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June 2014
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CONTENTS Vol. 22 No. 6
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 image ©www.thinkstockphoto.com/m-gucci.
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
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..............................................4 “Give Me One Good Reason I Should Do Business With You!” by Joyce Weinhandl, AASP-MN Collision Division Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE............................................................................5 Impact of Minimum Wage Increase by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
2014 - 2015 PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele
LOCAL NEWS ....................................................................................6 NATIONAL NEWS ................................................................................9
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dan Sjolseth, AAM SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Gleason COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Joyce Weinhandl MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Greg Kasel, AAM ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin COLLISION SEAT Mike Cox, AAM Jim Siegfried, AAM MECHANICAL SEAT Wayne Watson
STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM
MEET THE MEMBER ............................................................................12 Greg Kasel, AAM - Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings F.Y.I. ................................................................................................15 Painful Lessons For Employers Responding to Background Checks on Former Employees by Chad A. Staul, Esq. & James B. Sherman, Esq. COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) ............17 Detecting Carbon Monoxide by Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc. CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!............................................................18 Bankcard: The New Electronic Chip Cards Shift More Liability to Retailer by Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program 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) www.grecopublishing.com
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
aaa Auto Salvage ............................13 AmeriPride ....................................15 Buerkle Hyundai ............................12 Choice Auto Rentals ......................16 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ..14
Jack McClard ................................13 Keystone ........................................8 Maplewood Toyota ........................16 Mills Parts Center ..........................4 Morrie’s ..........................................7 AASP News AASP News
Motorwerks BMW ..........................IBC Motorwerks Mini ............................IBC MPA ............................................................10-11 NAPA..............................................5 PPG ......................................................OBC Rosedale Chevrolet ........................8 Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ..4 Straight & Square ..........................14 Toyota Group ..................................IFC June 2014 3 June 2014 3
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COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR MESS
by Joyce Weinhandl, AASP-MN Collision Division Director
“Give Me One Good Reason I Should Do Business With You!”
These are words that all of us have heard from our customers. Can we answer them? Do we have to pause to think about it? Does our staff have the right words to say? And, is the message consistent? All of us business owners know the value of having that one, quality individual who is greeting our customers. Meeting our front staff is one of those “touch points” of our business that begins laying the groundwork for our customers. It is this first encounter that has an impact on our customers making the decision to do business with us. We all want to be that repair shop of choice. This takes work, commitment, honesty and integrity. How do we display this to our customers? Listed below are seven “top picks” from our business that we have used to help improve customer service in hopes that our customers choose to do business with us: 1. Listen twice, talk once: It is important that we listen to what our customers are asking us. We are the experts, that is true, but it is the customer’s vehicle and they have the right to make the decisions regarding their vehicle. Our job is to help guide them during the repair process. 2. Make customers feel appreciated: Know them by name, be sin-
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cere when talking with them and give them our undivided attention. There are so many distractions that occur throughout our work day, but we need to make sure that each customer is made to feel special. 3. Know how to apologize: A customer once told me, it is not so much that you made a mistake, it is more how you recover from the mistake! Knowing how to apologize and deal with problems immediately reassures the customer that you are validating their concerns. 4. Give more than they expect: How do we set ourselves apart from the rest? We give our customers more than they expect. Our future lies within our customers and retaining our current customer base is essential to our business success. 5. Encourage customer feedback: It is important to encourage our customers to tell us how we are doing and where we can improve. The key point here is to listen to the feedback and make changes as appropriate. 6. Keep the customer informed: “A perfect product you deliver late is a defective product” (Solomon). We all are aware of the tight restraints on cycle time and the shop next door, but a well-informed customer is a happy customer and if they are told from the
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beginning what to expect, they are very understanding. 7. Listen to employees: They are our internal customers and listening to their feedback is critical to continue to improve our business. Our employees are our voice outside of the workplace. We want them to be proud of where they work and we want them to spread the word. Providing a consistent word track and improving upon those “touch points” of our business will help to improve our ability to gain and retain our customers. As a result, they will say, “Yes, I do want to do business with you!” Welcomes New Members
APRIL 2014 Advantage Data Systems Carver
Mercer Automotive Kerrick
All J’s Tire Center Minneapolis
Merit Chevrolet Maplewood
Auto Haus Collision & Motorworks New Hope
NAPA Auto & Truck Parts New Ulm
Dick & Rick’s Auto Bloomington
Parts Department of Faribault Faribault
Kevin Murphy's Auto Center Faribault
Venburg Tire Co. Maplewood
LEGISLATIVEUPDATE
Impact of Minimum Wage Increase
After nearly two years of debate, the Minnesota Legislature has amended the state’s minimum wage law. The battle lines had been drawn between business organizations such as the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Businesses on the one hand and organized labor on the other. The minimum wage increase will be phased in over a period of three years. On August 1, 2014, the state minimum wage will rise to $8.00 per hour. On August 1, 2015, the minimum wage will go to $9.00 per hour. On August 1, 2016, the minimum wage will reach $9.50 per hour. The adjustments to the minimum wage apply to businesses with gross sales in excess of $500,000 per year. For smaller businesses (gross sales Month Year
AASP News
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
below $500,000 per year), the minimum wage moves to $6.50 per hour on August 1, 2014, $7.25 per hour on August 1, 2015 and to $7.75 on August 1, 2016. The $7.75 minimum wage rate also applies as a 90-day training wage for 18 and 19 year olds and becomes the hourly rate for all 16 and 17 year olds going forward. Beginning in 2018, all wages would increase each year on January 1 by a statutorily determined inflation factor. The law does provide that the inflation adjustment cannot be greater than 2.5 percent in any year. AASP-MN members who have additional questions should reach out to the Association. We will be happy to provide additional information in response to member inquiries.
