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November 2018
PLUS:
• Mech XChange Highlights
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CONTENTS AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 • Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org • website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. © 2018 All rights reserved. Cover image © www.istockphoto.com.
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS
Vol. 26 No. 11
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ........................................4 Leadership and Our Technician Shortage by Matt Feehan, AASP-MN Collision Division Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..................................................................5 Insurance Claims Practices: Department of Commerce Enforcement by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
2018 - 2019 PRESIDENT Will Latuff IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Wayne Watson
LOCAL NEWS ............................................................................6 17th ANNUAL RACE FOR AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION REGISTRATION ..............9 NATIONAL NEWS ........................................................................11
SECRETARY-TREASURER Carl Thomas COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Matthew Feehan
INSURANCE I.Q. ........................................................................13 Investigating a Sexual Harassment Claim
MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Randy Notto, AAM
DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ..................................................................17
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Dave Bock
COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) ......20 EPAMPCAPOTWMCESDLIOSHAIFCAHJDOTDPS by Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH
COLLISION SEATS Bruce Tschida, AAM Randy Miller MECHANICAL SEAT Tom Archambault
SHOP HERE FIRST! AASP-MN ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ............23 CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ....................................................25 AASP National Benefits Available to AASP-MN Members
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963 PUBLISHER Thomas Greco | thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli | alicia@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten | joel@grecopublishing.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci | lea@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com www.grecopublishing.com
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS ............................................26 UPCOMING EVENTS January 8, 9 & 10, 2019 Race for Automotive Education ProKart Indoor Racing 14350 Rosemount Dr. Burnsville, MN 55306
April 11, 2019 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference
Delta Hotels by Marriott 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX aaa Auto Parts ......................................................21 AmeriPride ............................................................25 AmeriTrust ............................................................12 Axalta Coating Systems ........................................IFC Buerkle Hyundai....................................................17 CBIZ ......................................................................12 C.H.E.S.S. ............................................................20 Choice Auto Rentals..............................................16 Dentsmart..............................................................11 FinishMaster ........................................................24 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ................7 Jack McClard ........................................................8 Keystone ..............................................................8 Maplewood Toyota ................................................16
AASP-MN News
Mills Parts Center ................................................7 Morrie’s ................................................................5 Motorwerks BMW ................................................IBC MPA ......................................................................15 PAM’s Auto............................................................22 Proven Force ........................................................OBC Reliable Automotive Equipment ............................19 Rosedale Chevrolet ..............................................22 Roseville Chrysler ................................................7 Sherwin Williams ..................................................10 Straight & Square..................................................24 Toyota Group ........................................................14 UFG ......................................................................12
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COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Leadership and Our Technician Shortage by Matt Feehan, AASP-MN Collision Division Director
In the early 2000s, I was working for one of the “Big 4” consolidators. We were finishing a four-year pilot R&D program with heavy emphasis on Lean manufacturing principles. No stone had been left unturned, so to speak. Our daily processes had evolved significantly. The customer experience, scheduling, damage analysis, parts ordering, production management and quality control processes were all systematized. By 2004, our R&D store was #1 in the country by a huge margin. Our pilot program was working and there was a lot of excitement at the corporate office! Their new production system was ready to be rolled out to the rest of the company. I remember being in the launch meeting with the corporate leaders, local and regional field leadership and some members of the board of investors. I was presenting at the front of the room when it happened. The CEO asked me, “What is going to be our greatest challenge rolling this program out to the rest of the company?” My answer was not a popular one, but it was the truth. I told them their weakness was in the General Manager position. The new production system required a higher level of leadership than the GMs across the organization currently had. I explained that over the last four years, we had focused our efforts on eliminating constraints. By removing the constraints, we sped up the entire process of repairing vehicles. The GM must be able to anticipate, coach and inspire through any level of the organization, every hour of every day. If the GMs were to sustain and maintain this level of intensity, I explained, their skills would need to grow. In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell calls what I described above as his first law, “The law of the lid: Leadership
Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness.” In other words, your organization will only grow to the leadership level of the leader. I realized this myself several years ago when my organization was not growing. We were stuck and I was the reason it wasn’t growing. In order to grow the company, I needed to grow myself. There is a saying in corporate America: “The fish stinks from the head down.” That statement has been proven true. Time and time again, organizations invest time and resources into their businesses by making sure the team has the latest certification or knows the manufacturers’ recommended replacement procedures. Those steps are very important, but how often do the top-level leaders in any auto body repair organization invest in growing the person or, better yet, themselves? The speed of the leader is the speed of the pack. The late Jim Rohn, known for being the world’s foremost business authority, said, “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job,” “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better,” and “Don’t wish for less problems; wish for more skills.” If that was the advice from the world’s specialist in helping companies grow, you now know why growing people is equally as important - or more so - than the next I-CAR class. It bears asking the question, and I will leave you with this: If we as business leaders invested even a little energy into growing our individual team members, wouldn’t the team grow the organization? The answer is YES, but only if the leaders are willing to grow themselves. All your team wants is to see a leader lead well! A rope cannot be pushed from the back; it must be pulled from the front. Great leaders attract top talent. I don’t believe we have a technician shortage problem as much as we have a leadership shortage problem. Do you want to grow your organization from the inside? This message may have you wondering where to start. It’s as easy as reading 10 pages of a good book every day. Everyone could use a few more good ideas to shape a new philosophy. I would suggest the following books or audios to set you on a new path: 1. John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 2. Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People
Feel free to email me at matthew@american-autobody.com if you have questions.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Insurance Claims Practices: Department Of Commerce Enforcement In keeping with our efforts to maintain strong working relationships with the State Agencies who have jurisdiction over important aspects of the auto repair process, AASP-MN invited Department of Commerce officials to its September Body Shop Session. Marty Fleischacker, Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement and T.J. Patton, Audit Director (Enforcement Supervisor) reviewed the Department’s role in overseeing Minnesota’s insurance claims practices. The insurance industry is one of more than 20 industries regulated by the Department of Commerce. The Department ensures compliance with state law for the industries it regulates. It responds to consumer complaints and conducts fraud investigations. The representatives of the Enforcement Division discussed the range of penalties that they are able to impose when they find violations. They also reviewed the process they must follow as
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
they enforce state law. They spent time describing the type of conduct that would be deemed unfair under the Claims Practices Act. There are a number of statutorily-established prohibitions on insurance companies that would give rise to complaints and enforcement actions. In the discussion that followed the formal presentation, members raised a number of questions about the Department’s ability to address consumer concerns in the claims process. Department officials conceded that the language of the statute itself can be limiting. Terms that are subject to interpretation tend to constrain the ability of the Agency to take effective enforcement action. AASP-MN members will be discussing some of these “limiting terms” in upcoming Committee meetings to determine whether clearer definitions might be provided in statute, in order to remove limitations on the Department’s enforcement authority.
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LOCAL NEWS
17th Annual Race for Automotive Education Announced The 17th Annual Race for Automotive Education is planned for January 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at ProKart Indoor Racing (Burnsville, MN). The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund, which provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $223,000 directly to students enrolled in automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and SkillsUSA competition. AASP-MN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in kart racing at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. When the final checkered flag waves, the Race for Automotive Education is expected to raise over $11,000. The majority of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in NATEF-certified automotive programs (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be announced in the spring of 2019. See page 9 or visit the AASP-MN website, www.aaspmn.org, for more details.
Mech XChange Highlights AASP-MN hosted a Mech XChange on October 17 at LubeTech in Golden Valley. Those in attendance were able to participate in two roundtable discussions and received an update on the association’s activities. The first roundtable discussion, Diversifying Shop Product & Service Offerings, allowed attendees to hear what other mechanical shop owners have done to generate alternative sources of revenue and new customers. Discussion focused on add-on or up-sell products and services. The second roundtable discussion, New and/or Cost-Effective Marketing Tactics, gave attendees the opportunity to share what has worked for them in the marketing arena during the last three months, as well as pick up great new ideas based on what has worked for others.
2019 Sponsorships Now Available Sponsorships are now available for AASP-MN’s 2019 networking activities and educational programming. Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver quality programs and keep registration fees affordable. Sponsors are rewarded by increased visibility and recognition within the AASP-MN membership and industry at-large. It's a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry. For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or visit the association’s website, www.aaspmn.org, for more details.
Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS) MNCARS is a non-profit organization established in 2016 by AASP-MN. Its sole purpose is to promote careers in the automotive industry, recruit young people into the state's college-level automotive service and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into industry workplaces. To further those efforts, MNCARS recently participated in the following events:
• Wright Technical Center Career & College Fair - Buffalo, MN Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox! Get out and get active in your local community to promote industry careers! 6 | November 2018
AASP-MN News
Thank You 2018 AASP-MN Sponsors!
