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Plus: NORTHEAST速 2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - Pg. 42 TM
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS/NEW JERSEY (www.AASPNJ.org) AND THE AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY (www.ARANJ.org)
February 2014 $5.95
www.grecopublishing.com
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For all we have to offer, visit us at
www.nucarparts.com Scan the QR code for Nucar Wholesale Parts 4
New Jersey Automotive
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New Jersey Automotive
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P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com 2013 - 2015 OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jeff McDowell, Leslie’s Auto Body 732-738-1948 / chacki@aol.com COLLISION CHAIRMAN Dave Laganella, Peters Body and Fender 201-337-1200 / petersbandf@gmail.com MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com TREASURER Tom Elder, Compact Kars, Inc. 609-259-6373 / compactkars@aol.com SECRETARY Thomas Greco, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 973-667-6922 / tgp22@verizon.net
VOLUME 44, NUMBER 2
CONTENTS 8 OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES 10 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 14 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 36 AASP/NJ MEMBER NOTICE
NATIONAL NEWS ROUNDUP 22
BOARD Greg Dwyer, Greg & Sons Auto Service 973-696-2548 / greg2sons@aol.com
Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net
Sam Mikhail, Prestige Auto Body 908-789-2020 / mikhail@goldcar.com
Ted Rainer, Ocean Bay Auto Body 732-899-7900 / trainer@verizon.net
Anthony Sauta, East Coast Auto Body 732-869-9999 / ecabofnj@aol.com
Randy Scoras, Holmdel Auto Body 732-946-8388 / randy@holmdelautobody.com
Anthony Trama, Bloomfield Auto Body 973-748-2608 / anthony@bloomfieldautobody.com
Brian Vesley, Valtek, Inc. 973-278-1444 / bdvesley@valtekinc.com
February 2014
MT Shop Faces OSHA Fines After Fatal Fire LKQ-Keystone Issues Aftermarket Wheel Recall ABPA Sues Ford over Design Patents Mitchell Releases 2014 Insurance Industry Predictions
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT 29
Cherry Hill Imports: The High-End Solution
LEGAL FEATURE 32
by Mitch Portnoi
Injunctive Relief in 2014 for New Jersey
COVER STORY 40 42
by Joel Gausten
NORTHEAST Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
NORTHEAST® 2014 Schedule of Events
BOARD ALLIED Joe Amato, The Amato Agency 732-530-6740 / joesr@amatoagency.com
NO BRAKES by Ron Ananian
PAST PRESIDENT ATTENDING Tom Elder, Compact Kars 609-259-6373 / compactkars@aol.com
AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY
Mike Kaufmann, Advantage Dealer Services 973-332-7014 / mkaufmann@advantageds.com
PUBLISHER Thomas Greco (tgp22@verizon.net)
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The “In-Between-y” Diagnosis
54
Legal Update Wharton Insurance Briefs
58
NJA ADVERTISERS INDEX
MANAGING EDITOR Alicia Figurelli (tgp2@verizon.net)
EDITOR Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net) ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Norman Morano (800)991-1995 (tgp5@verizon.net) ART DIRECTOR Lea Velocci (tgp3@verizon.net)
OFFICE MANAGERS Brandi Smith (tgpbrandi@verizon.net) Sofia Cabrera (tgp4@verizon.net)
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Charles Bryant • Tom Greco • Jeff McDowell
Mitch Portnoi • Dave Laganella • Ron Ananian
Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963 Advertising: (800) 991-1995 / FAX: (732) 280-6601
www.grecopublishing.com
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey
HALL OF FAME Ron Ananian Jim Bowers Charles Bryant Don Chard Guy Citro Ed Day Dave Demarest Tom Elder
Bob Everett Thomas Greco Rich Johnson Wes Kearney Nick Kostakis Jim Kowalak Joe Lubrano
Michael Lovullo Sam Mikhail Ron Mucklow George Petrask Russ Robson Jerry Russomano George Threlfall
Cynthia Tursi Lee Vetland Paul Vigilant Rich Weber Brian Vesley Glenn Villacari Stan Wilson
NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to AASP/NJ and ARANJ members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2014 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc.
Cover art by Javier Soto
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OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES
For the Record by Thomas Greco, Publisher
One of my favorite experiences has always been visiting a record store. I can almost chart my life by the record stores I’ve frequented. (I don’t know what that says about my lifespan, considering there are so few of them left.) I lost my record store virginity at a local store called Nunzio’s in Nutley. (I may have gone to first or second base at a Two Guys in Kearny, but I don’t really remember it.) I was five, and my sister Gloria had indoctrinated me into the Beatles. So I begged my dad to take to go see old man Nunzio. I was looking for anything Beatle and the latest record they released was Rubber Soul. (Yes,
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I’m old.) I can remember it like it was yesterday. The store was situated next to the Nutley Sweet Shop (and don’t think I didn’t realize the bonus that was going to provide after I got my record.) Anyway, Nunzio’s seemed huge to me, with albums against the left and right walls and down the center of the store. The counter was in the back right where Mr. Nunzio stood — a typical ’60s businessman who had no idea (and probably didn’t want to have an idea) of the culture change that was taking place right in his little store — 45s tucked safely behind him so that no one could steal them. My dad walked up to him and said, “Do you have any of
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those long-haired freak Beatle records? The kid won’t shut up about them.” Nunzio walked to the album aisle and came back with Rubber Soul, holding it as if it was soiled underwear. My dad paid the man ($2.99 — I still have the sticker!), turned to me and said, “You happy?” I smiled and said, “Can I get some candy next door?” He put a Lucky Strike in his mouth, chuckled, slapped me and said, “Get your ass in the car.” NO! Of course I got my candy…and some fries too. My dad was the best. My next conquest was a bit further away. By the time Woodstock took place, Nunzio’s was long gone. My sister used to love to go to the Garden State Mall, which in those days was NOT enclosed. That’s right: You used to have to walk outside to get to one store from another (imagine that!). She hated to go alone, so she would drag me along. But I had ulterior motives. While she was girly shopping, I headed straight to Sam Goody. Man…now, THAT was the biggest record store I had ever seen. Thousands and thousands of records. I would spend hours there just going from aisle to aisle. I usually had money for maybe one album if I was lucky. The record that stands out from that store was the Beatles’ 1962-1966 and 1967-1970 compilations. I bought them in 1973. (Yes, I’m old). We’d always meet at the pretzel stand across from Lane Bryant at 9:30. Thanks, Glor.
