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June 2015
AASP-MN Proposal to Limit Insurance Company Mandates Still Alive in Senate Omnibus Bill
Plus:
www.grecopublishing.com
Preparing for an OSHA Inspection Webinar Registration
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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.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2015 - 2016
Vol. 23 No. 6
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..........................................6 We Can Make a Difference by Jim Siegried, AASP-MN Collision Division Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7 Association Bill in Motion at the Legislature by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
PRESIDENT Tom Gleason
LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele
INSURANCE I.Q. ............................................................................11 Business Overhead Expense by Dennis P. Begley, CLU ChFC CUTCF CBC
SECRETARY-TREASURER Greg Kasel, AAM
F.Y.I.. ..........................................................................................14 COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jim Siegfried, AAM MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Wayne Watson
PREPARING FOR AN OSHA INSPECTION WEBINAR REGISTRATION ..............17
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin
MEET THE MEMBER ........................................................................20 Falk Auto Body & Trim
COLLISION SEATS Joyce Weinhandl Will Latuff
PARTNERS IN PREVENTION................................................................19 Environmental Recordkeeping
MECHANICAL SEAT Mars Overlee
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................22 Bankcard: Liability Shifts to Businesses on October 1 by Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury
June 16, 2015 AASP-MN 21st Annual Golf Outing 3M’s Tartan Park Golf Course, Lake Elmo
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver
For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or visit the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org. 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)
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX AmeriPride ................................................................6 Axalta Coating Systems..............................................OBC Buerkle Hyundai ........................................................3 Choice Auto Rentals ..................................................3 Database Enhancement Gateway ................................18 Dentsmart ..................................................................21 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ............................16 Jack McClard ............................................................16 Keystone ....................................................................10 Lowell’s PCE ..............................................................21 Maplewood Toyota ....................................................4
Mills Parts Center ......................................................15 MnTAP ......................................................................19 Morrie’s ....................................................................9 Motorwerks BMW ......................................................IBC Motorwerks Mini........................................................IBC MPA..................................................................................................12-13 Rosedale Chevrolet ....................................................7 Roseville Chrysler ......................................................15 Straight & Square ......................................................18 Thexton Manufacturing ..............................................4 Toyota Group..............................................................IFC
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COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
We Can Make A Difference by Jim Siegfried AASP-MN Collision Division Director
I’m sure by now most of you have heard of the DEG (Database Enhancement Gateway). However, are you using it? The DEG was developed to improve the quality and accuracy of collision repair estimates through feedback from the collision repair industry and insurance companies. The DEG is currently funded by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). Since the DEG opened in 2007, there have been over 8,000 submissions to correct database errors within the CCC, Mitchell and Audatex estimating systems. It’s very simple to submit an inquiry and takes fewer than fifteen minutes to
complete. Go to www.degweb.org, click on “Submit an Inquiry” and fill in the information on the form including: shop name and vehicle information, and if the problem is related to parts, procedure page issue, welded panel operations or refinish operations. You should submit any photos that help support your claim. The database error can take anywhere from one day to four weeks to resolve. Here is an actual database inquiry submitted recently by a collision shop: CCC states the labor time to install is 2.5 hours after outer quarter panel has been removed. The labor time has to be wrong. This is a large piece that is welded
to the package tray with inner and outer wheelhouses. Please review the procedure and adjust the time to reflect the necessary labor needed of 6.5+ hours. Resolution:
MOTOR stated: After review, the estimated work time for the Inner Quarter Panel has been changed from 2.5 hours to 6.5 hours.