GOLD AASP National AmeriTrust Group Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group
SILVER aaa Auto Parts Enterprise Rent-A-Car LKQ/Keystone Automotive O'Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Suburban Chevrolet
BRONZE Casualty Assurance of Chaska C.H.E.S.S. Lube Tech & Partners
OTHER Choice Auto Rental Dent Impressions Monroe Moxness Berg, PA Sherwin Williams
VENDOR Accessory Pro Warehouse AmeriPride Services Autoshop Solutions Dentsmart PDR Heartman Insurance NAPA Auto Parts NCS/Single Source Net Driven The Matrix Wand Workplace Safety Consultants
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 15!
A fundraiser to support the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund…
Enhancing opportunities in automotive education through scholarships, program support and partnerships. Start your engines! Organize your team today. (This event would make a great employee outing!) The competition will consist of up to 12 teams each night with five members each and a crew chief.
These ain’t your daddy’s go karts! ProKart’s new fleet of RiMO EVO6 Race Karts are run on power-boosting, low-emission, renewable methanol for consistency and performance.
All proceeds will benefit the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund When the final checkered flag waves and the adrenaline subsides, our goal is to raise over $11,000 over the three nights. The majority of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in a two-year, NATEF-certified automotive program (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be $1,000 per student.
The race is on! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Race for Automotive Education is sure to be a sell-out event, so don’t delay – register today! _____Team Sponsor
$500 (Includes admission for 6, including team captain and 5 racers)
Team Name: _______________________________ Team Captain: __________________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: _____________________ Zip: __________________________ Phone: __________________ Fax: __________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Preferred Race Night: _____Race Sponsor
_____ 1/8/19
_____ 1/9/19
_____ 1/10/19
$250 Racing is not in my blood, but I would like to support automotive students/programs in MN (Includes admission for 2 spectators)
Sponsor Name: _______________________________ Company: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________ City: _____________________ Zip: __________________________ Phone: __________________ Fax: __________________ Email: ____________________________________________
Return with payment by 12/15/18 to:
AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: (612) 623-1110 Fax: (612) 623-1122 / Email: aasp@aaspmn.org
The AASP-MN Education Fund provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.
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NATIONAL NEWS
• The changing attitudes of Americans toward vehicles have important implications for vehicle ownership, vehicle use and future aftermarket volume and growth.
www.langmarketing.com
More Young Americans Do Not Drive A growing share of Americans 18 to 34 years old have chosen not to get a driver’s license. Getting a driver’s license - which used to be a rite of passage for American youth, especially Baby Boomers - is not important to many millennials. Environmental issues, social media and ridesharing have combined to reduce the significance of a driver’s license for a substantial portion of millennials. This has important implications for vehicle use, as well as aftermarket volume in the U.S.
Big Changes In Vehicle Mix While the light vehicle population rose 10 percent across the U.S. between 2007 and 2017, there were even bigger changes in the light vehicle mix.
Six Major Takeaways • The number of licensed drivers in the U.S. increased eight percent from 2008 to 2018, a slower rate of growth than the over 12 percent surge in licensed drivers during the preceding 10 years. • Americans’ love affair with the automobile is fading. Many Americans, particularly those under 35 years old, have attitudes toward vehicles much different from those of earlier generations. • In 1985, only seven percent of Americans 18 to 34 years old did not have a driver’s license. The share of Americans 18 to 34 years old without a driver’s license more than tripled by 2018, reaching an estimated 23 percent. • Two of the strongest factors changing the attitudes of young Americans toward vehicle use are environmental concerns and social media. • The unprecedented growth of ridesharing provides transportation alternatives to young people who do not see the need for a driver’s license.
