AASP-MN News September 2015

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September 2015

PLUS: R.O. Writer™ User Training Camp Registration www.grecopublishing.com

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CONTENTS AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 • Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover image © www.istockphoto.com.

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS

Vol. 23 No. 9

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE....................................................................6 Tried to Hire Lately?

by Tom Gleason, AASP-MN President LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7 AASP-MN Continues Dialogue with MPCA on Air Permits

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

2015 - 2016

LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8 PRESIDENT Tom Gleason IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele SECRETARY-TREASURER Greg Kasel, AAM COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jim Siegfried, AAM MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Wayne Watson ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin COLLISION SEATS Joyce Weinhandl Will Latuff

NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................10 INSURANCE I.Q. ............................................................................12 Fire Extinguishers: When Was the Last Time You Paid Them Any Attention?

by Coleman P. Brown III D.E.G. ESTIMATING TIPS ..................................................................19 AASP-MN TWO-DAY R.O. WRITER™ USER TRAINING CAMP ......................20 PARTNERS IN PREVENTION................................................................23 About the New Air Permit F.Y.I. ..........................................................................................25 CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................26 AASP-MN/Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Legal Services Program

MECHANICAL SEAT Mars Overlee UPCOMING EVENTS

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver

September 30 & October 1, 2015 R.O. Writer™ User Training Camp Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis

April 14, 2016 2016 Leadership Conference Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis

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

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

aaa Auto Parts ............................................................24 AmeriPride ................................................................13 Assessment Associates Internatonal ..........................7 Axalta Coating Systems..............................................OBC Buerkle Hyundai ........................................................16 CBIZ ..........................................................................IFC Choice Auto Rentals ..................................................16 Dentsmart ..................................................................6 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ............................3 Jack McClard ............................................................3 Keystone ....................................................................4 Lowell’s PCE ..............................................................23 Maplewood Toyota ....................................................22 Meadowbrook Insurance ............................................IFC

Mercedes Benz of Maplewood....................................25 Mills Parts Center ......................................................18 Morrie’s ....................................................................9 Motorwerks BMW ......................................................IBC Motorwerks Mini........................................................IBC MPA..................................................................................................14-15 Pam’s Auto ................................................................20 Proven Force..............................................................22 Rosedale Chevrolet ....................................................18 Roseville Chrysler ......................................................18 Straight & Square ......................................................4 Thexton Manufacturing ..............................................20 Toyota Group..............................................................11 UFG............................................................................IFC

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Tried to Hire Lately?

by Tom Gleason AASP-MN President

I hope summer has been going well for you and that you have been able to get away for a vacation, or are planning to. We all need a break to take a breath of fresh air from time to time.

I have been struggling trying to hire a new tech. I haven’t had to hire one in 13 years and I found out that it’s a new world out there. Those of you that have been hiring (or have been trying to) already know this. It’s not just our industry, but all of the trades.

Some construction companies have invited their retirees back for the summer and fall with no pension penalties and all the hours they want.

People are not looking at the trades as a career anymore. Do we just shrug our shoulders, say, “That’s just the way it is,” and tell our children to take a different path? To do something else and stay out of the family business? I hope not. We better think about this seriously and do something. It won’t get better on its own.

At the last Association strategic planning session held in 2014, we identified this as an area that we needed to address. Late last year, AASP-MN facilitated the formation of an industry task force dubbed MNCARS – Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service. This group is made up of a cross section of the industry, including educators, shop owners, suppliers, insurers, dealers and other industry groups. MNCARS is working to develop a marketing campaign to make people aware of the career opportunities available in our industry. But we all must get involved at whatever level we can to encourage young people to consider our industry as a career.

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I feel strongly that the starting wage is a factor that will cause people to look elsewhere when considering our industry as a career. In talking with an electrician friend, he told me about their union apprenticeship program. It entails working four days a week and going to school one day a week. After you complete the five-year program, the starting wage is $38.50 an hour, plus benefits. Most electricians can carry the tools they need in a five-gallon bucket.

