AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 1/4/17 2:08 PM Page 1
January 2017
www.grecopublishing.com
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:44 AM Page 2
2 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:44 AM Page 3
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. 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. © 2017 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.
Vol. 25 No. 1
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ............................................................4 It Takes an Industry by Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM, AASP-MN Executive Director
2016 - 2017
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ............................................................................5 AASP-MN Meets With Commerce Commissioner by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
PRESIDENT Greg Kasel, AAM
LOCAL NEWS ......................................................................................6
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Tom Gleason
NATIONAL NEWS ..................................................................................9
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS
SECRETARY-TREASURER Wayne Watson COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Will Latuff MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Mars Overlee
INSURANCE I.Q. ..................................................................................12 NCCI Legal Brief COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) ..............17 A. B. C. D. Extinguishiers by Janet L. Keyes, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, CSP
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Dave Bock DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ..........................................................................19 COLLISION SEATS Jim Siegfried, AAM Bruce Tschida, AAM
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!..............................................................22 AASP-MN’s Insurance Program with United Fire Group
MECHANICAL SEAT Carl Thomas UPCOMING EVENTS
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver 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) SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com) EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten (joel@grecopublishing.com) CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco (donna@grecopublishing.com) www.grecopublishing.com
January 10 & 11, 2017 Race for Automotive Education ProKart Indoor Racing Burnsville
April 13, 2017 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington - Minneapolis South Bloomington
For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or visit the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX aaa Auto Parts ..................................................17 AmeriPride........................................................18 Axalta Coating Systems ....................................IFC Buerkle Hyundai................................................8 CBIZ ................................................................IBC Choice Auto Rentals..........................................20 Dentsmart ........................................................5 FinishMaster ............................................................21 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota..................18 Jack McClard....................................................19 Keystone ..........................................................16 Libson Twin City ..............................................8 Maplewood Toyota............................................14
AASP-MN News
Meadowbrook Insurance ..................................IBC Mills Parts Center ............................................14 Morrie’s ............................................................4 Motorwerks BMW ............................................OBC MPA......................................................................................11 PAM’s Auto ..........................................................................21 Proven Force........................................................................15 Rosedale Chevrolet ..........................................16 Roseville Chrysler ............................................14 Straight & Square ............................................15 Toyota Group ....................................................10 United Fire Group ............................................IBC
January 2017 3
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:44 AM Page 4
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
It Takes an Industry by Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM, AASP-MN Executive Director
Well, unless you've been living under a rock, you know by now that 2016 saw the introduction of MNCARS (Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair and Service). AASP-MN took a leadership role to found and fund this new, non-profit organization and bring it to life. Its sole purpose is to promote careers in the automotive industry, recruit young people into the state's college-level automotive service and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into our industry workplaces. No small task! Because no such initiative existed elsewhere, we started from scratch, building a dynamic and content-rich website from the ground up and developing the promotional materials and other resources needed to support it. This included a promotional video, counseling kit (with
4 January 2017
PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets and letter to parents), job board, exhibit materials, social media presence, postcards and other marketing collateral. If you haven't
already done so, visit www.carcareers.org and explore the site. I guarantee you will be impressed! Now that those foundational materials continued on pg. 20
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
DECEMBER 2016 Casualty Assurance of Chaska Chaska
Lupient Automotive Group Bloomington
Christensen Tire Service Waseca
Mendota Heights Auto Service Mendota Heights
Dan’s Diesel Sunburg, Alexandria & Willmar
Rosemount Auto Service Rosemount
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:44 AM Page 5
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
AASP-MN Meets With Commerce Commissioner by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
