AASP-MN News December 2022

Use Your Network

By Paul Yager, AASP-MN Associate Division Director

Over the past 30 days, I’ve been able to attend two different leadership retreats. One of the retreats was with the AASP-MN Board and the other was with Enterprise’s leadership team in Wisconsin. As with many retreats and conferences, these meetings offered opportunities to share best practices, learn new strategies, socialize and build your network.

I’ve attended many conferences over the past 17 years with Enterprise, but these two most recent retreats felt different for many reasons. They were the first ones I’ve attended since Covid, so being able to interact with leadership in person was refreshing. It was also very evident that everyone was facing challenges when it comes to their business, but it didn’t discourage positive conversation. What I took away from these conferences was impactful.

The most common question I face being an associate member in AASP-MN is about our fleet. More specifically, do we have enough? While obviously very complicated, the short answer is that this is something we’ve never seen before and we’ve had to change the way we acquire vehicles and preserve our fleet longer than ever. Every

person or business has a similar story of how they were able to overcome the challenges of the past few years and the issues they continue to face. At these retreats, I learned that while many of our challenges were similar, how each organization worked through the challenges was completely different. Spending in-depth time discussing the specific problems like staffing/employee development, account/customer relationships and profitability can generate information and best practices that can be applied in many ways to each business.

Thinking outside the box and not being tied to how things have always been done in the past is more necessary now than ever. Learning from my peers and leaders in the industry was priceless and I’ve already been able to use the information from those retreats. The ability to be part of a network like the Alliance to expand my business acumen, mentorship and to help grow the industry are a few of the many benefits of membership. Challenges won’t stop in the future, but overcoming them is easier when you know how to use your network and can rest assured that you aren’t trying to do it all by yourself.

DFL Set for Full Legislative Control in Minnesota

There was reason to believe that Republicans could be poised to take control of both legislative chambers and win several statewide races, namely the attorney general and auditor races. Democrats control the White House and with soaring inflation and growing uncertainty around the economy, political history and conventional wisdom suggested a big night for Republicans both nationally and here in Minnesota. But looking to historic trends to glean insight into today’s political landscape appears increasingly futile.

Polling has traditionally been less reliable in midterm elections and races are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. This was on full display on election night as Democrats did much better than expected, both nationally and in Minnesota - although many races were incredibly close. The topline results will have a huge impact on the upcoming legislative session. The DFL maintained control of the state House, flipped the state

Senate by the narrowest of margins (one seat), and retained the Governor’s mansion for another four years with a solid showing for Governor Walz.

This will be the first time since 2013-2014 that one party has held complete control of the legislature and Governor’s office. It also marks the first time in state history that one party has won the Governor’s office for four consecutive terms, a feat that highlights the DFL’s strength in statewide races – Republicans have not won any statewide office since Governor Pawlenty’s reelection in 2006.

The change in control of the state Senate (with the DFL maintaining control of the House and Governor’s office) will impact the allocation of the remaining federal stimulus funds and the record $12.1 billion state surplus as there will likely be a more shared understanding on budget priorities, although full control of the legislature

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

We Need You

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 2023.

Several 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 the Nominating Committee Chair Tom Archambault at (612) 7895148 or tom@blvdautoworks.com or the Alliance office at 612-623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org

Nominations must be received by February 17, 2023.

Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS)

MNCARS is a nonprofit 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 event:

• November 16 - Dakota County Technical College Transportation Showcase

A special “thank you” to AASP-MN members Dan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center; Eagan), Jesse Jacobson (Heppner’s Auto Body; Woodbury) and Wayne Watson (Auto Works Automotive Service Center; Woodbury) for representing the automotive repair industry at this event.