Contrast that with the automotive industry. Information from several surveys I found show the average automotive technician wage to be $16 to $19 across the country.

And if an auto technician made a starting investment of $10,000 in tools, it would only be a good start. That total, in a very short time, can easily reach $40,000 to $50,000. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

I know techs can, and do, make good money in this industry, but it’s hard to gain interest if the entry-level pay is low. Once hired, we spend considerable money training and keeping techs up-to-date on new technology, only to lose them to the greener grass across the fence. A higher wage will go a long way to help retain employees.

There are many career opportunities for young people today.

If we can, first of all, get people to look at the trades as a career, which ones are they most apt to consider? Money is not everything, but as a whole, our industry has a low starting wage. If we don’t change it, no one will.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

AASP-MN Continues Dialogue with MPCA on Air Permits Last month, AASP-MN Executive Director Judell Anderson and Environmental Consultants Carol Keyes and Janet Keyes met with MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) officials to discuss the ever-changing background against which repair shops need to secure and maintain air permits.

The biggest concern exists for auto repair shops that don’t hold a current permit. Shops which currently hold a registration permit should continue those practices prescribed under their current permit.

The concern exists for shops that do not have permits but are now required to obtain one. The MPCA is administering federal EPA air permit standards that are becoming more stringent.

Among the issues that were explored

in our recent meeting at the MPCA are the following: • What level of emissions constitutes “insignificant activity?”

• What assumptions will be built into the “worst case scenario” potential-to-emit calculations used to determine air permitting requirements?

An important issue which emerged from the discussion was the benefit of switching to products with low levels of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) so that “as sprayed” material used in calculating the worst case scenario for emissions produces a lower-quantity result for permitting purposes.

Another issue to be addressed is the extent to which enforcement actions might

AASP-MN News

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

be pursued against shops that are currently without a permit – and are therefore out of compliance. AASP-MN made the point that aggressive enforcement action will serve as a deterrent to compliance for those who need to obtain a permit.

MPCA officials indicated that enforcement would only be pursued on a case-by-case basis on the merits of each situation.

There is considerable work that remains to be done to clarify the air permitting process for repair shops that do not currently hold permits. While this work continues, all shops are advised to maintain their current permits and stay tuned for more information from the AASPMN/MPCA meetings.

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LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN’S NIGHT OUT WITH THE ST. PAUL SAINTS A HIT – LITERALLY!

One hundred and forty seven people represented AASP-MN at the St. Paul Saints game, Wednesday, August 5 at CHS Field in St. Paul. The group cheered the Saints on to a 6-0 victory over the Lincoln Salt Dogs. AASP-MN members nearly witnessed history as Pitcher Robert Coe carried a perfect game into the seventh inning and a no-hitter into the eighth. Coe finished the night

Association members in attendence watched Robert Coe pitch a no-hitter into the eighth inning. with a complete game, one-hit shutout as the Saints improved to 53-16 for the season.

AASP-MN member, Carl Thomas, of Lancer Service Auto Care, St. Paul, hosted a tailgate party prior to the game and provided free parking for those that attended. “The event was a great way to get fellow AASP-MN members and their families together for a night of fun and relaxation,” said Executive Director, Judell Anderson. “It was a hit!”

ON-THE-AIR AND ONLINE, PROMOTING OUR PARTICIPATING MEMBER SHOPS AND 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 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 community. The program, now in its seventh year, has reached millions of people.

This year’s campaign kicked off in April with commercials running on-air and streaming online on KQRS-FM, 92.5 FM. The ads can be heard Friday-Monday through August.

Beginning in July through mid-October, the commercials run on-air and streaming on KTCZ 97.1 FM and KQQL 107.9 FM. Those ads can be heard on weekday evenings and weekends.

The campaign also includes Pandora Internet Radio for members in Greater Minnesota.

The six-month campaign will reach over a million adults, ages 25-54. Each participating shop and location is mentioned over 175 times during the course of the campaign.

Shops participating in the Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro advertising campaign can be found on its website, www.auto repairpro.net.

