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August 2018
A Focus on the
Future: AASP-MN Raises Thousands for Industry Career Promotion
Plus: The Winner of the Custom 2012 Fat Bagger Razorback Motorcycle is... (see pg. 17)
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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. 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. © 2018 All rights reserved. Cover image © www.istockphoto.com.
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS
Vol. 26 No. 8
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE ....................................................................4 There’s Always a First Time by Thomas Greco, Publisher LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ........................................................................5 State Election Races Take Shape by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
2018 - 2019
LOCAL NEWS ..................................................................................6 PRESIDENT Will Latuff IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Wayne Watson SECRETARY-TREASURER Carl Thomas COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Matthew Feehan
NATIONAL NEWS..............................................................................8 INSURANCE I.Q. ..............................................................................11 Playing it Safe: Auto Shops – Hazardous Materials AASP-MN ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY ............................................13 DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ......................................................................15
MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Randy Notto, AAM ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Dave Bock
FEATURE STORY..............................................................................17 A Focus on the Future: AASP-MN Raises Thousands for Industry Career Promotion by Joel Gausten
COLLISION SEATS Bruce Tschida, AAM Randy Miller
PARTNERS IN PREVENTION ................................................................19 Five Tips to Prepare for Floods
MECHANICAL SEAT Tom Archambault
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ..........................................................21
STAFF
Assessment Associates International: Assuring Business Success by Hiring the Right People
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS ................................................22
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 EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com www.grecopublishing.com
UPCOMING EVENTS October 17, 2018 Mech XChange LubeTech 900 Mendelsohn Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427
April 11, 2019 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference
Delta Hotels by Marriott 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX AmeriPride ....................................................21 Axalta Coating Systems ................................IFC Buerkle Hyundai............................................8 Choice Auto Rentals......................................18 Dentsmart ....................................................15 FinishMaster ................................................20 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota........5 Jack McClard ................................................4 Keystone ......................................................20 Maplewood Toyota ........................................16 Mills Parts Center ........................................16
AASP-MN News
Morrie’s ........................................................14 Motorwerks BMW ........................................IBC MPA..............................................................9 PAM’s Auto ..................................................20 Proven Force ................................................OBC Rosedale Chevrolet ......................................14 Roseville Chrysler ........................................16 Sherwin Williams..........................................12 Straight & Square ........................................18 Toyota Group ................................................10
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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
There’s Always a First Time by Thomas Greco, AASP-MN News Publisher
It’s hard to believe that we have been publishing AASP-MN News for almost 20 years now and I’m pretty sure this is the first Publisher’s Message I have ever written for it. That’s probably because throughout the years, AASP-MN has always had dedicated, talented officers, members and staff that packed this publication with great news and stories about the people and issues involving the automotive repair industry in Minnesota. As for me, I started publishing automotive trade publications in 1989. Next January, TGP will be celebrating its 30th year in this business. And I truly owe all of our success to people like Judell Anderson. I can remember reaching out to Judell back around 2000 to see if AASP-MN would be interested in working with us to create a publication for the association. To be perfectly honest, at that point in my life all I really knew about Minnesota was the Vikings and Prince. I had always rooted for the Vikings for the silly reason that I remember Joe Kapp being one of my very first football heroes. Even though I lived in New Jersey, I grew up with those teams featuring Fran Tarkenton, Chuck
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Foreman, in my mind the sport’s greatest front four (Eller, Page, Larsen and Marshall) and two of the greatest sports names ever, Mick Tingelhoff and Karl Kassulke. I’m really showing my age now. But back in 2000, I made the 21-hour drive out to Minneapolis to meet with Judell to see if we could work together and put out something that would be a valuable and informative tool for the Minnesota automotive repair industry. Obviously, we could, because here we are almost two decades later still bringing our readers what we hope they find valuable and informative. I’m glad I finally have gotten the chance to thank Judell and AASP-MN for helping us achieve our goals and for the continued success of our partnership. Just as importantly, I want to thank our advertisers and readers, without whom none of this would have been possible.