Junk food and records. Hmmm. Do you sense a theme here? I soon began to expand my horizons. My sister Diane worked at the courthouse in Hackensack and she told me about this place called the Relic Rack, which specialized in oldies. Now, even though I was obsessed with the Beatles and bands that came after them, I was always into doo-wop music, too. My brother Ralph used to play his scratched 45s all the time and I really, really dug groups like the Marcels and the Earls. The Relic Rack had more 45s than I had ever seen in one place. It seemed they had EVERY 45 ever made! Of course I had to go there. We used to go every Saturday. During the week, I would listen to WCBS-FM and write down all the songs I liked and bring my list up to George at the Relic Rack. I don’t think I ever stumped him. I remember asking for records by Arthur Alexander, an obscure R&B singer from the early ’60s. “Arthur Alexander?” he asked loudly. “How the hell do you know about Arthur Alexander?” I had read that he was one of John Lennon’s favorite singers. “Get out of here with that Beatles $%!#!” He had the 45s, though. And I was the only kid in middle school who had all the records that they were playing on Happy Days. On the way home? White Castle. continued on pg. 56
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
PartsTrader: NOW WHAT??? As I write this message, very loud rumblings across our industry - not the least of which is a very telling graphic on the
company’s website listing the Garden State market area as “pending” - are indicating PartsTrader’s imminent arrival in New Jer-
by Jeff McDowell
sey. For those of us who have been following the insurer-mandated parts procurement issue since the beginning, this is hardly a surprise. It’s almost always been a question not of “if,” but of “when” State Farm would bring their parts platform to our area. That “when” now appears to be a mere few weeks. However, a much more important question exists: NOW WHAT? Once State Farm flips the PartsTrader switch from “pending” to “active” for New Jersey Select Service shops, you can bet on two things: One, that shops throughout our state - State Farm DRP or not - are going to have many questions as to the way they do business; and two, that other insurers doing business in New Jersey will immediately begin plans to implement their own mandated programs. Whether you’ve been following PartsTrader’s progress or not, surely you have questions about what this will mean to your particular business (whether you’re Select Service or free of DRP relationships), questions about how other industry professionals across the country have handled this intrusion, or maybe even questions on the legality of insurer mandates in general. Well, I’ve got good news: AASP/NJ’s flagship event, the 2014 NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show at the Meadowlands, will be taking aim at this very issue in an effort to answer ALL your questions on insurer-mandated parts procurement. Our Friday, March 21 panel discussion will include real experiences from industry associations who have taken on the issue in the courts, businesses who have - and have not – rejected the concept of PartsTrader in their body shops and trade associations from across the country telling their stories in an informative, open forum. All are welcome (though pre-registration is STRONGLY continued on pg. 57
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Taking Back Our Industry by Charles Bryant
Problems within the collision repair industry in New Jersey are at an all-time high. Every day, shops are faced with: Artificially-Suppressed Labor Rates Antiquated Paint & Material Cost Calculation Methods Failure to Acknowledge Proper Repair Procedures A Push for Used Safety-Related Suspension Parts without Accepting Liability Aggressive Steering to DRP Shops by Insurers (Upon Resistance to the Above) And the list goes on…… Now, with the collision industry already facing these issues that prevent a collision shop from realizing a fair and reasonable profit and often hamper a shop’s ability to return damaged vehicles to a safe operating condition, State Farm has decided to attack the last and final collision industry profit center by transferring profits derived from the sale of collision parts from the shop’s pocket to the insurance industry’s pocket. They recently announced that they are bringing PartsTrader to the Northeast. This could be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Over the years, the collision industry has tried to live with artificially suppressed Labor Rates even though the cost of living has skyrocketed while Labor Rates have remained close to the same (without a reasonable increase to match inflation and the changes in modern vehicle procedures, required training and equipment) for years. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued a bulletin to all insurers doing business in New Jersey in 2007 denouncing the traditional dollar figure per paint hour method of allowance for paint and material cost and encouraged all insurers to use the available paint and materials cost programs to assist in achieving consistent compliance with the bulletin. Yet certain insurers still refuse to accept the use of a paint and material cost accounting program. Most of the ones that do attempt to manipulate the use of the calculators, while others offer a few extra dollars while claiming that they don’t accept the use of a paint and material cost calculator. 14
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Due to the technicalities of the complicated vehicles being produced and put on the roads today, the vehicle manufacturers issue bulletins, position statements and special cautions related to the repair of these vehicles that are damaged, specifying repair procedures that must be performed in order to assure the safety of the occupants of the vehicles. Yet many insurers refuse to pay for these necessary procedures time and time again. Some insurers even tell the vehicle owners that the shop of their choice is trying to overcharge the owner in an attempt to get the vehicle owner to breach their contract with the shop of their choice and have the vehicle moved to a shop on the insurer’s DRP program, one they claim will repair the vehicle for the amount of their estimate. If the shop of the vehicle owner’s choice does not buckle and agree to repair the vehicle the way the insurer wants to, and for the amount the insurer wants to pay, the steering becomes very aggressive. As a result of the aggressive steering, many shops surrender and go along with the insurer and repair vehicles the way the insurer wants and for the amount of the insurance estimate in fear of having the insurer constantly steer customers away from their shop. Prior to certain insurers pushing things like the recent issue of used safety related parts like suspension parts, most shops would do everything in their power to work with the insurers and pretty much go along with how to repair the vehicles and for the amount that the insurers wanted to pay. In my opinion, the turning point came when certain insurers started insisting on used suspension parts. When insurers started insisting on used suspension parts, most shops drew the line in the sand. Shop after shop called the AASP/NJ Hotline and complained that certain insurers were attempting to make the shop repair vehicles in a manner that the shop felt would result in a potentially unsafe vehicle. The best advice I could give the shops was to ask the insurer to sign off on the liability if the vehicle was involved in a future accident that resulted from the used safety related parts. Guess what? Not one insurer would sign such a document. One appraiser actually asked the shop if they were crazy. We all understand why. It’s one thing to have to repair a damaged vehicle for less than what the shop feels it is worth or not to be compensated for all the procedures that a shop has to perform a vehicle properly. It is quite another to be forced to fix a vehicle in a manner that the shop owner feels will result in an unsafe repair. I was so proud when Robbie’s Automotive and Collision Specialists recently informed me of their standing company policy: If an insurer insists that a vehicle be repaired with used safety related suspension parts and refuses to pay for new suspension parts, they
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
refuse to repair the vehicle. They inform the insurer that they can have the vehicle removed from their shop and take it to one of their DRP shops and let them repair the vehicle with used safety related suspension parts. Robbie’s simply will not do it. Faced with many of the examples referenced here, combined with the announcement that State Farm has decided to bring PartsTrader to New Jersey and members calling for help on a daily basis, the AASP/NJ has decided to facilitate a meeting where AASP/NJ members and even non-members can get answers to just what they can and cannot be forced to do, but not from AASP/NJ. AASP/NJ has requested the assistance from competent legal experts who have agreed to attend a special meeting that AASP/NJ will host. The attorneys attending the meeting are well aware of the PartsTrader issue as well as many of the other issues referenced in this article and will be at the meeting to address the issues head on. They have a potential strategy in place to address all that is referenced in this article and will have retainer agreements at the meeting. The decision to facilitate this type of meeting came only after exhausting all other reasonable efforts to resolve these problems in every other manner possible. If you are a shop that is truly fed up with:
ready to take part in possible litigation to address the issues then, attending this meeting would be a waste of your time.
