‘Tis the Season: For Legislator Shop Tours

Why AASP-MN members lead tours

Following the recent redrawing of legislative districts (occurring every 10 years), many incumbent lawmakers chose to retire rather than run for reelection in a new district. This spike in legislative retirements resulted in many fresh faces running for and being elected to office in 2022. Nearly 30 percent of legislators were freshmen during the 2023 legislative session. They took a leading role as chief authors of important bills, with some even serving as vice-chairs of various committees. There was no shortage of bills introduced, with the final amount totaling 3,300 (2,000 is the approximate average). With single party control, a record number of bills were passed into law, many of significant consequence.

While legislators largely took a break after a long session, in-district events and appearances have picked up again. Given this context, now is the time to connect with your elected officials to set up shop tours and begin developing personal connections with elected officials in your area. Legislators, long-time incumbents and freshmen alike, will be anxious to hit the ground running

by Sam Richie & Shannon K. Mitchell, AASP-MN Lobbyists

in the 2024 legislative session, a session that will focus on policy as opposed to the budget setting year that just concluded.

As legislators look to champion impactful legislation, they source ideas from their constituents to decide which legislative solutions are most needed. This is a prime opportunity for shop owners to showcase the amazing work occurring, while highlighting the challenges and obstacles. It is also critical that AASP-MN continue to build relationships with legislators who lead key committees that were developed during the 2023 legislative session.

What tours look like

Shop tours are an opportunity for AASP-MN members to showcase their businesses, including highlighting unique challenges. They also serve as a critical pathway for introducing legislators to the variety of issues AASP-MN members face as well as framing potential solutions.

continued on pg. 18

AWAIR Program Required in Minnesota

All automotive repair facilities in Minnesota are required to have A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program. The Minnesota legislature has also added a requirement for a safety committee to any company that needs an AWAIR program. Any auto repair facility in Minnesota that does not have a current AWAIR program could be cited, and the penalties have increased substantially.

AASP-MN, in conjunction with its partner, Complete Health Environmental & Safety Services (CHESS), has developed “Creating an AWAIR Program for Your Shop.” This online webinar helps members understand the components of an AWAIR program and helps them create an AWAIR program for their own facility. The cost for the webinar is $100 and it includes a 20-minute phone consultation with a representative from CHESS to review the program you draft for your company.

To take the “Creating an AWAIR Program for Your Shop” webinar, log on to elearning.autoserviceproviders. com/index.

AASP-MN Offering FREE “Attracting & Retaining Employees with Employee Benefits” Webinar

Do you have the “tools for success” when it comes to attracting

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.

Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox at carcareers.org/ motor-mouth. Get out and get active in your local community promoting industry careers!

and retaining employees?

Not sure?

Then join us on Tuesday, August 22 from 11-11:30 am to find out!

AASP-MN Associate Member

Genevieve Frazier of Maguire Agency will present for this brief webinar covering:

• Attracting and retaining employees using new types of medical insurance to save premium dollars.

• Benchmarking your current plan to ensure you are competitive in today’s labor market.

• Using non-traditional benefit offerings to attract and retain key talent.

Get your ticket to attend this informative session at: eventbrite. com/e/attracting-retainingemployees-with-employeebenefits-webinar-tickets650989124997?aff=oddtdtcreator

AASP-MN to Host Night Out with the St. Paul Saints

AASP-MN is pleased to announce it will host a night out with the St. Paul Saints, Tuesday, September 19. The game begins at 6:30pm at CHS Field and will feature the St. Paul Saints vs. the Toledo Mud Hens. Prior to the game, AASP-MN members, Carl and Angie Thomas of Lancer Service in St. Paul, will host a tailgate party for those who attend.

“This event is a great way to get AASP-MN members, their employees and families together in a fun and relaxing setting,” said AASP-MN Executive Director Linden Wicklund.

This event is sponsored in part by the following AASP-MN yearlong sponsors: 3M Automotive Trades Division, Accelerated Vehicle Technologies, Aramark, Auto Value Parts Stores/APH, Axalta Coating Systems, CBIZ, Colonial Life, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, FinishMaster, Heartman Insurance, LKQ-Minnesota, Lube-Tech, NCS/Single Source, O’Reilly Auto Parts, PPG Automotive Finishes, SherwinWilliams, Shop Monkey, Suburban GM Parts, Sunbelt Business Advisors and United Fire Group.

For additional information see page 11, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or 800-852-9071 or visit aaspmn.org

2023 Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA

Fall Golf Event Announced

The Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee invites golfers and sponsors to Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, Wednesday, September 20 for a fun-filled day of golf and networking. All proceeds from the event go toward scholarships for future technicians, equipment for technical colleges and other collision industry training needs in Minnesota. The event includes a four-person scramble, grilled dinner and awards reception following the 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, icargolf. com

For more information, contact tournament director Jamison Randall at jrandall@latuffbrothers.com or (651) 796-8003.

Thank you 2023 Year-Long Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

LKQ Minnesota

Lube-Tech

Gold Sponsors

3M

AASP National

Auto Value / Benco

CBIZ

FinishMaster

NCS / Single Source

ShopMonkey

Silver Sponsors

Accelerated Vehicle Technology

Aramark

Axalta Coating Systems

Colonial Life

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Heartman Insurance

O’Reilly Auto Parts

PPG Automotive Refinishes

Sherwin-Williams

Suburban GM Parts

Sunbelt Business Advisors

United Fire Group

Bronze Sponsor aaa Auto Parts

C.H.E.S.S.

Dentsmart PDR

Radco