................................18 Dentsmart ..................................................................15 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ............................14 Jack McClard ............................................................18 Keystone ....................................................................19 Lowell’s PCE ..............................................................21 Maplewood Toyota ....................................................16 Meadowbrook Insurance ............................................IFC

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Mercedes Benz of Maplewood....................................20 Mills Parts Center ......................................................20 Morrie’s ....................................................................9 Motorwerks BMW ......................................................IBC Motorwerks MINI ......................................................IBC MPA..................................................................................................12-13 PAM’s Auto ................................................................16 Proven Force..............................................................7 Rosedale Chevrolet .....................................................3 Roseville Chrysler ......................................................20 Straight & Square ......................................................21 Toyota Group..............................................................4 United Fire Group ......................................................IFC

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

by Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM, AASP-MN Executive Director

“I’m really having a tough time finding a technician.”

“I just lost my service advisor – do you know of anyone who’s looking?”

“Do you have any suggestions for the best way to go about finding a detailer?”

“I just can’t find a qualified person to staff my parts counter.”

And on it goes. On countless occasions, the association receives these kinds of phone calls and emails from members desperate to find the qualified employees they need to operate their businesses. These calls have increased significantly in the past year as the economy has ramped up. The auto service industry now finds itself competing in earnest with construction and other trades, recruiting from a limited pool of job candidates and future employees. It’s clear that something has to change…

Enter MNCARS – Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service. This organization was created with the sole mission to increase recruitment into Minnesota’s post-secondary automotive programs (both collision and mechanical) and industry careers. It aims to fill the pipeline of future employees into Minnesota’s automotive service industry, from shops to suppliers/distributors and even insurers.

To accomplish this, MNCARS has partnered with Risdall, a leading marketing and communications agency, to execute a comprehensive, two-year campaign to attract young people and future employees to our industry. Important aspects of our recruitment efforts will include: •

•

• • •

Connecting with potential students, their parents and high school influencers, including counselors, to provide a better picture of the pathways to success and opportunities available in the automotive industry; Developing a website to serve as a centerpiece in educating our target audiences and the broader community on the opportunities available within the automotive industry. This hub, and accompanying printed materials, will share the exciting careers, success stories and advantages that a two-year automotive program offers in getting started in the workforce; Hosting live events at schools and community locations to engage students in both fun and informative activities to allow them to begin to think of automotive repair as more than a hobby; Creating an “influencer kit” to provide professionals that work with students a simple-to-use toolkit that presents positive information on the industry and career options; and Media stories and outreach programs to address misperceptions and inform individuals throughout Minnesota of opportunities within the automotive service industry.

This is a big initiative with a big price tag: $250,000 over the two years. And I’m so excited to tell you that, as this issue goes to press, we’ve received $230,000 in pledges towards this goal!

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AASP-MN and the Minnesota Transportation Center of Excellence led the way with contributions of $50,000 each. Dedicated AASPMN members, large and small, have contributed anywhere from $500 to $25,000. I’m confident that additional pledges will be forthcoming as several industry companies who’d like to support the campaign wrap up their budgeting process.

To be honest, what’s been more surprising to me is who hasn’t contributed to the campaign, as opposed to those who have. But being an eternal optimist, I am hopeful that once these individuals and companies have a chance to see the end product and the positive impact it makes for the industry, they’ll step up in the future to pitch in and support the effort.

The campaign will launch in the first quarter of 2016, so watch for further information at that time. I know you’re going to like what you see!

In the meantime, one resource I’d like to remind you of is AASP-MN’s member benefit program with Assessment Associates International. Once you are fortunate enough to find a good candidate or two, for just $15, you can have them complete an online questionnaire that assesses their motivation, attitude, dependability, initiative and other “soft skills.” The results are a good predictor of workplace behavior and will provide additional insight as to whether the person will be a good fit for your business, leading to less employee turnover. Visit auto.aai.live.com/ for more information.