The database inquiry took 15 minutes to submit and CCC one day to resolve, adding four additional hours to the estimate - not just for this user, but for all future users. As owners, managers, estimators and technicians we spend a lot continued on page 21
Welcome New Members:
MAY 2015 Bee Line Auto Care Wyoming Bloomington Goodyear Auto Tire & Glass Bloomington EP Auto Tire & Glass Eden Prairie Harwood’s Body Shop Winsted Honest – 1 Auto Care Edina Kiss’s Classic Cars So. St. Paul
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Association Bill in Motion at the Legistaure As this issue goes to press, the AASPMN proposal to limit insurance company mandates in the insurance claims process remains alive in the Senate Omnibus Jobs, Economic Development and Energy Bill. This bill includes matters relating to the Department of Commerce. A Conference Committee of five Senators and five Representatives will resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. Three key provisions proposed by AASP-MN are included in the Senate Bill and must be adopted by the House Members of the Conference Committee in order to become law. One provision prohibits insurance companies from steering through the process of obtaining repair estimates.
Insurers could still require that more than one estimate be obtained, they simply could not dictate a particular shop for an insured or claimant to obtain an estimate. A second provision would prohibit insurers from mandating the use of a particular electronic estimating system. It has become increasingly burdensome for shops to pay for multiple systems in order to participate in the collision repair marketplace. These redundant costs hurt every repair shop – but it’s a particular hardship for smaller shops. The Senate also includes language, which makes clear, existing law prohibiting insurers from requiring that shops use a particular vendor for procurement of parts. The additional language would
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by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
provide that an insurer cannot require a particular software program or vendor for the procurement of parts. Finally, the bill includes an appropriation to expand Department of Commerce investigations of insurance company claims handling. Members have been asked to reach out to the Senate and House Conferees who will resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Association members should watch for further updates in the coming weeks. The last day of the current Legislative Session is May 18.
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LOCAL NEWS
PROMOTING AUTO SERVICE CAREERS TO SCHOOL COUNSELORS
On May 3 and 4, AASP-MN representatives participated in the MN School Counselors’ Association Annual Conference to raise awareness and promote careers in the automotive service industry. Over 460 school counselors attended the event at Madden’s on Gull Lake.
Jon Kukacha and Bob Engberg answered questions at the display.
In addition to the exhibit showcasing auto career opportunities, Sjolseth and Anderson were joined by Shawn Collins of 3M to present a breakout session that delved more deeply into the
AASP-MN and the Minnesota Transportation Center came together to promote career opportunities in the industry.
The star attraction at the exhibit was AASP-MN member Dan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center in Eagan and Apple Valley) who played the role of the “grease monkey” of old. This image contrasted sharply with that of the current technician of today, represented by Kristi Fischer, a former employee of
Dan Sjolseth (left) and 3M’s Shawn Collins presented a breakout session that discussed their career paths and the future of the industry.
Dunwoody College Dean of Transportation Jon Kukachka (left) and Burnsville of Dodge Service Advisor Kristi Fischer (right) pose with AASP-MN Member Dan Sjolseth, posing as the typical “grease monkey” of the past.
AASP-MN member Alexander’s Import Auto Repair and presently a service advisor at Burnsville of Dodge. Dean of Transportation at Dunwoody College Jon Kukachka, Interim Director of the MN Transportation Center of Excellence Bob Engberg and AASP-MN Executive Director Judell Anderson also helped staff the booth.