AASP-MN News
Six Major Takeaways • Light vehicles on U.S. roads can be divided into four major light vehicle groups: Domestic nameplate cars, domestic light trucks, foreign nameplate cars and foreign nameplate light trucks. • Cars (domestic and foreign nameplates) plunged from 51 percent of light vehicles on U.S. roads during 2007 to only 45 percent at mid-year 2017. By mid-year 2017, there were four million fewer cars than 10 years earlier. • Light trucks (domestic and foreign nameplates) rose from 49 percent of light vehicles in the U.S. during 2007 to 55 percent share at mid-year 2017. There were 28 million more light trucks in the U.S. at mid-year 2017 than 10 years earlier. • Foreign nameplate cars generated 80 percent of the light vehicle VIO (vehicles in operation) growth over the past 10 years. Foreign nameplate light trucks created 20 percent of the light vehicle population increase. In contrast, the domestic nameplate VIO fell significantly between 2007 and 2017. • Domestic nameplate light trucks recorded a six million VIO gain over the past 10 years (2007 to 2017), while domestic nameplate cars plunged by more than 23 million. • The foreign nameplate VIO surged at a four percent average annual pace between 2007 and 2017, more than five times the total light vehicle annual growth rate.
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Investigating a Sexual Harassment Claim INSURANCE I.Q.
eceiving a sexual harassment claim from an employee is a delicate situation. Employers must consider how they will respond to the complaint, how they will investigate the allegations and what guidelines they will use to assess the complaint’s validity. Ultimately, the employer’s response can have a significant effect on whether the employer is found liable for the alleged behavior in the event the complaint results in litigation. To protect your business and your employees in the event of a sexual harassment claim, consider the following actions:
* Protecting private information in the event that the complaint would become the subject of litigation. * Considering any conflicts of interest between the employer, harasser, investigator and others involved in the investigation. * Seeking legal guidance. * Maintaining confidentiality throughout the investigation amongst all parties involved. * Keeping written records of the following (at minimum): • Details of the complaint • Preliminary investigation plan • Responses to the complaint • Witness statements • Adjustments or amendments made • Investigator’s findings • Conclusions as a result of investigations • Discipline administered • Harasser monitoring efforts
• Create a strictly-enforced company policy banning sexual harassment on the job and distribute it to all employees. This policy should define sexual harassment and state that your company does not tolerate any form of it.
• Determine if the conduct was actually sexual harassment by deciding if the conduct was sexual in nature and if it was unwelcome by the accuser. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says that sexual conduct is unwelcome when the victim does not solicit or incite the conduct in question, or the conduct is considered offensive or undesirable by the victim.
• Employers wishing to determine if conduct was unwelcome need to consider every aspect of the circumstance, including the victim’s speech, clothing and whether he or she participated in the conduct voluntarily. Each of these factors alone does not necessarily dispute or constitute a sexual harassment claim, but together may invalidate or validate a claim.
• Determine whether the conduct is considered quid pro quo or hostile working environment sexual harassment. * Quid pro quo: An employee requests unwelcome sexual favors for, or in return of something, such as a promotion, raise, new job or title. Threats of demotion, salary cuts and bad performance reviews if sexual favors are not received are also considered quid pro quo sexual harassment. * Hostile working environment: This constitutes behavior that a “reasonable person” would find to be “hostile” and “offensive,” according to the EEOC.
• Conduct an investigation to determine whether the sexual harassment allegations are valid. To do so, you should already have a system in place for handling these types of situations, including: * Training certain employees who will receive sexual harassment claims on how to conduct an investigation.
• Take action immediately after receiving a sexual harassment complaint to stop potentially unlawful conduct.
An employer’s response to a sexual harassment claim can have a significant effect on whether the employer is found liable for the alleged behavior in the event the complaint results in litigation.
By adhering to these actions, employers can demonstrate that they take all complaints concerning sexual harassment seriously. In addition, should a complaint result in litigation, a jury is less likely to punish the employer for failing to act because steps were taken to remedy the situation through an investigation. Provided by CBIZ. This feature is 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. © 2017, 2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
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ESTIMATING TIPS Mitchell: Tesla Database Now Available - Mitchell has officially launched the Tesla vehicle database for the Model S, X and Model 3. Additionally, improved VIN decoding options are now available. Please note that this is not an approval for every body shop to work on Tesla vehicles. Non-approved Tesla body shops should still check with Tesla parts departments for part restrictions and understand the dangers and risk involved in working with high-voltage systems prior to working on a vehicle. Users should also note parts are updated frequently, but 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 in Mitchell’s Tesla database. All Three Systems: Quick Reference Document - The DEG has developed a quick reference chart of included and not-included labor operations when working with repair conditions involving seam sealers and protective coatings for welded panel labor. It can be found at: http://degweb.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/10/ Quick-reference-protective-coating-removal.pdf. All Three Systems: Quick Reference Document - The DEG has developed a quick reference chart of included and not-included labor operations for repairs requiring pre/post scan, initializing and calibration. It can be found at: http://degweb.org/ wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Quick-Reference-pre-post-relearn-chart.pdf.