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LOCAL NEWS
AASP-MN Awards $15,000 in Scholarships The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) awarded $15,000 in scholarships to help post-secondary automotive students pay for tuition during the 2014-15 school year. The scholarships are in the amount of $1,000 per student and were made possible by a successful fundraising drive within the AASP-MN membership, as well as a generous donation from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee. All recipients will be entering the second year of a NATEF-certified automotive program based in Minnesota. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
• Anthony Ammann, Century College, White Bear Lake – Automotive Service Technology program • Tyler Anderson, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Courtney Bisbee, Lake Superior College, Duluth – Automotive Service Technology program • Matthew Bisbee, Lake Superior College, Duluth – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Tyler Bode, South Central Technical College, No. Mankato – Automotive Service Technology program • Luis Garcia, Ridgewater College, Willmar – Automotive Service Technology program • Levi Gustafson, Riverland Community College, Austin – Automotive Service Technology program • Tyler Hoyles, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Automotive Service Technology program • Austin Rikhus, MN State Community & Technical College, Moorhead – Automotive Service Technology program • Michael Torgerson, Pine Technical College, Pine City – Automotive Service Technology program • Seth Schure, MN State College Southeast Technical, Winona – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Alex Winder, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Joseph Wright, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Peter Yang, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park – Auto Body Collision Repair program • Christopher Yanish, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie – Auto Body Collision Repair program
Twenty-seven students from 12 schools applied for the scholarships. Applications were reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education and career goals, financial need and written recommendations. The scholarship awards are the centerpiece of AASP-MN’s Automotive Education Fund, which was established to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry. Fox Valley Technical College Industry Training Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is a nationally-recognized and ASE-Certified CASE (Continuing Automotive Service Education) provider of Collision Damage Assessment and Auto Collision training. Customized training and seminars are provided using instruction that emphasizes hands-on, practical application of skills. Training is conducted in its state-of-the-art facilities and includes the use of actual vehicles throughout the training experience. New hires and role-changing employees are ideal candidates for this training and technical assistance and consulting services are also available. FVTC offers seminars for every level of estimator that include hands-on estimating and actual vehicle repair to gain a comfort level with judgment decisions on repair versus replacement. OEM-specific repair strategies are everchanging and estimators must learn how and where to get information while writing the estimate. Hands-on aluminum repair, welding, frame straightening, and suspension alignment training for technicians are just a few of the topics taught. Check out what’s offered at www.fvtc.edu/cdat. LaMettry’s Donates Recycled Ride to Local Family In honor of Memorial Day, AASP-MN member LaMettry’s Collision recently donated a fully-restored 2008 Ford Edge to a fallen soldier’s family. State Farm donated the car and the LaMettry team, with the assistance of many of its business partners, completed the restoration. The vehicle was presented to the Xiong family, who reside in St. Paul. Chor Xiong, the father, was a Freedom Fighter in Southeast Asia. As the Vietnam War was ending, he and his family came to the U.S. Subsequently, two of his sons joined the American military. One son, Kham, was a victim of the Ft. Hood shooting in 2009. A second son is currently serving in Afghanistan. Recycled Rides is a nationwide program in which collision repairers, insurers, suppliers and vendors collaborate to refurnish and donate vehicles to individuals, families and service organizations in need. A program of the National Auto Body Council, hundreds of vehicles are gifted each year through the Recycled Rides Program. Kudos to LaMettry’s for supporting this worthy cause!