The meeting will take place in the near future. Please stay tuned for an announcement of when and where. Again, all collision shops that have intentions to be part of such action are encouraged to attend. NJA
• The undue influence being imposed on them by certain insurers that refuse to compensate for the proper repair procedures required to repair vehicles safely and properly; • Insurers that insist on repairing damaged vehicles in a manner other than as per the manufacturer recommendations; and • Programs like PartsTrader being pushed on you,
and are ready to be part of an action to stop this type of improper activity, you are welcome to attend. If you are not
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Over 300 booths and 150 vendors across 55,000 square feet of floor space! FRIDAY, MARCH 21 5PM-10PM SATURDAY, MARCH 22 10AM-5PM SUNDAY, MARCH 23 10AM-3PM
NORTHEAST® 2014 features industry-leading exhibitors, top-notch training and informational updates for the repair community, all centrally located at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ 6,000 FREE PARKING spaces available!
FREE
Save time - pre-register online at www.aaspnjnortheast.com
MEET INDUSTRY ICON CHIP FOOSE at NORTHEAST 2014 courtesy of BASF at Booth #227 STAR OF OVERHAULIN’ Sat., March 22 10am - 2pm* * Autographs and photos with Chip Foose will end promptly at 2pm. Sorry, no exceptions. ** Schedule subject to change.
Follow us on
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NATIONAL NEWS ROUNDUP
MT Shop Faces OSHA Fines After Fatal Fire
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a report on Rick’s Auto Body, a Missoula, MT-based facility where a technician suffered fatal burns in an August 19 fire. Collision repairer Bruce Hall, 44, died on the morning of August 20 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle from a vapor explosion from lacquer thinner that ignited from a static charge in a car bay at the back of the shop the day before. After an extensive investigation, OSHA found nine violations at the shop, resulting in a $51,100 fine. According to a report in the Missoulian, Hall was pouring lacquer from a barrel into a smaller container through a funnel when the fumes exploded. “The gravity of the violation is serious,” said Jeff Funke, OSHA’s area director in Billings, in the newspaper’s story. “The hazards that were noted have the ability to cause death or permanent disability, and that occurred.” Funke added that there must be a physical clip between the containers to equalize potential static electricity buildup when distributing flammable or combustible materials between the original container and another one. OSHA’s report on the shop indicates that the facility didn’t have appropriate grounding or bonding, and that flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit were dispensed into containers without the nozzle and container being electrically interconnected. Some of the other OSHA violations at Rick’s Auto Body include: • Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above ground level that were not guarded with standing railing and toeboards in the compressor room, subjecting employees to the possibility of being struck by items falling from above; • The distillation room not having a liquid-tight raised seal or ramp of at least four inches in height to prevent potential spills from leaking into other areas; and • Improper storage of flammable or combustible liquids in the distillation room. Several flammable liquids were stored in five-gallon open-top plastic buckets without secondary containment to contain leaks. A PDF of OSHA’s full report on Rick’s Auto Body’s violation is available at http://missoulian.com/rick-s-auto-body-oshacitations/pdf_0f6b45f4-52ff-11e3-8b76-001a4bcf887a.html.
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ABPA Sues Ford over Design Patents
The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) has filed a lawsuit against Ford Global Technologies, LLC to have the manufacturer’s design patents deemed invalid. According to the suit (filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas), Ford has been using its patents to gain an unfair advantage in the marketplace:
Ford Global Technologies has threatened to sue one or more ABPA members for alleged design patent infringement for selling automotive body repair parts allegedly covered by design patents owned by Ford Global Technologies. Therefore, ABPA members otherwise would have standing to sue Ford Global Technologies for a declaratory judgment of patent invalidity, patent unenforceability and patent non-infringement in their own right…Ford Global Technologies uses design patents on automotive body repair parts to limit distribution and increase cost of the repair parts. This action seeks a declaration that such automotive body repair part design patents are invalid and/or unenforceable under the doctrines of patent exhaustion and/or functionality and are not infringed by ABPA members.
“The basis of our lawsuit is to challenge the validity and enforceability of Ford’s design patents on common collision repair parts,” explained ABPA Executive Director Ed Salamy in a statement on the association’s website. “The continued sale of these parts is of paramount concern not just for ABPA members and their livelihoods, but also to millions of American consumers who depend on quality alternative collision repair parts for cost effective repairs. “The decision to go forward with this lawsuit did not come lightly,” he added. “The ABPA felt that it was time to make a stand and that if something was not done now, the situation would progressively get worse.” Salamy also serves as the executive director of the Quality Parts Coalition, a group that describes itself on its website (www.Keep AutoPartsAffordable.org) as representing “the interests of the independent automotive parts industry, repairers, insurers, consumers and seniors. The goal of the Quality Parts Coalition is to develop and secure a permanent legislative change to US design patent law to protect the consumer’s right to benefit from quality, lower-cost alternative replacement parts and to preserve competition.”
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LKQ-Keystone Issues Aftermarket Wheel Recall As this issue of New Jersey Automotive went to press, reports surfaced that LKQ-Keystone had initiated a recall in late October on an aftermarket replacement aluminum wheel because of potential defects. The recalled product (ALY63934U20N) is a seven-spoke wheel design that contains part number ALY99435U20N inside the wheel’s casting, as well as the TWC logo. The part is said to have been sold between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2013. As of this writing, only shops and consumers in Connecticut have received the recall notice. The specific reasons for the recall were no known at press time. The use of non-OEM wheels remains a controversial practice in the collision repair industry, as evident in this June 2004 statement by the Ford Motor Co.:
Mitchell Releases 2014 Insurance Industry Predictions
Mitchell, a leading provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the property and casualty (P&C claims) and collision repair industries, has released its industry predictions for 2014. The company forecasts a shift in operational efficiency as new technology and resources improve processes, while increased new vehicle sales and favorable financing will drive down the value of used vehicles. The predictions focus on the auto repair and body, insurance, claims and payer ecosystems. “As the amount of data rises throughout the property and casualty and collision repair industries, more organizations will find ways to leverage this information to improve operations and contain costs,” said Greg Horn, vice president of industry relations for Mitchell. “The rate of data coming in is too large and too fast to ignore, making technology and insights into business intelligence and predictive modeling a top priority for everyone.” Collision industry-specific predictions include: Predictive technologies will improve cycle time, outcomes and customer satisfaction – P&C payers will look to leverage the vast quantities of data to help improve operational efficiencies and reduce claim costs. The ability to easily integrate and access business intelligence and predictive models will be at the top of the priority list, with many P&C payers
Ford Motor Company recommends use of replacement tires and wheels that are the same size and type as those originally provided by Ford Motor Company. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford Motor Company can affect the safety and performance of the vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure.