One of the key state agencies with whom AASP-MN works is the Minnesota Department of Commerce. It is the Commerce Department that has jurisdiction over insurance claims practices. They have investigatory authority and the power to levy fines on insurance companies that run afoul of state law. With so much at stake in the insurance claims process, AASP-MN routinely meets with the Commissioner of Commerce to talk about the issues and concerns that the repair industry is facing. This is not a partisan matter. These meetings have taken place for 20 years – whether the Governor has been a Republican, an Independent or a Democrat. In late November, a contingent of AASP-MN members and staff met with the Commissioner and some of his staff people to talk about current concerns of the repair industry. Among the issues that were raised is pressure from insurers to use the lowestcost replacement part with little regard for the age or condition of the part. AASPMN members noted that a guidance document was prepared several years ago called “Nuts and Bolts” to address a variety of issues in the insurance claims process. That document was developed jointly by AASP-MN and the Department
of Commerce. It states that replacement parts should be the same age and condition as the parts being replaced. In recent months, some insurers have been expressly calling for the use of older parts which do not satisfy the “like, kind and quality” standard that has long been recognized. The repair shops participating in the meeting with the Commissioner indicated that they are not comfortable using older parts and (citing increased wear and tear and likelihood of corrosion) that it’s the consumer who is not getting the full value of the promise that the insurer will restore their vehicle to its pre-accident condition. On this point, the Commissioner indicated a willingness to investigate if the repair industry can provide evidence of these inappropriate actions by insurers. AASP-MN members also discussed concerns with a changing parts marketplace. They noted frustrations with the demand for an ever-broadening geographic search perimeter for replacement parts. Insurers are pushing repair shops to seek the lowest-cost part from vendors as far as two shipment days away from their repair facilities. As a result, repair shops find themselves dealing with parts vendors with whom they have no working relationship
AASP-MN News
or experience with respect to the accuracy and quality of parts that may be delivered. There is an increasing incidence of substandard parts arriving at shops, significantly increasing return rates and delaying repairs. The subsequent increase in cycle time creates a problem for the repair shop, the vehicle owner and the insurance company. The Commerce Department is looking for information that would support an investigation in this area. AASP-MN has prepared a survey of members to generate information to assist Commerce Department officials in framing an investigation of the parts marketplace for the Minnesota auto repair industry. AASP-MN also brought up a perennial concern of auto repair shops – steering. Our main focus was on the frustrations shops experience with the practice of “steering for estimates.” Members who participated in the meeting mentioned that some insurers make false representations to their insureds regarding the consequence of going “out of network,” claiming that there will be delayed inspection, out-of-pocket costs or lack of warranty on repair work if the insured takes their vehicle to a shop outside of the continued on pg. 18
January 2017 5
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:44 AM Page 6
LOCAL NEWS AASP-MN Announces 2017 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) is pleased to announce its Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference will be held April 13 at the Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South in Bloomington. The event, with the theme, “Unleash Your Leadership Super Powers,” offers a line-up of seminars that are tailor made for 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 opportunity 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: Opening General Session: Nice Bike – Making Meaningful Connections 8:00 - 9:30am: (Mark Scharenbroich, Scharenbroich & Associates) 9:45 - 11:30am: Roundtable Discussions (three 30-minute sessions) 11:30 - 1:15pm: Membership Meeting & Luncheon Keynote - The 3 Cs: Choice, Chance, Change (Mike Anderson, Collision Advice) 2:00 - 4:00pm: Positioning Yourself in the Collision Repair Industry (Mike Anderson, Collision Advice & Raymond Chew, CCC Information Services) 2:00 - 4:00pm: Maintenance Profit Master, Jeremy O’Neal (Advisorfix) 2:00 - 4:00pm: Lead! Create! How to Adapt Your Business & Thrive Josh Dye (Convene, LLC) 4:00 - 6:00pm: Vendor Showcase & Social Hour 6:30 - 9:00pm: Industry Night Out at Pinstripes
Meet this Year’s Leadership Conference Speakers: Mark Scharenbroich has spent his career working in both industry and education discovering how some of the best organizations and team leaders build a culture that encourages people to perform at a higher level through greater engagement. Part motivational speaker, part thought-provoker and pure comedic entertainer, he will inspire, teach and engage you. Mark is an award-winning author, Emmy Award® winner, National Speakers Association Hall of Fame Inductee, and a Golden Apple, Silver Screen Film and International Film Festival award winner for his movie, The Greatest Days of Your Life…(so far).
Mike Anderson is the former owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, two highly-acclaimed collision repair shops located in Alexandria, Virginia. He is an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM). He has served in many positions over his career, including the Mitchell Advisory Board, MOTOR Advisory Board, ASE Test Review committee, Director of ASA Operations Committee, Board of Directors for WMABA, Virginia Automotive Legislative Committee and Chair of the State of Virginia Skills USA/VICA contest. Mike is also an active member in many industry associations. He is the owner of Collision Advice, a consulting firm to the collision industry. Mike also currently serves as a facilitator for Axalta Coating Systems’ Educational Series courses and Business Council 20 Groups in both the United States and Canada.