For more information about the Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro advertising campaign, contact the AASPMN office at 612-623-1110 or visit www.aaspmn.org.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE: A MEMBER SUPPORT RECOGNITION PROGRAM

The “Winners’ Circle” program was designed to recognize members who actively participate in AASP-MN programs and activities. Members who earn 100 participation points during 2015 will be rewarded with a free AASP-MN-sponsored seminar for their efforts.

Start earning points today!

25 Points • Serve on an Advisory Committee • Each new member recruited

Fans from Wipers and Wipes, (l to r) Dennis Julson, Ann Seargant and Robin and Mark Beckman were in attendance to cheer on the Saints.

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20 Points • Participate in an AASP-MN preferred provider benefit program (each) • Attend and/or sponsor the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention, April 15-17 • Participate in the Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro campaign • Participate in the Race For Automotive Education, January 13 & 14 • Advertise in AASP-MN News 10 Points • Attend the 21st Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing, June 16.

• Attend any AASP-MN training seminar, meeting, Body Shop Session or Mech XChange (convention seminars not included) AASP-MN News

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In 2014, 33 member companies achieved Winners’ Circle status. Take advantage of all that the Association has to offer and join their ranks today!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 SPONSORS

In 2015, AASP-MN received sponsorship support from its Associate members and other industry vendors to help support the Association’s educational programming and other activities. Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable. The following companies have made sponsorship commitments:

Gold Sponsors Autoshop Solutions 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 Program Sponsors 3M AASP National 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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NATIONAL NEWS

CREDIT CARD FRAUD LIABILITY SHIFTING FROM BANKS TO RETAILERS

Credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard, along with the banking industry, are poised to shift credit card fraud liability from card-issuing banks to retailers who choose not to make the shift to Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) chip technology by October 1. According to the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), the chip technology is meant to provide greater security for consumers as it cannot be duplicated by criminals like a magnetic stripe card can, and it creates a unique code for each individual transaction. In order to incentivize the switchover, retailers who have not made the transition to the more secure systems by October will be liable for all fraudulent credit card transactions carried out at their place of business.

The new liability rules may vary by credit card issuer, but even with the fraudulent use of lost and stolen chip cards that require entering a personal identification number (PIN), the retailer will be responsible if the transaction is processed on a card reader that only takes magnetic strip cards or on a chip reader that does not take PINs. If you are unsure how this affects you, you are invited to contact Mac Hardin at 952-933-2026 or mach@midwest hardware.com. Mac oversees AASP-MN’s bankcard program and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping members administer this part of their business.

SENATORS INTRODUCE VEHICLE CYBERSECURITY AND DATA PRIVACY BILL

On July 21, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) introduced the Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2015, or the SPY Car Act of 2015 (S. 1806). The bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to work in tandem to develop standards for data privacy and communicating data collection to consumers. Additionally, automakers would be required to meet any cybersecurity standards created by the agencies to protect against hacking and limit the access to drivers’ personal information.

The SPY Car Act would require automakers to adhere to new data security standards by putting in place “reasonable measures” to keep data secure when being stored on the vehicle, in off-board storage, or in the transition of data communication from one location to another. These measures would also be communicated to vehicle owners or lessees through a new “cyber dashboard” included on the information labels for all new motor vehicles.

When it comes to data collection and use, the legislation outlines that consumers would have ultimate control over their data and must be provided with clear and transparent notifications of all data collection. Consumers must also be allowed to deny data collection without the loss of functionality of things like navigation tools; plus, the data collected cannot be used for marketing 10 September 2015

or advertising unless the owner or lessee gives expressed permission to do so.

Automakers are opposed to the bill, saying that they should offer any standards for data collection, use, privacy and security voluntarily. In 2014, the vehicle manufacturers developed voluntary data guidelines, but many legislators believe that these measures do not go far enough to protect consumers.

Currently, the SPY Car Act has only the two cosponsors and no companion bill in the House of Representatives. The Senate is looking to act soon on broader cybersecurity issues, and this may be discussed as part that legislative effort.