New Jersey Automotive will provide updates on this story as it develops.
planning to upgrade outdated technology in 2014. Integrating business intelligence in existing applications and processes, such as bill review, will allow payers to gain insight and take action to automate workflow, measure provider performance and outcomes, and mitigate claims with the potential for high severity or narcotics abuse.
Triaging and predictive technologies will begin to deliver more demonstrable results as these resources mature and the industry harnesses the power of Big Data. As an example, by leveraging key models, insurers can more effectively identify cases with elements of fraud that can be transferred to Special Investigative Units.
Total loss claims will increase – Robust new vehicle sales will continue to cause used car values to soften. As our new vehicle sales volume is on record to exceed 16 million new sales (back to pre-recession levels), the value of used vehicles will suffer because of easy new vehicle finance terms. This, combined with a spike in lease return vehicles, will result in a higher percentage of claims resulting in total losses.
Recovering economy will spark higher Labor Rates – Retail hourly Labor Rates for both body labor as well as paint and materials costs will rise, as the cost of acquisition of qualified technicians and the paint and materials from suppliers rise. The recession helped delay increases in hourly Labor Rates charged by collision repair shops, but rising costs for materials, healthcare and other costs of business will force shops to raise hourly rates. For more information on Mitchell, please visit www.mitchell.com.
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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Cherry Hill Imports: The High-End Solution
As any New Jersey body shop owner knows, not all wholesale parts suppliers are created equal. If a shop has the training and expertise necessary to repair the industry’s most advanced high-end vehicles, they need a parts department that can rise to the challenge of providing replacement products for these unique jobs. For nearly four decades, shops that deal with the highest caliber of automotive repairs have trusted Cherry Hill Imports as their preferred wholesale partner. A New Jersey institution since 1978, Cherry Hill Imports is one of the Garden State’s most prominent providers of luxury vehicle wholesale parts. Offering five distinct dealerships (Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover) within 100 yards of each other in Cherry Hill, the operation currently holds a $500,000 combined inventory for all lines in a 12,000-square-foot in-house facility. In
addition to a mechanical service location, the enterprise includes the Cherry Motors Body Shop, an extensive collision repair shop located less than three miles from the dealerships. In total, the family-owned business boasts 250 employees. For the last five years, the Cherry Hill Imports wholesale department has thrived under the leadership of Parts Manager Frank Torres. A 23-year veteran of the VW/Audi/Porsche scene, Frank has been a valued member of Cherry Hill Imports since 1995. Working with a six-person team, he serves customers within a 40-mile radius, typically providing one/two-day deliveries. This fast turnaround is helped along by the department’s access to Volkswagen parts. “If you call me early in the day and I don’t have it, I have until 1pm to provide a next-day service,” Frank says. “Within 24 hours, I’ll have a part and you’ll have it.”
The Cherry Hill Imports parts team (left to right): Fred, Dion, Phil, Frank, Jose, Dennis and Tom
Standing firm in his commitment to giving customers only the finest replacement parts possible, Frank works hard to provide assistance to shops that are pressured to use aftermarket parts on their customers’ vehicles. This is achieved through the use of CollisionLink, which provides him the opportunity to compete against nonOE parts providers on price. “It gives the vendor the opportunity to deal with aftermarket customers,” he says. “Sometimes, we can come close to that margin to where VW and Audi will pick up the rest of the tab. That is a major benefit we have.” Not surprisingly, the CollisionLink system has earned tremendous support from shops looking to avoid the hassles commonly associated with using aftermarket parts. “We like keeping everything OEM, and so do the shops,” Frank says. “They don’t like wasting time going aftermarket when they know for a fact that the part isn’t going to fit correctly or they will have to re-work it.” Cherry Hill Imports’ devotion to OEM parts, coupled with the ongoing popularity of the brands they carry, ensures a long and prosperous future for this ever-popular dealer. Looking ahead, Frank is confident that more customers will experience what his unique operation has to offer. “Give us the opportunity to wow you with customer service and extend to you the best discount out in the market,” he says. NJA
The Cherry Hill Imports parts department is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm. For more information, please email ftorres@cherryhillimports.com or parts@cherryhilmimports.com or call (856) 324-3941.
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LEGAL FEATURE
by Mitchell H. Portnoi, Post, Polak, Goodsell, MacNeill & Strauchler
Injunctive Relief in 2014 for New Jersey Issuance of an interlocutory injunction (a court order to compel or prevent a party from doing certain acts pending the final determination of the case) depends on the following:
• Whether the movant (the person who applied for it) has demonstrated a reasonable probability of success on the merits; • Whether a balancing of the equities and hardships would favor injunctive relief; • The movant having no adequate remedy at law; • That the irreparable injury to be suffered in the absence of injunctive relief is substantial and imminent; and • That the public interest will not be harmed.
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Any or all of these issues can spell the doom of a request for injunctive relief. The term has gained recent publicity in the baseball saga of Alex Rodriguez, who will attempt to convince a court to stay his suspension of 162 games plus the post-season. The use of an injunction is, quite simply, not a favored tool of the Judiciary. It is an extraordinary procedure and is to only be used in an extraordinary event. Each of the factors mentioned here have been the subject of numerous court cases attempting to define them and further specify the narrow circumstances on which an injunction shall be permitted and ordered. While all states differ as to the details under which an injunction may be requested and granted, most states are in agreement with the standards indicated on the previous page. Applying the standards indicated above to the Alex Rodriguez drama, it would seem unlikely that he would succeed in his attempt to have a court (a New Jersey court, in particular) grant any application for an injunction requiring that he be permitted to play baseball in the 2014 season. His application would likely fail in a few areas; that is, he is unlikely to have success on the merits of his claim, as arbitrator decisions are favored by the law and are upheld in all but the most egregious circumstances. Additionally, he is thought to have an adequate remedy at law in that he can get the $30 million he is owed by the Yankees if he ultimately wins his court case, which could take two to four years or more. The bottom line is that one should tread carefully when requesting a court take the extraordinary steps of issuing a restraining order or issuing injunctive relieve. The odds are very much stacked against the movant, and careful thought must be given before applying for such a measure. NJA
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VOICE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INDUSTRY www.aaspnj.org PO Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753
Office of the Executive Director Phone (732) 922-8909 Fax (732) 922-9821 E-Mail: Setlit4u@msn.com
IMPORTANT AASP/NJ MEMBER NOTICE
Attention All AASP/NJ Members with Dealer Plates
It has come to our attention that some of our members may be using Dealer Plates for purposes that are specifically not allowed under the New Jersey Used Car Dealers License Law. Apparently, certain members who have a NJ Dealer License may be using the dealer plates for purposes that are strictly forbidden under the following NJ Administrative Code.
Please be advised that under the NJ Used Car Dealer License Law, Used Car Dealer Plates may not be used for the following purposes: N.J.A.C. 13:21-15.11 Dealer plates
(d) No dealer plates may be affixed to a vehicle that would otherwise require registration as a commercial vehicle unless the vehicle is held solely for sale and is driven solely for demonstration purposes to prospective purchasers.