AASP-MN News
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
State Election Races Take Shape By the time this issue of AASP-MN News arrives at your business, the State Primary Election will have just occurred and we will know who is facing off in the General Election. The Election that will have the most direct impact on the auto repair industry is the contest for the Governorship. We will have an entirely new cast of characters to work with at all of the State Agencies. We work most closely with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The mid-level bureaucrats with whom we work on a regular basis are not likely to change, regardless of the election results. However, at the Commissioner level, we will certainly see new faces, whoever is elected. AASP-MN will schedule meetings with the new Commissioners as soon as we are able. We will see many new faces in the Minnesota House of Representatives. All 134 members of the House are standing for re-election and we are likely to see upwards of 35 new Representatives take office next January. This is based on the fact that 20 Representatives have announced that they are not
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
seeking re-election and there could be as many as 15 seats where the incumbent loses to a challenger. One significant change will be in the House Commerce Committee. The current Chairman, Representative Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska), has announced his retirement. We will need to establish a new working relationship with whoever is named the Chair of the Commerce Committee. Members of the Minnesota Senate do not stand for reelection this year. However, control of the Senate is at stake due to a single Special Election, which will determine whether the Democrats or Republicans have majority control of the Senate. Senator Michelle Fischbach resigned her Senate seat in order to serve as Lieutenant Governor and has signed on to run as Lieutenant Governor with Gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty. Her successor will be elected in a Special Election to be held on the day of the General Election in November. With the Senate divide 33 Democrats and 33 Republicans, the party that wins in
AASP-MN News
continued on pg. 19
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LOCAL NEWS
On-the-Air and Online, Promoting Participating Member Shops and the Independent Industry AASP-MN’s Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro™ is an industry marketing campaign that promotes the benefits of doing business with independent auto repair shops. The primary message is that independents can perform virtually any repair or service while also maintaining closer, more lasting relationships with customers and the community. The program, now in its 10th year, has reached millions of people. This year’s campaign kicked off in April through the end of May with commercials running on-air and streaming online on WCCO Radio 830 AM every Monday to Wednesday and weekend mornings from 9am to 12pm and rotating spots throughout the day and week. Those spots will run again August through mid-September. From late May through mid-July and then mid-September through early November, we’re on KQRS-FM, 92.5 FM with broadcast, streaming and promotional announcement spots airing in late afternoon drive, evenings Friday through Tuesday and rotating spots throughout the day and week. From early July through August, we’re on Cities 97, KTCZ 97.1 FM. Commercials will air weekday evenings and weekends with rotating spots throughout the day and week. Some shops in the Twin Cities and the Fargo-Moorhead area also activated a campaign on Pandora Radio running now through September. This advertising campaign will reach over a million adults 25-54 years of age, with each participating shop name and location mentioned over 140 times over the eight-month period! Participating program shops are listed on the Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro search website, www.autorepairpro.net, 6 | August 2018
where prospective customers can find shop information based on zip code. For more information about the Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro™ advertising campaign, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or visit www.aaspmn.org.
Veit Automotive Foundation Hosts AASP-MN’s Joint Advisory Committee Meeting Thank you to Veit Automotive Foundation in Maple Lake for hosting AASP-MN's joint advisory committee meeting on June 27th. Committee members enjoyed the day touring the facility’s museums filled with classic automobiles and auto memorabilia and a great BBQ lunch sponsored by Choice Auto Rental. Following lunch was the raffle ticket drawing for the custom 2012 Fat Bagger Razorback motorcycle, donated to AASP-MN by Roger and Jill Bonn. Congratulations to Dan Gilley of RLO Training in Renton, WA, the winner of the bike. Dan was a presenter at this year’s Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, where he purchased his winning ticket. The $42,000-plus in proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS), to further its activities attracting and recruiting youth into Minnesota’s technical college automotive service and collision repair programs. To learn more about Veit Automotive Foundation, visit www.veitauto.com.