I-CAR LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ROLE

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, announced the launch of its new Production Management curriculum that provides end-to-end instruction designed to drive bottom-line improvements in productivity and profitability throughout the collision-repair process. Available beginning in August of this year, Production Management will be part of I-CAR’s Professional Development Program (PDP), filling an important curriculum placeholder that was planned when the PDP was launched in 2010.

The new role and curriculum, which goes beyond technical training, was developed using direct industry input, collaborating with production managers, shop owners and experts from the collision repair industry. It provides insight into critical issues and multiple areas of the shop floor, while enhancing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling participants to quickly address complex problems shop personnel face in collision-repair production.

Courses launching in August mark the debut of the ProLevel 1 pathway for the role within I-CAR’s industry-recognized PDP. Additional courses are under development for subsequent ProLevels as students progress through the curriculum. This role introduces the idea of pre-requisites to the PDP, as each course in the Production Management role must be taken sequentially, thereby minimizing course-to-course redundancy and maximizing learning effectiveness.

Production Management Role courses include: • Learning Culture Overview (PM101E01) • Before the Repair Starts (PM105E01) • Matching the Repair to the Team (PM110V01) • Workflow Essentials (PM115E01) • Synchronizing Workflow through Team Communication (PM120L01) • Problem Solving for Workflow Changes (PM125V01) • Quality Is Your Business (PM130E01) • Optimizing Processes, Equipment and Compliance (PM135E01) • Developing the Team and the Business (PM140V01) • Refining the Team and the Business (PM145L01)

Students will be able to review detailed information, register for classes and track their training progress for the Production Management curriculum online at www.I-CAR.com.

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INSURANCE I.Q.

by Coleman P. Brown III

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: When Was the Last Time You Paid Them Any Attention?

When it comes to fire extinguishers in the United States, there are two major standards that are used.

The first is from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1910.157 – Portable Fire Extinguishers – and applies to the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. This standard goes along with OSHA Standard 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans and 1910.39 Fire Prevention Plans. These standards can be found on the OSHA website (www.OSHA.gov).

The second is from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10 and covers the installation as well as the selection, inspection, maintenance, recharging and testing of portable fire extinguishing equipment, including a list of obsolete fire extinguishers that should be removed from service.

This article will cover obsolete fire extinguishers, classes of fire extinguisher, requirements of placement, testing/inspecting and use.

Obsolete Fire Extinguishers: To ensure the fire extinguishers are reliable, it is important to ensure they are inspected and that obsolete extinguishers are replaced. The following fire extinguishers are considered obsolete and should be removed from service. The manufacturing, use and testing of inverted type fire extinguishers were discontinued. The “upside-down” or inverted method of actuation extinguishers are difficult to use, and after 10 to 12 years in service, many failed the required pressure test and were considered unsafe to use.

These failures have seriously injured the operator.

These obsolete extinguishers are: • Soda Acid • Vaporizing liquid (e.g., carbon tetrachloride) • Cartridge-operated water • Chemical foam (excluding film-forming agents) • Cartridge-operated loaded stream • Carbon dioxide extinguishers with metal horns • Copper or brass shell (excluding pump tanks) joined by soft solder or rivets • Pressurized water fire extinguishers manufactured prior to 1971 • Any fire extinguisher that needs to be inverted to operate • Any stored pressure extinguisher manufactured prior to 1955 • Solid charge-type AFFF extinguishers (paper cartridge)

Some disadvantages include: • They are good conductors of electricity • They cannot be turned off once actuated • The extinguishing agent is more corrosive than plain water • Inspection, maintenance and recharging is more costly • They are potentially dangerous to the operator during use

Local authorities, as well as National Fire Protection Codes, no longer provide credit or recognize fire extinguishers of these types.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and/or approved fire extinguishers are currently available for replacement of all obsolete type extinguishers.

NFPA also states under NFPA 10 that, “Any fire extinguisher that can no longer be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s maintenance manual is considered obsolete and shall be removed from service.” General Fire Extinguisher brand name, Amerex, in 2001, their Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing was pulled and is now considered obsolete.