Raymond Chew is a National Account Manager for CCC Information Services, Inc. He has been with CCC for over 17 years in a variety of customer-facing roles. He also serves as consultant and provides his expertise across a wide breadth of industry topics, working primarily with repair organizations with multiple locations.
Jeremy O’Neal grew up in a service station and began his career in the auto repair industry by washing headlights at 8 years old. He’s been recognized as one of the industry’s most talented and skilled service advisors. In 2010, he founded Advisor Fix in an effort to help service advisors master the skills needed to excel in their field. Having worked in independent repair facilities, as well as new car dealerships, Jeremy draws from personal experience and provides real-world training to his clients.
Josh Dye currently serves as the Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for HousingLink, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. During his tenure at HousingLink, the organization reached all-time highs in website traffic and individual donations. He also spearheaded the recent launch of HousingLink’s first earned income ventures, Twin Cities Rental Revue and Housing Hub. Josh is also the Founder and President of Convene, LLC, a speaking, training and consulting company for associations, non-profits and small business. Watch for more information about the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference as it becomes available on the AASP-MN website, www.aaspmn.org and in future issues of AASP-MN News.
6 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 7
Gold Sponsors Auto Value Parts Stores/Automotive Parts Headquarters Finishmaster P.P.G. Automotive Finishes Silver Sponsors Enterprise Rent-A-Car Other Sponsors Choice Auto Rental If you are interested in sponsoring any AASP-MN event in 2017, sponsorship information can be found on the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org, or by calling the office at 612-623-1110.
• Providing general guidance and help with automotiverelated 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: • 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 If you are interested in helping out, please contact Judell Anderson at the AASP-MN office (612-623-1110). 2017 Membership Dues Are Due! Annual membership renewals for AASP-MN were mailed in December. By now, all AASP-MN members have received at least two membership renewal notices. If you have not paid your 2017 membership dues, PLEASE do so today. Your timely payment will save AASP-MN the additional cost and time incurred with re-billing 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!
Industry Help Sought For 2017 SkillsUSA Competition The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) is facilitating the automotive-related events at the upcoming SkillsUSA Competition on Saturday, April 1. The collision repair and automotive service contests will be held at Dakota County Technical College. 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:
AASP-MN News
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Answer: The first aid kit is poorly stocked, missing a lot of the required supplies.
Sponsorships Support AASP-MN’s Educational Programs & Other Activities in 2017 Sponsorships are now available for the 2017 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference on April 13 at the Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South, 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:
January 2017 7
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 8
8 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 9
NATIONAL NEWS TEXAS COURT BLOCKS OVERTIME RULE Just before Thanksgiving, U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant granted a preliminary injunction in order to block implementation of the Department of Labor’s controversial overtime rule, which was set to go into effect on Dec. 1. The rule would have doubled the salary threshold for employees to qualify as exempt from overtime pay requirements from $23,660 per year to $47,476 per year. The lawsuit was filed back in September by 21 states challenging the new rule, and was consolidated with another challenge brought by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and multiple trade associations. The Auto Care Association had written letters in support of legislation introduced in Congress to create a gradual, tiered increase to the salary level over several years. The court could eventually allow the rule to move forward, but the new administration would likely amend the rule, force the next Congress to deal with it or simply repeal the rule altogether. Given that the ruling occurred so close to the effective date, many businesses have already made changes that minimize the burden of the overtime rule – changes that are likely difficult to scale back at this late date. Watch for more information as it becomes available.
www.langmarketing.com DOMESTIC CARS HIT RECORD AGE Domestic nameplate cars in the U.S. reached a record-high average age at the beginning of January 2016, marking 27 consecutive years of increasing average age. Domestic cars have added over one full year to their collective average age since 2012 and are now 2.1 years older than 10 years ago.