Bike donor Roger Bonn (left), pictured with with topIticket seller 2018 Minnesota Dan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center, Eagan)
CAR/SkillsUSA
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Fall Golf Event Announced The Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee invites golfers and sponsors to Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 for a fun-filled day of golf. All proceeds from the event go towards scholarships for future technicians, equipment for technical colleges and other collision industry training needs in Minnesota. The four-person scramble, sponsored by North Central I-CAR Committee, begins at 12pm, with a grilled dinner and awards banquet following golf. In addition, there will be complimentary refreshments on several holes around the course, as well as unique contests for prizes. This is a great opportunity for vendors to market their business, products and/or services, while supporting the industry and enjoying a round of golf with industry leaders. Registration and payment for golfers and/or sponsors can be found on the golf outing’s website, www.icargolf.com. For more information, contact tournament director Jamison Randall at jrandall@latuffbrothers.com or (651) 796-8003.
Thank You 2018 AASP-MN Sponsors!
GOLD AASP National AmeriTrust Group Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group SILVER aaa Auto Parts Enterprise Rent-A-Car LKQ/Keystone Automotive O'Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Suburban Chevrolet BRONZE Casualty Assurance of Chaska C.H.E.S.S. Lube Tech & Partners
Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS) MNCARS is a non-profit organization established in 2016 by AASP-MN. 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 industry workplaces. To further those efforts, MNCARS recently participated in the following events: • Move Your Future Forward, St. Paul Workforce Center • Street Machine Summer Nationals, MN State Fairgrounds
Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox! Get out and get active in your local community to promote industry careers! AASP-MN News
OTHER Choice Auto Rental Dent Impressions Monroe Moxness Berg, PA Sherwin Williams VENDOR Accessory Pro Warehouse AmeriPride Services Autoshop Solutions Dentsmart PDR Heartman Insurance NAPA Auto Parts NCS/Single Source Net Driven The Matrix Wand Workplace Safety Consultants
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NATIONAL NEWS
Supreme Court Rules in Online Sales Tax Case A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court permits states to collect sales tax on purchases of products made over the internet. The 5-4 decision means online sellers will now be on a level playing field with brick and mortar retailers regarding charging sales tax. The decision overturns a previous Supreme Court decision that required companies to have a physical presence in the state where the purchaser resided in order to charge sales tax.
www.langmarketing.com
Foreign Repair Boosts Bay Count Over the past 10 years, service bay expansion has been concentrated among independent (non-dealer) repair outlets with above-average foreign nameplate repair growth. Independent repair outlets that lagged in foreign nameplate repair expansion suffered bay population loss. This service bay population trend among independent outlets will continue. Lang Marketing projects that the total light vehicle bay count in the U.S. will decrease through 2020, with only two major independent DIFM outlet groups adding significant numbers of service bays.
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Six Major Takeaways • Despite a 35,000 decrease in the total number of light vehicle service bays between 2006 and 2016, three major independent (non-dealer) outlet groups with strong foreign nameplate repair activity have expanded their bay counts. • Repair specialists (outlets conducting a limited menu of service and maintenance jobs) added 31,000 bays over the past 10 years (2006 to 2016). This reflects the growing foreign nameplate DIFM share of repair specialists. • Foreign Specialists (outlets focusing on the repair of foreign nameplates) attained the greatest service bay percentage gain from 2006 to 2016, nearly 20 percent. • Tire stores increased their bay count by 3,000 over this 10-year span, reflecting their growing volume of foreign nameplate repair. • As foreign nameplate DIFM repair grows at an annual rate several times faster than domestic nameplate DIFM activity over the next several years, service bay growth among repair outlet groups will be determined largely by their success in the foreign nameplate DIFM market. • Lang Marketing projects that two independent (nondealer) repair outlet groups with the highest rates of foreign nameplate repair growth will add significant numbers of service bays between 2017 and 2020: Repair specialists and foreign specialists.
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INSURANCE I.Q.