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

Current Board Members & Term

Expiration Date:

Jesse Jacobson (Heppner’s Auto Body), President – 3/31/24

Tom Archambault (BLVD Autoworks), Immediate Past President – 3/31/23

Mike McLynn (Automotive Electric), Secretary/Treasurer – 3/31/24

Paul Yager (Enterprise Rent-A-Car) Associate Division Director – 3/31/25

Jeremy Nordgren (Nordgren Automotive), Mechanical Division Director – 3/31/23

Travis Doyle (Arrowhead Auto Body), Collision Division Director – 3/31/24

Lee Schlosser (Autoworks Collision), Collision Seat – 3/31/23

Dan Gleason (Pro-Tech Auto Repair), Mechanical Seat – 3/31/25

Aaron Swanson (LaMettry’s Collision), Collision Seat – 3/31/25

Join AASP-MN Before the New Year & Save $$$!

Join in December to get one month free and lock in 2022 pricing!

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that we have no idea what unexpected events are going to

rock our businesses yet. Membership is a bit like an insurance policy. When business changes, as a member of AASP-MN you have an instant network of peers, experts and companies who are ready to help you! Joining this vibrant web that reaches across the state is one of the best ways to future proof your business and support an industry you believe in. We look forward to getting to know you! See facing page for membership application.

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2022 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 support us in this way!

Platinum Sponsors

LKQ Minnesota Lube-Tech

Gold Sponsors

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

From the AASP-MN Board of Directors & Staff

Jesse Jacobson, Heppner’s Auto Body President

Tom Archambault, BLVD Autoworks Immediate Past President Mike McLynn, Automotive Electric Secretary/Treasurer

Paul Yager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Associate Division Director

Jeremy Nordgren, Nordgren Automotive Mechanical Division Director

Travis Doyle, Arrowhead Auto Body Collision Division Director

Lee Schlosser, Autoworks Collision Center Collision Seat

Dan Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair Mechanical Seat

Aaron Swanson, LaMettry's Collision Collision Seat Linden Wicklund Executive Director

Sam Richie and Shannon Mitchell Lobbyists

Jodi Pillsbury Office Manager

21st ANNUAL RACE FOR AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION

January 23-26, 2023 6:00 - 9:30pm

ProKart Indoor Racing 14350 Rosemount Dr., Burnsville, MN 55306

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 10 teams each night with five members each and a crew chief.

These ain’t your daddy’s go karts! ProKart’s fleet of RiMO EVO6 Race Karts are run on power-boosting, lowemission, 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 $15,000 over the four nights. Most of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in an ASE-accredited automotive programs (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards are $500 - $2,000 per student.

The race is on! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The 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: Contact: Address: City:

Race Sponsor - $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: Contact: Address: City:

Zip: Phone:_____________________________________ Email: Return with check payment by 1/15/2023 to: AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 / Email: aasp@aaspmn.org

Credit cards are accepted with 3% surcharge. This surcharge is not greater than our total cost of accepting credit cards. Surcharge does not apply to debit cards.

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.

TGP Presents Industry Icon Award to Collision Advice's Mike Anderson at SEMA 2022 Thomas Greco Publishing (TGP) presented its inaugural Industry Icon Award to one of the most recognizable faces in the collision repair industry – Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) – during the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards Breakfast held during SEMA week in Las Vegas, NV.

“Our inaugural industry icon winner is known locally, regionally, nationally and globally as the go-to in collision repair,” said TGP Senior Vice President Alicia Figurelli about the “incomparable” Mike Anderson during the presentation. “For 33 years, TGP has had the privilege of recognizing the best of the best through our work with

some of the most prominent collision and mechanical repair associations throughout the nation. Merriam-Webster defines an icon as ‘a person or thing who is widely admired, especially for being a great influence or significance in a particular sphere.’ An industry icon rises above the fold, through not only their extreme knowledge and skill, but also in their consistent service to fellow repair industry professionals. Mike has committed himself to working with repairers, whether oneon-one, 20 at a time or in a packed ballroom with the intent of having them leave the meeting a better professional than when they walked in.”

“I am truly humbled,” Anderson expressed in accepting the award on what also happened to be his birthday. “I turned 60 today, and I am really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. My dad passed away in May, and this is in memory of him. He helped me understand how important quality and customer service are.”