Classifications of Fire Extinguishers: There are five common types of fires and associated classes of extinguishers.

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Class A – Combustible Materials Class B – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Class C – Energized Electrical Equipment Class D – Combustible Metals Class K – Combustible cooking media (oils)

The most common type of fire extinguisher is the dry chemical 40lb class ABC fire extinguishers which cover A, B and C type hazard fires.

LET US TURN THEM AROUND!

Requirement for Placement: According to OSHA 1910.157 (Class A-type hazards), a fire extinguisher shall be placed within a travel distance of 75 feet.

Class B hazards fire extinguishers shall be placed within a travel distance of 50 feet. Class C and D hazards fire extinguishers shall be within 75 feet of the hazard area. Since most fire extinguishers are a Class ABC extinguisher, most are placed at least 75 feet apart and are normally located near an exit. In kitchens or metal shops, the fire extinguisher shall be located in the immediate area of the hazard.

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Contact AASP-MN News Sales Director Alicia Figurelli

973.667.6922 / ALICIA@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM AASP-MN News

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INSURANCE I.Q. continued from pg. 13

Service and Inspection: All fire extinguishers should be tested and inspected by an authorized fire extinguisher servicing company annually. They will conduct the test and inspection and place a tag on the extinguisher. On the back of the tag there are 12 check boxes for the monthly inspection that should be conducted by the facility’s maintenance or designated person to ensure the extinguisher is in good condition.

The monthly inspection includes the following: • properly placed and hung in designated area; • not blocked and is accessible; • operating instructions are legible; • any seals or tamper indicators are not broken, missing or in need of replacement; • pressure gauge or indicating device, if provided, are in the operable range or position; and • there is no evidence of corrosion or physical damage.

Use of a Fire Extinguisher: Once a fire is identified, the most important step is to evacuate all occupants immediately by sounding the alarm. Then, notify the fire department by calling 911. Contain the fire by shutting doors or putting a lid on the fire. If the fire is still in the incipient stage or small, then you can extinguish it with the fire extinguisher. Remember the term RACE. To operate an extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS: Pull the Pin Aim nozzle to the bottom of the fire Squeeze the handle and test to ensure agent Squeeze and Sweep from side to side

If there are any deficiencies, the fire extinguisher should be removed from service and replaced immediately. Once the inspection is completed, the tag should be marked with the date of inspection and the initials of the person completing the inspection.

SAVE THE DATE! AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference

Thursday, April 14, 2016 Ramada Plaza 1330 Industrial Blvd.

Minneapolis, MN

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ESTIMATING TIPS • Labor Prompts in CCC – Labor prompts need to be setup for Edging, Underside, Inside, Bumper Refinish, Aim Lamps and Evacuate/Recharge in CCC ONE. These prompts can be displayed when writing an estimate and you set the “default” in the profile section. Go to Configure, Profiles, Select your profile and then click Labor Prompts. This must be done for each profile in your system.

• Mixing Paint – It is important to know which processes are included (and more importantly, not-included) in your specific estimating system.

The Audatex refinish allowance accounts for mixing the color for the factory paint code and one tint cycle to match the paint on the vehicle. See inquiry 8089.

Mitchell includes “mix materials” in their refinish procedure, but “color match or tinting” is not included. See inquiry 8092.

CCC includes retrieving accurate color information, including paint chip, and the mixing of additives (ex: thinner/reducer/hardener etc.) to the premixed color; this is referred to as “mix paint.” Test spray-out panel and tinting to achieve color match is not included in Motor Crash Estimating Data refinish allowance. Mixing Systems enable refinishers to mix the desired color by combining paint toners; this formulation of color is not included. See inquiry 4486.