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Shop Here First! AASP-MN Associate Member Directory 1 Collision Network - Milwaukee, WI aaa Auto Parts - East Bethel, MN aaa Auto Parts - Rosemount, MN AASP-MN BankCard - Minnetonka, MN Accessory Pro Warehouse - Baxter, MN Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MN AkzoNobel - Stillwater, MN AmeriPride Services - Minneapolis, MN AmeriTrust Group - Overland Park, KS Arcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN Assessment Associates International - Minnetonka, MN Auto Body Specialties, Inc. - Mankato, MN Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MN Auto Data Labels, Inc. - Deer Park, NY Auto Electric of Bloomington, Inc. - Bloomington, MN Auto Nation - White Bear Lake, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Hopkins, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Lexington, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Bloomington, MN Auto Value Parts Stores/APH - St. Cloud, MN Automotive Parts Solutions, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN Automotive Recyclers of MN - Fridley, MN Automotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MD Autoshop Solutions - Apex, NC AutoZone - Memphis, TN Axalta Coating Systems - Elk River, MN BASF Corporation - Savage, MN Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN Boulay Financial Advisors, LLC - Minneapolis, MN Boulder Ridge Insurance Brokers, LLC - Albertville, MN Brake & Equipment Warehouse - Minneapolis, MN Buerkle Honda - White Bear Lake, MN Buerkle Hyundai - White Bear Lake, MN Bullis Insurance Agency - Wayzata, MN C.H.E.S.S. - West St. Paul, MN Casualty Assurance of Chaska, LLC - Chaska, MN CBIZ AiA - Minneapolis, MN Choice Auto Rental - Inver Grove Heights, MN Cintas - Minneapolis, MN Cottens’ NAPA - Anoka, MN Dent Impressions - Rogers, MN Dentsmart - Isanti, MN Derson/Clean Burn - Watertown, MN Dorman Products - Colmar, PA Dynotec Industries, Inc. - Jordan, MN Eau Claire Auto Parts, Inc. - Eau Claire, WI Elite Worldwide, Inc. - Rancho Santa Fe, CA Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Eagan, MN Factory Motor Parts - Eagan, MN Farmers Union Insurance Agency - St. Paul, MN
Finishmaster - St. Cloud, MN Finishmaster - Duluth, MN Finishmaster - Fridley, MN Heartman Insurance - Faribault, MN Hertz Corporation - Richfield, MN IDENTIFIX - Roseville, MN Insurance Brokers of MN - Jensen Agency - Minneapolis, MN Jasper Engines & Transmissions - Jasper, IN Johnson Supply Co., Duluth, MN Keystone Automotive/LKQ - Minneapolis, MN Kukui Corporation - San Jose, CA LKQ - Minnesota - Albert Lea, MN LKQ - Viking Auto Salvage - Northfield, MN Lube-Tech & Partners - St. Paul, MN Mark’s Towing, Inc. - Eagan, MN Matrix Wand 3-D Blueprint & Repair Sysytem - Salina, KS McClard & Associates - Hopkins, MN Metro Auto Salvage - Lakeville, MN Mitchell International - San Diego, CA Mitchell1 - Ellisville, MO Monroe, Moxness, Berg, PA - Minneapolis, MN Morrie’s Automotive Group - Brooklyn Park, MN Motor Parts & Equipment - Winona, MN NAPA Distribution Center - St. Louis Park, MN NAPA Distribution Center - Owatonna, MN National Coatings & Supplies - Maplewood, MN Net Driven - Scranton, PA Norton Automotive Aftermarket - No. St. Paul, MN O’Reilly Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN P.P.G. Automotive Finishes - Naperville, IL PAMs Auto, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN Parts Department of Faribault - Faribault, MN Parts Dept. of Northfield / NAPA Auto Parts - Northfield, MN Proven Force Clutch and U Joint/Midwest Trans. - Maple Grove, MN Rudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN SATA Spray Equipment/Dan Am Corp. - Spring Valley, MN Scharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN Schmelz Countryside - Maplewood, MN Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes - Andover, MN Single Source Inc. - Baldwin, WI - Baldwin, WI Single Source Inc. - Roseville, MN - Roseville, MN Southern Minnesota Auto Supply Co. - Rochester, MN St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts - Anoka, MN Straight & Square Distributing, LLC - St. Cloud, MN Suburban Chevrolet - Eden Prairie, MN United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IA Valley Imports - Fargo, ND Valspar - Minneapolis, MN Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc. - Brown Deer, WI Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MN Wirthco Engineering, Inc. - Edina, MN