Six Major Takeaways • Each year since 1990, domestic nameplate cars in the U.S. have set a new record-high average age. The average age of domestic nameplates increased from 11.9 years at the beginning of 2006 to a record 14.0 years on January 1, 2016. • Three factors are driving domestic nameplate car ages higher: sinking new car sales in the U.S., expanding foreign nameplate share of new car sales, and a below-average rate of vehicle annual attrition. • Domestic nameplate cars average 1.5 years higher in average age west of the Mississippi than they do in eastern in regions of the country. • The Pacific states (Washington, Oregon, and California) averaged the highest domestic nameplate car age nationwide at 15.1 years on January 1, 2016, followed by the West South Central region (dominated by Texas) where domestic nameplate cars averaged 14.9 years at the beginning of the year. • Domestic nameplate cars on the West Coast (Pacific region) were 2.1 years higher in average age at the beginning of 2016 than domestic cars in the three East
Coast areas: 15.1 years versus 13.0 years. • The significant difference in domestic nameplate car average age west of the Mississippi compared to that in eastern regions will continue for the foreseeable future. GOOGLE, APPLE, TESLA, & UBER A new Big Four Auto juggernaut is emerging that could dramatically disrupt the car and light truck vehicle market, both at the OE and aftermarket levels. The growing potential of this new Big Four to significantly change the vehicle market stems from their immense financial might. With the emergence of driverless vehicles, changes in vehicle design, operation and use will be determined by software, alternative propulsion systems and fractional ownership. These are developmental areas in which Google, Apple, Tesla and Uber are key players.
Six Major Takeaways • The new Big Four Auto Juggernaut has a combined market value of nearly $2 trillion, which is several times the combined value of all automakers worldwide. • Google and Apple are focusing on driverless vehicle development which will change the relationship between consumers and vehicles, remove the driver experience, and change the social significance of vehicles to consumer status and self-expression. • Tesla, a leader in the development of electric vehicles, also has pioneered some driverless features on vehicles. • Uber is a world leader in a new type of fractionalized vehicle ownership which reduces consumer vehicle cost to ride time. • The aftermarket impact of the vehicle changes on which the new Big Four are focused could be dramatic, influencing the volume, nature and location of vehicle repair. • Potential changes in vehicle design, ownership and power plants that might evolve with driverless vehicles over the coming years could lead to trillions of dollars of disruption in both the OE and aftermarket sectors
HYBRID AND EV SALES STRUGGLE Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) sales did not participate in the record volume surge recorded by the new car and light truck market during 2015, and this trend is continuing through 2016. Cheap gas prices, a narrowing difference in fuel efficiency between Hybrid and EV cars and light trucks compared to gas-powered competitors, sagging used vehicle prices of Hybrids and EVs, along with changing consumer buying habits, are playing havoc with alternative-fuel vehicle sales in the U.S. Despite some bright spots, Hybrids and EVs have not yet lived up to their sales expectations, which were the drumbeat of government spokesmen and industry experts just a few years ago. At this point, Hybrids and EVs are stuck in a small sales share of the new car and light truck market, failing to top 2.5 percent of annual volume. At this level, Hybrids and EVs will not have much impact on the aftermarket for the foreseeable future.
AASP-MN News
January 2017 9
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 10
10 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 11
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 12
12 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 13
INSURANCE I.Q.
© 2017 National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. AASP-MN News
January 2017 13
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 14
14 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 15
AASP-MN News
January 2017 15
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 16
16 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 17
COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) By Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, MA, CSP
A. B. C. D. Extinguish Fires If there’s a fire, use a fire extinguisher but only if: 1. 2. 3. 4.
The fire is small and easily contained You have an escape route It’s the right kind for the job You know how to use it
Simple, right? But do you know what “small and easily contained” means? Do you know if you have the right kind of extinguishers? If the fire’s the size of an office wastepaper basket, it’s the right size for an extinguisher. Leave it alone for 30 seconds, and that fire can double in size. If you can’t knock it down within that first minute, you need to get out. If you have a sprinkler system, let your fire suppression system do the job. The sprinkler above that fire won’t go off until it heats up to about 155ºF, giving you time to get out without getting wet. Of course, if you can’t get to your fire extinguishers in the first few seconds, give up on trying to fight the fire. That’s why we complain when fire extinguishers are blocked or used as coat racks. Anything that slows down access allows that fire to spread. What if you try using the wrong kind of fire extinguisher? Doing so could spread the fire. It could cause an electric shock. It could even make the fire flare up. If ordinary combustibles such as paper, cardboard or plastic are burning, a Class A fire extinguisher will cool them off enough to quench the fire. Think of A for the Ash they’ll leave. Burning Barrels of flammable or combustible liquids need Class B extinguishers. These liquids are usually lighter than water; if you use water on a gasoline or thinner fire, the burning liquid will float on top of the water, making the fire spread wherever the water flows. Fires carrying Current – those that involve energized electrical equipment – are extinguished with Class C extinguishers. A Class C fire extinguisher is nonconductive, so you won’t be electrified when you use it. The burning bagel in an unplugged toaster can be put out with a Class A fire extinguisher. But if the toaster is plugged in, you need a Class C, so you won’t be shocked. The common red fire extinguisher with a gauge is probably an ABC extinguisher, suitable for nearly every type of
fire you’re likely to have. They’re effective, but can leave a corrosive residue. Some shops may also have carbon dioxide (dry ice) extinguishers, equipped with big nozzles. These BC extinguishers stop fires by rapidly cooling materials and by removing oxygen. They don’t leave any residue. Those are good for parts washer or gasoline fires, but not so effective on ordinary paper fires.
