AASP-MN News October 2017

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October 2017

PLUS: •MN Student Earns Gold at SkillsUSA Nationals 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. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. © 2017 All rights reserved. Cover image © www.istockphoto.com.

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

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS

Vol. 25 No. 10

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ............................................4 Finding Your Niche

by Carl Thomas, AASP-MN Mechanical Division Director

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE........................................................................5 Governor-Legislature Battle it Out at Supreme Court

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

2017 - 2018

LOCAL NEWS..................................................................................6 PRESIDENT Wayne Watson

MEMBER XCHANGE REGISTRATION FORM ..............................................8

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Greg Kasel, AAM

BODY SHOP SESSION REGISTRATION FORM ............................................8

SECRETARY-TREASURER Will Latuff

NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................9

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Bruce Tschida, AAM

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION ................................................................11 MPCA to Launch Vehicle Emission Tampering Prevention Program

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Carl Thomas

DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ......................................................................13

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Dave Bock

INSURANCE I.Q. ..............................................................................15 Why Do I Need Employment Practice Liability Insurance?

COLLISION SEAT Matthew Feehan

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ........................................................22 AASP-MN and Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Law Firm Legal Services Program

MECHANICAL SEATS Randy Notto, AAM Mars Overlee

UPCOMING EVENTS

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury

January 9, 10, 11, 2018 Race for Automotive Education PRO KART INDOOR RACING 14350 Rosemount Drive Burnsville, MN 55306

April 5, 2018 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BLOOMINGTON 7800 Normandale Boulevard Bloomington, MN 55439

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 Kristen Dalli | kristen@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com www.grecopublishing.com

June 19, 2018 24th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing KELLER GOLF COURSE 2166 Maplewood Drive St Paul, MN 55109

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

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX American Honda Motor Co. ..............................OBC AmeriPride........................................................19 Axalta Coating Systems ....................................IFC Buerkle Hyundai................................................19 Choice Auto Rentals..........................................17 Dentsmart ........................................................13 FinishMaster ....................................................21 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota............14 Jack McClard....................................................16 Keystone ..........................................................10 Libson Twin City ..............................................14

AASP-MN News

Maplewood Toyota............................................18 Mills Parts Center ............................................4 Morrie’s ............................................................5 Motorwerks BMW ............................................IBC MPA..................................................................7 PAM’s Auto ......................................................21 Proven Force ....................................................10 Rosedale Chevrolet ..........................................16 Roseville Chrysler ............................................4 Straight & Square ............................................18 Toyota Group ....................................................20

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MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Finding Your Niche

by Carl Thomas AASP-MN Mechanical Division Director

The automotive repair industry is full of opportunity. We can specialize in certain makes, models, years, brands, etc. Most owners/managers (myself included) have minimal business education outside the school of hard knocks. While those with business-oriented minds tend to seek opportunity in new verticals, we stay very closely tied to the core of the business.

While this can provide an exceptional product, it limits our potential growth and, ultimately, our success.

I am by no means trained in the art of business. My shot at growth came from my passion for performance cars. In 2007, I

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combined that passion with a little luck and good timing and created a small business (CJTunes). The plan was simple: Maximize vehicle reliability and performance through aftermarket calibration and programming on latemodel GM performance and modified vehicles. We started in the same building our general service was performed. Over the last 10 years, tuning has grown into its own business that attracts five to seven customers a week, many that are new, and reaches into a completely different customer base. A large part of our success continued on pg. 21

AASP-MN News

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

SEPTEMBER 2017 Airlake Truck Body & Paint Lakeville Hansen Auto Service St. Bonifacius Mike’s Garage Faribault TGK Automotive Bloomington, Hugo, Maplewood

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Governor-Legislature Battle it Out at Supreme Court

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

Remember your high school Civics class (9th grade)? Or perhaps your U.S. Government class (10th grade)?

We all learned that both our state and federal constitution establish three equal branches of government: Executive, Legislative and Judicial.

So, what happens when the State Legislature passes a law that includes funding for legislative functions, and the Governor exercises his line-item veto authority (granted by the Constitution) to eliminate funding for the Legislature?