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ESTIMATING TIPS All Three Systems: Seat Belt Inspections: OEMs may require a seat belt inspection to be performed after a collision regardless of speed and impact severity. This operation is NOT INCLUDED in the CCC, Mitchell and Audatex systems, and will require on-the-spot evaluation for labor, as well as following OEM repair procedures. Documentation from the OEM can be found by visiting www.oem1stop.com, then selecting the appropriate manufacturer web link for proper information. All Three Systems: TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Sensors: When wheels need to be replaced, it is important to follow the OEM repair procedure and protocol when dealing with valve stems and TPMS sensors. Many OEMs may require that the TPMS sensor be rebuilt using a “parts kit” anytime the sensor nut is loosened or the tire is replaced. Rebuilding TPMS sensors is NOT INCLUDED, nor is the cost of the repair kit. • CCC/Motors GTE Guide: TPMS sensor labor is INCLUDED when replacing a wheel. Rebuilding a TPMS sensor is NOT INCLUDED. Refer to inquiry 12423. • Mitchell CEG Guide, under wheels: TPMS sensor R/I or R/R is NOT INCLUDED in the wheel replacement labor time. • Audatex: Labor report may include the TPMS sensor labor as INCLUDED when replacing a wheel. Rebuilding a TPMS sensor is NOT INCLUDED unless specifically stated in the labor report. ***Final Note***: Electronic reset or programming of the TPMS System is NOT INCLUDED and will require an on-the-spot evaluation. SCRS also offers a TPMS Relearn Chart to serve as a quick reference for technicians working on TPMS-equipped vehicles. The chart can be found at scrs.com/product/ tpms-relearn-chart/. All Three Systems: Pre-painted and Assembled Replacement Parts: Some OEM replacement parts may come pre-painted and/or
assembled, complete with exterior trim already attached to the part. The replacement part may not match the vehicle color you are working on. This will require additional labor if required to disassemble the replacement part and apply the correct color. This labor is NOT INCLUDED in any of the three information providers’ databases and requires an on-the-spot evaluation. This would also apply to LKQ assembly parts (i.e. doors, trunks, fenders etc…) A recent example of this is a 2014-2019 Nissan Rogue lift gate, which comes from the OEM in its most popular color, K23 Silver, and includes glass, wiring and hardware already attached. CCC shows a footnote in the lift gate group, but currently there is no mention of this in the Audatex and Mitchell databases. All Three Systems: One-time Use Fasteners and Hardware: OEMs may require specific hardware and fasteners to be replaced every time they are removed from the vehicle for repairs. This may include clips, rivets, nuts, bolts and washers. The cost of these is NOT INCLUDED and would need to be considered for the estimate/repair plan being made. The Information Providers do not list out every bit of hardware and clips in their databases. It is important to reference the OEM Workshop manual, as well as the OEM EPC (electronic parts catalog), for correct part number and notes. Any person that runs across missing information in the estimating system should submit a DEG inquiry with the correct part number and information calling out for one-time use so the appropriate IP can add it to the database with the appropriate note. Toyota has publshed great references: “Non-Reusable Parts” (https://news.crrtraining.com/understanding-non-reusable-parts/) and Toyota CRIB Bulletin 188 (http://degweb.org/crib-188). Always search OEM service information for bulletins and documents for vehicle repairs. Access to OEM service information can be found at www.oem1stop.com.