AASP-MN News
None of these work on aluminum or magnesium fires. Water on a fire involving these metals will dissociate into hydrogen and oxygen, just the things needed to create a bright explosion. Carbon dioxide extinguishers aren’t much better (carbon dioxide will dissociate to carbon, which can burn, and oxygen, which makes fires continued on pg .21
January 2017 17
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 18
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE continued from pg. 5 insurance company’s program. The Commerce Department indicated a willingness to pursue false statements made by insurers in order to steer insureds. But, again, they need evidence in order to make a case. Meetings with the Commissioner of Commerce are important to ensure that Department officials understand how practices are evolving in the marketplace. While we found a willing audience in Commissioner Rothman, his resources for conducting investigations are limited and he doesn’t want to waste resources pursuing claims based on thin evidence. It’s up to the repair industry to provide good facts on which a case can be made. AASP-MN can and will be the conduit to provide that information to the Commissioner in order to preserve the anonymity of the repair shops that gather the evidence. As you experience unfair claims practices, do your best to document these practices and forward the information to the AASP-MN office. For its part, the Association will be providing notices and questionnaires for members to respond to in order to generate the evidence needed to turn the tide on unfair claims practices.
18 January 2017
AASP-MN News
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 19
ESTIMATING TIPS Reset of Honda Lane Watch System – Activation and recalibration of the Honda lane watch system is a not-included operation in CCC One. This can be found in DEG inquiry number 10013. Recycled Door Labor – Recycled doors may be delivered to a shop in various stages of completeness, creating the need to remove the same part from both doors and then installing one on the final part. For example, removing a door handle from both the donor door and the damaged door. This duplicate operation is not addressed in the estimating systems and would need to be a manual line and calculation. This can be found in DEG inquiries 6023 and 1057. Also to note, follow the recycled guide or recycled column when utilizing recycled parts. De-Nib and Polish in Audatex – De-Nib and Polish is a not-included operation in Audatex and would require a manual line for both the labor and associated materials. This can be found in DEG inquiry 2193. “The Nib sanding or De-Nib process is not-included in any Audatex refinish allowance. This process would vary on every refinish repair. It has never been included in any Audatex refinish allowance. Any allowance needed should be estimated on site.”
Broken Glass Cleanup – The cleanup of broken glass is a not-included operation for Audatex, CCC and Mitchell and would require a manual line. This can be found in the estimating guides for each IP: Audatex – Page 82 of the Database Reference Manual CCC – Page G10 of the Guide to Estimating Mitchell – Page P3 of the Estimating Guide Brush Touch Bolts in CCC One – Brush touching a bolt after repair is a not-included operation in CCC One. This can be found in DEG inquiry number 10173: “After review, it has been determined that the refinishing of nut and bolts by any method is not included when determining the estimated refinish time for any component replacement. Finish on nuts and bolts is an artifact of the factory refinish process. MOTOR can’t accurately determine the method and time required to refinish nuts and bolts. Therefore, an ‘on the spot’ evaluation is the only fair method for determining the estimated refinish time.”
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.
AASP-MN News
January 2017 19
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 20
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE continued from pg. 4 are in place, we're shifting into high gear. Our efforts in 2017 will focus on outreach and driving people to our website and social media platforms, spreading our message far and wide. Here are some highlights of what's planned: • Participate in high-profile events for car "geeks," such as World of Wheels and Back to the ’50s. • Sponsor a February feature in the St. Cloud Times highlighting careers in automotive that will reach tens of thousands of households in Central Minnesota. • Attend the MN School Counselors Association conference to educate and connect with high school counselors. • Partner with each of the technical colleges to host summer day camps or other events designed to recruit students into the college automotive programs. • Establish an industry speakers bureau and recruit “student ambassadors” to help us promote careers in the auto service and collision industry. • Ramp up our social media campaign with ads and boosted posts to drive more traffic to carcareers.org. • Present to high school automotive students and participate in career and college fairs throughout the state. Whew! It's going to be a busy year! You're probably all familiar with the saying, "it takes a village." In this case, it's going to take the entire industry. Please think about how you might contribute. Whether through financial support, volunteering your time or providing a referral for a possible resource, your help will ensure that we are successful in building a future workforce for Minnesota’s automotive service and collision repair industry. Thanks for your consideration.