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
The three-prong plug shown on this ungrounded fan doesn’t ground the fan.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors! Program Sponsors AASP National AkzoNobel Performance Coatings Auto Care Association Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Autoshop Solutions Bill Smith Foundation Carbench CARQUEST Dent Impressions Dentsmart PDR Keystone Automotive PPG Automotive Finishes WorldPac
image ©www.thinkstockphoto.com/karandaev
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 Hertz Corporation IDENTIFIX Inver Grove Ford Lincoln Keystone Automotive Lowell’s Performance Coatings Malco Products, Inc. Meadowbrook Insurance Midwest Parts Advantage Mitchell International Mitchell1 Noble Conservation Solutions Norton Automotive Aftermarket O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Pro Paint Sherwin Williams Suburban Chevrolet
NEW ON THE AASP-MN WEBSITE • New Sales Tax Fact Sheets for Auto Body Repair & Service and Mechanical Repair & Service • Press Release and Body Repair News from American Honda; one referencing welding and sectioning guidelines, and the other regarding 2015 Honda Fit new model repair procedures. • And more!
Visit www.aaspmn.org
TODAY! AASP News
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NATIONAL NEWS
AAIA Now the Auto Care Association The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) officially announced it has changed its name to the Auto Care Association. For more than a year and a half, the association conducted an extensive rebranding initiative, culminating at a special luncheon celebration during the association’s Spring Leadership Days in Huntington Beach, CA, where the announcement was made. “The launch of the new brand comes at a key moment for the auto care industry, and we aim to use the momentum generated by the rebrand to build on our work across the industry,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Our new brand will better enable us to champion for the auto care industry with state and national policymakers since it articulates upfront the scope and value of the work we deliver.” “Our government affairs team will capitalize on our clearer and more memorable messaging so they spend less time explaining who we are and more time focusing on the issues important to our industry and our members,” said Schmatz. “For consumers, our new brand will help ensure they fully understand the quality auto care they can receive from our members. We will continue to provide information about the importance of vehicle maintenance and care through the ‘Be Car Care Aware’ consumer education campaign.” “The volunteer leaders and professional staff of the Auto Care Association are more ready than ever to stand by and for our members, so the industry — and its full size, scope and impact — can receive the credit and recognition it deserves,” concluded Schmatz. Ford Explorer and Expedition May Go Aluminum Collision repairers worried about the return on investment in aluminum repair tools and equipment needed to repair the 2015 Ford F-150 coming out this fall may have additional opportunities to use their new kit in the coming years. According to a report on Edmunds.com, the Ford Explorer and Expedition may also be candidates for conversion to aluminum body structures in the future. According to the report, the higher price of these SUVs means they are better able to sustain the
higher cost of the aluminum that would reduce weight and improve fuel economy. In January, Ford officially launched the 2015 F-150, which expands the use of highstrength steel in addition to aluminum, at the Detroit International Auto Show. I-CAR launched its F-150 structural repair course June 1. General Motors is also reported to be looking at introducing an aluminum-bodied Silverado. Edmunds believes consumers could see aluminum SUVs from Ford in the next five to six years. SCRS Examines Repairer Ability to Control Data Flow Article details ways repairers may be able to manage how “data pumps” access file information Many repairers are unaware of the breadth of data being extracted from their servers, where it is being extracted from, what settings they could employ to better control the flow of information, or even how that information may be used beyond its intended purpose. For years, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has alerted its members about the potential risk and liability associated with inadequate control over estimate data and business information. As one recent example, SCRS was notified of growing concerns relative to the collection of data through participation in the PartsTrader parts procurement program. As the program rolled out across the nation, more questions began to arise when end-users noticed key identifying information from non-State Farm estimate files populating their PartsTrader dashboard. The repairer concern surrounds the amount of non-voluntary information being provided through the data collection process which could offer valuable information surrounding market volume and shop volume, raising further concerns over the potential of violating agreements with non-involved carriers by sharing information with an unrelated third-party. SCRS researched the issue with PartsTrader and each of the estimating system providers to identify the means and extent in which the data is being accessed and collected; and to inquire if repair facility end-users have options to restrict non-required data from being collected, accessed or shared. As a result of that research, SCRS issued an article outlining the resulting responses from each of the technology organizations. The article concludes that: • Technology has increased the ability to communicate information amongst businesses; however, the increase of applications that indiscriminately extract data in the background for unknown or unintended purposes is a concern for repairers who have obligations to protect data generated by their business. • There are advancements being made, or already in place, from some estimating system providers which allow collision repair facilities to maintain better control over the data files being exported from the estimating systems to other data collection sources. • The solutions and options for each estimating system vary, so it is important to compare capabilities of the software programs relative to features that allow greater control over unwanted data transfer, and to make any necessary profile changes in line with individual business practices.