The MNCARS initiative is significant and long-overdue work designed to address a critical need and I’m confident that it will have a positive impact throughout Minnesota’s entire automotive service industry. My sincere and deepest thanks go out to the many AASP-MN members, friends and supporters that have invested in the future of the industry by contributing to this important undertaking. We couldn’t do it without you!

MNCARS Sponsors to Date: Platinum $50,000 AASP-MN MN Transportation Center Gold $25,000 Heppner’s Auto Body Silver $10,000 AkzoNobel Lake Marion Collision LKQ/Keystone Automotive Master Collision Group PPG Automotive Finishes St. Anthony Mobil Bronze $5,000 American Auto Body Collision Specialists Crystal Lake Automotive

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Ed’s Collision Center Honest-1 Auto Care, New Hope Hopkins Auto Body Superior Service Center Other Autoworks Diagnostic & Repair Downtown Tire & Auto Infinity Laser Measuring Systems Lowell’s PCE Medi-Car Auto Repair Modern Auto Care Pearson Auto Body Perry’s Auto Salon Peter’s Body Shop Pro-Tech Auto Repair Rick’s 36 Automotive Services Signal Garage Auto Care Twin City & Northfield Auto Body

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Preparations Ramp Up to Renew Efforts to Prohibit Certain Insurance Company Claims Practices AASP-MN is working to schedule a meeting with the House Commerce Committee Chair to request an early 2016 hearing on our legislative proposal to prohibit certain insurance company mandates in the claims process. In 2015, a lack of a hearing in the House Commerce Committee resulted in House opposition to the AASP-MN proposal. This ultimately prevented the proposal from passing despite our success in moving the language through the Senate.

Given the very tight timelines set for the 2016 Session, if we are to have success, we will need to secure a very early hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Members of the AASP-MN Collision Advisory Committee and the Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee recently met with Representative Bob Loonan (R-Shakopee) who has taken on the lead role in the House as Chief Author of House File 458 – the AASP-MN legislation. Representative Loonan is

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

working to build support for prohibitions on the insurers that AASP-MN has proposed. He is reaching out to both the Department of Commerce and his House colleagues – including House Commerce Committee Chair, Representative Joe Hoppe (RChanhassen), to try to get the bill moving through the process.

For our part, AASP-MN will be supporting Representative Loonan’s efforts and we will continue to reach out on our own to make contact with key legislators and representatives of the insurance industry.

We are working to get things heated up very early in the new year in hopes of having the House take favorable action at the Committee level in the opening weeks of the 2016 Legislative Session – which is scheduled to start on March 8.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! From the AASP-MN Board of Directors & Staff

LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN HITS RECORD-HIGH MEMBERSHIP IN 2015

For the second consecutive year, AASP-MN has reached another record-high membership level, ending the year with over 775 automotive industry businesses on its roster. In addition to maintaining a high retention rate, the growth is attributed to the Association’s advocacy efforts at the state capitol, outstanding education and networking opportunities, initiatives to build a future workforce and a long list of money-saving member benefit programs.

AASP-MN’s goals for 2016 include working to expand the workforce talent pool available to the industry, expanding and enhancing its menu of member benefit programs and passing legislation to curb insurer control over collision repair shops.

“The Association’s success starts with the outstanding leadership provided by the AASP-MN Board of Directors, committee members and other volunteer leaders,” Executive Director Judell Anderson states. “We look forward to serving the industry in the coming year and to a achieving a ‘three-peat’ for record-high membership!”

AASP-MN ANNOUNCES 2016 ANNUAL MEETING & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

AASP-MN is pleased to announce its Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference will be held April 14 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 1330 Industrial Blvd. in Minneapolis. The event, with a theme of “Lead the Way,” offers a line-up of seminars that are specifically geared toward mechanical and collision repair shop owners and managers and presented by some of the industry’s top trainers.

In addition to the impressive agenda of educational programming, there will be ample opportunities for attendees to network and socialize with their peers and industry vendors as they showcase new products and services during happy hour.

Here’s what’s in store: 8:00 – 10:00 am Mastering the 5 Skills for Effective Leadership, Richard Flint, Richard Flint International 10:15 – 11:15 am Help - My Industry is Consolidating!