(e) No dealer plates may be affixed to a vehicle used for purposes of the dealership other than inventory.
(f) No dealer plate shall be affixed to a vehicle other than one titled in the name of the dealer or for which title documents are accompanied by a bill of sale or documents are held by the dealer to whom the plates were issued.
To be clear, NJ Dealer Plates can not be used for the following purposes:
NJ Used Car Dealer Plates may not be affixed to your tow truck used to tow customers’ vehicles.
NJ Used Car Dealer Plates can not be used to pick up and deliver non-owned, un-registered vehicles for repair, such as to and from a dealership.
Be advised that the improper use of dealer plates can subject the licensee to heavy fines and/or loss of the dealer license. Be aware that the NJ-MVC may be checking for such improper use during NJ Used Car Dealer License audits. Thank you, Charles Bryant AASP/NJ Executive Director
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AASP/NJ MEMBERSHIP PAYS! Are you getting the most value from your membership! ATTENTION AASP-NJ MEMBERS
Exclusive Programs for AASP/NJ MEMBERS ONLY • Garage Insurance Dividend Plans • Discounted Workers Compensation • Group Health & Disability • Employer — Free Programs
(For Employees — Automobile, Homeowners, Boats, Etc.)
• Retirement & Savings Plans Call The Amato Agency for more details:
800-763-6574
or visit www.amatoagency.com 4900 Rt. 33 - Ste. 103, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-530-6740 Fax: 732-530-6727
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COVER STORY
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Get ready for the greatest regional event of the year.
Promising more variety and special events than ever before, the 2014 installment of the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show (March 21-23 at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, NJ) is anticipated to be the most well-attended and successful event in the show’s celebrated history. In addition to hundreds of the industry’s top vendors filling the floor, attendees will have an opportunity to take in a number of firsttime offerings including a Classic Car Show and a special Saturday guest appearance by the legendary Chip Foose (Overhaulin’), courtesy of Platinum Show
Sponsor BASF. When not enjoying the action on the floor, NORTHEAST attendees have an opportunity to experience some of the finest seminars and training this industry has to offer. I-CAR will be on hand to present its all-new 8:30am-12:30pm “Vehicle Technology & Trends 2014” course, as well as “Aluminum Intensive Vehicle Repairs” from 1pm-5pm (both facilitated by I-CAR mainstay Pete Fryzel). In addition to having an expanded booth on the Show floor, I-CAR will also be promoting its Welding Training & Certification program. Tom Beck of Future Cure will
present “Painting with Nitrogen: Inside the Collision Industry’s Best-Kept Secret” on March 22 from 3pm to 4pm, while frequent New Jersey Automotive technical writer Larry Montanez will offer a special course on “Best Practices for Welding & Estimating” from 3:30pm to 5pm. Montanez’s fellow New Jersey Automotive writer Mitch Portnoi, Esq. is set to join attorney Doug Sherman for “Business Continuation Planning - Inside Buying or Selling a Business,” a March 22 seminar set for 1pm to 2pm that will shine a light on on buying and selling a body shop in today’s marketplace. Although the concept seems simple enough, there are a variety of factors that need to be considered before finalizing a sale, or even making the decision in the first place. “Everybody’s situation is so different that I would anticipate the people attending would have a lot of questions,” Portnoi says. This presentation will discuss important information for both potential buyers and sellers, including various transaction structures, buying or selling a business to/from a family member and strategizing to most effectively “close the deal.” “A lot of guys deal with cash, especially in the inner cities,” Portnoi explains. “That really affects the ability to appropriately valuate a business. A business has a lot more value if all the money is coming in over the table. If it’s coming in under the table, there’s a real significant valuation problem.” If you are considering putting your shop up for sale or buying someone else’s pre-existing business, Portnoi urges you to do your homework and come to his seminar prepared to ask questions. “I’d ask anybody who is looking to sell their business to make a list of their goals and objectives and what is entailed in giving the business over to the next generation.” On March 22 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, Jim Saeli of Management Success will present “The ‘Gauges’ of Your Business.” This lively and fun presentation will show attendees how to have an accurate system of tracking and monitoring the key numbers across their business relating to marketing, sales, production, quality control and profits. “Understanding these numbers gives you a ‘gauge’ of your business,” offers Robert
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COVER STORY
Spitz, Management Success' vice president of business development. “Once you know your starting point, you can learn how to make adjustments to tremendously expand the success and profitability of your shop.” Naturally, NORTHEAST® will also provide attendees with the latest tools to market themselves over the Internet. NetDriven, a developer of websites, Internet marketing, social media and e-commerce solutions for tire and auto repair dealers, will host “The Traditional Buying Process Turns Digital: Are You Keeping Up with the Changes?” on March 22 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Years ago, a dealer’s showroom was the first point of contact between that dealer and a potential customer. Today, the first point of contact is a dealer’s website. If customers are searching for a new set of tires, will they be able to find what they need on your site? What about a consumer looking for information on a particular automotive service? Is your site ranking for your shop specialties and top products? In today’s digital environment, a solid Web pres-
(which will be presented twice throughout the weekend), Niechwiadowicz will explore ways that attendees can increase profitability, improve productivity, reduce cycle times and increase customer satisfaction…all while enjoying more personal time. He will focus on the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), essential components of a business that are often misunderstood or simply ignored as unimportant “numbers.” Topics will include the five KPIs that can change your business, why you need to know them, how you can figure them out, where the top performers stand and – most importantly – what you can do with them to change your life. “‘If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it’ is a slight variation on a wellknown business saying,” Niechwiadowicz explains. “An immediate problem we face, though, is which of the literally hundreds of KPIs we should track in the limited amount of time we have during a typically busy collision repair day. We’ll narrow the pack down to a manageable number of critical elements that
Body Shop Certification,” presented by Ford’s Collision Marketing Manager, Melissa Lester) on Friday, March 21 at 6pm and Saturday, March 22 at 2pm. In addition to boasting a stellar seminar schedule, NORTHEAST will serve as the meeting point for a variety of industry associations and advocacy groups from across the country. On March 21, representatives from a variety of AASP affiliate states (including New Jersey) will gather for the first AASP National Board meeting of 2014. In addition to housing discussions pertaining to national benefit providers and industry-wide initiatives, the meeting will offer an opportunity for the affiliates in attendance to provide reports on their individual states’ activities on behalf of the industry. Later that day, AASP/NJ and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will join forces to co-host the annual East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting. A staple of the NORTHEAST Show, the Forum welcomes local and national industry representatives for an afternoon review of how their respective groups are working to
ence is only half the battle. NetDriven’s talk will explore the importance of a website capable of generating revenue through the necessary tools and information consumers need to make a purchase decision. NetDriven offers the following advice to any auto pros interested in attending this course are encouraged: “Conduct a search for a service or product you would want to be found for using Google. Be sure to include your local area with your search term. Where does your website rank? Are you happy with your ranking? If a customer clicks through to your website, does your website have the necessary tools and information to turn this lead into a sale?” If these questions intrigue you, then you need to be a part of this eye-opening afternoon discussion. One of the New Jersey automotive industry’s most respected and in-demand presenters, John Niechwiadowicz of Performance Consulting Services is set to appear at NORTHEAST to help shops measure their performance and know their numbers. During his 90-minute seminar, “Unleashing Your Secret Power”
can have a significant positive impact on the business.” Considering that Niechwiadowicz’s previous AASP/NJ seminars in Toms River and Totowa last April drew full houses, his presence at NORTHEAST is sure to be one of the weekend’s strongest highlights. Auto manufacturer Ford Motor Company is also bringing their support to NORTHEAST 2014 in a big way. Ford will feature the all-new 2015 F-150 truck, the toughest, smartest and most capable F150 yet. A major booth presence will showcase the ins and outs of this impressive vehicle, including its all-new frame with more high-strength steel than ever and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy throughout the body. This improves dent and ding resistance while saving as much as 700 pounds, giving customers improved towing, improved payload and better fuel efficiency. Ford will be presenting material in the NORTHEAST Demo Area throughout the weekend (“2015 F-150 Repair Information,” presented by Ford Engineers) as well as hosting an informative seminar (“National
address the collision repair community’s most pressing issues. Ed Kizenberger, executive director of the Long Island Auto Body Repairmen’s Association (LIABRA), will once again moderate the event. For SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg, the Forum provides an incomparable experience for repairers looking to connect with their peers in other markets. “When the event started, it was a different day and age; there wasn’t the level of communication that there is today,” he offers. “In the onset of the Forum, it was about gathering people to exchange information, which is something we do a lot more of today through national networks like SCRS just because of the advancements in technology and communications. But that doesn’t replace that face-to-face value of getting together with your peers and networking and collaborating in person.” With such an active show planned for this year, it makes sense for NORTHEAST organizers to provide an opportunity for vendors to simply sit back
In addition to housing stellar seminars and exciting activities throughout the weekend, NORTHEAST 2014 will also serve as the meeting point for a variety of industry groups from across the country.