To read the full article with responses, go to: http://scrs.com/data/ uploads/2014-april-scrsexamines-repairer-ability-to-control-data-flow.pdf.
HAVE YOU “LIKED” US??? AASP-MN has a Facebook page! Stay up to date on Association activities, news and more by visiting
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MEET?THE MEM-
Greg Kasel, AAM Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings Member Since: 1999
Please give a brief history of your career in the auto repair industry, including your current title & any key employees. I actually started working here part-time pumping gas when I was in high school. My father purchased the business in 1983 from the former owner. After high school, I went on to Dakota County Technical College and in 1986 I came on as a full-time employee. In 1998, my dad retired and I took over. Today, the shop consists of a service advisor, two techs and myself.
What initially inspired you to join AASP-MN, and more recently, its Board of Directors? We became an AASP-MN member around 1999, mainly for the educational and training offerings. When I was asked to join the Board, I couldn’t say no! I had already been a part of the Mechanical Advisory Committee, and felt it would be a good opportunity. The Association does a great job of keeping people informed of what’s going on in the industry, and getting the ball rolling when change is needed.
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What do you do when you are not in the shop? I’m a really big fan of classic cars and trucks, so I like to work on them in my spare time. I also collect vintage beer cans, and to unwind, my wife Kari and I enjoy going camping and getting away from it all. What trait do you appreciate most in other people? The traits I value most in other people are honesty, and the ability to be flexible or open to suggestion.
Do you or your shop participate in any charity/volunteer organizations? Our shop used to participate in the Hastings Community Car Care program, which would provide auto repairs to single mothers in the community. The program has since ended, but we did support it when it was active.
The Downtown Tire & Auto Staff (L to R):
Todd (technician); Dave (technician); Greg (owner); and Khalil (service advisor).
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What is your biggest and best accomplishment? I’m extremely proud that I’ve been able to provide for my wife and two children. It’s also a great feeling knowing that the business has been kept alive and strong for 16 years, and has gone on to support four families in our community.
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By: Chad A. Staul, Esq. & James B. Sherman, Esq.
F.Y.I
Painful Lessons for Employers Responding to Background Checks on Former Employees
To give or not to give: That is the question - at least when it comes to whether or how to respond to another employer’s questions about one of your former employees as part of its background check. As the following two cases and others like them illustrate, providing references on former employees as part of another employer’s background check, whether positive or negative, can be a risky proposition. It seems understandable that even if an employee leaves on bad terms the employer might want to take the high road and give that employee a positive employment reference. Call it “Minnesota nice.” But a 2012 federal court decision found that an employer’s glowing reference given for an employee it had terminated undermined its position in court that the termination was justified based on the employee’s misconduct. The result was that the employee was allowed to proceed to trial with claims of age discrimination. In Kragor v. Takedo Pharmaceuticals of America, Inc., the court held that a positive reference the employer gave to a prospective new employer for its recently terminated employee contradicted its defense in court that the employee was lawfully discharged for misconduct. These differences - between what the employer represented in court and what it said to a third party seeking a job reference - were enough for the court to allow a trial on the employee’s claim that the real reason for her termination was age discrimination. As this case demonstrates, helping a former employee find a job may actually wind up also helping that person in a lawsuit against their former employer! More recently, in Minke v. City of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Supreme Court allowed a trial to proceed in a case involving an employee’s challenge to a negative reference given by his former employer. In this case, the plaintiff resigned from the Minneapolis police academy and applied for work at the Mounds View Police Department. As part of the application process, the employee authorized Mounds View in writing to contact his supervising sergeant with the Minneapolis Police Department for background information. Apparently the employee felt his former supervisor had less than flattering things to say about him because after he failed to get the job, he sued the City of Minneapolis for defamation and tortious interference. The suit claimed the employee was not hired because his former supervisor in Minneapolis made defamatory
statements to Mounds View during its background check, including “attacks on [his] honesty, integrity, character, work ethic and performance.” Despite the fact that the plaintiff had expressly authorized his former employer in writing to provide his prospective employer with a review of his performance as part of its background check, the court allowed the defamation claim to proceed to trial. In its decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court noted that although “[i]t is certainly in the public interest that [information about a former employee] be readily available to prospective employers,” it is also “important to protect the job seeker from malicious undercutting by a former employer.” The Court noted that Minnesota Statutes § 181.967 (a shield statute heavily supported by business groups) was an attempt by the legislature to balance these competing interests by detailing information employers can provide to prospective employers or employment agencies about current or former employees, while describing in great detail how that information must be disclosed in order to
AASP News
shield employers from claims for defamation. Neither the shield statute, nor the fact that the plaintiff in this particular case had given his written authorization for his former employer and supervisor to respond to a background check, proved fatal to the ensuing defamation lawsuit. This new decision provides yet another lesson on why, absent some legal obligation to disclose, employers are well served to remain tight lipped when asked for references or background information about former employees.