Brad Mewes, Supplement!

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11:30 am – 1:15 pm AASP-MN Membership Meeting & Keynote Address: “No More Excuses, It’s Non-Negotiable,” Sam Silverstein, Sam Silverstein, Inc. Building Your Accountable Organization, 1:30 – 2:15 pm Sam Silverstein, Sam Silverstein, Inc. 1:30 – 3:30 pm Increase Your Diagnostic Labor Sales, Kelly Bennett, Business Training International 1:30 – 3:30 pm Collision Workflow: Better Scheduling = Greater Success, Kent Carlson, Collision Resources, Inc. 2:30 – 3:30 pm Authentic Persuasion: Communication That Moves Others to Action, Josh Dye, Convene, LLC 3:45 – 4:45 pm Networking Roundtable 4:45 – 6:00 pm Social Hour & Vendor Showcase 6:30 – 9:00 pm Group Outing SPONSORSHIPS SUPPORT AASP-MN’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & OTHER ACTIVITIES IN 2016

Sponsorships are now available for the 2016 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference on April 14 (at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Minneapolis), and for other events throughout the year. Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable.

Sponsors are rewarded by increased visibility and recognition within the AASP-MN membership and industry at-large. It’s a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry.

To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments: Gold Sponsors • Auto Value Parts Stores/Automotive Parts Headquarters Silver Sponsors • LKQ/Keystone Automotive • Lowell’s Performance Coatings & Equipment • Meadowbrook Insurance • O’Reilly Auto Parts • PAM’s Auto Inc. • United Fire Group

Á La Carte Sponsors • Choice Auto Rental – Leadership Conference Vendor • Kukui Corporation – Race for Automotive Education

If you are interested in sponsoring an AASP-MN event in 2016, sponsorship information can be found on the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org or by calling the office at (612) 6231110.

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INDUSTRY HELP SOUGHT FOR 2016 SKILLSUSA COMPETITION

AASP-MN is facilitating the automotive-related events at the upcoming SkillsUSA Competition on Saturday, April 2. The collision repair and automotive service contests will be held at St. Cloud Community and Technical College in St. Cloud. High school and technical college students from around the state will be on hand to demonstrate their skills in automotive service and collision repair.

Industry leaders play a vital role in the SkillsUSA program. You can help by doing any of the following: • Providing general guidance and help with automotive-related contests during the event • Volunteering to judge the contests • Encouraging high schools and community colleges in your area to get involved with the SkillsUSA contest • Promoting the event within the industry – and community!

The benefits you’ll receive for your involvement include: • The satisfaction of being able to provide assistance and encouragement to the next generation of automotive technicians • Increased exposure to potential employees for your shop • An expanded network of personal business contacts

Please contact Judell Anderson at the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 if you’re willing to help out. It’s really a lot of fun!

2016 MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE DUE!

Annual membership renewals for AASPMN were mailed in December. By now, all AASP-MN members have received at least two membership renewal notices. If you have not paid your 2016 membership dues, PLEASE do so today.

Your timely payment will save AASP-MN the additional cost and time incurred with rebilling and other collection efforts. We’d much rather be dedicating those resources to programs and initiatives to improve the automotive service industry – and your business. Thank you!

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COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

By Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, MA, CSP, CRC

Walk Around Your Building We recommend monthly building inspections – in fact, we’re so gung-ho that we send clients monthly reminders to do them. Why? For the same reason you check more than just oil levels when you change the oil in your vehicles. It’s simple preventive maintenance. So what should you look for?

Start with your exit lights and emergency lighting. Find and press the test button to test if the unit’s battery is still good (a broom handle can be useful for this).

How are the lights aimed? Will they light up the way to the exit?

Look at your exits. Can people get to them without feeling like rats in a maze?

And can they get out? It’s winter – is there a clear path out the door and away from the building, or is the door blocked by snow? The exit should be able to be opened with one motion, so no one has to fumble with turning a deadbolt or finding a key.