Doesn’t this tilt the scales and deny equal status for the Legislature? It sure would seem to on the face of it, and this is exactly the case that made its way from District Court to the State Supreme Court this summer.

And the Supreme Court held that the Governor’s exercise of his line-item veto authority was Constitutional!

Having affirmed the Governor’s constitutional right to exercise the line-item veto, the Court also cited a case which concluded that constitutional powers cannot be used to “accomplish an unconstitutional result.”

In a rather unusual twist, the Supreme Court did not remand the case back to District Court where the Governor’s action had

been deemed unconstitutional. Instead, it called on the parties to select a mediator to resolve the differences that led to the lineitem veto in the first place. The Governor and Legislative Leaders have come to an agreement on one thing: The mediator – a retired District Court judge who has considerable experience in dispute resolution. The judge must now take the parties back to the 2017 legislative issues that produced the conflict.

To say that the relationship between the Governor and the Legislature has been acrimonious is a dramatic understatement.

Compromise is a basic ingredient of a representative democracy, but it’s been abandoned by both parties. This is a by-product of the harsh tone and rhetoric we’ve seen play out in recent years. Our political parties have increasingly focused on negative campaigning – which seems to work – with the result being greater brinksmanship in the legislative process as parties play to their respective base of support on the left and right.

Having this all play out at the Supreme Court was both interesting and disappointing. We should all hope that a final resolution of this conflict will lead to more cooperation – but I’m not holding my breath.

AASP-MN News

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LOCAL NEWS MN Student Earns Gold at SkillsUSA National Contest Graduating from Ridgewater College (Willmar) in May was a huge milestone for Dylan Ahrndt of Danvers, MN, but even more exciting, just a month later, he became the SkillsUSA Automotive Collision Refinishing national champion at the National SkillsUSA Competition in Louisville, KY. SkillsUSA is the world’s largest showcase and competition of skilled trades, technical and service occupations for both high school and college students. More than 6,000 students compete in about 100 hands-on skills and leadership competitions.

“I was surprised when they said that I had won,” Ahrndt said, “but I did my best and was happy with how I did.”

Ridgewater Auto Body Collision Repair instructors Jim Wallace and Joe Wambeke have known Ahrndt is exceptional for a while.

Congratulations to Dylan Ahrndt (back row, center) for winning gold in the national SkillsUSA Automotive Refinishing Technology competition.

“He’s dedicated, hardworking and focused,” Wallace said.

“He goes above and beyond in whatever he does. You could tell there was something special.”

Although Ridgewater College has consistently done well at state and national SkillsUSA competitions, Wallace and Wambeke believe this is the first time Ridgewater has produced a national gold medal winner.

To earn his honor, Ahrndt demonstrated skills in four different challenge stations: He fixed a scratch on a bumper, took a written paint code test, mastered a color tinting challenge and performed a spot repair.

“Dylan has a very bright future,” Wallace said. “He’s going to make us proud.”

Ahrndt has been grateful for his experience at Ridgewater College. “Ridgewater has a great Auto Body program,” he said.

He commended the instructors for their commitment to students.

By winning the national Auto Body Refinishing competition, Ahrndt qualifies to compete at the international level. Although there is a world competition this fall, the USA team has already been chosen. Because the world competition only happens every 6 October 2017

two years, Ahrndt’s opportunity would be in 2019 in Russia.

Although he hasn’t decided for sure, Ahrndt’s instructors are ready to help make it happen.

“If he wants to do it, we’ll find a way,” Wambeke said. At least one sponsor has already inquired about helping make it happen. In the meantime, Ahrndt will continue working on his skills at his full-time job in Benson as he ponders the exciting possibilities.

AASP-MN Fall Programming Line-Up On October 10, AASP-MN will host a free OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation Workshop. The workshop, “Hazard Communication and MN Employee Right-to-Know for Auto Shops,” will be held at Lake Superior College in Duluth from 5:30 – 7:00pm. The session will cover mandatory requirements for Hazard Communication and Employee Right-to-Know (ERTK) programs and training applicable to the automotive industry. Attendees will also receive a template for developing written Hazard Communication and ERTK programs. The session is free, but pre-registration is required.