“We have reviewed the current Audatex labor procedures and labor allocation for the SEALANT KIT, QTR GLASS (GN 0317/0318) and GLASS, QUARTER TINTED (GN 0321/0322). In Audatex, when a user adds both aforementioned items to an estimate, the system allocates the labor to the lowest guide number after any applicable overlap is applied. This guide number hierarchy is integrated into Audatex labor development. Estimator judgement times or manual entries will not remove preexisting overlap deductions where labor economies between multiple parts have already been considered. This is the normal function of the Audatex Estimating system. No change warranted at this time.” By reviewing the Audatex estimate report, users can tell if the labor time is modified from the “Quarter Glass Sealant Kit” by locating a “*” next to the labor line. When both the sealant kit and glass is selected, the labor time will automatically allocate to the Glass Sealant and users should know this is the actual labor for the glass R/I or R/R procedure. All Three Systems: Secondary Color / E-coat Color Duplication Refinish labor to duplicate factory “E-coat”/overspray appearance on non-visible back side/underside is NOT INCLUDED. Refinish time also does not include color matching, mixing the appropriate color variant or labor to mask interior surfaces. As always, material cost is NOT INCLUDED in refinish labor times.
Audatex: Glass Sealant Part Selection and Labor - Recent Audatex inquiries 12661 and 12720 discuss how bonded quarter glass labor is assigned when selecting the “Quarter Glass Sealant Kit” and the “Quarter Glass” part itself: 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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News from Reliable Automotive Equipment
TECHNICAL NEEDS, OEM SOLUTIONS The collision repair industry can be complex and confusing, but help and professional guidance are within reach. For 30 years, Reliable Automotive Equipment has stayed ahead of the changes hitting the auto body world by offering top-of-theline OEM products and education. Headquartered in Belford, NJ, Reliable works to maintain an active national presence through participation in various industry associations and events. In addition to serving as a Board member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), Reliable President Dave Gruskos is currently a director for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). He is also a well-known speaker and educator who regularly presents at major trade shows including SEMA and NORTHEAST®. Since the beginning, Reliable has maintained a passion for proper
repairs and workers’ health and safety. The company closely follows the direction of auto manufacturers to ensure that only the best and most appropriate equipment is offered to customers. “We always stay on the cutting edge of what our partners on the car company side require,” Gruskos says. “We devote our energy and resources to do our best for our customers through shop visits, hosting clinics, informing the industry via social media, etcetera. It’s our job to inform shops of the correct ways the OEMs want their vehicles repaired.” One Reliable-distributed product in particular, the XPress 800 rivet gun, has proven to be a huge benefit to repairers working to adhere to OEM-approved methods and procedures. “With so much technology in the types of rivets, shops need to know if the tool they are using is actually
OEM-approved.
doing the correct job. Also, it’s important to have the right drill bit type and size for the correct removal of a panel or rivet.” As for the future of automotive technology, Gruskos has a clear idea of what’s to come. “There is a big movement with carbon fiber as well as multimaterial mixes in joining car bodies together. There will be special tooling that will need to be used to take these panels apart using special heat, for example. Additionally, there will be new safety requirements that technicians will have to keep in mind. We also see an increased need for shops to be knowledgeable about electric vehicles. Reliable is always available to answer any questions that techs have on this or any other equipment-related topic that comes up on the shop floor.” For more information on Reliable Automotive Equipment, please visit raeservice.com or call (732) 495-7900.