Can you readily get to each of your fire extinguishers? That’s a common problem in shops, where equipment and parts move around and wall space is at a premium. Make sure they’re easy to find and fully charged. They should have lightweight tamper seals on them to show that they haven’t been used. We’ve seen the tamper seals replaced with cable ties, which won’t pull off when needed. We’ve also seen partially-used fire extinguishers hung back up – a bad idea, as you won’t have a full extinguisher when you need it next.

Check any auto-reverse on your garage doors. Do the doors have pressure strips on the bottom? Make sure they haven’t torn away. If you have electric eyes, what happens when you block the beam?

How are you storing compressed gases? They need to be chained. Any not in use should have safety caps in place.

Don’t store them under the stairs to your mezzanine or right by an exit, as you don’t need the kind of excitement they’d create in a fire. And if you have a spare cylinder 10 January 2016

of oxygen, keep it far away from anything that catches fire easily (acetylene, flammable liquids, oils).

Look at your vehicle hoists and your jacks. Do they work smoothly? Are they labeled with their capacity?

Are you lifting engines? Do you have a frame rack? Your cranes and hoists need to be in good shape, as do any chains or slings used with them.

Frame rack slings take a beating; we see a lot that should have been thrown away years ago.

You should have an eyewash station.

Is it clean and accessible? If it’s plumbed in, run it for a few minutes to ensure the water runs clean. If it’s the type that needs to be filled up, don’t run it, but make sure that it has been flushed and refilled routinely (most eyewash preservatives require replacing after 90 days).

Is your first aid kit adequately stocked? We don’t want to see any bulk containers, as it’s too easy for those to become contaminated. Check the expiration dates on ointments and eye flushing solutions.

Take a look at your paint booths and prep stations. Are the sprinkler heads covered with flimsy paper bags to protect them from overspray? Cellophane bags can be used, too. The bags are supposed to come off when the sprinkler activates. But we’ve seen overzealous taping jobs, covering the sprinklers with masking paper and almost a whole roll of tape. That’s too much. If the glass over any light is cracked, get it fixed. Make sure your painters are keeping the booth clean.

How are flammable liquids being stored? Gasoline should be in safety cans, and any quantity above ten gallons needs to be in a flammable liquids cabinet or in your mixing room. If you have a partswasher that uses solvent, check that nothing is stored in the basin, so the lid can close completely if there’s a fire. It’s okay if some flammable liquid is stored outside of the mixing room or cabinet. But keep that amount to a minimum.

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Remember that aerosol cans are usually highly flammable. We don’t want to see them next to anything that could heat up.

Label any unlabeled containers.

Inspect the electrical cords throughout the facility. Remember that electrical equipment needs to be grounded; if your extension cord is missing that third prong, the equipment plugged into it won’t be grounded. Tape on the cord is a red flag for us: is it an inadequate attempt to repair damage?

What ventilation systems do you have? Tailpipe exhaust? Wall-mounted exhaust units? Spray booth and mixing room exhausts? Hold a piece of paper to them when they’re on, to verify that they do actually work. Make sure they aren’t blocked. Storing a five-gallon drum under an exhaust unit blocks the airflow.

And finally, look at your waste, both hazardous and regulated. It needs to be labeled and kept closed. Any signs of leaks?

Doing these regular inspections takes some time, particularly at first. As you become proficient at doing them, you probably will find yourself catching things that you used to overlook – until it caused a problem. Consider farming out the work: have employees do the monthly inspections, so they start learning what to look for. The result: A facility in better shape overall.

If you have questions about building inspection requirements, safety, requirements for personal protective equipment or general safety issues, call CHESS at (651) 481-9787 or email us at CHESS@Chess-safety.com.

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INSURANCE I.Q.

by Dennis Spindler

New Year’s Resolutions The start of a new year brings all sorts of new planning, resolutions and changes that individuals want to make in their lives.