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 repairis 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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FEATURE STORY
A Focus on the Future: AASP-MN Raises Thousands for Industry Career Promotion by Joel Gausten Employees are hard to find, but AASP-MN is ready and able to help. One of the most extensive endeavors of its kind, Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS) is an Association-driven initiative created to ensure a future workforce for Minnesota’s automotive service industry by raising awareness and recruiting people into technical college automotive service and collision repair programs and industry careers. Founded in 2016, MNCARS helps parents, influencers and students overcome misperceptions of the industry and attract the qualified employees the profession needs. Thanks to industry fundraisers and a significant investment from AASP-MN, more than $250,000 has been raised to support the initiative in the last two years. Now, thanks to a recent and highly successful motorcycle raffle organized by the Association, MNCARS’ financial resources have grown by more than $42,000. In January, AASP-MN began selling tickets for a 2012 Custom Fat Bagger Razorback motorcycle and bike trailer in a statewide raffle in support of MNCARS. Valued at $30,000, the motorcycle and trailer were generously donated by honorary AASP-MN member Roger Bonn (recently retired from Peter’s Body Shop, St. Cloud) and his wife, Jill. The one-owner, original custom-built bike boasted a one-of-a-kind custom paint scheme and only 18,000 miles. After deciding they were no longer going to ride, the Bonns chose to give one of their three bikes to AASP-MN to use as the Board saw fit to benefit the state’s automotive community. “The Association has been so good to us,” says Roger. “I thought this would be a great way to give back and have some fun doing it.” In addition to donating the motorcycle, Bonn brought attention to the fundraiser by spending months towing the bike around to numerous association and industry events, including the Race for Automotive Education event at the ProKART raceway, the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, the 2018 AASP-MN Golf Outing, World of Wheels and the “Accelerate the Future” Car & Motorcycle Show at Hennepin Technical College.
By the time the fundraiser concluded in mid-June, more than 2,300 tickets were sold and MNCARS was $42,000-plus stronger. On June 27, the coveted prize was given away at a special AASP-MN-hosted luncheon at the Veit Automotive Foundation Museum in Buffalo. Dan Gilley, director of RLO Training, was the lucky winner at the event, which also provided an exciting tour of collectible cars and automotive memorabilia and was open to anyone who purchased a ticket. Gilley, who is from Seattle, purchased tickets earlier this year while in Minnesota to conduct training at the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference. Now, he and his wife, Paula, have an exciting new addition back home. Not surprisingly, he was thrilled that the prize also comes with a trailer. “I told my wife, ‘If we win it, I can tow it home. It’s a long way from Seattle!’ I don’t think the first ride should be 2,000 miles; I think we should work up to that!” With thousands in additional funds now with MNCARS, AASP-MN Executive Director Judell Anderson is proud of the outpouring of activity and support shown by the Minnesota automotive community. “The number-one challenge facing the industry is the availability of a future workforce. MNCARS is all about trying to address that issue and attract young people into our college programs and ultimately into industry jobs. We had an army of volunteers selling these tickets for the motorcycle raffle. Many active AASP-MN committee members were out on the street selling them to industry vendors and customers. It was really a group effort.” Additionally, AASP-MN has succeeded in broadening MNCARS’ scope and capabilities in other ways this year. Last spring, the Association introduced a new campaign, “MotorMouth,” that provides AASP-MN members with a special toolbox with props, handouts, point-of-sale promotional items, digital/social media posts and other content designed to help industry professionals more effectively market the field to potential future employees in their local communities. More information on MNCARS (and access to the “MotorMouth” materials) is available at carcareers.org.