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industry and shared the personal experiences and unique career paths of Sjolseth and Collins. Those who attended learned about the many opportunities available and received information that highlighted the high-tech nature of the industry. “These aren’t your daddy’s cars and these aren’t your mechanics of old,” stated Anderson. “We need bright students who not only have a passion for cars, but also possess a high aptitude for technology, problem-solving, reading comprehension and math. They will be the technicians that will enjoy success now and into the future.” AASP-MN WEBSITE FACELIFT COMPLETE
AASP-MN recently revamped its website with a more contemporary design and navigational improvements to provide users with a more satisfying experience. Key features of the new website include a mobile platform and a more intuitive navigation system. Here are some of the things you can find on the site:
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Information about: • Association news • Member benefit programs • The Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro campaign • Current and past legislative activities & find your legislator • Industry training and upcoming events
Member shops, tools and equipment: • Search our database to find a member shop in your area, see what diagnostic or other equipment they own, what repair information they subscribe to, which management system they use and more! Our extensive database was designed to help members connect with and be a resource to other members. Be sure to login and complete your member profile! Resources/links: • Regulation of Claims Practices & Prohibition on Insurers’ Statutes • Truth in Repairs Act • Insurer Unfair Claims Practices Report • MN Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure & Reporting requirements • P-Pages, DEG & other estimating resources • OEM service information • MPCA Fact Sheets
Sample documents: • Complaint Letter to the Department of Commerce • Loaner Car Agreement • Repair Authorization form • Assignment of Insurance Proceeds • Sheriff’s sale instructions and documents
Consumer info: • Find a shop • Auto insurance claims & claimants’ rights, “Nuts & Bolts” brochure • Consumers’ “Know Your Rights” (after submitting an automobile accident claim to your insurance company) • Motor Vehicle Service Contracts: FTC, MN Attorney General and Consumer Reports • FTC Consumer Alerts on auto warranties and warranty scams • Automotive career and scholarship info, including links to state college automotive programs continued on page 10
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LOCAL NEWS
Other: • AASP-MN News – Check out the current or past issues of the Association’s monthly magazine • Lending Library – AASP-MN’s lending library consists of a number of the AMI self-study courses and other materials free for members to use
And much more! Please take the time to check out the resources available to you from AASPMN.
Check out the Association’s new and improved website at www.aaspmn.org
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Recently, AASP-MN asked for sponsorship support from its Associate members and other industry vendors to help
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support the Association’s educational programming and other activities in 2015. Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable. To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments: Gold Sponsors Auto Value Parts Stores & APH Axalta Coating Systems PPG Automotive Finishes Silver Sponsors aaa Auto Parts CBIZ AIA Inver Grove Ford LKQ/Keystone Lowell’s Performance Coatings Meadowbrook Insurance Midwest Parts Advantage Mitchell International O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Suburban Chevrolet United Fire Group
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Program Sponsors 3M AASP National Autoshop Solutions CARQUEST CBIZ AIA CBIZ Payroll Dent Impressions IDENTIFIX Robert Bosch, LLC
Hospitality Sponsors AmeriPride Services BASF Automotive Refinish CCC Information Services Choice Auto Rental Dentsmart PDR Enterprise Rent-a-Car Net Driven Norton Abrasives Pro Paint Metro Sherwin-Williams
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INSURANCE I.Q. By Dennis P. Begley, CLU ChFC CUTCF CBC
Business Overhead Expense It’s a good business decision to include Loss of Income coverage on your commercial business insurance. This option provides dollars to replace lost income if your business catches on fire or blows away and you can’t be open for business. But there is another, often overlooked line of coverage that is more likely to be relevant than a fire or tornado hitting your business. That coverage is a disability plan to pay for those same business expenses. The coverage is called Business Overhead Expense (BOE). Simply put, if a person responsible for paying the bills becomes disabled, BOE provides dollars to pay those fixed costs. So all of those expenses that go on the company tax return at the end of the year can be protected with disability insurance. This important business protection gives you cash to keep your business doors open while you are recovering from a disability. You can even include a benefit to hire a replacement manager for yourself. Some BOE plans also provide a partial benefit for a partial disability where you can work part time. Plus, a new option from one of my lead disability carriers now gives the option of adding a rider to pay mortgage payments on a building you have financed. Business Overhead Expense covers: • Fixed business expenses • Up to $10,000 a month to hire a substitute for the insured to run the business • Future increases option – to increase the benefit as your expenses increase • Residual/partial disabilities covered • Business loan repayment option • Recovery benefit (when you return to work but still have loss of income) • Finder fee benefit (up to $5,000 to find a substitute for the insured)
• Benefit continuation (three months) after death • Accumulation benefit to carry over dollars to the future if you don’t use the full monthly benefit available • Waiver of premium after 90 days of a disability • Legal and accounting fees (up to $5,000 for fees incurred if the business is terminated or sold) • Workplace modification (to help you come back to work) BOE normally is a company-owned plan. The IRS allows it to be paid as a business expense, and it is therefore deductible. The benefits are taxable income to the business, but the dollars pay deductible business expenses so this washes through. When applying for BOE, you select when you want the benefit to start and for how long you want it payable. When you want it to start depends on how long you can carry on the business from reserves. Normally, I set BOE to start on the 31st day of a disability and pay benefits for 12 to 18 months. If you are still disabled after 18 months, the odds of returning to work get much smaller. This short benefit period makes BOE very reasonable in cost. Disability is the most basic of all insurance protection. You should insure what you can least afford to lose. That is called risk management. Getting disabled is going to affect your ability to earn an income. Life insurance protects someone else. Disability protects you. BOE protects your company and can help keep it open for business. For more information, questions or a quote, please call or email Dennis Begley at (763) 549-2260 or dpbegley@cbizaia.com.