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and relax. Already a popular part of the NORTHEAST experience, this year’s Friday night Exhibitor Appreciation AfterParty will offer even more to attendees thanks to a special appearance by comedian and musician Gary DeLena. Seen by millions on shows like Late Night with David Letterman and Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee, this area funnyman is sure to keep the After-Party crowd laughing as they enjoy free food and drinks courtesy of AASP/NJ. In addition to these NORTHEAST staples, this year’s Show will see the arrival of two new very special events. NORTHEAST 2014 is proud to welcome the First Annual NORTHEAST/Natural Glass Corvette Association (NGCA) Car Show, which will consist of 15-20 classic cars from several decades. Judges will vote for their favorite car and the winner will be named on Sunday, March 23. The NGCA is celebrating its 39th year of existence in 2014, and AASP/NJ is thrilled to have the group as part of the NORTHEAST show. “We have been talking with the NGCA for a couple of years now,” says AASP/NJ Mechanical Chairman Keith Krehel. “This year, we were finally able to get our schedules in tune and have them bring their beautiful cars to NORTHEAST. It’s going to be a great addition to our show.” “Our members own a wide variety of Corvettes representing each generation,” adds NGCA President Richie Caruso. “These include big blocks, small blocks, rare Malcolm Konner Editions, Z06s, Grand Sports (C4 and C6), and ZR1s. A number of our cars have appeared in or been featured in various Corvette magazines over the years, and we look forward to presenting some of them at the NORTHEAST show.” Another exciting new event at NORTHEAST is the first-ever AASP/NJ Virtual Spray Paint Tournament. Presented by VRSim, a company that creates virtual reality training tools that help teach industrial trades and manufacturing skills, the tournament will give attendees a chance to show off their spray painting skills through a weekend-long tournament that will be topped off with the high scorer presented with a Grand Prize HDTV. “You really have to see this to believe it,” says AASP/NJ Collision Chairman Dave Laganella. “It’s as if you were in the spray booth. It immediately makes you
want to put the helmet on and try it out. Not only is it one of the coolest things I’ve seen, but also it encourages workers who may not have any experience painting to try it without having to worry about any safety risks. Who knows…you may find your next painter during this tournament. The guys in my shop can’t wait to get a
shot at it.” With so much slated to occur at NORTHEAST 2014, the Meadowlands Exposition Center is where you want to be March 21-23 for the best three days this industry has to offer. NJA
For more information on NORTHEAST® 2014, visit www.aaspnjnorth east.com, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show on Facebook, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show YouTube page (www.youtube. com/user/AASPNJNORTHEAST) or on Twitter @AASPNJNORTHEAST. Free online registration is available at www.aaspnjnortheast.com/ registration.shtml.
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NO BRAKES ©Istockphoto.com/Kirillm
The “In-Between-y” Diagnosis by Ron Ananian
Diagnosis is important, and the first step in any repair procedure. Sometimes, a diagnosis is as simple as lifting the hood and visually seeing the fault. Other times, it is a grueling, toe-to-toe bloodbath to the bitter end. And sometimes it’s an “in-between-y,” somewhere in the middle of both. It’s the one that sticks with you, like sand in your toes. A 2007 Mazda 3 came into the shop last week with an intermittent, “once-in-awhile” airbag light on. “Intermittent” is a favorite word for people who repair cars; it is one of those terms that grants us license to complain with no recourse. A scan for codes in the system and vehicle (we always scan everything we can; you never know what you will find) turned up a B1884 passenger-side airbag indicator lamp circuit fault. WOW! I almost ran out of space just writing the definition. In simple English, at some point when the vehicle is started, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module did not “see” the correct response from its monitored circuit of the indicator lamp for the passenger side airbag. Normally, there is a voltage drop across the bulb, which creates a change of state on the SRS monitored input (from charging system voltage to ground). If there is no change or an incorrect one, the code is set and the SRS warning light on the dashboard is turned on. Common sense and logic are important parts of any diagnosis, no matter how big or small. The flow chart for this B1884 appeared more complicated than it needed to be. It took you around and around, testing and checking everything in the system and
circuit. My question was, as always, why was the fault occurring? As redundant as that might sound, it’s the same question I always ask. Part of our job in repairing and solving problems on vehicles is to try and understand what the engineer was thinking when they designed it. Simple logic: How does it work? Let the testing begin! There were no signs of an accident or prior repair work. The indicator lamp for the passenger side airbag (PIL) always faithfully lit up within 10 seconds when the vehicle was started and turned off. We were moving past “simple” and entering the land of “complicated” when it dawned on me. What if the bulb was the problem? How many of us have had light bulbs on everything from cars to lamps work on an intermittent basis? On the second morning, I noticed what happened when the fault occurred. The SRS light came on but the PIL did not; the times it did, it glowed faintly. Okay, that’s simple enough: The power comes from fuse 65 and ground from the SRS control module. It has constant power as tested, and ground never wavered from the SRS module. Once in a while, the bulb failed to light. Power and ground seemed pretty solid, and both tested well on all occasions. The bulb was a
different story: the resistance value was off the chart at 34,000 ohms. More research found that it was a specific resistance value bulb, not anything standard or common. The new bulb measured nine ohms. The Bottom Line Sometimes, simple is as simple does. Always look for the basic over the complicated. When faced with a difficult diagnosis, stop and think, “How does this work?” and “What could be a common point of failure?” Dollars spent to cover time must also be considered against possible suspects. You surely don’t want to spend three hours diagnosing something that may lead to the replacement of a $10 component. It’s as it always has been: A judgment call on the part of the attending technician. Not all diagnoses are simple; not all are complicated. Sometimes, they fall on the middle of the spectrum of failure. An “inbetween-y!” P.S.: Before all of you English majorsturned-auto-repairers write in about the word “in-between-y,” and that it doesn’t exist….I know that. It’s called “artistic license” and having fun. Live a little! NJA
