PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s Time to Step Up

by JERRY MCNEE

We’re now in the middle of summer, and it looks like things are really beginning to get back on track. The phone at my shop keeps ringing, and more cars are showing up here all the time. Every AASP/NJ member I’ve talked to lately is experiencing the same thing. This is definitely a great thing to see, and I hope it’s a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, this increase in our workloads hasn’t removed many of the problems our industry is dealing with on the insurance front. We’re still fighting to receive the proper compensation we need from insurers to repair these cars properly as per OEM guidelines. This is nothing new, but it’s more stressful than ever. Due to COVID-19, many shops are struggling to pay their employees what they deserve. If the money’s not there, our invaluable technicians and crew members won’t get what they need to stay with us. Additionally, we’re now fighting against the allure of unemployment and stimulus money in our attempts to entice people to work at our businesses and stay in this industry. To make matters worse, we’re all doing our best to make ends meet while working with an outside industry that doesn’t possess the common sense to realize that their actions hurt the repair industry and their own policyholders.

Yes, times are tough, but none of us have to deal with these things alone. AASP/NJ is always working to bring education and value to every person who pays membership dues. Our NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show is right around the corner, and we’ll have other special events this fall. Of course, nothing we offer will matter if you don’t take advantage of it. Nobody is above learning new things, and nobody is above doing all they can to support and help the greater continued on pg. 42

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