In response to member demand for more opportunities to connect and share knowledge and experiences with other members, AASP-MN has two peer-to-peer learning and networking events scheduled in October. Both sessions will be held at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in Roseville and are open to anyone in the collision or mechanical repair industry. Membership in AASPMN is not required to attend.

The first, a Body Shop Session, will be held on Thursday, October 19, from 11:00am – 1:00pm for the collision repair industry. The cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes lunch. This event is co-sponsored by C.H.E.S.S. and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The following week, on Tuesday, October 24, a Mech XChange will be held from 4:00 – 6:00pm for the mechanical repair industry. The cost to attend is $20 per person, which includes soft drinks and appetizers.

These sessions will feature the presentation, “Protect Your Business – Become ADA Compliant,” by David Fenley, ADA/Access Coordinator with the Minnesota Council on Disability. In response to the recent surge in lawsuits around the state targeting businesses for not removing physical access barriers as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fenley will present the ADA basics, the most common fixes and technical guidelines. Attendees will gain the tools and knowledge they need to meet all of the obligations under the ADA and building code and avoid lawsuits.

Participants will also receive a report on AASP-MN’s current initiatives and upcoming events and have the opportunity to network with industry peers.

For registration information, see page 8, or visit www.aaspmn.org.

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PLEASE JOIN

FOR...

Mech XChange

Body Shop Session

Tuesday, October 24 4:00pm - 6:00pm Grumpy’s Bar & Grill 2801 Snelling Ave., Roseville Hamline Room (lower level)

Thursday, October 19 11:00am – 1:00pm Grumpy’s Bar & Grill 2801 Snelling Ave., Roseville Fairlawn Room (lower level)

Avoid Being Sued and Increase Your Customer Base

Protect Your Business – Become ADA Compliant There has been a recent surge in lawsuits around the state targeting businesses for not removing physical access barriers as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A handful of AASP-MN members have been on the wrong end of these lawsuits. Attend this session to gain the tools and knowledge you need to meet all of your obligations under the ADA and building code. David Fenley, ADA/Access Coordinator with the Minnesota Council on Disability, will present the ADA basics, the most common fixes and technical guidelines and all the resources you will need to avoid lawsuits. Participants will also receive a report on AASP-MN’s current initiatives and upcoming events.

Body Shop Session Registration

$25.00 registration fee includes lunch. Please RSVP to aasp@aaspmn.org by Friday, October 13.

The Body Shop Session is open to all owners/managers of collision repair facilities in the area. You don’t have to be an AASP-MN member to attend. Please pass this information along to a shop colleague and invite them to attend. We look forward to seeing you at the Body Shop Session!

Name(s) of attendees: __________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ # of attendees: ___@ $25 ea................. = $ _________ Attend this Body Shop Session if you want to stay up-to-speed and offer input on local and national collision repair issues, events and activities.

Attend this Body Shop Session if you want to get to know, visit and share ideas with your colleagues in the industry.

Attend this Body Shop Session if you want to be on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the collision repair industry!

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Return with payment to: AASP-MN 1970 Oakcrest Ave. Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113

Cancellations must be received no later than 10/13/17 in order to qualify for a full refund.

After 10/13/17, no refunds will be issued and no-shows will be billed.

Mech XChange Registration

$20.00 registration fee include soft drinks and appetizers.

Please RSVP to aasp@aaspmn.org by Thursday, October 19.

Mech XChange is open to all owners/managers of mechanical repair shops in the area. You don’t have to be an AASP-MN member to attend. So, feel free to pass this information along to a shop colleague and invite them to attend. We look forward to seeing you at the Mech XChange!

Name(s) of attendees: __________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ # of attendees: ___@ $20 ea................. = $ _________ Attend Mech XChange if you want to stay up-to-speed and offer input on local and national mechanical repair issues, events and activities.

Attend Mech XChange if you want to get to know, visit and share ideas with your colleagues in the industry.

Attend Mech XChange if you want to be on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the mechanical repair industry!

AASP-MN News

Return with payment to: AASP-MN 1970 Oakcrest Ave. Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113

Cancellations must be received no later than 10/19/17 in order to qualify for a full refund.