“When we came up with the concept of this award, there was no debate, no discussion on who the first recipient would be,” says Thomas Greco, president of continued on pg. 17

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) and Thomas Greco Publishing Senior Vice President Alicia Figurelli

Representatives Attend First In-Person AASP National Board Meeting Since 2019

For the past three years, the AASP National Board has met virtually every six months, so when they gathered in person on November 2 for the first time since the pandemic began, they had plenty to discuss. Representatives from affiliates around the country, including AASP-MN Executive Director Linden Wicklund, Dan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center; Eagan) and Will Latuff (Latuff Brothers Auto Body; St. Paul) participated in conversations related to the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG), updates from United Fire Group (UFG) and legislation on Right to Repair.

After Outgoing President Tom Elder (Compact Kars; Clarksburg, NJ) welcomed attendees, Danny Gredinberg, administrator for the DEG, announced that the DEG is nearing 20,000 inquiries with a 50-55 percent change rate. “The industry is hungry for education,” he claimed, stressing the need for shops to continue “challenging times by submitting inquiries to see change. This is how we get accuracy.”

Next, Leah Olson and Lorna Morgan from UFG shared updates on current insurance industry trends, as well as performance of the AASP insurance program. Although they acknowledged that the program has not paid dividends for the past two years, Morgan expressed optimism that UFG will be able to offer payouts to members again in the near future, and Olson reminded AASP members that other advantages and benefits are available to members as well.

“UFG is dedicated to the AASP program,” she emphasized, listing benefits such as the targeted class of business, risk control resources, safety training and over $35 million paid out in claims since 2014 as the advantages that members have received through the program. “We feel very good that we’ve got the right tools to monitor this situation and adequately support AASP shops.”

The final guest speaker during the meeting was Tom Tucker, Government Affairs/Public Policy for the Auto Care Association, who dove into the controversial topic of Right to Repair, saying, “We need to keep the dialogue going, particularly when it comes to discussion on the use

of aftermarket parts.”

Referencing Massachusetts legislation from a decade ago, Tucker noted that wireless telematics were left out with the agreement to address the issue later. “Later is now,” he claimed, explaining that Auto Care’s 2019 ballot initiative passed with 75 percent of the vote, leading automakers to sue in federal court based on two issues: federal preemption and cybersecurity. “I think the judge is trying to be deliberate. These are not necessarily easy issues to understand, and he’s trying to be deliberate with cybersecurity concerns and the changing nature of the industry introducing electric vehicles. ‘Deliberate’ doesn’t make us happy because we feel we have a very strong case […], but we expect the issue of federal preemption to be off the table, and if the only remaining issue is cybersecurity, we have a solution based on internationally-recognized standards that the automakers are already implementing in similar applications.”

Although Tucker feels “very comfortable [the judge] is going to rule in our favor,” he also admitted that the losing side is likely to appeal the decision, so the issue will not be resolved anytime soon. He referenced a similar Right to Repair initiative in Maine, stating that if the legislature declines to take action, it will go to the voters in 2023. “Separately, we also have a federal bill pending in Congress, House Resolution 6570, which introduced the REPAIR Act in Congress.”

That bill now has 18 co-sponsors, indicating that it has been “generating momentum in Congress.” According to Tucker, it would give consumers control of their diagnostic vehicle data and provide them with the authority to direct who can receive that diagnostic repair information. It would also direct NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to develop cybersecurity standards which would be the law of the land, and give FTC (Federal Trade Commission) enforcement authority to resolve any disputes, as well as develop a committee that would oversee emerging technology issues in the market so that we don’t keep coming back to this battle time and time again.”

Claiming that Right to Repair is a “growing movement

with global momentum,” Tucker shared Auto Care Association’s position on OEM repair procedures: “We feel very strongly that, from a safety perspective, you should follow the suggested repair procedure, but we recognize that OEMs can always change their procedures to include parts, and that’s crossing the line for us when they insist on using OEM parts and not providing consumers with the choice to use aftermarket parts. For that reason, we oppose OEM repair procedures. We want customers to have a safe, proper and reliable repair, so we’re not questioning safety; we’re questioning giving the OEMs the authority to change the procedure in a way that would basically create a monopoly on parts.”