For experienced guidance in dealing with inquiring employers and crafting policies and procedures dealing with employment references that do not provide a former employee with information to further any potential cause of action against you, contact James B. Sherman or Chad A. Staul at (952) 746-1700, or email jasherman@wesselssher man.com or chstaul@wesselssherman.com.
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COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.) By Janet L. Keyes, CIH, CHESS, Inc.
image ©www.thinkstockphoto.com/leekris
Detecting Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion. Any time you burn something containing carbon, you can produce carbon monoxide. With exactly the right oxygen/carbon mix, you might get complete combustion, forming water and the relatively harmless carbon dioxide. But if conditions aren’t just right, carbon monoxide forms. Smokers have higher levels of carboxyhemoglobin (hemoglobin carrying carbon monoxide instead of oxygen) than nonsmokers, because they’re breathing the combustion products of tobacco. Cars have exhaust systems designed to remove carbon monoxide, because running a car requires burning gasoline. Residences are required to have carbon monoxide alarms, because natural gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide. At high levels, those above 1200 ppm, carbon monoxide (CO) can kill within an hour. Levels around 400 ppm will make you feel sick and give you a bad headache after an hour or two. You could get those levels if a fuel-burning appliance like a furnace malfunctions or if you operate small engines in enclosed places (an example: a gaspowered pressure washer in a basement). Lower levels of CO can cause heart damage, of particular concern to anyone with existing heart disease. Vehicle repair shops are running cars in and out all day. You’re heating your shops in winter. If you paint, your painters might be using air from a compressor, which could overheat and produce carbon monoxide. How do you know that you’re not poisoning workers with CO? Easy answer: Ventilate and monitor. Both building codes and Minnesota OSHA require building ventilation to control carbon monoxide. If you repair vehicles (whether mechanical or collision), you should have general exhaust ventilation, able to remove air near the floor (because that’s where tailpipes are usually found). If you need to run engines, you also need tailpipe exhaust. You can run a hose from the tailpipe right outside, as long as the hose is less than 10 feet long. There’s no requirement to monitor for carbon monoxide in repair shops, although you are required to keep levels averaging less than 35 ppm. If you have a good exhaust ventilation system, keep your heating appliances in good shape and minimize how
Solid state sensors don’t work well for airline systems (although we’ve seen them used there). They’re not sensitive enough to reliably respond to 10 ppm. Their accuracy is affected by changes in temperature and humidity. And they have a lot of cross-sensitivity, so they could respond even when CO isn’t present. For airline systems - or to be sure that employees are not exposed to more than the OSHA workplace limit - we typically use electrochemical sensors attached to the airCarbon monoxide is a sneaky killer. You can’t lines. They’re very accurate and don’t have smell it. It doesn’t produce a blue haze. The the cross-sensitivity issues of solid state only way you know if it’s present is by monitor- sensors. The disadvantages? They need regular calibration, because they’ll drift. And ing for it – or by people getting sick. they typically don’t last as long as solid state sensors. But they’re much better suited much engines are operated indoors, you for detecting low levels of carbon monoxprobably don’t have to worry about moniide. toring. When you install or replace a carbon There is one case when monitoring for monoxide monitor for an airline system, ask carbon monoxide is required. If your your supplier if the CO monitor sensor will painters wear airline respirators, using air reliably and accurately respond to 10 ppm. from your compressors, you need to moniOpt for one with a digital read-out. And be tor the air they’re breathing. You must proaware that the best sensors for airline respivide Grade “D” breathable air, which means rators will need to be replaced every couple there are stricter limits than general shop of years and will need calibration. Ask for air: A ceiling limit of 10 ppm instead of an a demonstration of how to calibrate (it eight-hour average of 35 ppm. If compresshould be quite easy). sors overheat, they can produce their own There are other ways to monitor for CO. If their air intake is poorly located, carbon monoxide. Facilities that use LPsuch as right by your tailpipe exhaust vent, powered forklifts are required to monitor they can draw in CO. workplace CO levels at least quarterly. For The easiest way to monitor the airline them, colorimetric diffusion tubes, small air is with an inline CO monitor – providing glass tubes holding a substance that changes it works correctly. If your compressor has a color in proportion to the time of exposure high temperature alarm, you can periodiand the concentration, work well. Colorically check the air from your filtration unit metric tubes can be used to get immediate that’s going into