After 10/19/17, no refunds will be issued and no-shows will be billed.

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FEDERAL JUDGE STRIKES DOWN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OVERTIME RULE A Federal Judge invalidated the $47,476 salary threshold that the U.S. DOL attempted to implement last year. A Texas judge who last year temporarily enjoined the DOL from implementing its highly controversial overtime regulations in December, as planned, has issued a final decision declaring them invalid and unenforceable. District Court Judge Amos L.Mazzant, III ruled that the Obama DOL exceeded its authority when it more than doubled the minimum salary level for white collar overtime exemptions. The ruling impacts millions of employees and their employers.

The U.S District Court Judge stated that when the U.S. DOL increased the salary level portion of the "white collar" or "EAP" test, it violated its authority because Congress "unambiguously directed the Department to exempt from overtime pay employees who perform 'bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity' duties." And when the U.S. DOL made the dramatic increase, the salary portion of the test became the main focus of the overtime exemption, which is not how Congress implemented the law. Now this doesn't mean that the U.S. DOL can't increase the salary level. It just can’t be increased to the dramatic level of $47,476. It will be interesting to see what salary the new U.S. DOL will choose when it implements its changes.

This final decision preserves the existing minimum salary of $455 per week ($23,660 per year) for exempt status from overtime pay. Although the decision can be appealed to a higher court, it may be unlikely since the DOL has a new Labor Secretary, Alexander Acosta, appointed by President Trump. Mr. Acosta already is in the process of developing new regulations that are likely to differ substantially from those issued under the previous administration.

www.langmarketing.com

USED VEHICLES BOOST DEALER BAYS New vehicle dealers sold more than 15 million used cars and light trucks last year, only 12 percent below their 2016 new vehicle unit volume. Dealers have increased their annual used vehicle sales for seven straight years. Dealers earn substantially more profit when selling a used vehicle than they do in a typical new car and light truck transaction. The used vehicle market has become an important factor in dealer strategies to build service bay volume.

Filling Dealer Bays The historic decline in new vehicle volume following the Great Recession of 2008 made dealers realize that a dwindling

NATIONAL NEWS stream of vehicles five years of age and newer would pass through their bays for a number of years (the vehicle age group on which dealers traditionally had focused service bay activities).

This, in addition to less warranty work resulting from improved new vehicle quality, alerted dealers to the need for developing new strategies to market their service bays.

Strong Used Vehicle Sales Used vehicles provide dealers a twin opportunity for increasing profits. As new car and light truck volume plunged six million units during 2009 (versus the previous five-year annual average), dealers began to emphasize used vehicle sales to replace the massive loss of new vehicle volume.

As a result of concerted dealer efforts, used vehicle sales have increased over each of the last seven years, so that by 2016 used volume neared 15.5 million, just two million shy of the record-setting 17.6 million 2016 new car and light truck total recorded by dealers.

Bay Profit Potential Used vehicles provide dealers substantially more profit per sale than their average new car and light truck transaction. Not only can used vehicles substantially boost the bottom line of dealers, used cars and light trucks also provide an additional profit opportunity for dealers to increase their service bay volume.

Older Vehicles in Dealer Bays Used vehicles provide dealers the opportunity to expand their service bay business across vehicle age groups. As a result of the steady increase in used vehicle sales by dealers and the fact that many of these cars and light trucks are three to five years old, used vehicle sales will generate a much larger share of dealer bay volume over the next several years than in the past. This will expand the age mix of vehicles serviced in dealer bays.

Expanding Nameplate Mix in Dealer Bays Since a large percentage of used vehicle sales by dealers are comprised of nameplates different from what they sell new, the mix of nameplates repaired in dealer bays will expand as a result of their used vehicle volume.

Service Bays as a Sales Incentive Many dealers are using their bays to increase used vehicle volume by offering bay services as an added inducement for customers to buy used vehicles from them rather than from other sources.

Dealers often provide special service discounts and other incentives to used vehicle buyers to encourage them to return to their service bays. Many dealers are bundling used vehicle sales with maintenance contracts to boost service bay volume.