20 January 2017
AASP-MN News
LIKE AASP-MN ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/ aaspmn
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 21
C.H.E.S.S.
burn hotter). Instead, a Class D fire extinguishing agent or a big pile of dry sand is needed. D fire extinguishers, usually yellow in color, could be pressurized, like the standard red extinguisher. Or they could just be a bucket of the extinguishing agent. If you’re machining aluminum or magnesium, you should have a Class D fire extinguisher on hand, because the scraps and metal dust can set on fire easier. Large blocks or panels of those metals, such as body panels or engine blocks, don’t ignite readily, simply because oxygen can’t get to the metal. (Compare these to sawdust and a block of wood. Sawdust ignites easily. The block of wood takes more effort.) If a truck with an aluminum body catches on fire, the aluminum is more likely to melt than burn. But if the burning vehicle has magnesium parts and you turn a hose on it, those burning parts could suddenly flare up in a burst of white light. We prefer it if you prevent fires. But if things do go wrong, you want to be prepared. Provide extinguishers, but then make sure that they are easy to get to and fully charged. Brief employees on how to use them, and on when to use them. And instruct employees to get out if they can’t fight the fire or as soon as the fire starts to spread. If you have questions about hand safety, personal protective equipment, hazard prevention, handling worker injuries or general safety issues, call CHESS at 651-481-9787 or e-mail us at CHESS@chess-safety.com. continued from pg. 17
This article is intended to provide general information (no advice) about current safety topics. To discuss your specific concerns and how CHESS may help, please contact CHESS at 651-481-9787 or chess@chess-safety.com.
AASP-MN News
January 2017 21
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 22
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
AASP-MN's Insurance Program with United Fire Group Enjoy the benefits of UFG and AASP-MN’s insurance program In July 2012, AASP-MN, in partnership with United Fire Group (UFG), introduced 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 recommended by AASP-MN • Preferred pricing • Broad coverage and • An all-lines safety group dividend. In 2016, participating members received a one-percent return of their earned premium through the all-lines safety group dividend. This return totaled over $17,500.
This program has grown steadily since 2012. Currently, there are over 40 Minnesota insurance agencies that have placed business in the program, ensuring AASP-MN members of local representation. There are 242 AASP-MN members insured in the program, with written premiums approaching $2,500,000. AASP-MN and UFG are proud to count CBIZ AiA of Brooklyn Center as a program partner. Please don’t hesitate to find out how your shop can participate in this unique insurance program for AASP-MN members. Contact Brad Schmid at CBIZ AiA at 763-549-2247 or bschmid@cbizaia.com, or to find a UFG agent near you, visit www.ufgins.com and use the Find a UFG Agent tool at the top of the page.
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@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. PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@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. Ask about our program with United Fire Group! EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Contact: Dennis Begley 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, longterm care and disability insurance. 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.
22 January 2017
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 is also available. 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. WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Margaret Klemmer 888-991-3449 / margaret@autoshopsolutions.com AASP-MN members receive a $500 discount off the Website Marketing Success Package set-up fee and special pricing on template websites starting at just $59/month and $149/set-up (regularly $79/month and $250 set-up). 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. 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.
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 / ronald.page@aaiassessment.com www.auto.aai-live.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50 percent off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment. TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars. SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SOLUTIONS eMarketing Sherpas Contact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 / www.emarketingsherpas.com eMarketing Sherpas provides AASP members up to a 10-percent discount on its Demand Engine CRM Suite, Review Engine online review and reputation marketing system and its Digital Lobby point of sale digital signage, menu board and interactive kiosks solutions. INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Contact: Mitchell1 Representative 888-724-6742 x 6986 Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE and Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at 888-724-6742, ext. 6986.
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: Amy McKay 727-385-7812 / amy.mckay@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 Website: www.180biz.com Members receive a 20-percent discount on oneon-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 25-percent discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20-percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs. 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.
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 23
AASP-MN News
January 2017 23
AASP0117.qxp_AASP News 12/29/16 12:45 AM Page 24