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April 2014
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CONTENTS Vol. 22 No. 4
AASP News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 • Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover ©www.thinkstockphoto.com/Evgeny Sergeev.
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 2014 - 2015 PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dan Sjolseth, AAM
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ..............................................................4 It’s Worth It! by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..................................................................6 AASP-MN Takes On Insurer Mandates by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist NATIONAL NEWS ........................................................................7 LOCAL NEWS ..........................................................................8
SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Gleason
INSURANCE I.Q. ........................................................................9 How Familiar Are You With the Distracted Driving Laws? by Craig Wengerd, Risk Consultant, CBIZ AIA
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Joyce Weinhandl
NIOSH RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE ..................................................12
MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Greg Kasel, AAM
SHOP HERE FIRST! AASP-MN ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY ..............16
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ..................................................18 Mitchell 1: Information Tools For the Profitable Shop
COLLISION SEAT Mike Cox, AAM Jim Siegfried, AAM MECHANICAL SEAT Wayne Watson STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 17, 2014 20th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing 3M’s Tartan Park Lake Elmo, MN For info: Contact AASP-MN at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071
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 ADVERTISING: 800-991-1995 • tgp5@verizon.net PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco (tgp22@verizon.net) ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Norman Morano (tgp5@verizon.net) MANAGING EDITOR: Alicia Figurelli (tgp2@verizon.net) EDITOR: Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net) ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci (tgp3@verizon.net) OFFICE MANAGER: Sofia Cabrera (tgpbrandi@verizon.net)
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
aaa Auto Salvage ............................6 AmeriPride ......................................8 Axalta Coating Systems ..............................OBC Buerkle Hyundai ..............................14 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ....7
Jack McClard ..................................15 Keystone ..........................................14 Maplewood Toyota ..........................15 Mills Parts Center ............................4 Morrie’s............................................5
Motorwerks BMW............................17 Motorwerks Mini ............................17 MWAPA ........................................10-11 NAPA ..............................................12 PPG........................................................IFC Rosedale Chevrolet ..........................13 Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ....4 Straight & Square ............................13 Toyota Group ..................................IBC
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PRESIDENT SMES-
It’s
WORTH IT! by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President
It is my privilege and honor to serve as President of this outstanding organization. When asked to join the AASP-MN Collision Committee for the first time several years ago, I worried about how much time it would take me out of the shop. Would it be bad for my business? Who would handle my customers and day-to-day activities? What if there was an emergency at the shop and I was at a meeting? These are legitimate questions for all of us who truly care about our businesses and long-term viability. So I had to wonder: Would getting involved with this Association be worth my time? It didn’t take long for me to realize that getting involved was a great decision for my business. Initially, we saved money by utilizing some of the many member benefit programs AASP-MN offers. This is the easy way to justify membership. When talking with other members, I find more
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often than not that their dues are covered by the amount of money they save by taking advantage of the great member benefit programs offered. All of the programs, along with contact information, are listed on page 18 of this magazine. We also take advantage of the many training opportunities through the Association. I’ve been to training all over the country, and our local AASP-MN training programs rank right up there with the best of them. Our reputation as one of the strongest state associations allows us to attract high-quality instructors and training programs. In trying to continually improve, we are always looking for new ideas on classes or seminars that members are looking for. So if you have any ideas, just let us know. I feel the greatest benefit to myself and my business is the networking with other industry peers. I really take advantage of
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bouncing ideas and problems off of other shop owners and operators. It seems a lot of the time we are all facing the same challenges and issues. We really have a great group of collision and mechanical shops in this Association who are more than willing to share ideas and help each other out. For me, the advice and lessons I’ve received from other members is priceless. Finally, I know it’s worth it to be involved as I see the impact on the industry. I see the Association listening to member concerns and taking action. AASP-MN works hard legislatively to fight for fair business practices. Numerous scholarships are given to local technical school students to build our future workforce and the list goes on and on from there. I can say with complete confidence that the time and money that I spend on AASP-MN is wisely invested. If you hear me pestering other shop owners or managers to become more involved, I’m doing it in hopes that they have the same results I do; that they get out of it much more then they put in. I can’t help but come to the conclusion that, yes, it’s worth it!