the respirator hood instead. results, too. But that typically requires more recordkeepEven though vehicles produce much ing than using an inline monitor. less carbon monoxide than they used to, it Carbon monoxide alarms need to be still can be a concern. Minimize how much sensitive enough to respond to the levels of is produced: Keep combustion appliances concern. Household CO alarms have solid tuned up. Control it when it must be prostate sensors, set to go off if levels are above duced: Install and use exhaust ventilation 100 ppm for 90 minutes or 400 ppm for fifsystems. And accurately check how much teen minutes. They’re just sensitive enough is produced: Use the appropriate carbon to give you a heads-up that you need to get monoxide sensors, calibrated often enough out. They won’t warn you about the lower to be confident of results. levels that can cause long-term damage. If you have questions about carbon Parking garages also often use solid monoxide alarms, airline respirator systems state sensors. These are often connected to or safety in general, contact CHESS at 651ventilation systems, so if levels go above 35 481-9787; toll free at 877-482-4377, or or 50 ppm, the ventilation will kick on. carkey@chess-safety.com. These sensors can last a long time, but they do drift, so regular calibration is needed. AASP News
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Cash in on Your Member-
Bankcard: New Electronic Chip Cards Shift More Liability to Retailer By Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program
A major change is coming in bankcard processing that will affect you. Over the next year and a half, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express will be issuing credit and debit cards that contain an electronic chip. This is being done as the “bad guys” of the world increasingly find ways to change data on the card’s magnetic strip. It is entirely possible that a card with an altered magnetic strip has been presented in your shop. Chances are you, as a shop owner, never knew it was fraudulent, processed the transaction, and were paid by your credit card processor just like normal. To cut down on fraud due to an altered magnetic strip, card companies will soon begin issuing credit and debit cards with an electronic chip on the front, while also maintaining the traditional magnetic strip on the back. With this change, there will also be a shift in the liability of swiped credit card transactions which turn out to be fraudulent. If, by October 1, 2015 your shop has not invested in upgraded terminals or other equipment capable of reading electronic chips, and instead you continue to swipe and read each card’s magnetic strip, the liability for any fraudulent sales will shift to you. The card companies will no longer absorb it. So, while you will still be able to process cards with your
present terminal and equipment even after October 1 of next year, you will be doing so at the risk of accepting a card with an altered magnetic strip. When this happens, you will be on the hook for the cost of any fraudulent transactions. The only way to avoid this risk will be to invest in equipment capable of reading electronic chips. If you use AASP-MN as your bankcard processor, we already have chip-reading terminals available. These terminals can read both a chip and a magnetic strip, so you will have no problem with cards presented in your shop that don’t yet have a chip. And it’s important to note that members on AASP-MN’s program always receive preferential equipment pricing, resulting in the lowest possible price. If you don’t use AASP-MN, you’ll need to ask your bankcard processor what equipment they will make available to you. If you’re processing directly through a point-of sale system, card chip reading equipment would come from your POS supplier. For additional information on processing the new electronic chip cards, or if you would like to find out if AASP-MN’s bankcard service can save you money, please contact Mac Hardin at 800999-4399 or by email at mach@retailfinancialservices.biz. Mac is available to assist AASP-MN members with all of their bankcard processing questions and needs.
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@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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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. 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. Stormlogix Contact: Paul Switzer 732-364-1156 / paul.switzer@stormlogix.com Stormlogix extends a discount on its website packages to AASP members. Costs can be spread out over 6 months.
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.
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. PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Bob Willbanks 612-298-1176 / bwillbanks@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). Members who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month of payroll processing free. 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.
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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 longterm 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.
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. 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.
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