’Til next time, I’m Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, reminding you that “Good Mechanics Aren’t Expensive; They’re Priceless.” Ron Ananian, owner of R\A Automotive in Waldwick, NJ (est. 1978), is heard weekly in 140 markets on his nationally syndicated radio talk show. He is a working technician and former AASP/NJ Board member. Beyond his radio show, Ron writes and speaks for the automotive industry at trade shows and events. Visit The Car Doctor online at www.cardoctorshow.com. 52
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Meet the Car Do ctor during his LIVE broadcast at NORTHEAST 20 14
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ARANJ 2014 Officers President Bob Dirkes Dirkes Used Auto Parts 609-625-1718 dirkesauto@gmail.com 1st Vice President Ian Szoboszlay Ocean County Auto 732-349-0332 ian@cosmosautoparts.com 2nd Vice President Darryl Carmen Lentini Auto Salvage 908-782-6838 darryl@las-parts.com 3rd Vice President Joe Goodman Leesville Auto 732-388-0783 joeg@leesvilleauto.com Past President Norm Vachon Port Murray Auto 908-689-3152 portmurrayauto@yahoo.com
ARANJ Legal Update
Pre-Enforcement Review Under the Spill Compensation and Control Act (“Spill Act”)
In Sackett v. EPA, the United States Supreme Court reversed the lower courts by permitting judicial review of an administrative compliance order issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Court found that the order constituted a final agency action subject to review because the order established obligations and had legal consequences, it reflected the consummation of USEPA’s decision-making process and the recipient was left with no other adequate remedy. The Court also rejected the USEPA’s contention that such pre-enforcement review was not permitted under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The significance of this decision is demonstrated in a more recent case out of the United States District Court for the District of West Virginia, Alt v. EPA. In Alt, the USEPA issued an administrative compliance order to Alt for her failure to obtain a permit under the CWA. Alt filed a lawsuit claiming that she was not required to obtain a permit. Thereafter, the USEPA withdrew the order and claimed that the lawsuit was now moot and should be dismissed. However, the USEPA left open the possibility of reissuing the order if the conditions at Alt’s property changed. As a result, the Court rejected the USEPA’s contention that the suit should be dismissed, and permitted the substance of the case to go forward even though the order had been withdrawn. In October 2013, the Court decided in favor of Alt, holding that the stormwater discharges from Alt’s property were agricultural stormwater discharges exempt from the permitting requirements. The decisions in Sackett and Alt are significant in New Jersey given the New Jersey Supreme Court’s decision in In re Kimber Petroleum Corp. In Kimber, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that Spill Act directives are not subject to judicial review. A directive under the Spill Act is similar to an administrative compliance order under the CWA in that a Spill Act directive requires compliance or subjects the recipient to treble damages. Given the recent federal court decisions under the CWA, the time may be appropriate for the New Jersey Supreme Court to revisit the issue. For further information, please contact George J. Tyler, Esq. or Matthew J. Krantz, Esq. at (609) 631-0600. For further information, please contact George J. Tyler, Esq. or Matthew J. Krantz, Esq. at (609) 631-0600. This article is for informational use only and does not constitute legal advice. Tyler & Carmeli, P.C. GEORGE J. TYLER MATTHEW J. KRANTZ 1 AAA Drive, Suite 204, Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691 (609) 631-0600 – Tel (609) 631-0651 – Fax gtyler@tcglaw.com mkrantz@tcglaw.com
Executive Director Brian Snyder Auto Recyclers of NJ 609-714-2339 brian@aranj.org
ARANJ 2014 Board of Directors Mike Ronayne Tilghmans Auto Parts 609-723-7469 tilghmans@snip.net Marvin Leadbeater Bamber Lake Auto 609-639-6500 marvinjsp@comcast.net Mike Yeager EL & M Auto 609-561-2266 elandmauto@aol.com Rodney Krawczyk Ace Auto Wreckers 732-254-9816 aceautonj@comcast.net
Wharton Insurance Briefs An ARA Member
The New Jersey Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau has released newly promulgated rates for 2014:
The auto dismantling rate increased to $20.98;
Auto Body Repair remained the same at $4.17; Auto Repair remained the same at $7.23; Clerical increased to 0.25;
Iron or Steel Scrap Dealer remained the same at $14.09;
Salesperson increased to 0.60;
Store: Retail Accessories (counterperson) increased to $5.54.
Please note that the store (counterperson) code must be approved prior to use. The operation must be physically separated from salvage and parts storage, and must not have any interchange of labor. Also, the executive officers’ annual minimum payroll is $30,680 and annual maximum payroll is $123,240. Lastly, if your insurance policy is written in the NJ State Plan, you are going to be charged an additional 17 percent minimum for the Plan Premium Adjustment Penalty, and will lose the Premium Discount. As always, if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, please contact us. Mario DeFilippis, AAI, Vice President, Wharton Insurance mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com 800-221-0003 ext.1320
Mike Caputo Lacey Used Auto Parts, Inc. 609-693-0898 laceyautomike@aol.com
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Mike Lovullo Distributor for
and
Micro-Mix Paint and Materials Calculator in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties in New Jersey.
Call Office: (973) 696-3176 or Cell: (201) 452-0987
Body Shop For Sale: Pompton Lakes, NJ
Illness forces the sale of a fully licensed, family-owned and operated body shop in Pompton Lakes, NJ. In operation for nearly 70 years, the business is well-established, well-known and respected in the community. • Great reputation
• Busy, highway location convenient to several communities in Bergen and Passaic counties • Downdraft paint enclosure
• Car-O-Liner measuring equipment
• Includes two buildings on about a one-acre plot and all business assets.
For more information, please contact (949) 525-6070.