Welcomes New Members March 2014 aaa Auto Parts East Bethel
DeCoux Automotive, Inc. Faribault Falk Auto Body Red Wing & Zumbrota Finishmaster Fridley St. Cloud Duluth
LaMettry’s Collision New Brighton
Northstar Auto Body & Glass Blaine Professional Auto Body St. Paul
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LEGISLATIVEUPDATE
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
AASP-MN Takes On INSURER MANDATES
In March, AASP-MN launched its legislative initiative to prohibit insurers from requiring or specifying that repair shops use specific vendors, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, business platforms or internal processes to carry out vehicle repairs. Further, insurers would be prohibited from imposing the terms of third-party pricing agreements on repair shops. The Bill would also put an end to insurers requiring that loss adjustment or inspection (i.e. estimates) be conducted at a particular repair shop designated by the insurer. Authors for the repair industry measure are Representative Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Senator Ron Latz (DFLSt. Louis Park). This legislative initiative is the product of extensive discussions among repair shops. Shop owners are increasingly concerned about the loss of control of their own businesses. AASP-MN will testify that some of the practices that insurers mandate solely benefit the insurers themselves – at the expense of repair shops and consumers. For example, a number of concerns have been raised regarding the timeliness of repairs and quality of parts that shops are experiencing as a result of State Farm’s
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mandated parts procurement process. AASP-MN is reaching out to legislators who serve on the House and Senate Commerce Committees where the Bill will be acted upon. Members are encouraged to contact their legislators – in both the House and Senate – to tell them that this Bill is important to the repair industry and is making its way through the legislative process. Stay tuned for email alerts from the Association with more information about this effort. In all of our communications, we have been very candid with legislators – letting them know that the insurance industry will strongly oppose this measure. We are portraying the issue as one which safeguards the fundamental right of a business person to act independently in the marketplace. In the view of AASP-MN, evaluating shops based on quality, timeliness and cost of repairs is legitimate. Forcing shops to conduct business in a certain manner with particular vendors is not in the interest of a fair and open marketplace. AASP-MN will keep you informed of the progress or challenges we face as this Bill is considered at the Capitol.
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NATIONAL NEWS The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program that offers recipients $1,000 toward their expenses to attend the Automotive Service Association (ASA) trade shows in Detroit this July. To be eligible for the awards, applicants must work in the collision or mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the business owner. There are scholarship offerings specific to ASA Collision Division and ASA Mechanical Division Members. The collision scholarships provide $1,000 in assistance to attend the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) event and the mechanical division scholarships provide $1,000 in assistance to attend the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) show.
AMI Offers Scholarships to Defray NACE/CARS Attendance Costs
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Scholarships Available for ASA Collision Division/NACE: • $1,000 Emil Stanley Merit Award • $1,000 Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship • $1,000 BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship Scholarships Available for ASA Mechanical Division/CARS • $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship
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Answer: In this photo, the cushion in this pair of ear muffs is damaged.
To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, or fill out a scholarship application online. Applications must be received by AMI on or before June 20, 2014. The scholarship recipients will be notified by AMI on or before June 30, 2014.
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LOCAL NEWS AASP-MN Announces 2014 - ’15 Board of Directors Congratulations to Jim Siegfried, AAM, Crystal Lake Automotive (Lakeville) and Wayne Watson, Autoworks Diagnostics & Repair (Woodbury) on their election to the AASP-MN Board of Directors! They will join the other members of the Board, which include:
President Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body (Hopkins) Immediate Past President Dan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center (Eagan) Secretary/Treasurer Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair (Corcoran) Associate Division Director Kevin Martin, P.P.G. Automotive Refinishes (Edina) Collision Division Director Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body (Bloomington) Mechanical Division Director Greg Kasel, AAM, Downtown Tire & Auto (Hastings) Collision Seat Mike Cox, AAM, Ed’s Collision Center (Maple Grove)
AASP-MN also extends a sincere thank you to this year’s outgoing board members: • John Ritter, Jr., AAM, Highland Autostar (St. Paul) • Scott McClure, AAM, St. Paul Automotive (St. Paul)
programs, uniform, bankcard and other costsavings benefits to your existing providers today!! Contact the AASP-MN office at 800852-9071 or 612-623-1110 or email us at aasp@aaspmn.org for a free comparison quote.