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PHONE: 732-495-7900 FAX: 732-495-7904 E-MAIL: bill@rae1.com www.raeservice.com VISIT US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ReliableAutomotiveEquipment
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COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) by Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH
EPAMPCAPOTWMCESDLIOSHAIFCAHJDOTDPS There’s no word hidden in that mashup title. Instead, it’s the acronyms of the regulators you may need to deal with: EPA, MPCA, POTW, MCES, DLI, OSHA, IFC, AHJ, DOT, DPS. Even more puzzled now? Let’s look at them in order. A caution that this is a simplified explanation. EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, is charged with protecting the nation’s air, water and people from chemical contamination. It has jurisdiction over what you can emit to the air, discharge to storm or sanitary sewers and put into the ground. That’s a lot of (ahem) ground to cover. In Minnesota, EPA has turned implementation of these laws over to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). In Wisconsin, it’s the DNR. Each state has to comply with the federal laws, but has the freedom to decide how to
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do that. For example, Wisconsin doesn’t require body shops that emit less than 1,666 pounds of VOCs a year to report annual air emissions or usage. Minnesota currently does. Just as the EPA turned over some responsibilities to the MPCA, the MPCA has turned over some responsibilities. In the seven-county metro area, enforcement of hazardous waste rules has been given to the counties. Just like Wisconsin and Minnesota, the metro-area counties have developed their own rules. EPA and MPCA still have oversight. If you use water-based paints and want to discharge the wastewater from gun cleaning, or if you wash cars, that wastewater should be going to the sanitary sewer. From there it goes to a POTW, Publicly Owned Treatment Works (the sewage treatment plant). EPA/MPCA regulate what POTWs can discharge to
AASP-MN News
water. So the POTWs also regulate what they will accept. In the metro area, the Metropolitan Council oversees the sanitary wastewater treatment plants, so that agency’s Environmental Services (MCES) division has been given responsibility for regulating discharges to its system. If you want to put wastewater from painting or from washing cars and you’re in the metro area, make sure it’s okay with MCES’s industrial waste division. If you’re located elsewhere in the state, check with your local POTW. EPA, MPCA and those enforcing EPA rules are mainly worried about what could escape your facility, not what goes on in your facility. They’ll be concerned about the potential for chemical spills, because those could become air or water pollutants. But they don’t address your employees’ exposures. That job is OSHA’s – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In Minnesota, the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has been given the authority to run the OSHA programs. There are two departments: Enforcement, which can inspect without warning and write citations, and Consultation, which only shows up on request. DLI oversees more than just OSHA. That agency has responsibility for most building codes. The code of most interest, particularly to body shops, is the Minnesota Fire Code, based on IFC, the International Fire Code. That’s not under DLI, but is administered by the State Fire Marshal, part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fire code differs from the other codes in one other important aspect: you can be grandfathered in for a lot of building code items, but not for a lot of fire code items. Didn’t install a fire suppression system in your paint booth years ago? Compliance with the fire code requires that you do so now. But doesn’t OSHA require fire suppression in your spray booth? Yes. You’ll see a lot of overlap between OSHA regulations and building codes (fire,
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electrical, life safety). A lot of OSHA regulations were based on those codes. So why do we have both? The codes were initially consensus standards, developed by member organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association and The International Code Council. When OSHA needs to create standards, back when it was founded in 1970, it looked to the existing consensus standards. When governments wanted to adopt standards to protect their citizens, they also looked to the consensus standards. OSHA compliance officers inspect your facilities for compliance with OSHA standards. Who checks for compliance with fire and other building codes? It will be the AHJ (another acronym! Authority Having Jurisdiction). If your city has adopted the building code or fire code, it’s the building official or the fire marshal who may inspect. In some cities, such as Minneapolis, the fire marshal strongly enforces the Fire Code. Other cities might have very little enforcement. Caution: if your local fire marshal doesn’t object to some practice, such as repeatedly spraying flammable coatings outside of a booth, you’re not off the hook. OSHA could still cite you for that. The final acronyms: DOT, the Department of Transportation and DPS (again). Federal DOT wrote the rules governing transportation of hazardous materials, such as a drum of lacquer thinner or oxygen cylinders. In Minnesota, enforcement falls on both MnDOT and DPS, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. How does that affect you? You probably don’t drive trucks full of paints or compressed gas cylinders. But you do receive shipments of those, and you do ship out hazardous materials any time you ship hazardous waste. If it’s on the road or going to be on the road, it’s DOT’s bailiwick. So, the shorthand version: Air: EPA/MPCA Water: EPA/MPCA, the POTW (sewer plant) Building: Building and fire cords, MFC, municipal enforcement by AHJ (fire marshal) Employees: OSHA Transport (shipping/on the road/ receiving): DOT and DPS.
Confusing? Yes. Fortunately, the different rules overlap, but rarely conflict.
This article is intended to provide general information (no advice) about current safety topics. To discuss your specific concerns and how CHESS may help, please contact CHESS at (651) 481-9787 or chess@chess-safety.com.
