LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN Announces New Executive Director

AASP-MN is pleased to announce that Linden Wicklund has been selected as the association’s executive director following the retirement of longtime leader, Judell Anderson, CAE, at the end of the year. Wicklund will transition into the role working alongside Anderson starting on November 29, 2021.

The association undertook a thorough and extensive search process led by a six-member search committee of current and former board members. After retaining a search firm, conducting initial interviews, assessments and final-round interviews, the committee identified Linden as a standout among the candidates.

“I am very excited for the Alliance to start its next chapter under the leadership of Linden. Her past leadership experience and enthusiasm for this new role will offer members a fresh and unique perspective as we continue to face the challenges of an ever-changing industry head on,” said AASP-MN President Tom Archambault, BLVD Autoworks, St. Anthony.

Wicklund comes to AASP-MN after a dynamic and fulfilling decade working in various positions at an international trade association based in Roseville, MN. Wicklund has stated that her approach as a leader is handson, collaborative and ever focused on overarching goals. “I am delighted at the opportunity to lead the members of AASP-MN as they collectively learn, advocate and build the future of the industry together.”

An open house is scheduled for December 16 to celebrate Judell’s many important contributions to the association and the industry during her nearly 26 years of service. “We are forever grateful for her leadership of the Alliance and wish her all the best in retirement,” said Archambault.

Please feel free to contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org with any questions.

The Alliance is looking for automotive industry professionals who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leadership positions on the AASP-MN Board of Directors and advisory committees in 2022.

A number of positions will be open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government & Regulatory Affairs Committee. There will also be two seats open on the AASP-MN Board of Directors, one collision and one mechanical.

Volunteer service is a great way for AASP-MN members to get more involved in the Alliance, influence the direction of projects and priorities and positively impact the association and the industry.

If you have a personal interest or would like to nominate someone else, contact Nominating Committee Chair Matt Feehan at (763) 424-2522 or matthew.feehan@fixauto.com or the Alliance office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org.

Nominations must be received by January 14, 2022.

AASP-MN & Automotive Seminars Team Up to Offer Members Online Training Discounts

AASP-MN is pleased to announce it has partnered with Automotive Seminars to offer its members discounted pricing on all upcoming live-online training, as well on-demand training videos.

Automotive Seminars specializes

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:

• Minnesota School Counselors Association Annual Conference November 15 - 17

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

in diagnostic training that provides automotive technicians with knowledge, testing techniques and data interpretation skills needed to diagnose today’s vehicles. The liveonline training and on-demand training videos focus on automotive electronics and engine management systems and are written and created by some of the industry’s leading diagnostic technicians.

These online options take the best of in-person training and bring it to technicians wherever they are, whether at home or in the shop. Highlights include:

• Live-online events have Q & A periods after each discussion topic. These dynamic sessions are there to make sure everything is clear and that the technician understands the information provided • Each shop’s technicians can be watching at the same time, from any location • Unlimited video access after the live-online event concludes • PDF manual included • Certificate of Completion with number of hours • Each live-online event costs $100 for the entire shop (multiple-shop locations require a license for each location) • AASP-MN members receive 15 percent off all live-online presentations, as well as Automotive Seminars’ entire on-demand video library, by using an exclusive promo code during checkout

“Automotive Seminars’ training has always been highly regarded by AASP-MN members and we’re happy to facilitate access to that training at a discount as a benefit of association membership,” said Judell Anderson, AASP-MN Executive Director.

Tim Houghtaling, President of Automotive Seminars, added, “We are honored for the opportunity to work with AASP-MN to help member shops as they strive to keep at the forefront of vehicle repair.”

For more information, visit aaspmn. org or contact the Alliance office at (612) 623-1110.

Mark Your Calendar for April 7!

Plans are coming together to hold the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference Thursday, April 7 at Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth. We can’t wait to see you there!

Mech XChange & B.S. Session Highlights

On Tuesday, November 9, AASP-MN hosted a Mech XChange for auto service shop owners and managers to get together and “talk shop.” Attendees shared their knowledge and experiences about tools and equipment, sources of repair information, technician training resources, NASTF & Right to Repair and more. The event was held at Automotorplex in Medina. Attendees also took a tour of Eurotech’s new facility (right next door).

On Wednesday, November 17, AASP-MN hosted a Body Shop Session at Crystal Lake Automotive in Lakeville for collision repair shop owners and managers. This session allowed attendees to discuss and brainstorm practical steps to prepare for the future in the collision repair industry, including: • ADAS, EVs and other emerging technologies • Estimating, blueprinting and parts procurement • Repair processes and shop workflow • Personnel and training • Facilities, tools and equipment • DRPs and OEM certifications

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour Crystal Lake Automotive’s facility and enjoy time visiting informally with others who own/work in independently owned collision repair shops.

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2021 Sponsors

Our sponsors play a key role in our organization. They support us. They provide us with extra resources to deliver exceptional programs, education, and networking opportunities to members. They help us keep our costs and fees reasonable and affordable. Please acknowledge those companies that supported us in 2021!

Mech XChange attendees toured Eurotech's new facility in Medina.

2021 AASP-MN Sponsors Platinum

Fix Auto LKQ-Minnesota Lube-Tech & Partners

Gold AASP National Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster Podium PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group

Silver aaa Auto Parts AmeriPride Services Colonial Life Enterprise Rent-A-Car O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Sherwin Williams Single Source/National Coatings Suburban Chevrolet

Bronze C.H.E.S.S. Twin Cities Auto Glass

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON From the AASP-MN Board of Directors & Staff Tom Archambault, BLVD Autoworks, President Matthew Feehan, Fix Auto, Immediate Past President Jesse Jacobson, Heppner’s Auto Body, Secretary/Treasurer Loren Feldkamp, Lube-Tech, Associate Division Director Jeremy Nordgren, Nordgren Auto, Mechanical Division Director Lee Schlosser, Autoworks Collision, Collision Division Director Tony Newman, Dale Feste Auto, Mechanical Seat Travis Doyle, Arrowhead Auto Body, Collision Seat Mike McLynn, Automotive Electric, Mechanical Seat Judell Anderson, Outgoing Executive Director Linden Wicklund, Incoming Executive Director Kevin Walli and Sam Richie, Lobbyists Jodi Pillsbury, Office Manager