• P-pages – Estimate guides or P-pages are a critical part of the estimate process. Each guide shows included and not included items but also key information for refinishing and common labor options like color sand and buff. A current copy of all three estimating system’s P-Pages can be found on the DEG website. It’s important to know the P-Pages for your system but it’s just as important to know the P-pages for a system you do not have. CCC has new additions or changes in blue text and Audatex creates a strikethrough for changed text. Remember to utilize the RACE guide for used parts in CCC and the Recycled column in Audatex.

• When replacing an LKQ quarter panel in CCC the labor time is for more than just the outer skin unless noted with a footnote. As seen in DEG inquiry 4817.

“Please note that replacing the OEM quarter panel and replacing a LKQ quarter assembly are “apples and oranges” comparisons. According to the MOTOR Recycled Assemblies Guide To Estimating, page G29, “Assembly is serviced with quarter outer panel, quarter inner structure, wheelhouse, lock pillar and extensions.” According to the OEM GTE, Page G22, “Quarter panel R&R times are generally based upon replacement at the factory seams.”

If replacing an LKQ part in CCC the RACE Guide from Motor should be utilized. This guide can be found on the DEG website.

• The labor for “bagging” or “car cover” is an included operation with Audatex refinish but, as seen on page 180 of the Audatex PPages, the estimate preparer decides what is, or is not included with the paint materials. Having a paint materials list displayed in your facility could be a useful tool when negotiating what is or is not included.

View these and other estimate tips at www.degweb.org/estimate-tips.

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$295 member/$395 non-member + $150 for each additional person from same company

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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION

About That New Air Permit You may have received or heard about a letter the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sent out in April about a new type of air permit. First and foremost, you do not need the new air permit if your shop already has an air permit from the MPCA. Shops that got the letter don’t necessarily need an air permit, but they were the MPCA’s best guess about who would want to know that the new air permit is available – shops with hazardous waste licenses that don’t have an air permit.

State and federal regulations require most shops to get air permits because regulated pollutants are released into the air during painting. The new air permit was needed because of policy changes at the MPCA and EPA in recent years.

If you don’t have an air permit, you will have to evaluate your painting operations to figure out which permit to get. First, gather records of the amount of paint, thinners and reducers your shop has purchased. Your suppliers should be able to provide purchase records.

If you purchase less than 100 gallons of coatings each year, then your shop might be eligible for a registration air permit. The MPCA’s Small Business Assistance Program can answer questions about registration air permits at 651-2826143 or 800-657-3938.

If you purchase more than 100 gallons of coatings each year, then your shop will probably need the new air permit. Because the new air permit is more complicated than the registration air permit, most shops applying for it will need to work with a consultant. Environmental regulations vary from state to state, so hire a consultant who is knowledgeable about Minnesota air permits. A consultant can help you figure out which permit to get, put together permit application materials, and work out a plan for implementing the permit requirements at your shop.

Regardless of which air permit your shop applies for, you will have to gather additional information from your equipment and paint vendors such as spray gun capacity and MSDSs. You will need information on other sources of air pollution at your shop, too, such as the BTU/hour rating of space heaters, boilers and ovens and the amount of heating fuel used.

The MPCA’s goal is to make sure facilities follow the rules that keep air clean. For that reason, the MPCA is giving shops that need the new air permit about a year to apply for it. The MPCA will not fine shops that submit a complete application for the new air permit before April 30, 2016. If you

have any questions about this, you can contact Sarah Kilgriff at the MPCA at 651-757-2492.

An important thing to remember: If you are thinking about opening a new location, you can almost always qualify for a registration air permit if you make sure to apply before opening. After you open for business, the new type of air permit will most likely be required. When you buy an existing body shop, work with the owner to have their air permit transferred to you. Otherwise the new type of air permit will be required.

You can find answers to common questions about the new air permit, how to apply, and which forms to use on the MPCA website at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/qr994ur.

Again, if your shop already has an air permit, all you need to do is continue to comply with the permit you have.

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F.Y.I.

Courtesy of the Lang Aftermarket iReport www.langmarketing.com

Average Age of US Light Vehicles Has Risen to 11.5 Years IHS Automotive announced that the combined average age of all light vehicles on the road in the US has climbed slightly to 11.5 years, based on a snapshot of vehicles in operation (VIO) taken on January 1 of this year.