AASP-MN’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program Pays Dividend Star Insurance (Meadowbrook), the Association’s preferred provider of workers’ compensation insurance, recently paid participating members a dividend equal to three percent of premium. In all, nearly $20,000 was paid to 111 members participating on the program. This marks the ninth consecutive year that a dividend was earned based on the AASPMN group’s outstanding loss experience. Fewer accidents mean lower claim costs, which helps reduce insurance premiums. This is a great example of how safety – and membership in AASP-MN – pays! If you are not currently insured with Meadowbrook, call Scott Murphy at CBIZ AIA (763-549-2243) to learn how you can access the program and keep your local agent too. AASP-MN can save member businesses money! Compare the Association’s insurance
AAA Names Minnesota “Top Shop” Auto Repair Facilities Each year, the AAA Clubs of Minnesota recognize a select number of Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities for their business integrity, professional standards in automotive repair, outstanding customer service and community involvement. The 16th annual Top Shop awards are given to those repair facilities that last year had the required number of online customer satisfaction surveys with an Excellent rating of 93 percent or above. The evaluations are monitored and processed by AAA. Top Shop recipients are also Total Repair Care (TRC) facilities that offer the SYC&S discount to members and will triage, diagnose or repair a member’s vehicle within one hour of arrival at their shop. In Minnesota, 20 Approved Auto Repair shops have earned the Top Shop honor for 2013 and 13 of them are AASP-MN members. Congratulations to the following AASP-MN members for being recognized as Top Shops in Minnesota: Pro-Tech Auto & Truck Repair, Inc., Corcoran 4th Street Auto Repair, Inc., Duluth Edina Tire & Auto, Edina J.M. Auto Service, Eveleth Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins Crystal Lake Automotive, Lakeville Pro-Tech Automotive, Lakeville Autotronics of Mankato, Mankato Maple Grove Auto Service, Maple Grove Dave Steffens Automotive, Inc., Minneapolis Herb’s Servicenter, Inc., Plymouth Dunrite Auto Service, Saint Louis Park Saint Paul Automotive, Saint Paul
Currently, 128 auto dealers and independent facilities in Minnesota participate in AAA’s AAR program. To qualify, a repair facility must meet AAA’s strict criteria for technician certification and customer satisfaction. Although AAR benefits all motorists by identifying superior auto repair shops, AAA members receive additional benefits from AAR facilities, including a special 12-month / 12,000 mile warranty. In addition, AAA auto repair experts investigate and resolve any dispute involving an AAR facility and AAA member. AAA continuously monitors the performance of AAR facilities to insure that standards are maintained. 8 April 2014
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INSURANCE I.Q. Internship Sites Needed Hennepin Technical College’s Automotive Technology Program students will be looking for internship sites. The automotive faculty at Hennepin Technical College is asking shops for help in providing its students with an internship opportunity. It is a joint effort of Hennepin Technical College and local area automotive businesses. The program is fully certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Internships are used to upgrade the technical competency of incoming service technicians. Students are exposed to meaningful learning experiences that enhance the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom. Each student must seek out an internship site at the end of their first year and then again at the end of their second year, and, at minimum, spend 200 hours working in an industry setting during each internship. Most of these internships lead to full-time employment. Contact Mike Roberts at 763-488-2535 or email at mike.roberts@ hennepintech.edu for more information.
Sponsorships Support 2014 Educational Programming Recently, AASP-MN asked for sponsorship dollars from its associate members and other industry vendors to help support the association’s education and training activities in 2014. Sponsorship dollars help AASP-MN deliver the quality programs members expect, and keep registration fees affordable. To date, AASP-MN has received sponsorship commitments from:
Program Sponsors
AAIA AASP National AkzoNobel Performance Coatings Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Autoshop Solutions Bill Smith Foundation Carbench/Infinity Laser Measuring CARQUEST USA Dent Impressions Dentsmart PDR Keystone Automotive PPG Automotive Finishes WorldPac
How Familiar Are You With Distracted Driving Laws? By Craig Wengerd, Risk Consultant, CBIZ AIA Did you know that 12 states currently ban the use of handheld devices while driving? It’s no secret that distracted driving is dangerous and a leading cause of traffic accidents and fatal crashes. With over 50 percent of the US adult population in possession of a smartphone for work and/or personal use, support for increased restrictions, enforcement of laws and accountability behind the wheel continues to strengthen. In a report by the National Safety Council, a growing number of lawsuits resulting in large awards or settlements ranging from $500,000 to $22 million have been paid by employers and their insurers as a result of negligent employment-related crashes. Employers should understand what liability they may face on the road and in today’s courtroom climate. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure safe driving practices are implemented and enforced. To reduce exposure, an employer might consider the following risk prevention efforts: • Develop or review current driving policy to ensure compliance with state laws (consider polices that exceed state standards, i.e. cell phone ban); • Screen drivers before hire and/or after accidents - Review driver history and MVRs; • Provide training on company driving policy and safe driving techniques; • Enforce the policy and promote accountability; and • Review liability limits and insurance coverages. Distracted Driving Laws in Minnesota:
Texting and Web Access It is illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read or send electronic messages or access the Internet on a wireless device when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. This includes being stopped in traffic or at a light. The law does not apply to devices that are permanently affixed to the vehicle or global positioning or navigation systems.