AASP affiliates shared thoughts on Tucker’s presentation.

“On the collision side, we feel the OEM parts are absolutely necessary because the aftermarket parts are not properly tested and don't meet the same standard for fit and finish after a collision,” Elder stressed on behalf of auto body shops. “If a quality control test were performed, I’m sure the body industry would have open arms, but [as it stands], we have to do the job twice and it becomes a difficulty for us, especially with cradle to grave responsibility on collision repairs.”

On the auto repair side, arguments were made in favor of aftermarket parts which reduce expenses for customers, as long as the parts are tested and proven to be safe.

“The industry is actually in a civil war right now; the whole industry is in flux,” Tucker noted as his time drew to a close. “We're looking at significant changes in the industry in the whole ecosystem. Do we sit back and ride the wave…or do we

put a group together and have some honest conversations? We’re not all going to agree on everything, but if we can start understanding, we can craft those solutions for tomorrow because the status quo where we’re all fighting is just not sustainable.”

The eight affiliate leaders who represent over 4,000 member businesses also tackled association business related to approving the last meeting minutes, reviewing the annual budget and discussing changes to existing benefits as well as the addition of two new benefits through Condition Now and World Insurance. AASP National Administrator Judell Anderson encouraged affiliates to take advantage of the organization’s education grants to help fund training for their local members, and Elder stressed, “Education is very important here.”

As the semi-annual meeting concluded, the National Board voted in favor of the nominating committee’s suggested Executive Committee for the 2023-2024 term: President Dan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center; Eagan, MN), Vice President Lucas Underwood (L&N Performance Auto Repair; Blowing Rock, NC), Secretary/Treasurer Barry Burkholder (Auto Success Inc.; Ephrata, PA) and Chair of Executive Directors Amanda Henry (AASP-PA) with Elder serving as Immediate Past President.

AASP National also recognized outgoing Executive Committee members Molly Brodeur and Bill Adams (New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops) before voting to hold its next meeting in Chicago, IL in April 2023. For more information on AASP National, visit autoserviceproviders. com

AASP-MN Executive Director Linden Wicklund

AASP National Administrator Judell Anderson

Outgoing President Tom Elder gets his gavel and plaque honoring his services from Incoming President Dan Sjolseth

AASP-MN's Dan Sjolseth was elected President of the National Board

ESTIMATING TIPS

Visit degweb.org to submit a Database Inquiry and contribute to database accuracy!

Audatex: AC Refrigerant Recovery & Evacuate/Recharge –Recent DEG Inquiry 21081 provides feedback regarding AC Recover & Evacuate/Recharge Process.

“The A/C EVACUATE RECHRG & RCVRY (GN 0980) labor allowance remains at 1.8 hours and applies to all passenger vehicle refrigerants. Please be advised that additional operations such as leak detection, clearing of fault codes, replace o rings and the cost of refrigerant and/ or oil are not included. No change warranted at this time.”

CCC/MOTOR:

Additional Considerations for Parts

Attached with Rivets – DEG Inquiry 21177 states, “Additional damage due to rivet removal to body would be Not Included and would require an on-the-spot evaluation.”

FREE Honda News and Service Information Honda techinfo.honda.com has Body Repair News, summaries of new body and vehicle technologies, and position statements available for FREE. This is a great resource for repair planners to learn more about new model features and updated vehicle designs. Always reference the actual procedure inside the OEM portal for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

All Three Systems: Adhesive Curing Time NOT INCLUDED –Repair procedures that require adhesive bonding may call out for a “Cure Time” before the vehicle can proceed to the next stage of repairs. Curing time has NOT been factored into any of the three information providers’ labor time.