AASP-MN News
SAVE THE DATE! AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference
April 11, 2019
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Shop Here First! AASP-MN Associate Member Directory 1 Collision Network - Milwaukee, WI aaa Auto Parts - East Bethel, MN aaa Auto Parts - Rosemount, MN AASP-MN BankCard - Minnetonka, MN Accessory Pro Warehouse - Baxter, MN Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MN AkzoNobel - Stillwater, MN AmeriPride Services - Minneapolis, MN AmeriTrust Group - Overland Park, KS Apple Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Shakopee, MN Apple Ford Lincoln - Apple Valley, MN Apple Ford Shakopee - Shakopee, MN Arcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN Assessment Associates International - Minnetonka, MN Auto Body Specialties, Inc. - Mankato, MN Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MN Auto Data Labels, Inc. - Deer Park, NY Auto Electric of Bloomington, Inc. - Bloomington, MN Auto Nation - White Bear Lake, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Hopkins, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Lexington, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts - Bloomington, MN Auto Value Parts Stores/APH - St. Cloud, MN Automotive Parts Solutions, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN Automotive Recyclers of MN - Fridley, MN Automotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MD Autoshop Solutions - Apex, NC AutoZone - Memphis, TN Axalta Coating Systems - Elk River, MN BASF Corporation - Savage, MN Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN Boulay Financial Advisors, LLC - Minneapolis, MN Boulder Ridge Insurance Brokers, LLC - Albertville, MN Brake & Equipment Warehouse - Minneapolis, MN Buerkle Honda - White Bear Lake, MN Buerkle Hyundai - White Bear Lake, MN Bullis Insurance Agency - Wayzata, MN C.H.E.S.S. - West St. Paul, MN Casualty Assurance of Chaska, LLC - Chaska, MN CBIZ AiA - Minneapolis, MN Choice Auto Rental - Inver Grove Heights, MN Cintas - Minneapolis, MN Cottens’ NAPA - Anoka, MN Dent Impressions - Rogers, MN Dentsmart - Isanti, MN Derson/Clean Burn - Watertown, MN Dorman Products - Colmar, PA Dynotec Industries, Inc. - Jordan, MN Eau Claire Auto Parts, Inc. - Eau Claire, WI Elite Worldwide, Inc. - Rancho Santa Fe, CA Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Eagan, MN Factory Motor Parts - Eagan, MN Farmers Union Insurance Agency - St. Paul, MN
Finishmaster - St. Cloud, MN Finishmaster - Duluth, MN Finishmaster - Fridley, MN Heartman Insurance - Faribault, MN Hertz Corporation - Richfield, MN IDENTIFIX - Roseville, MN Insurance Brokers of MN - Jensen Agency - Minneapolis, MN Jasper Engines & Transmissions - Jasper, IN Johnson Supply Co., Duluth, MN Karl’s CARQUEST Auto Parts - Albert Lea, MN Keystone Automotive/LKQ - Minneapolis, MN Kukui Corporation - San Jose, CA LKQ - Minnesota - Albert Lea, MN LKQ - Viking Auto Salvage - Northfield, MN Lube-Tech & Partners - St. Paul, MN Maguire Agency - Roseville, MN Mark’s Towing, Inc. - Eagan, MN Matrix Wand 3-D Blueprint & Repair Sysytem - Salina, KS McClard & Associates - Hopkins, MN Metro Auto Salvage - Lakeville, MN Mitchell International - San Diego, CA Mitchell1 - Ellisville, MO Monroe, Moxness, Berg, PA - Minneapolis, MN Morrie’s Automotive Group - Brooklyn Park, MN Motor Parts & Equipment - Winona, MN NAPA Distribution Center - St. Louis Park, MN NAPA Distribution Center - Owatonna, MN National Coatings & Supplies - Maplewood, MN Net Driven - Scranton, PA Norton Automotive Aftermarket - No. St. Paul, MN O’Reilly Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN P.P.G. Automotive Finishes - Naperville, IL PAMs Auto, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN Parts Department of Faribault - Faribault, MN Parts Dept. of Northfield / NAPA Auto Parts - Northfield, MN Proven Force Clutch and U Joint/Midwest Trans. - Maple Grove, MN Rudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN SATA Spray Equipment/Dan Am Corp. - Spring Valley, MN Scharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN Schmelz Countryside - Maplewood, MN Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes - Andover, MN Single Source Inc. - Baldwin, WI - Baldwin, WI Single Source Inc. - Roseville, MN - Roseville, MN Southern Minnesota Auto Supply Co. - Rochester, MN St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts - Anoka, MN Straight & Square Distributing, LLC - St. Cloud, MN Suburban Chevrolet - Eden Prairie, MN United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IA Valley Imports - Fargo, ND Valspar - Minneapolis, MN Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc. - Brown Deer, WI Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MN Wirthco Engineering, Inc. - Edina, MN
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The Department discussed what makes a good complaint – one that they can effectively act upon. They would look for the impact on the insurance customer. They noted that it’s better to have a pattern of behavior rather than a single instance in order to proceed with their enforcement efforts. They specifically mentioned that having the complaints funnel through AASP-MN would help to ensure the anonymity of the shop that may be providing information about an insurance company’s inappropriate action. Mr. Fleischacker specifically noted that the association has been an important conduit of information on a number of successful Department investigations that have resulted in enforcement actions. We will continue to work closely with Department of Commerce officials when there are concerns regarding insurance company actions within the claims process. Members are always encouraged to share any concerns they have with AASP-MN so that the association can reach out to members to see whether a pattern of inappropriate behavior emerges. AASP-MN can appropriately frame a complaint so that no single shop need be the focal point for a complaint that may raise the ire of an insurance company whose practices are being called into question. continued from pg. 5