If we made a list of some of the things we want to do, or accomplish, it might look something like this: 1. Lose weight 2. Quit smoking 3. Quit drinking 4. Finish my basement 5. Finish restoring my collector car

I imagined myself as a shop owner and what resolutions I might consider from an insurance perspective. Here is a list of hot-button items in the insurance world that came to mind: 1. Am I getting the best value for my premium dollar?

CBIZ and AASP-MN have a very comprehensive, competitive insurance program with our partners – Meadowbrook and United Fire Group. Both programs give discounts to members and are dividend-bearing programs.

2. Do I have sound procedures when it comes to preventing claims? Do I do background checks and MVR checks on new employees? Do we have regular safety meetings? If we have rental cars for customers, is our rental agreement

sound? Are our building and our equipment well maintained? These are just a couple areas that can go a long way when it comes to loss prevention. Most insurance companies will give higher credits when these procedures are in place.

3. Am I taking advantage of the safety and loss-control benefits provided by my agent or carrier? Most carriers have free loss-control inspection services, along with resources via the Internet, to help with safety and loss control. CBIZ also has a dedicated loss-control employee on staff to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.

4. Is my employee handbook up-to-date? An updated handbook can help with the prevention of potential Employment Practices Liability claims.

5. Is my customer data secure? Do I have to worry about a breach like Target or Sony? This is probably the hottest topic in the insurance industry today. If you retain or store customer data on your system, even if it is only for a short time, you have an exposure. If you have a breach, you are responsible to notify everyone that may have had his or her information compromised. The average cost just to

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NATIONAL NEWS

STUDY FORECASTS SELF-DRIVING CARS TO TAKE OFF BY 2021

A new study from Juniper Research forecasts almost 20 million fully autonomous or self-driving vehicles on the road by 2025, with consumer adoption set to take off in 2021. Driven by increased safety and convenience for drivers, development has progressed to live trials, with North America and Western Europe set to become the first to witness driverless cars in use on the road.

The research found that in the interim, consumer usage of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) technologies such as adaptive cruise control and automated braking will become key, serving to prepare drivers for the psychological change from the role of driving a car to operating a driverless car.

How to Monetize Driverless Cars The new research, “Autonomous Vehicles: Adoption, Regulation & Business Models 2015-2025,” finds that although the market has progressed to live trials, a discernible monetization strategy has not become evident. Stakeholders are currently investigating multiple business

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models, with manufacturers expected to engage in product licensing, self-production or open sourcing the systems.

Top Five Players Driving the Market Research ranked the top five most promising players in the driverless car sector. They were scored on a number of key factors such as live trials, miles tested on road, technology development, project scale and scope, future potential and market opportunities. The results were as follows: 1. Google 2. Volvo 3. Daimler 4. Tesla 5. Apple Google was ranked as the most promising player, having been in development the longest and having logged the highest amount of autonomous miles on public roads.

Dealing with Dilemmas The research noted that concerns over the decision-making capabilities of these systems have been raised and questions have been asked about the decisions autonomous vehicles would take when

AASP-MN News

presented with the “Trolley Problem,” where the autonomous car will be forced to choose between two disastrous outcomes.

The Juniper study argued that the siloed nature of technology development requires stakeholders to collaborate and ensure a minimum level of safety for those in the hands of autonomous driving systems.

The report forms part of Juniper’s ongoing analysis of connected cars and telematics and is now available to download from the Juniper Research website.

CADILLAC TO LAUNCH ALUMINUM REPAIR NETWORK

Cadillac announced the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network in conjunction with the upcoming production of the Cadillac CT6 at the end of 2015.

The Cadillac CT6 uses an advanced mixed material approach for its lightweight body structure. The aluminum intensive structure also includes 11 different materials to achieve strength, performance and efficiency thresholds practically unmatched among the world’s elite luxury performance sedans. The new architecture,

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advanced materials and unique joining methods used to create the CT6 will require the collision repair industry to prepare accordingly.

The Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network will ensure that authorized collision repair facilities have the required tools, equipment, processing procedures and training to properly repair the Cadillac CT6 using the new mixed material, aluminum intensive construction. To participate in the network, authorized dealers and independent body shops will undergo annual audits to verify all requirements for training, tools, facilities, etc. The audits will establish a level of consistency between all participating shops that allows Cadillac to promote the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network to Cadillac CT6 owners.

Axalta Coating Systems, LLC has been selected to provide implementation and ongoing support for the program.

Training will be primarily web based and orchestrated through a combined effort between GM and I-CAR. In addition, GM will support the collision repair industry by offering the CT6 collision repair information at no charge.

Of note: Any auto body shop — including Cadillac dealerships — out of the network won’t be able to buy CT6 structural repair parts, and companies such as Chief, Car-O-Liner, Spanesi and Celette will restrict their CT6 measurement data as well. So even if a network shop’s competitor says they’ll do structural CT6 repair, they’ll have no way of obtaining parts.

According to a Cadillac brochure for CT6 customers, “All Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facilities use genuine

parts that are backed by GM.” It’s unclear if this refers to the restricted structural parts or a ban on any aftermarket parts.

The brochure also states, “In the event of a collision, you will have all the support you need to get your vehicle to a Cadillac dealer. With OnStar service or Roadside Assistance, we will help you in finding the nearest Cadillac Aluminum

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Repair Network facility.”

Enrollment is underway and details can be found in the latest GM Repair Insights and on the Genuine GM Parts website.

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notify one person is about $200. Most garage policies don’t offer this coverage, but it can be purchased separately.

6. Do I have an exit strategy/succession plan in place? If you are at the age where you are thinking about retirement, do you have a plan in place to sell or pass on the business? Or worse yet, what if something bad happens to you or one of your key employees? Do you have a plan in place to replace you or your key employees?

While these are just a few general topics to consider, they are important and should be considered by every shop, no matter what your size or specialty – and no matter what time of year! If you have questions you would like to discuss in more detail, or suggestions for future articles, please contact Dennis Spindler at (763) 549-2238 or dspindler@cbiz.com.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Answer: A fire extinguisher that no longer has its tamper seal.

INSURANCE I.Q.

Welcome New Members:

DECEMBER 2015 Blaine Tire & Auto Blaine Dave’s Roseville Auto Care Roseville Libson Twin City Auto Minneapolis Luis Alvarez Auto Repair Eagan Nordgren Automotive Medina Pace’s Auto Service West St. Paul Service Garage of Blaine Blaine Tiremaxx Service Center St. Joseph Transmission Shop of Blaine Blaine Twin City Tire & Auto Repair Bloomington World Class Auto Body Elk River AASP-MN News

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ESTIMATING TIPS

CCC Footnotes Take Precedence – Footnotes may contain vehicle specific information and the content of footnotes is in addition to – and takes precedence over - information in the Guide to Estimating pages for the operation indicated. This can be found in DEG inquiry number 8659.

Adhesive Backing Removal in CCC - The labor time in CCC for moldings, nameplates and emblems includes the installation time only. It does not include the time needed to remove the old adhesive backing. This can be found in the Motor Guide to Estimating on page G33 and also in DEG inquiry 7698.

The Material for Bagging a Vehicle in Audatex - Audatex includes the time in the labor. However, the estimate preparer decides what is or is not included in the Paint Materials. This can be found on page 182 of the Audatex Database Reference Manual.

Bleed Brakes in CCC - The estimated work time of 0.5 applied to Bleed Brake System is for those situations when the Brake Hydraulic Line is open at one or all four Suspension Points. The .5 labor does not included bleeding the ABS system, if necessary. This info can be found in DEG inquiry 8843.

Complete vehicle refinish in Mitchell - Procedure 28 of the Mitchell Estimating Guide states that Refinish times are for new, undamaged parts and not intended for calculating complete vehicle refinish.

Page 16 of the Mitchell Estimating Guide: Refinish times in this Guide pertain to NEW, UNDAMAGED PARTS and are not intended for calculating complete vehicle refinish – single – or multistage.

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, www.degweb.org.