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F.Y.I. By Chad A. Staul, Esq.
As Summer Approaches, Many Employers Will Need to Concern Themselves with Child Labor Issues
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With the weather warming up and schools shortly letting out for summer break, employers often enlist the help of child labor. However, when doing so, employers need to be mindful of the very specific Minnesota and Federal child labor laws governing their employment. With some exceptions (including, but not limited to agricultural employees), there are restrictions on the hours employees of certain ages can work and the type of work they can perform. Below are some general guidelines and quick reminders regarding child labor laws.
Employees under 14 years of age: Employees under 14 years of age can only do the following work: • Deliver newspapers to customers (if at least 11 years old); • Babysit on a casual basis; • Act or model with parental or guardian consent; and • Referee in youth programs (if at least 11 years old and with parental or guardian consent).
Employees that are 14 and 15 years of age: Work Hours • Work performed must be outside school hours; • They cannot work more than three hours on a school day, including Friday; • They cannot work more than 18 hours per week when school is in session; • They cannot work more than eight hours per day when school is not in session; • They cannot work more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session; and • They cannot work before 7 am or after 7 pm on any day, except from June 1st through Labor Day, when they are able to work until 9 pm.
Type of Work • They can work in retail occupations; • They can perform intellectual or creative work like computer programming, teaching, tutoring, singing, acting or playing an instrument; • They can run errands or perform delivery work; • They can work doing clean-up and yard work so long as 14 June 2015
• • •
they are not using power-driven mowers, cutters, trimmers, edgers or similar equipment; They can work in relation to cars and trucks such as filling gasoline or oil and washing; They can do some kitchen and food service work such as reheating food, washing dishes, cleaning equipment and limited cooking; They can work cleaning vegetables and fruits, wrapping, sealing, labeling, weighing, pricing and stocking of items when performed in areas separate from a freezer or meat cooler; They can work loading or unloading objects to be used at a worksite including rakes, hand-held clippers and shovels; and They can work as a lifeguard at traditional swimming pools and water amusement parks so long as they have the proper certifications.
Employees that are 16 and 17 years of age: Work Hours • They cannot work after 11 pm on evenings before school days; and • They cannot work before 5 am on school days.
Type of Work • They cannot perform “hazardous” jobs, as determined by law; and • They are restricted in the type of work they can perform when it involves alcohol, tobacco and certain forms of transportation.
How much should you pay employees in these age categories? Employers must pay at least the applicable minimum wage, which in Minnesota is $8/hour. However, Minnesota does allow employees under the age of 20 to be paid Minnesota’s current training wage of $6.50/hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After that time, the employee’s wage must be raised to the current state minimum wage of $8/hour as noted above. The 90-day training wage changes on August 1 of this year to $7.25/hour and again on August 1, 2016 to $7.75/hour. Note: The above summary is meant to serve only as a general guide, as it is subject to a number of exceptions and obviously does not cover all industries and potential occupations where child labor might be used.