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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Did you know that by being a member of AASP-MN you have access to many other AASP National benefits? Check them out here!
AASP National Benefits Available to AASP-MN Members
WEBSITE & INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions, the leader in internet marketing for the automotive aftermarket, has developed and launched the most cutting-edge marketing platform for auto shops. RPM is an allin-one program that bundles your website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more! By using every marketing tool in the toolbox, you’re guaranteed to have a stronger online presence that brings more cars to your bays. With five levels of “Really Powerful Marketing” to match your budget, goals and competition – RPM is built to drive your shop forward. For more information, contact Tony Mercury at (919) 2671731 or (888) 991-3449 or email tony@autoshopsolutions.com.
BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ offers members a 20 percent discount on One-OnOne sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning and analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 25 percent discount on monthly sales and management webinars, as well as a 20 percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs. For more information, call (540) 833-2014 or visit www.180biz.com.
INFORMATION PROVIDERS IDENTIFIX offers AASP members discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical repair information subscription, Direct Hit. For more information, contact Customer Service at (800) 288-6210. Mitchell International offers AASP members a 15 percent discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter™ TechAdvisor package. Visit http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx or call Customer Service at (800) 238-9111 for more information. Mitchell1 offers AASP members significant discounts on the ProDemand, Manager SE and Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at (888) 724-6742, ext. 6986.
ONLINE EDUCATION PORTAL AASP members have access to free webinars designed to enhance management skills and help their business thrive. Visit https://elearning.autoserviceproviders.com to check it out. For more information about any of the AASP National programs above, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
OCTOBER 2018
Jim’s Auto Diamond Lake Minneapolis, MN Larson’s Auto Body Cambridge, MN Parks Auto Elko, MN Pro Auto MN Hutchinson, MN
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AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE AmeriTrust Group (formerly Meadowbrook Insurance Group) Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance. In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn. PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums. Ask about our program with United Fire Group! EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Contact: Dennis Begley 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance. UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Joel Hogstad 612-362-0318 / Joel.Hogstad@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year. CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices.biz Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also available.
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LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call. WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your website, payper-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! Net Driven Contact: Rich Mullen 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.com Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit.
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 ronald.page@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars. CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments. SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. (CHESS) Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance.
PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll Contact: Mitchell1 Representative products and services (excluding 401k). Members 888-724-6742 x 6986 who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on of payroll processing free. Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer BUSINESS COACHING 180biz Service at 888-724-6742, ext. 6986. 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Mitchell International Website: www.180biz.com Contact: Mitchell International Representative Members receive a 20-percent discount on one-on800-238-9111 one sales and management coaching programs AASP members receive a 15% discount on any (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit marketing, leadership and personnel development) repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM without long-term commitments. Members also Repair.aspx for more information. receive a 25% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20-percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.
AASP-MN News
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