Photo courtesy of MNCARS (facebook.com/carcareers)
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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
Five Tips to Prepare for Floods In Minnesota, we expect some flooding when the snow melts in the spring. But as recent weather has shown us, flash floods can happen any time. A flash flood means you won’t have time to run down to your shop and move things around. And even a small “flood” from a burst water pipe can have an environmental impact. Here’s what you can do today to help make your shop flood-ready. Always use sturdy containers that are in good condition to store materials and wastes. Make sure they are tightly closed and leak-proof. If possible, avoid keeping containers in lowerlevel or basement storage areas that are more likely to fill with water. Dispose of wastes regularly. A full hazardous waste drum is a liability if it spills, regardless of whether it stays in your shop or floats away. Get rid of unused vendor samples and old partials – they’re just taking up space anyway. Unattached above-ground tanks can float or tip, even if they are full. If they are outside or near a door, they may float away. If they are contained within the building, they may spill and contaminate the building structure. If you have an above-ground tank, such as for new or used oil, make sure it is securely anchored to the building or ground. Keep spill cleanup materials on hand that are appropriate for both the amounts and kinds of materials and wastes
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE continued from pg. 5 the Special Election will have majority control of the Senate, which gives the winning party the authority to name all Committee Chairs and set the agenda for Senate action. Another Senator may be leaving office as well. Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is running for Congress in Minnesota’s First Congressional District. If she comes through the Primary and wins in the General Election, there will be another Special Election to fill that seat. Once again, control of the Minnesota Senate could be at stake in that Special Election. Adding to the election drama in Minnesota, both our United States Senate seats are being contested this fall. Incumbent Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith will face Republican
that may spill at your shop. You should already have the right cleanup materials around because they are part of your required emergency response planning. Did that sentence about emergency response planning catch your eye? If your shop generates hazardous waste (and it probably does), you are required to do emergency response planning. The MPCA provides fact sheets with guidance based on your generator size. The fact sheets can be found by searching the MPCA website (www.pca.state.mn.us) for “emergency planning.” If you’ve already done your emergency response planning, take the time to double-check that you’ve considered flood response. If you experience a flood and spill-contaminated flood waters leave your building, notify the Minnesota Duty Officer at (651) 649-5451 or (800) 422-0798. The duty officer is part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and will work to coordinate the necessary state and local resources to help with cleanup. You don’t have to report spills that are contained by your building or secondary containment, or petroleum spills of five gallons or less. All other spills should be reported. You can never be fully prepared for a disaster, but you can minimize the risks to yourself, your employees, your business and your community. A little preparation can go a long way toward a faster recovery. challengers who will be determined in the Primary Election. It is very unusual to have both Senate seats up for election in the same cycle. Senator Smith, who was appointed to fill Senator Franken’s seat when he resigned, must run to win the right to serve out the remainder of his term. Senator Smith or the Republican who comes through the Primary would then have to stand for re-election again in two years’ time. I encourage every AASP-MN member to follow their local elections and look for opportunities to meet with candidates. If you have the occasion to visit with anyone, from State Representative to U.S. Senator, please contact the association to let us know who you were in contact with and what kind of response you received. In every case, we will follow up.
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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Assuring Business Success by Hiring the Right People AASP-MN’s Auto Employee Assessment System, offered in conjunction with Assessment Associates International (AAI), will help AASP-MN members identify employees that not only have the technical skills for the job, but also good motivation, work habits and people skills.
How does it work? Job candidates complete one of two questionnaires: • Service Advisor/Estimator • Technician - including mechanical, body or painter Candidates are assessed on motivation, attitude, dependability, initiative and other "soft skills." Assessments are completed over the internet, at any time of day or night and results are emailed to the employer within minutes of questionnaire completion. Scores are presented comparing the candidate to current, successful AASP-MN member employees. Shops use the information to identify candidates that are a good fit with their work environment.
AASP-MN has validated these assessment tools, demonstrating their accuracy, fairness and legal defensibility.
Why use it? • Enhanced employee effectiveness and fit with your work environment. • More good hires and less turnover. • Immediate results - a better bottom line for your shop. • Objective, valid and defensible hiring tool. • It's affordable! AASP-MN member pricing is 50 percent off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment.
Here's how: Contact Assessment Associates International at (952) 8546551. For additional information about this or other AASP-MN member benefit programs, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
JULY 2018
Osceola Auto Body Osceola, WI
LIKE AASP-MN ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/aaspmn
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AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE AmeriTrust Group (formerly 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, 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. 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.
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LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call. WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your website, payper-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! Net Driven Contact: Rich Mullen 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.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. TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit.
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 ronald.page@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars. CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments. SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. (CHESS) Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance.
PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll Contact: Mitchell1 Representative products and services (excluding 401k). Members 888-724-6742 x 6986 who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on of payroll processing free. Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer BUSINESS COACHING 180biz Service at 888-724-6742, ext. 6986. 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Mitchell International Website: www.180biz.com Contact: Mitchell International Representative Members receive a 20-percent discount on one-on800-238-9111 one sales and management coaching programs AASP members receive a 15% discount on any (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit marketing, leadership and personnel development) repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM without long-term commitments. Members also Repair.aspx for more information. receive a 25% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20-percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.
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