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MPCA to Launch Vehicle Emission Tampering Prevention Program

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION

Auto repair shops and dealerships recently received a letter reminding technicians and sales staff that tampering with vehicle emissions components is illegal. It’s part of a new education and outreach program launched in September by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

With the MPCA recording rising complaints about vehicle emissions system tampering, the agency’s compliance and enforcement program has joined forces with its mobile source and business assistance staff to create outreach materials and raise awareness of the issue.

Transportation is responsible for about a third of the air pollution in Minnesota. In fact, nationwide the number of registered highway vehicles has increased 3.5 times since 1960 and nearly doubled since 1985. That means catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters, proper use of diesel exhaust fluid and other vehicle emission control components are front-line defenses for Minnesota’s clean air. Tampering with these systems by disabling emission components or adding performance software chips damages our air quality and is both a federal and state offense.

Today’s vehicles are designed for the best possible balance between performance, mileage and low emissions. Tampering or disabling the emissions control system can damage engines, void warranties, reduce fuel economy and throw off the engine’s optimal design performance while increasing harmful emissions by more than 800 percent in some cases.

Not only is tampering with emissions control systems illegal, it’s also illegal to sell a car with a modified or incomplete emissions system. Minnesota Rule 7023.0120 prohibits the sale, rental, lease or transfer of a vehicle title unless the emission controls are in place and working properly.

The outreach campaign will use letters, news releases, updated fact sheets and new web content at www.pca.state.mn.us/tampering to get the word out to vehicle owners, technicians and dealers that tampering with vehicle emission control systems or selling vehicles that have been tampered with is not only illegal, it’s harmful to human health and the environment.

For vehicle emission tampering complaints or questions, please contact Matthew Snorek at the MPCA at 651-757-2700 or matthew.snorek@state.mn.us.

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LOCAL NEWS Thank You to Our Sponsors

continued from pg. 6

Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable.

AASP-MN extends its thanks to the following companies:

GOLD SPONSORS AASP National Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Autoshop Solutions Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster Meadowbrook Insurance PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group I-CAR SkillsUSA Golf Outing Highlights The Minnesota Volunteer I-CAR Committee, along with SkillsUSA, had another successful golf tournament at Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, MN on September 13. The tournament brought together the best in the auto body industry, including the leading auto body and collision repair facilities, parts vendors, automotive paint suppliers, local dealerships, towing companies, auto body equipment vendors, and insurance partners. Proceeds benefit technical schools and students through scholarships and grants to continue the successful growth of the auto body industry.

Congratulations to team FinishMaster (Bob Auman, McKenzie Spalding, Denny Steele, and Tom Rabiola) who won first place this year! Team Heppner's (Laura Jacobson, Bryan Okubo, Seth Keske, and Dustin Kumpf) took second place. There were also many winners with all the prizes and donations presented at the dinner and awards ceremony following golf.

“We couldn’t do it without our sponsors! In particular we would like to thank Valspar (Dinner Sponsor), Keystone/LKQ (Award Sponsor), AAA Auto Parts (Photo Sponsor), and FinishMaster (Beverage Sponsor),” said tournament coordinator Jamison Randall. “We are so grateful. We were able to raise about $13,000 for scholarships and grants to help the future auto body technicians provide safe and quality repairs for consumers.”

For more information go to www.icargolf.com.

Minnesota Announces 2018 Minimum Wage Minnesota’s minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation beginning Jan. 1, 2018, to $9.65 an hour for large employers (any enterprise with an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or more) and $7.87 an hour for other state minimum wages.

Under Minnesota law, the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry is required to determine and announce the inflation-adjusted minimum-wage rate each year by Aug. 31.

This year, the change in the price deflator is an increase of 1.56 percent.