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AASP-MN News

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LET US TURN THEM AROUND!

Contact AASP-MN News Sales Director Alicia Figurelli

973.667.6922 / ALICIA@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM

AASP-MN News

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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

AASP-MN’s Insurance Program with United Fire Group

In July 2012, the Minnesota Alliance of Auto Service Providers, in partnership with UFG, opened an insurance program designed specifically for mechanical and collision repair shops. UFG and AASP-MN partnered to give AASP-MN members the following benefits: • A members-only insurance program endorsed

by AASP-MN, • Preferred pricing, • Broad coverage, and • An all-lines safety group dividend.

This year, participating members received a five-percent return on their earned premium through the all-lines safety group dividend. This return totaled $68,620.

To date, there are 37 Minnesota agencies that have placed business in the program, insuring AASP-MN members of local representation. There are 130 AASP-MN members currently insured in the program.

This program has grown steadily since 2012 and will have over $1,800,000 of written premium by the end of 2015. AASPMN and UFG are proud to count CBIZ of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota as a program sponsor. Don’t hesitate to find out how your

shop can participate in this unique insurance program for AASPMN members.

For more information, contact Dennis Spindler at (763) 5492238 or dspindler@cbizaia.com. To find a UFG agent near you, go to www.ufgins.com and use the Find a UFG Agent tool at the top.

Here’s what one AASP-MN Member has to say about this program…

“Crystal Lake Automotive has been with United Fire and Casualty for almost three years, saving us over $15,000 annually. Plus, last year, the AASP-MN program paid us a dividend of over $1800! United Fire and Casualty visits our facility to perform walkthroughs and provide recommendations on creating a safer work environment for our employees. We highly recommend United Fire and Casualty for their outstanding service.” – Jim Siegfried, Owner, Crystal Lake Automotive

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group Contact: Dennis Spindler 763-549-2238 / dspindler@cbizaia.com Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance. In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

is also available.

retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment.

INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTS Wipers & Wipes, Inc. Contact: Dennis Julson 651-486-4866 Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products.

Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area.

Shipping free to outstate members with $100 purchase.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline. One free call is extended to all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Dennis Spindler 763-549-2238 / dspindler@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Margaret Klemmer 888-991-3449 / margaret@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions offers custom website development, social media, SEO, PPC marketing and more, exclusively for the automotive industry. AASP-MN members receive a $500 discount off setup costs for services.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CBIZ AIA Contact: Dennis Begley 763-549-2260 / dbegley@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance.

Net Driven Contact: Jon Napoli 877-860-2005, ext. 400 / jnapoli@getnetdriven.com Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Jim Dillon 651-955-1398 / jim.dillon@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices.biz Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment

22 January 2016

Stormlogix Contact: Paul Switzer 732-364-1156 / paul.switzer@stormlogix.com Stormlogix extends a discount on its website packages to AASP members. Costs can be spread out over 6 months.

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 / ronald.page@aai-assessment.com www.auto.aai-live.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50 percent off

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICES Summit eMarketing Sherpas Contact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 / fterlep@summitsoftwaresolutions.com AASP members receive a 5% discount on all Summit eMarketing Sherpas’ services, including: website design and development, search engine optimization, email marketing and communication, online review and reputation management and social media marketing.

INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Contact: Mitchell1 Representative 888-724-6742 x 6986 AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 information and management programs at significant discounts. For more information, log onto www.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representative at 888-724-6742, X6986.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative 800-238-9111 AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM Repair.aspx for more information.

AASP-MN News

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). Members who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month of payroll processing free.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services Contact: Heather Ellis 952-240-5017 / heather.ellis@fisglobal.com Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com 180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP members at a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business Solutions LLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increase profits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.

AASP members receive a discount on very affordable oneon-one coaching plans without long-term commitments and complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trial of their services. To learn more, please call or email us, or visit our website.

REPLACEMENT PARTS Dorman Products Phone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329 AASP members receive insider information, special access and other perks from Dorman Products, a leading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive replacement parts.

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.

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