Hospitality Sponsors 3M aaa Auto Parts AAA Minnesota/Iowa Aeromotive Services, Inc. AmeriPride Services AudaExplore Axalta Coating Systems BASF CBIZ AIA CCC Information Services Choice Auto Rental Dorman Products IDENTIFIX Inver Grove Ford Lincoln Keystone Automotive Lowell’s Performance Coatings Malco Prod ucts Meadowbrook Insurance Midwest Parts Advantage Mitchell International Mitchell1 Norton Automotive Aftermarket O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Pro Paint Sherwin Williams Suburban Chevrolet
Cell Phone Use and Texting • It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency. • Cell phone use is totally banned for school bus drivers.
Reckless or Careless Driving Distracted drivers can be ticketed for reckless or careless driving when their actions demonstrate a disregard for the safety or rights of others.
For more information, contact Dennis Spindler at (763) 549-2238.
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NIOSH RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE Issue Date: February 27, 2014
From: Jonathan Szalajda, Acting Chief, Technology Evaluation Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory Subject: Use of After Market Component Parts
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for occupational inhalation exposures when engineering or administrative controls are not adequate to reduce the hazards to an acceptable level. The use of a non NIOSH-approved respirator places the employer at risk of citation and fines by OSHA. NIOSH issues certificates of approval for specific and complete respirator assemblies. The approval is granted after the respirator has been evaluated and found to be in compliance with all of the requirements of the NIOSH regulations in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84.The requirements include the presence of a viable quality assurance program that controls the important aspects of the components and their assemblies into a configuration assuring produced units continue to meet the requirements. NIOSH has become aware of a dangerous practice where respirator users are swapping the original hose provided with supplied-air respirators with different sized hoses. The danger with using non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hoses that are sized differently can result in too little breathing air being delivered to the facepiece as well as too much air being delivered. In addition, because these hoses have not been subjected to the rigors of the NIOSH-approved quality assurance program of the OEM, they may have other performance features that are not compatible to the proper performance of the respirator. Although respirators are comprised of various component parts, they are approved as a single unit. Replacing NIOSH-approved respirator parts, components, and accessories with non NIOSH-approved parts manufactured by another company voids the NIOSH approval. The level of performance that was required and demonstrated to obtain the NIOSH-approval label can no longer be expected. Therefore, the modified configuration puts the user at risk. Using a modified configuration may also void the manufacturer’s product warranty. If you have any questions about the device you are using, you may contact NIOSH at npptl@cdc.gov or by calling 412-3864000.