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AASP-MN News

SILVER SPONSORS aaa Auto Parts Enterprise Rent-A-Car LKQ/Keystone Automotive O'Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Suburban Chevrolet BRONZE SPONSORS Advance Auto Parts C.H.E.S.S. LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Dent Impressions MEETING SPONSOR Choice Auto Rental LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE VENDOR SPONSORS 1 Collision Network 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division AmeriPride Services Automotive Training Institute BASF Automotive Refinish Casualty Insurance of Chaska Choice Auto Rental Dentsmart PDR Heartman Insurance Hertz Corporation IDENTIFIX Insurance Brokers of MN Matrix Electronic Measuring MN Dept. of Labor & Industry Monroe, Moxness, Berg, PA Net Driven Rapid Refill Safety-Kleen Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

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ESTIMATING TIPS Mitchell: Detail Line Notes It is important to review if any “DETAIL LINE NOTES” apply to your part selection in the Mitchell database. Important information can be found here for additional operations, parts required, one-time use or included operations when selecting a component part in the repair plan.

CCC/MOTOR Updates Both GTE (Guide to Estimating) and RACED GTE were updated in August 2017. All updated folders and topics in the Table of Contents display a star and all updates in a topic are marked in blue.

• Page G3 General Information • Page G19 Roof Headliner • Page G34 Refinish Time Premise, Underside Colors, Matte/ Flat Refinishes, 4 Stage Refinish, Flexible panels/ components The following changes were made in the RACED GTE: • Page G3 and G4 General Information Heading • Page G34 Refinish Time Premise, Underside Colors, 4 Stage Refinish • Page G43 Matte/ Flat Refinishes • Page G44 Flexible Panels/ Components Go to http://help.cccis.com/webhelp/motor/gte/guide_Left.htm for the latest version of the GTE Guides.

Audatex: Welder Set-up and Test Welds Recent DEG inquiry 11232 questioned if welder set-up and test weld were included in welded panel replacement. Audatex response was: “Welder set-up and test welds are not included in the labor allowance.

Language regarding this has been added to a list of future considerations for the Database Reference Manual.”

CCC: TESLA Database now available CCC has officially launched the Tesla vehicle database and improved VIN decoding options. Please note, this is not an approval for every body shop to work on Tesla vehicles. Body shops not certified by Tesla should still check with Tesla parts departments for part restrictions prior to working on vehicles and understand the dangers and risk involved working with high-voltage systems. Users should also note parts are updated frequently and should still confirm with TESLA EPC for the most current and up-to-date information for correct part numbers and pricing.

Please submit DEG inquiries for any missing or outdated information for Tesla database in CCC. CCC: Labor to install spare tire on the vehicle When required, an additional 0.3 hrs. may be necessary to remove a spare tire from its storage location and install it on the hub, later remove the spare tire from hub and return it to the original storage location.

Generally used when a road wheel is removed for repair and the spare tire is temporarily installed in its place.

Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair.You can view these tips and others on the DEG website,WWW.DEGWEB.ORG.

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INSURANCE I.Q.

Why Do I Need...

Employment Practice Liability Insurance?

As a business owner, you strive to hire qualified employees to work for you.

Unfortunately, as you are well aware, not every hiring decision goes as planned.

Even if an employee is terminated for legitimate reasons— such as poor attendance or unsatisfactory work habits—every termination opens the door for potential lawsuits. Read on to learn from one business owner’s experience and find out how employment practice liability insurance (EPLI) can help protect you and your organization from costly, frivolous lawsuits.

When Mary, a Virginia business owner, received a complaint that her sales manager made crude, disparaging remarks to a female employee during a trade show, Mary took the claim seriously and conducted an investigation. During the course

of her investigation, Mary spoke with another employee who witnessed the incident firsthand. According to this employee, the sales manager’s actions were offensive and harassing. Ultimately, after much deliberation, Mary fired the

assigned her poor sales territories, all because she came forward with the details of what happened at the trade show.

Although the lawsuit was groundless, Mary racked up hefty legal bills defending herself against the allegation.

“If you have employees, you will get sued.”

- Mary, Virginia business owner

sales manager for his behavior.

Weeks later, the employee that witnessed the incident sued Mary for $500,000, claiming that after the incident, Mary had passed her up for promotion and AASP-MN News

Lawsuits like the one Mary faced can come out of left field and are much more common than you’d think. In fact, three continued on pg. 19

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NATIONAL NEWS continued from pg. 9

Repositioning of Dealer Service Bays The expanding age and nameplate mix of vehicles passing through dealer bays is increasing their aftermarket Do-It-For-Me share.