DEG Inquiry 14014 for CCC

“The Motor labor time in CCC One is for the actual time that the technician spends on the physical procedure required to complete repairs of the damage. Please note: Wait time (i.e., drying, curing, shipping) is not considered in Motor time.”

DEG Inquiry 12709 for Mitchell

“Q: Cure Adhesive with IR lamps and monitor temperature with IR thermometer.

A: Monitoring curing, and temperature is not included in published labor allowances”

DEG Inquiry 12953 for Solera/Audatex

“Please see DBRM Section 4-2 Labor Exclusions. Page 43 of section 4-2, Bullet Point #2 Adhesive curing times is NOT INCLUDED.”

CCC/MOTOR: Guide to Estimating (P Page) Update –

CCC & MOTOR have made recent updates as of 11/22 to both CCC Live digital GTE as well as MOTOR GTE and RACED GTE.

The update links are available on DEG’s Estimate Toolbox under CCC Tab. A full summary of the updates can be found on degweb.org.

Notable changes can easily be identified in CCC Live digital GTE by locating a yellow star on the Book/Page Icon. Additional language updates are noted in “BLUE TEXT.”

continued from pg. 5 does not ensure an orderly or smooth budget process. AASP-MN will adjust its strategy and approach as we learn more about the committee structure and makeup in days and weeks to come. For now, it’s safe to say we can expect a serious conversation about a budget year bonding bill, along with increased funding for housing, education and human services. We will have new chairs of the Commerce and Tax Committees in the Senate as well as a new tax chair in the House. AASP-MN will hit the ground running to ensure your voice is heard by these new lawmakers.

Control of the Legislature:

• The DFL controls the House by four seats (69 to 65)

• The DFL controls the Senate by one seat (34 to 33)

NATIONAL NEWS

continued from pg. 10

TGP. “Everyone just looked around and said: ‘Mike.’ “He is truly an icon and more importantly, a friend to everyone in our industry.”

Thomas Greco Publishing is the publisher of New Jersey Automotive, Hammer & Dolly, New England Automotive Report, AASP-MN News and Texas Automotive and is the event manager of the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show.

Nominate an Influential Woman for the Women’s Industry Network’s 2023 Awards

Who is the most influential woman you know in the collision repair industry? Maybe you know several…and now’s the time to sing their praises by nominating them for the Women’s Industry Network’s (WIN) 2023 Most Influential Women (MIW) awards. Nominations will be open through Friday, January 6, 2023, and winners will be celebrated during WIN’s 2023 Annual Conference, scheduled for May 1-3 in San Antonio, TX.

Women working in any segment of the collision repair industry across the US and Canada can be nominated for the MIW award; neither nominators nor nominees are required to be WIN members to be eligible. Nominees will be reviewed and interviewed by an independent selection committee which is comprised of past WIN members and MIW who are currently uninvolved with WIN leadership, and selection decisions are based on established criteria, including industry influence, professional accomplishments, mentorship and community service.

Celebrate a strong woman in your organization (or within your network) by nominating her today at bit.ly/MIWnominees.

Statewide races:

• GOVERNOR: DFL Governor Tim Walz (52.3 percent) wins over Republican Scott Jensen (44.6 percent)

• ATTORNEY GENERAL: DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison (50.4 percent) wins over Republican Jim Schultz (49.6 percent)

• SECRETARY OF STATE: DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon (55 percent) wins over Republican Kim Crockett (45 percent)

• STATE AUDITOR: DFL Auditor Julie Blaha (47.5 percent) wins over Republican Ryan Wilson (47.2 percent)

Why Join WIN?

WIN offers education, mentoring and leadership development opportunities to build critical skills for success in the collision repair market.

• Local/Regional Networking Events

• Annual Education Conference

• Educational Webinars

• Mentoring Opportunities womensindustrynetwork.com

• Scholarship Program

• School Outreach Program

• Most Influential Women (MIW) Award

Understanding Employee Dishonesty Insurance

According to SheerID, businesses lose $50 billion to employee theft each year. On top of that, some face reputational damage and legal trouble when customer data or an employee’s paycheck is stolen.