From Wessels Sherman Minnesota Client Alert, April 2015 www.wesselssherman.com
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Aftermarket Trends The following excerpts are from The Lange Aftermarket iReport, found at www.langemarketing.com.
Bay Output Boom Car and light truck DIFM product sales continue to increase in the U.S. despite the steady decline in service bay count. This counterintuitive development is primarily the result of growing car and light truck service bay productivity. Lang Marketing estimates the average car and light truck service bay increased its annual product and service volume more than one-third between 2004 and 2014, with even more service bay gains on the way.
Fewer Annual Miles Per Vehicle Americans are driving the average car and light truck fewer annual miles. Although total car and light truck 2014 mileage increased, the U.S. light vehicle population rose faster, reducing annual miles recorded by the typical car and light truck to just over 10,300. While this would seem to indicate aftermarket product use
per vehicle declined during 2014, higher average age of vehicles in the U.S. and the growth of vehicles 12 years and up generated a strong gain in aftermarket product 2014 volume, despite a drop in annual mileage by the average car and light truck.
$110 Billion Prize: Orphaned & Stranded Vehicles Orphaned vehicles (discontinued nameplates) and stranded vehicles (cars and light trucks whose selling dealers have closed) represent a combined $110 billion aftermarket DIFM prize for independent (non-dealer) repair outlets between now and 2018, and an even larger aftermarket opportunity in the years beyond. Lang Marketing estimates nearly one-fifth of all cars and light trucks on U.S. roads are orphaned or stranded. Independent (non-dealer) repair outlets are the most convenient and in some cases the only DIFM repair choice for these vehicle owners (over 50 million cars and light trucks). Aging Vehicles Hammer Out Market Change At the beginning of 2015, cars and light trucks on U.S. roads reached a record high average age: 11.8 years. This marks over 15 years of consecutive age growth across this country’s
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F.Y.I. continued from page 15
Quick Lube Lanes Go Big Quick Lube lanes (bays) are the fastest expanding group of light vehicle service bays in the U.S. Service (DIFM) Market. Quick Lube bays are growing as more Quick Lube outlets open and Car Dealers add Quick Lube lanes to their service facilities. Quick Lube bays are building average sales tickets by inspecting vehicles for needed repairs and expanding their service menus. Quick Lube bays are evolving into Quick Service bays.
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ESTIMATING TIP Missing Labor
Just because a part does not have a labor time showing in the estimating system does NOT mean the labor is included with another labor operation. If a labor operation is included with another labor operation there will be an “inc� in the labor column. DEG inquiry 7987 is a good example.
You can view this tip and others on the DEG website: www.degweb.org/estimate-tips
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D ATABASE E NHANCEMENT G ATEWAY
light vehicle population and is a two-year super gain over 2005. Some key vehicle sectors experienced even more phenomenal age growth, with one major light vehicle group in the U.S. topping 13.6 years in average age this year. Soaring vehicle age (projected by Lang Marketing to continue climbing for at least several more years) is generating big aftermarket changes and promises to reshape the marketplace from top to bottom through the end of this decade.
ARE YOU USING THE DEG??? The DATABASE ENHANCEMENT GATEWAY is an initiative to allow those who use the collision repair estimating databases to provide proactive feedback to the information providers. If you have questions or concerns about estimating datarepresented in your estimating guide or system, visit www.DEGweb.org to submit a Database Inquiry or get more information.