Registrations for light VIO in the US also reached a record level of 257,900,000. That’s an increase of more than 5.3 million (2.1 percent) since last year and the highest annual increase the auto industry has seen in the US since IHS

began tracking VIO growth. New vehicle registrations also outpaced scrappage by more than 42 percent – the highest rate seen since the statistic has been tracked, according to the analysis. Scrappage is defined by a vehicle being taken out of the fleet and no longer in use.

Average age for both passenger cars and light trucks increased just slightly in 2015, and both now stand at 11.5 years.

Electric Vehicle Sales Beatdown High mpg internal combustion engine (gas and diesel) car and light truck sales in the US are climbing at a faster pace than sales of new electric light vehicles (hybrids and electrics). Diesel and high mpg gas engine car and light truck 2014 sales soared more than 22 percent. In sharp contrast, electric light vehicle (HEV and PEV) US 2014 combined sales fell five percent.

Fuel-efficient internal combustion engines (diesel and gas) are setting sales growth curves greatly exceeding those of hybrids and electrics, many of which do not offer significantly greater operating efficiency and often have much higher price tags than diesel and gas high mpg cars and light trucks.

Domestic Aftermarket Smaller But Hotter Domestic nameplate car and light truck aftermarket competition is getting hotter, despite the shrinking share and size of the domestic nameplate aftermarket in the US. With foreign nameplates generating virtually all light vehicle aftermarket product growth over the next five years, domestic car and light truck product share and volume will continue to diminish. Nevertheless, competition in the shrinking domestic market sector is intensifying at the installer, wholesale, retail and brand levels. • Installer market competition is increasing in the domestic nameplate sector as dealers that lost their

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franchises convert to used car operations with bays. Most of these converting dealers are domestic car and light truck dealers that will continue to primarily repair domestic nameplates.

• Growing commercial sales of retail auto parts stores are increasing wholesale product competition in the domestic nameplate DIFM market, even as that segment of the aftermarket declines in product share and volume.

• Growing Internet sales are expanding most rapidly in the DIY

market, which has nearly threequarters of its volume represented by domestic nameplate cars and light trucks. This will increase domestic nameplate DIY competition.

• Growing Private Label volume is intensifying domestic nameplate brand competition, since Private Labels disproportionately are used, especially by DIFM outlets, in the repair and maintenance of domestic nameplate cars and light trucks.

Check out the new & improved AASP-MN website at

www.aaspmn.org!

AASP News

Welcome New Members:

AUGUST 2015 Blue Net, Inc. Eagan Honest-1 Auto Care Roseville & Falcon Heights Jon’s Auto Repair St. Louis Park Winter Repair Holdingford

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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

AASP-MN/Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Law Firm Legal Services Program The Fryberger law firm provides a full range of legal services, with 24 attorneys practicing in areas of specialization. The firm’s home office is in Duluth, MN, and it also has satellite offices in St. Paul and Superior, WI. Here’s how the program works…

• Calls can be placed via the firm’s toll-free number at 800-496-6789.

• AASP-MN members must identify themselves as such and indicate that they are calling for a consultation under the AASP-MN Legal Services Program.

Members should be prepared to articulate the facts underlying their legal question.

• The call will be referred to an attorney or paralegal that specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.

• Initial consultation and advice (not to exceed a half hour of legal services) will be provided at no charge.

• If the issue cannot be resolved in the initial

consultation and additional research or legal action is required, the member may elect to engage the services of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick. The firm will charge reasonable fees for such services.

AASP-MN is pleased to offer this valuable benefit to its members. During the course of a day’s business, members come across relatively simple legal questions that, with access to affordable and appropriate expertise, are easily resolved. This program is designed to facilitate that process.

For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612623-1110 or 800-852-9071 or email aasp@aaspmn.org.

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.

26 September 2015

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 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.

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

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

PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). Members who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month of payroll processing free.

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

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

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

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

LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.

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AASP-MN News

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