Even more alarming, 75 percent of employees steal from their employer at least once. Whether that’s a few pens or an entire client list, employee theft puts financial, legal and emotional strain on employers.

What Does Employee Dishonesty Insurance Cover?

• Theft of money or money & securities

• Loss of business property

• Forgery and alterations

• Fraud and embezzlement

• Unauthorized electronic fund transfers

• Computer fraud

Examples:

• An employee of a property management firm stole rent paid in cash by a resident. The property manager's crime policy paid out $2,062 for the loss.

• A bike messenger employed by a trade association to courier cash deposits to a local bank was taking the cash and hiding it in the trunk of his car parked a few miles away. The theft was discovered when the employee was involved in a car accident, subsequently destroying a majority of the cash. The cash loss totaled $13,000, of which, $5,000 was salvageable from the wreck. The trade association's crime policy paid out the remaining $7,000, after the insured paid their $1,000 retention.

• A jobsite foreman of a remodeling company would purposely over order materials needed for a job. The leftovers disappeared only to be used in the foreman’s side jobs

done on weekends and evenings. Total loss was over $300,000.

• Office manager for a small residential service contractor was furnished signed blank checks for purchases while the owner was out. The office manager cashed some of those checks to fund her gambling addiction.

• Over several years, an employee conspired with vendors to inflate product and service prices while the employee kept the difference. Losses totaled over $1 million; most of which was covered by the insured's crime policy.

• A receptionist was discovered taking cash refunds of false returns and crediting her personal credit card. The insured made a claim for the recovery of the funds in the amount of $17,186 for the cash paid and credit card refunds paid

to her personal credit card. The claim was a covered loss under insured's crime policy. In the meantime, the former receptionist was prosecuted by the local district attorney's office for the theft.

Make sure you regularly reconcile all the funds coming in and going out of your bank accounts. Have one employee who is not a designated signee be the one to reconcile the bank accounts for all payables.

Contact Brad Schmid at CBIZ at (763) 549-2247 or bschmid@cbiz. com to get your coverage checkup today!

(C.H.E.S.S.)

Don’t Blow It

By Janet L. Keyes, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, CSP

What’s the quickest way to remove dust from a surface? Blow it. Use your compressed air gun, cranked to maximum pressure, to get that surface clean. But that dust doesn’t disappear. It just moves from one surface to another. Some dust will settle quickly. Smaller dust particles can linger in the air for hours. You’ll breathe those in, as will everyone near you. A good idea? Not for your lungs and eyes.

Do you remember the anthrax attacks in 2001? Letters containing anthrax spores were sent through the U.S. Postal Service to reporters and elected officials. As the letters went through postal facilities, they were sorted by high-speed machines and by hand. Each day, maintenance employees used compressed air to blow the accumulated paper dust off of the machines. When they did so, they spread the spores throughout

the building. Four workers breathed in the spores and became infected with anthrax. Two died. Two mail processing facilities were closed down and decontaminated, at a cost of nearly $200 million. The post office doesn’t clean machines with compressed air anymore.

You’re not likely to have weaponized anthrax spores in your dust. But what will be in it? That depends on what it’s from. In the days when asbestos-containing brakes were common, the dust would contain asbestos fibers, good at causing respiratory cancer and remaining suspended in air for a long time. Is the dust from cleaning out mouse droppings? Breathing that dust puts you at risk of disease, asthma and allergic reactions.

What if it’s just body filler and paint? Most of that dust does not have any specific toxic effect, but

too much dust of any sort can be damaging to breathe.

There are alternatives to using compressed air for cleaning. Dust capture tools, attached to grinders and sanders, remove the dust when it is created. They keep your shop from getting a fine dust layer over everything. They can speed up the work, too, because employees don’t need to stop what they’re doing to blow off the dust. You don’t need to stop all work periodically to clean the shop. You won’t have to replace air filters as often. Capturing the dust at the source also reduces the fire risk from combustible dust, such as that from body filler.