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SHOP HERE FIRST! AASP-MN Associate Member Directory
3M Company - St. Paul, MN aaa Auto Parts - East Bethel, MN aaa Auto Salvage - Rosemount, MN AAA MN/IA Approved Auto Repair - Burnsville, MN AASP-MN BankCard / Midwest Hardware Assoc. - Hopkins, MN Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MN Advisorfix.com - Wrightwood, CA AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings - Stillwater, MN AmeriPride Services - Minneapolis, MN Arcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN AudaExplore - LaCrosse, WI Auto Body Specialties, Inc. - Mankato, MN Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MN Auto Nation Parts Department - White Bear Lake, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Apple Valley, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Bloomington, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Crystal, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Hopkins, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Lexington, MN Auto Plus Auto Stores - Rogers - Hopkins, MN Auto Value Parts Stores - St. Cloud, MN Autodata Labels, Inc. - Deer Park, NY Autodata Publications, Inc. - Rochester, MN Automotive Parts Solutions, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN Automotive Recyclers of MN - Minneapolis, MN Automotive Seminars, Inc. - Luxemburg, WI Automotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MD Axalta Coating Systems - Chisago, MN BASF Corporation - Crystal, MN Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN Blue Tow Service Center - Blaine, MN Body Shop Supply of LaCrosse, Inc. - Onalaska, WI Brake & Equipment Warehouse - Minneapolis, MN Buerkle Honda - White Bear Lake, MN Buerkle Hyundai - White Bear Lake, MN C.H.E.S.S. - Woodbury, MN Capstone Advisory Group - Edina, MN Car-Co Auto Parts, Inc. - Waconia, MN CARQUEST Auto Parts - Lakeville, MN CBIZ AIA - Brooklyn Center, MN CCC Information Services, Inc. - Stone Lake, WI Choice Auto Rental - Bloomington, MN Cottens’ NAPA - Anoka, MN Dent Impressions - Rogers, MN Dentsmart - Isanti, MN Derson/Clean Burn - Watertown, MN Dorman Products - Colmar, PA Dynotec Industries, Inc. - Shakopee, 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 Federated Insurance - Owatonna, MN Feldmann Imports Mercedes Nissan - Bloomington, MN Finishmaster - Duluth, MN Finishmaster - Fridley, MN Finishmaster - St. Cloud, MN G & K Services, Inc. - Minneapolis, MN Hedahls Parts Plus - Fergus Falls, MN Hedahls Parts Plus - Detroit Lakes, MN
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IDENTIFIX - Roseville, MN Inver Grove Ford Lincoln - Inver Grove Heights, MN Kent Automotive - Minneapolis, MN Keystone Automotive - Minneapolis, MN LKQ - Viking Auto Salvage - Northfield, MN LKQ Minnesota - Albert Lea, MN Lowell’s Performance Coatings & Equipment - Edina, MN Mark’s Towing, Inc. - Eagan, MN McClard & Associates - Hopkins, MN Meadowbrook Insurance - Overland Park, KS Metro Auto Salvage - Lakeville, MN Midwest Parts Advantage - Eden Prairie, MN Mighty Auto Parts - Burnsville, MN Mitchell International - San Diego, CA Mitchell1 - Slidell, LA Morrie’s Automotive Group - Brooklyn Park, MN Motor Parts & Equipment - Winona, MN NAPA Auto Parts, Forest Lake - Forest Lake, MN NAPA Auto Parts, Monticello - Monticello, MN NAPA Auto Parts, Northfield - Northfield, MN NAPA Distribution Center - St. Louis Park, MN NAPA Distribution Center - Owatonna, MN National Coatings & Supplies - Little Canada, MN National Coatings & Supplies - Rochester, MN Net Driven - Duluth, MN North Willow Contracting, Inc. - Palisade, MN Norton Automotive Aftermarket - No. St. Paul, MN O’Reilly Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN P.P.G. Automotive Finishes - Edina, MN PAM’s Auto, Inc.- St. Cloud, MN Parts Department of Owatonna - Owatonna, MN Pro Paint Metro, Inc. - Roseville, MN Pro Paint Metro, Inc. - Baldwin, WI Proven Force Clutch and U-Joint - Maple Grove, MN Pump & Meter Service - Hopkins, MN RLO Training - Renton, WA Rudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN SATA Spray Equipment/Dan Am Corp. - Spring Valley, MN Savage Parts Service - Burnsville, MN Scharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN Schmelz Countryside - Maplewood, MN Sharp Auto Parts, Inc. - Stillwater, MN Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes - Bloomington, 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 The Hertz Corporation - Alexandria, MN Total Automotive, Inc. - Chanhassen, MN U.S. Auto Force - Appleton, WI U.S. Auto Force - Roseville, MN United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IA Valley Imports - Fargo, ND Valspar - Minneapolis, MN Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc. - Brown Deer, WI Wallace Auto Parts/BMJ Corp. - Columbia Heights, MN Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MN Wurth USA - Hutchinson, MN Zee Medical Service - Burnsville, MN
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Your MemberCash in on
Mitchell 1: Information Tools For the Profitable Shop
Mitchell 1 has provided industry-leading repair information, estimating and management solutions to the motor vehicle industry for over 95 years. Mitchell 1’s complete shop solutions are designed to help simplify everyday tasks for service professionals while improving productivity and profitability: • ProDemand™ and Manager SE™ are the industry standards for mechanical repair, estimating and shop management information. • SureTrack™ adds to the power of ProDemand with an exclusive combination of experience-based knowledge and detailed parts replacement records, all wrapped in an interactive community. • SocialCRM™ is the loyalty marketing solution that helps shops retain their current customers and acquire new ones.