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OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES continued from pg. 9
That summer, a tiny store opened in the neighboring town of Bloomfield. I honestly can’t remember the name of it, but it was a good 40-minute bike ride from my house. The guy who owned it was a mailman in Nutley named Bobby. The store was cool because it was like a miniature Relic Rack. Bobby sold mostly oldies because that was what he was into. At that point, that was my dream job. Getting paid to listen to records? What could be better? (I’ll tell you later.) Unfortunately, Bobby was a much better mailman than businessman. I doubt the store lasted a year. But I was able to get a green vinyl John Lennon “Happy Xmas” 45 and a rare Four Seasons (disguised as the Wonder Who) picture sleeve of “Don’t Think Twice.” For that, I am eternally grateful. As I am for the McDonald’s next store. The next record store would change my life. I was 15, a sophomore in high school. Barely been kissed and hormone-filled, I walked into the Great Tape Escape. There I saw a girl wearing the tightest yellow Tape Escape shirt with the biggest...uh...EYES I had ever seen in person. When I introduced myself, she said she knew my sister and brother. I stammered something like, “My sister Beatle?” She laughed and came over to sit next to me while I was on the floor looking through the albums. I was in love. Goodbye sports, hello, Linda! And she ALWAYS had Jolly Ranchers! From that point on, my goal was to get a job at the Great Tape Escape. After all, what could be better than listening to records, eating Jolly Ranchers and those…eyes! I visited the store almost every day after school and just hung out there trying to control my drooling. I can tell you, hormones can make you very brave. Once school was over, I walked into the store and demanded the owner hire me. He said, “Sure. I’ll pay you $1 an hour.” Before he finished the sentence, I was behind the counter. Hell, it wasn’t about the money. It was about the records and those…eyes. Trouble was, Linda was 18. Now, three years may not seem like much, but when a girl has graduated from high school and the boy is in 10th grade…well, that distance is 56
New Jersey Automotive
like the Grand Canyon. I spent the summer at the Tape Escape, but had to hand the job over to my friend Pete once football started up. Sadly for me, my mind was more into “eyes” than tackles, so I quit and tried to get the job back. But I didn’t have the heart to take it from Pete. It was time to move on. Two footnotes to the Tape Escape: 1) Pete never forgot the favor, so for the next few years, let’s just say I was getting my albums at an extremely discounted price. 2) I crossed the Grand Canyon by the end of that summer. Once I got my license, the record store world opened up. Harmony Hut in Willowbrook. Abbey Road in Belleville. Korvettes in West Orange. My favorite became the store simply known as the Record Shop in Bloomfield. The Record Shop was the only store within 30 miles that catered to my
I can almost chart my life by the record stores I’ve frequented. (I don’t know what that says about my lifespan, considering there are so few of them left.) new obsession: Bootlegs. Bootlegs are unreleased studio or live recordings that were illegal back in the day. They still are today, but with the Internet, there’s no way to police it. Back then, though, they were the coolest things around. The Beatles at Shea Stadium? No problem. Springsteen at the Agora? The Record Shop had it. The place became my weekend hangout. It didn’t hurt that Carmela, the woman who ran the place, had another great pair of eyes, but she was in love with the owner and quite a bit older than me. Three years I could handle. Fifteen years? I wasn’t that good! I did, however, end up working there for a few years and the one lasting memory I have is that Carmela was a huge Led Zeppelin fan. While I was working there, Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died. Since I wasn’t much of a fan, I wasn’t very sympathetic to her. Offended, she said to me, “How would
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you like it if John Lennon died?” It was September 1980. Three months later… Over those years, the Record Shop (did I mention it had a kickass deli right behind it?) was routinely busted for selling bootlegs, so by the time I left, the store wasn’t long for this world. I moved on to Mickey Music in Belleville. Mickey was an old hippie who had bright blonde shoulderlength hair in the back and bangs (bangs!) in the front. I would bet anything the guy hadn’t changed his hairstyle since kindergarten. Mickey was a great dude. He kept a good stock and by that time, I was really just interested in new music, since I had already bought everything old I wanted at the other stores. However, if you ask anyone if they ever went to Mickey Music, it wasn’t Mickey or the music they would be first to mention. No, that would be Victor. Vic was as cool as ice, a six-foot two black guy with more chains than Mr. T. A real sweetheart. We hung out together many times going to see Andrew Dice Clay. Somehow, Dice would ALWAYS find Vic. Always. But that wasn’t why people remember Vic. You see, Mickey’s countertop was a little lower than waist high. And Vic ALWAYS wore the tightest sweatpants…Do I have to go on? Let’s just say it wasn’t his eyes. And no, I didn’t forget. There was a Stewart’s just across the bridge… I bought my first CD at Mickey Music. It was Paul McCartney’s Tug of War in 1982. (YES! I AM OLD!) But Mickey couldn’t compete with the stores in malls like Record World and Camelot Music, so he was gone soon after. I then moved on to Compact Disc World in Totowa. The phrase “record store” was disappearing before my eyes, and I was just as guilty as anyone. I spent the next decade or so at CD World, even created and published a magazine for them (Liner Notes). But karma caught up with the franchise when Amazon and the like came along, effectively killing CD stores. Every one of the stores I mentioned is long gone. I thought Vic would become a porn star, but I found him on Facebook, just living his life somewhere out west. Linda is
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE married and living in central Jersey. Pete is still one of my closest friends. As for Mr. Nunzio, George, Bobby, Mickey, Carmela and the rest, who knows? And me? Well, I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to have that store where I can just listen to music and make money, but that’s okay. Every Friday, I head down to Vintage Vinyl in Fords and get my record fix (stopping at the Windmill in Westfield for hot dogs on the way home, of course). Hopefully, VV isn’t going anywhere soon, and I don’t think it will. After all, vinyl is making a comeback, and the store does have a huge “RECORDS” sign on the front of it. Whenever I pull up and see that word in bright, 10-foot-high letters, I smile just like I did back at Nunzio’s all those years ago. This journey ain’t over yet.
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encouraged; this space will fill up quickly!) for a lively, proactive discussion on this hot-button issue. Please visit www.aaspnj northeast.com to sign up today. Our PartsTrader discussion is just one of many invigorating things happening at this year’s NORTHEAST Show. From Platinum Show Sponsor BASF bringing industry star Chip Foose for a special celebrity appearance on Saturday, March 22 to our first-ever NORTHEAST/Natural Glass Corvette Association (NGCA) Car Show and Virtual Spray Paint contest, custom paint demos from expert painter Javier Soto and expanded training on everything from welding to business continuation planning, there is nothing you won’t find at NORTHEAST 2014. So what are you waiting for? Save the $10 on-site registration fee and the
time waiting on line; pre-register for the show right now at www.aaspnjnortheast. com/registration.shtml. And remember: AASP/NJ’s commitment to the industry does not begin and end with NORTHEAST. We stay committed year-round to bettering the automotive repair industry as a whole, as well as the livelihoods of each and every one of our individual members. From our benefits to our great events, valuable training opportunities and industry information, there’s never been a better time than right now to start – or renew – your membership in AASP/NJ. Please contact Executive Director Charles Bryant at (732) 922-8909 to find out how you can become a member today. And come find me at NORTHEAST 2014! NJA
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