You can use water to control dust. When asbestos brakes were common, that was a recommended way to control brake dust. Mechanics were to spray water with a detergent added to it to wet all brake and

clutch parts and then wipe down the parts with a rag, to be disposed of as asbestos waste. People who work with stone routinely do it wet, too. The water they use effectively controls silica dust, as long as the dust isn’t allowed to dry out. Is that feasible for your work? Probably not.

If you can’t capture the dust when it is created, you can vacuum it up. But you’d want to use a vacuum with an efficient filter, so fine dust doesn’t come in one end and go out the other. Vacuuming cleans the shop floor, but takes a lot of time and effort – and it’s hard to vacuum irregular surfaces such as the clutter on top of tool boxes.

What if those methods won’t work? If you absolutely must blow it, do it right.

Require that everyone use OSHA-compliant air guns. These are designed so that blocking the tip doesn’t make the air hose pop off and whip around. They may have a port in the side of the nozzle, to divert the air flow. (Don’t let anyone cover that port with tape. Doing so is

actually self-defeating, because that port creates a Venturi effect, actually increasing the tip pressure during normal use.) Other compliant guns may have star-shaped tips or solid tips, with the air coming out from behind the tip. Those designs make it very hard to block the tip.

Require employees to wear safety glasses and hearing protection if they must use compressed air. The flying particles will get in eyes. The air itself is usually loud enough that it can damage hearing in minutes. There are air blow guns designed to be quiet (Silvent and Exair are two manufacturers of quieter compliant air guns), but they are more expensive. We rarely see those in the shops we visit.

Strongly discourage employees from using compressed air on themselves. That’s how people blow air into skin breaks, leading to infections. And never let anyone turn a blow gun on someone else.

Automotive work can be dusty. But there are better options than putting that dust back in the air.

OSHA safety grants have funded dust capture systems. For information about those, about dust control and evaluation, or for other safety issues contact CHESS at (651) 481-9787; toll free at (877) 481-9787, or carkey@chess-safety.com

What's Wrong With This Picture?

The air guns shown in the picture would be compliant with OSHA requirements ONLY if the airline pressure was reduced to less than 30psi.

For LKQ, the world’s “good enough” isn’t good enough. We believe better is the reward for those who keep striving. We bring this passion for better to our work every day. Today, LKQ is the auto industry’s largest recycler of vehicles. Our salvage vehicle operations recycle more than 90% of the materials from end-of-life vehicles that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Online : www.LKQCorp.com

CBIZ Provides AASP-MN Members a “One Stop Shop” for Insurance Needs

CBIZ is the recommended insurance agency for Property & Casualty, Workers’ Compensation and Employee Benefits coverage for members of AASP-MN. CBIZ has developed a program designed specifically for members of the Alliance which includes:

Property & Casualty - CBIZ and United Fire Group created a policy with forms specific to the garage industry. There is special pricing for AASP-MN members and the opportunity to qualify for a dividend based on the group’s performance.

CBIZ and United Fire have made this program available to all the contracted United Fire agents in the state of Minnesota. If you or your agent want more information on how to gain access to the program, contact Rick Miller at (612) 810-3314.

If your garage operations don’t fit into UFG’s program (i.e., more than incidental towing or auto sales) we have other carriers that can protect your operations.

Workers’ Compensation – With over 20 competitive carriers including United Fire Group, CBIZ has the flexibility to offer you the best coverage at an affordable price. Contact Brad Schmid at (763) 549-2247 to get a quote before your policy renews.

CBIZ Payroll & HR Technology – CBIZ provides technology to effectively track time and attendance and pay your employees. CBIZ Payroll doesn't have contracts, earning your business each and every payroll. AASP-MN members receive a FREE assessment of your payroll/ HR processes by emailing or calling Carrie Hobrough at chobrough@cbiz.com or (651) 387-9168.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY AND WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE

CBIZ

Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbiz.com

Employee Benefits - CBIZ, in conjunction with non-CBIZ Benefits planning professionals, offers a full line of employee benefits. They can customize employee benefit plans, focusing on the best coverages that fit budgets of large and small employers and their employees. Benefits include medical, dental, life, disability & voluntary employee paid benefits, such as AFLAC or Colonial Life.