Funded & operated by:
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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
Environmental Recordkeeping Safety records were covered in the February 2015 issue, but what about environmental records? If you have the storage space, keep environmental records for the life of your business. If you are running out of space, here are the minimum amounts of time to keep environmental records. In most cases, you must keep hazardous waste records for three years and air regulation records for five years. Records can be hard copies or electronic and must be legible. You must be able to make hazardous waste records immediately available to an inspector. MPCA air permit records can be moved to a central office after one year, but must be made available to an inspector in a reasonable amount of time. License or permit applications. Keep copies of hazardous waste license applications and supporting documents for three years. Keep copies of an air permit application, change forms and supporting documents as long as you have the permit and for five years after. Hazardous waste evaluation records. Keep hazardous waste evaluation records as long as your shop generates the waste and for three years after the last time the waste is shipped. Your evaluation records might include lab test results, product information or manufacturer certifications. If a consultant or transporter made the evaluation for you, keep a copy of the reasoning or method they used, such as lab test results, as well as the final determination. Manifests and shipping records. Keep copies of manifests, shipping records and related documents for at least
three years after the waste is shipped. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recommends keeping manifests for the life of your business and beyond. This is because your business’s hazardous waste liability lasts forever, and manifests are proof that wastes reached their intended destinations. Shipping records at your shop might include those from shipping used oil or rags, Very Small Quantity Generator collection center receipts or pumping receipts. Related documents might include manifest exception reports or land disposal restriction notices. Weekly hazardous waste inspection logs. Keep hazardous waste inspection logs for three years. If you keep the log sheets close to the hazardous waste storage area for convenience, make sure to file the completed log sheets so they don’t get lost or damaged. Air permit requirements. If you have an air permit, keep a copy of the permit for the life of the permit and keep related records for five years. Records might include emissions calculations, emissions inventory submittals, supporting documents such as VOC reports from your paint vendor, records of equipment changes and any required monitoring. If you have calculations that show you don’t need an air permit, keep them for the life of the business. Emergency planning notifications, if required. Keep emergency planning notification documents as long as they are current and for three years after. Small and large quantity hazardous waste generators must notify local emergency continued on pg. 21
LET US TURN THEM AROUND!
Contact AASP-MN News Sales Director Alicia Figurelli
973.667.6922 / ALICIA@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM
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MEET THE MEMBER
Red Wing & Zumbrota Don Falk Member Since: 2014 I’m currently the owner and operator of Falk Auto Body. I’m a second-generation shop; my dad opened the facility in 1958 and I took over in 1974. We’ve got two locations. Our original location is here in Zumbrota but we’ve got a spot over in Red Wing, as well.
What’s been your history in the auto repair industry?
Our shop has been a member for about one year now. Last year I went to a training seminar provided through AASP-MN and met Dan Sjolseth, the President of Superior Service Center. He recommended that we look into it. I’m definitely glad we did, I think it’s a good thing. I’d like to get more involved in the industry; I want to know what’s going on.
How long have you been a member of AASP-MN?
Zumbrota communities. That’s been the case since my father owned the shop. If you’re going to serve the community, you have to be a part of it.
What has been your biggest and best accomplishment?
I’d probably say opening up our second facility. We equipped it, hired the proper staff and it’s been really successful. We have more people working at that location than we have at our original. When I’m not at the shop, I like to golf. My wife and I have a boat so we go out on Lake Pepin sometimes. We like to spend time with our family: our kids and grandchildren. Also, we like to travel. We don’t do any crazy traveling but we’ve been to Mexico, to islands in the Caribbean, to Arizona and to Canada.
What do you like to do for fun?
Tell me a little bit about your employees.
All of our employees are 20plus year employees. My wife, Don’s wife Nancy is co-owner of Falk Auto Body & Trim. Nancy, and I are the owners of the What trait do you appreciate shop and then we have seven people most in other people? working at our location in Red Wing Honesty and integrity. They’re not just important in the colliand three at our location in Zumbrota. They’re all really good. sion repair industry, they’re important in life in general. They’re all well trained.
Do you or your shop participate in any charity or volunteer organizations?
Absolutely. Nancy and I are both members of civic organizations and have even served as Board members. Also, we’re in a few different rotary clubs, we’re in the local Chamber of Commerce, we participate in a breast cancer walk and we donate to a number of charities. We’re highly involved in both the Red Wing and 20 June 2015
Our employees! Most of them have been with us for over 20 years. They ARE our business. They’re constantly getting certified in the latest technologies. Their professionalism and their commitment to their trade is what has given us our exceptional reputation in our area.