Exclusive Offers for AASP Members!
Mitchell 1 SocialCRM™ Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM is a unique and affordable customer retention and new customer acquisition marketing service. In addition to the great digital marketing tools (targeted email promotions, authentic reviews, automated service reminders and thank-you notes, robust reporting, etc.), the powerful solution also offers social media sharing of consumer reviews and has been optimized for mobile devices — all for only $185/month*.
TeamWorks™ TeamWorks™ brings together Mitchell 1’s industry-leading management, repair information and estimating software in a powerful solution that seamlessly integrates all aspects of your business. Write accurate estimates, order and track parts, get concise diagnostics and repair information from Mitchell 1, trusted by generations of service professionals for over 95 years. TeamWorks is offered to AASP members for as low as $199/month. To take advantage of these special AASP promotions and find your local Mitchell 1 independent sales representative who can demonstrate the value of the entire Mitchell 1 product portfolio, visit: www.mitchellrep.com/index.asp . Promotions above apply to new Mitchell 1 customers only. Activation fee waived. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. *Compatible with shop management systems other than Mitchell 1 Manager.
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group Contact: Scott Murphy 763-549-2243 / smmurphy@cbizaia.com Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance. In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn. PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Dennis Spindler 763-549-2238 / dspindler@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums. UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Jim Dillon 651-955-1398 • Fax: 952-738-3318 jim.dillon@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year. CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin 952-933-2026 • Fax: 952-933-4595 mach@midwesthardware.com Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also available.
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INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTS Wipers & Wipes, Inc. Contact: Dennis Julson Phone: 651-486-4866 Fax: 651-486-4859 Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products. Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area. Shipping free to outstate members with $100 purchase. LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Phone: 800-496-6789 Fax: 218-725-6800 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. TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX Phone: 800-288-6220 Fax: 651-633-2188 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline. One free call is extended to all first-time AASP-MN member callers. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury Phone: 612-623-1110 or toll free 800-852-9071 Fax: 612-623-1122 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars. REPLACEMENT PARTS Dorman Products Phone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329 Website: www.dormanproducts.com AASP members receive insider information, special access and other perks from Dorman Products, a leading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive replacement parts.
SHOP SERVICES Summit Software & Mobile Solutions Contact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 / fterlep@summitsoftwaresolutions.com. Website: www.emarketingsherpas.com AASP members receive a $50 discount on their annual e-Marketplace subscription, a digital marketing system that includes mobile phone apps and a complete customer service, sales, marketing, advertising and communication platform. INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Contact: Mitchell1 Representative Phone: 888-724-6742 x 6986 AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 information and management programs at significant discounts. For more information, log onto www.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representative at 888-724-6742, X6986. Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative Phone: 800-238-9111 AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM Repair.aspx for more information. CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services Contact: Heather Ellis 952-240-5017 / heather.ellis@fisglobal.com Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.
AASP News
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Shop-Probe Auto Body Management System 800-524-8104 / www.shopprobe.com Shop-Probe is one of the most user-friendly and affordable collision management systems on the market today. The system interfaces with every major estimating system as well as the QuickBooks accounting system. Shop-Probe’s excellent customer support and personal attention to detail is what sets it apart from the competition. AASP members receive a 10% discount off the price of the management system and any add-on products. Call for more information. BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Website: www.180biz.com 180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP members at a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business Solutions LLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increase profits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003. AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one coaching plans without long-term commitments and complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trial of their services. To learn more, please call or email us, or visit our website. WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Net Driven Contact: Jon Napoli 218-623-7351 / 218-310-7285 Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry. Net Driven assists independent tire and automotive industry dealers who are looking to increase revenue by selling more tires, service, and wheels. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.
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AASP News
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