Financial & Accounting – CBIZ is one of the nation’s top 10 accounting and financial services firms. They help their customers with Accounting & Taxes, Government Health Care Consulting, Financial Advisory, Valuation, Litigation Support, Risk & Advisory Services, Real Estate Advisory Services. Additional information can be viewed a cbiz.com

Retirement plans – CBIZ Investment and Advisory services focuses on the administration and advisory of employer sponsored retirement plans, both 401(k) and 403(b). Areas of expertise include fiduciary governance, compliance, investments and participant communication/education. They work to create a retirement plan environment that will encourage financial wellbeing and best prepare employees for financial success in their retirement years. Contact Brian Winkels at bwinkels@ cbiz.com or (612) 436-4615.

Other than noted above, contact Brad Schmid at (763) 549-2247 or bschmid@cbiz.com to set up a point of contact at CBIZ.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Autoshop Solutions

Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com

CBIZ AIA and United Fire Group (UFG) have created a program for members that includes a special premium discount, exclusive coverage and potential safety group dividend. CBIZ AIA can present quotes from multiple carriers and, as an added bonus, offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Business Planning Professionals

Contact: Dennis Begley 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com

Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance.

EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY BENEFITS

Colonial Life Contact: Deb Ferrao 612-600-4135 / deb.ferrao@coloniallifesales.com or Tracy Bailey 612-801-0139 / tracy.coloniallife@gmail.com

Dedicated representatives can help members transform their benefit package with competitive rates, value added services at no cost and complimentary legal document preparation service. Colonial Life has the tools and flexibility to create a plan to fit everyone’s needs.

& LINEN SUPPLIES

UNIFORM

Aramark

Contact: Rick Krenz 612-616-5290 / krenz-richard@aramark.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/Aramark 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.

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.

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, pay-per-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!

REPAIR SHOP PRODUCTS/SERVICES DISCOUNTS CARS COOPERATIVE

Contact: Stephenie Sheppard 405-547-4077 / membersupport@cars.coop

Members receive discounts on a variety of products and services they use every day! From discounts on paint and rental cars to office supplies and phone services. Over 50 programs available!

INFORMATION PROVIDERS

Mitchell 1

Contact: Mitchell 1 Representative 888-724-6742 ext. 6986

Mitchell 1 offers AASP members a $10 per month discount on any eligible Mitchell 1 subscription.

Mitchell International

Contact: Mitchell International Representative 800-238-9111

AASP members receive $350 off Mitchell's MD-500 allin-one solution for scanning, calibration, estimating, and blueprinting.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX

800-745-9649

Members enjoy a 20% annual savings on Direct-Hit and Direct-Help subscriptions, the industry's most reliable source for experience-based repair information.

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.

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT

Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com

Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS

AASP-MN

Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org

Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars.

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).

SAFETY COMPLIANCE

Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services

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.

LIVE-ONLINE & ON-DEMAND TECHNICAL TRAINING

AUTOMOTIVE SEMINARS

Contact: Tim Houghtaling 920-866-9813 / tim@automotiveseminars.com Discounted pricing to AASP-MN members on all liveonline events, as well as on-demand training videos.

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

BUSINESS COACHING

180BIZ

540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com

Members receive a 25% discount on Rick White's Pocket Business Genius subscription, offering independent auto shop owners fast access to actionable business advice from a leading industry expert.

SHOP SOFTWARE Condition Now 888-868-5440 / conditionnow.com/body-shop

A platform that allows shops to supplement the accident or damage information reported on Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports. Every AASP member receives a discounted inspection rate, allowing them to generate additional revenue from their retail and dealer customers.