What sets you apart from other shops?
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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION continued from pg. 19
responders about what is stored on site and where. Very small quantity generators do not have this notification requirement. Employee training, if required. Keep hazardous waste training records until three years after the employee leaves your employment. Small and large quantity hazardous waste generators must conduct annual employee hazardous waste training. Very small quantity hazardous waste generators are not required to conduct hazardous waste training, but it is recommended. Shops regulated by the EPA’s 6H NESHAP must keep records of initial and refresher painter training for five years. 6H NESHAP, if required. Keep 6H records for five years. This includes documentation related to spray guns, booth filter efficiency, use of methylene chloride paint strippers, painter training, deviations and corrective actions and forms submitted. 6H NESHAP records can be moved off-site after two years. For practical reasons, it is a good idea to make and keep a copy of all forms you submit. If the original submittal gets lost you have proof that you submitted it on time and it will be easier to resend. For information that you renew or submit every year, such as a hazardous waste license or air emission inventory, referring to a copy of last year’s submittal can help you complete the paperwork faster. The hardest part of recordkeeping isn’t storing the files – it’s finding them when you need them. Take the time to label a folder in your file drawer and put all your environmental records in it. The exception is your hazardous waste generator’s license, which must be posted where it is visible to the general public.
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE continued from pg. 6
of time trying to get paid for every operation that we complete and overlook database errors. Take the time, go to the DEG website (www.degweb.org), look around, download the latest version of the P-pages, add the DEG to your Twitter and Facebook accounts and submit some database inquiries. WE can make a difference!
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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
By Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program
Bankcard: Liability Shifts to Businesses on October 1
A major change is coming in bankcard processing that will affect you. In fact, it’s the biggest change since the industry went from paper processing to electronic close to 25 years ago. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are continuing to issue credit and debit cards that contain an electronic chip. Their reason for doing so is because of the “bad guys” of the world who increasingly find ways to change data on the card’s magnetic strip. It is entirely possible that a card with an altered magnetic strip has been presented in your shop. Chances are you, as a shop owner, never knew it was fraudulent, processed the transaction and were paid by your credit card processor just like normal. To cut down on altered magnetic strip fraud, card companies are providing credit and debit cards with an electronic chip on the front, while also maintaining the traditional magnetic strip on the back. With this change, there will also be a shift in the liability of swiped credit card transactions that turn out to be fraudulent. By October 1 of this year, if your shop has not invested in upgraded terminals or other equipment capable of reading electronic chips, and instead you continue to swipe and read each card’s magnetic strip, the liability for any fraudulent sales will shift to you. The card companies will no longer absorb it. So while you will still be able to process cards with your
present terminal and equipment even after October 1, you will be doing so at the risk of accepting a card with an altered magnetic strip. When this happens, you will be on the hook for the cost of any fraudulent transactions. The only way to avoid this risk will be to invest in equipment capable of reading electronic chips. If you use AASP-MN as your bankcard processor, we already have chip-reading terminals available. These terminals can read both a chip and a magnetic strip, so you will have no problem with cards presented in your shop that don’t yet have a chip. And, it’s important to note, members on AASP-MN’s program always receive preferential equipment pricing resulting in the lowest possible price. If you don’t use AASP-MN, you’ll need to ask your bankcard processor what equipment they will make available to you. If you’re processing directly through a point-of sale system, card chip reading equipment would come from your POS supplier. For additional information on processing the new electronic chip cards, or if you would like to find out if AASP-MN’s bankcard service can save you money, please contact Mac Hardin at 800-999-4399, or by email, mach@retailfinancialservices.biz. Mac is available to assist all AASP-MN members with all of their bankcard processing questions and needs.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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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 Net Driven Contact: Jon Napoli 218-623-7351 / napoli@getnetdriven.com Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry. Net Driven assists independent tire and automotive industry dealers who are looking to increase revenue by selling more tires, service, and wheels. 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. 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.
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. 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 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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