• This new battery technology is potentially safer than lithium batteries and could result in much lighter and more compact automotive batteries.

• Exhausted electrolyte fluid could be recharged using the refining capabilities of the oil industry.

AUTO BATTERY REVOLUTION? A new technology could revolutionize the recharging of batteries and brighten the future of electric automobiles. Ifbattery technology is a battery system which can be reenergized with fluid-based electrolytes. This new battery system, which is under development, could solve some of the major problems that have limited the purchase of electric vehicles in the U.S.

Six Major Takeaways: • Ifbattery technology could remove major barriers to the growth of electric vehicles.

• The new technology involves a battery system that can be reenergized with fluid-based electrolytes. Recharging would be virtually instantaneous, much like refueling a conventional gasoline vehicle.

• Ifbattery technology could take advantage of the gasoline station infrastructure, it could be modified to supply electrolyte fluids that can be pumped into vehicles.

• Ifbattery technology could greatly extend the driving range of electric vehicles.

AASP-MN News

LIKE AASP-MN ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/aaspmn

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INSURANCE I.Q. continued from pg. 15 out of five employers will be sued by a prospective, current or former employee while they are in business. EPLI can help mitigate these risks by providing the necessary resources to defend your company against a lawsuit or pay a claim.

As costs for litigation and damage awards climb, experts predict that employment liability will only become more complex. Call CBIZ today to learn more about EPLI and discuss your employment-related risks.

Not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. Š 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE continued from pg. 4 hinges on the specialized nature of the vehicles we service. By limiting our business to GM exclusively, we have become very proficient in the service process.

What can we do? I suggest we all look at different avenues and ways to develop new business. We all get into the same rut of boring marketing and minimal growth. What if you can attract two to seven new customers a week by offering a specific service or product? When did you last allot time to take a solid look into developing a specific technician or service advisor’s strength into a new opportunity? Maybe it is specializing in a new car line, programming keys, truck accessories or simply getting involved in the performance industry. Regardless of the direction, we will never find it if we are not looking. Through the business building process, I have leaned on the accumulated knowledge of many AASP-MN members and friends within the industry. Without that help and insight, CJTunes would have been dead in the water long ago. It is time we all take off our blinders and start using our imaginations. Find a new creative direction and share information with others to get the ball rolling. There are a lot of untapped markets in this industry!

LET US TURN THEM AROUND! Contact AASP-MN News Sales Director Alicia Figurelli

(973) 667-6922

ALICIA@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM

*Special discounted rates for AASP-MN members!* AASP-MN News

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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

AASP-MN and 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 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 which is the subject of the call.

• Initial consultation and advice (not to exceed one-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 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071 or email aasp@aaspmn.org.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance. In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums. Ask about our program with United Fire Group!

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Contact: Dennis Begley 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, longterm care and disability insurance.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Jim Dillon 651-955-1398 / jim.dillon@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

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INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTS Wipers & Wipes, Inc. Contact: Dennis Julson 651-486-4866 Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products. Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area. Shipping free to outstate members with $100 purchase.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com AASP-MN members receive a $500 discount off the Website Marketing Success Package set-up fee and special pricing on template websites starting at just $59/month and $149/set-up (regularly $79/month and $250 set-up).

Net Driven Contact: 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.

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.

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.

INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Contact: Mitchell1 Representative 888-724-6742 x 6986 Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE and Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at 888-724-6742, ext.

6986.

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.

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.

SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SOLUTIONS eMarketing Sherpas Contact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 / www.emarketingsherpas.com eMarketing Sherpas provides AASP members up to a 10-percent discount on its Demand Engine CRM Suite, Review Engine online review and reputation marketing system and its Digital Lobby point of sale digital signage, menu board and interactive kiosks solutions.

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 / ronald.page@aaiassessment.com / www.auto.aai-live.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50 percent off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment.

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.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars.

AASP-MN News

BUSINESS COACHING 180biz 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Website: www.180biz.com Members receive a 20-percent discount on oneon-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments.

Members also receive a 25-percent discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20-percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.

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