AASP-MN News March 2015

www.grecopublishing.com

March 2015

plus:AASP-MN Legislation

Progressing at Capitol

AASP News2 March 2015

AASP News March 2015 3


April 11, 2015SkillsUSA ContestHennepin Technical

College, Brooklyn Park

April 15-17, 2015AASP-MN Annual

Meeting & Convention

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West,

Plymouth

June 16, 2015AASP-MN 21st Annual

Golf Outing3M’s Tartan Park

Golf Course, Lake Elmo

For more information, contact the

AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110or visit the

Association’s website,

www.aaspmn.org.

CONTENTSVol. 23 No.3

AASP of Minnesota is an association ofindependently-owned automo-tive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated toimproving the state’s automo-tive service industry and thesuccess of its members.

AASP-MN 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: [email protected] • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allowsits columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing,Inc. Cover image, pg. 15-17, pg. 20 © www.thinkstockphoto.com.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2014 - 2015

PRESIDENTJerald Stiele

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTDan Sjolseth, AAM

SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Gleason

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTORJoyce Weinhandl

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTORGreg Kasel, AAM

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORKevin Martin

COLLISION SEATMike Cox, AAMJim Siegfried, AAM

MECHANICAL SEATWayne Watson

STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTORJudell Anderson, CAE, AAM

OFFICE ADMINISTRATORJodi Pillsbury

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORTom Kluver

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963

PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco ([email protected])DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli ([email protected])MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman ([email protected])EDITOR: Joel Gausten ([email protected])ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci ([email protected])OFFICE MANAGER: Sofia Cabrera ([email protected])

www.grecopublishing.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE....................................................................6Get Involved, It’s Worth It!by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7AASP-MN Legislation Progressing at Capitolby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8

2015 AASP-MN ANNUAL MEETING & CONVENTION INFORMATION ................15

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................19Net Driven Knows Your Business

NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................20

ADVERTISER’S INDEX ......................................................................22

CALENDAR OFEVENTS


6 March 2015 AASP News

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President

AA Auto Technicians

Hastings

Autoshop Solutions

Apex, NC

Brisco Transmissions

Hopkins

Chaneys2

Detriot Lakes

Faribault Tire & Auto

Faribault

Heartman Agency

Faribault

Lerum Auto

Richfield & St. Louis Park

Riverland CommunityCollege

Austin

St. Croix Collision

Hastings

Valley Auto Care,

Apple Valley

Wholesale Tire & Wheelof Minnesota

Morristown

WelcomeNew Members:

FEBRUARY 2015

Just about 13 years ago, a few people nudged me to get involvedwith AASP-MN. I have to admit I was fairly skeptical at first. What wasin it for me? Would it be a waste of time? Would I fit in? Reluctantly, Idecided to give it a try and joined the Government and Regulatory Af-fairs Committee. I learned fairly quickly that this was an easy group toget along with, and something that I wanted to be a part of. Here was agroup of people sharing the same problems and challenges I had. Andthey are willing and eager to work on and share solutions. You could sayI became hooked on the organization, as here is what I have been in-volved in since then:

• Two separate three-year terms on the Government and Regulatory Affairs Committee • Two separate three-year terms on the Collision Committee • Two separate three to four-year terms as a Board Member • Two “Lights On For Safety” events • Seven AASP-MN golf outings • Too many insurance relations meetings to remember • Six ”Race For Education” events • Five trips to the Capitol to meet with State Legislators

• Three half-day Strategic Planning Retreats • Six Board Orientation workshops • An SCRS affiliate meeting in Denver • Eight AASP-MN Conventions • Two meetings as part of a MPCA Pollution Prevention/Reduction Focus Group • Countless hours BS-ing with the brightest minds in our industries

I’m sure I’m forgetting several things, but I think this makes it clearthat I whole-heartedly believe in this Association. Getting involved inAASP-MN has been the best business decision I have made. Not justfrom what I have learned, but also from the invaluable relationships Ihave formed. I encourage anyone who has not attended an AASP-MNevent to give it a try. Sign up for the Annual Meeting & Conventioncoming up in April, or simply contact the office and let them know youwant to get involved. I know it has been worth it for me and my busi-ness! I’m fortunate and honored to have had the opportunity to be in-volved in this organization.

Get Involved,It’s Worth It!

AASP-MN Legislation Progressing at Capitol

AASP-MN’s legislative proposal has been introduced in both theHouse and Senate. The legislation would prohibit insurers from:

• Requiring that insureds go to a particular shop for an estimate, • Requiring that shops utilize specific products, vendors, distributors, manufacturers or suppliers • Imposing the terms of pricing agreements an insurer has negotiated with manufacturers, distributors or suppliers of products, parts, supplies or materials used for vehicle repair on a

motor vehicle repair shop. The chief author of Senate File 135 is Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St.Louis Park). Senate co-authors include Senator John Pederson (R-St.Cloud), Senator Jim Metzen (DFL-So. St. Paul), Senator Barbara Good-win (DFL-Columbia Heights) and Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’sPoint). On the House side, H.F. 458 is authored by Representative BobLoonan (R-Shakopee). House co-authors include Representative JoeHoppe (R-Chaska), Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston), Represen-tative Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights), Representative Tim

Sanders (R-Blaine), Representative Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul)and Representative Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko). We have met with our authors to prepare for hearings before theHouse and Senate Commerce Committees. Senator Latz is an experi-enced member of the Senate Commerce Committee and he has a solidgrasp of our issue and concern. Representative Loonan is a freshmanRepresentative. However, he comes from the insurance industry and isan enthusiastic supporter of the AASP-MN proposal. In his words, hewould like to “put some daylight between the insurance companies andtheir vendors.” We are currently working to pin down hearing dates to move our billout of Committee and on to the House and Senate Floors. We fully expect an onslaught of opposition lobbying activity fromthe insurance industry. We will be providing information to members asCommittee hearings are held to ask that you contact your legislators toexpress your support for the bill and to ensure that our voice is notdrowned out by the chorus of opponents that we are likely to face. When you contact your legislators, please let us know what feed-back you receive. This can help our lobbying effort as we focus in onCommittee actions.


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli,AASP-MN Lobbyist


LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN Announces Availability of “Preparing for an

OSHA Inspection” Webinar AASP-MN is pleased to announce theavailability of a new video webinar,“Preparing for an OSHA Inspection.” Theprogram presents the most frequently-citedand most commonly-found OSHA viola-tions in automotive repair facilities. View-ers are advised of what to do if OSHAshows up, how to prepare ahead of time,what to do during an inspection and how toidentify potential problem areas in their

own place of business. The program, a recording of a liveworkshop offered in November 2014, is ap-proximately 97 minutes long and is dividedinto 5 chapters. Those who register receivea link and password that remain valid fortwo weeks, allowing them to access andview the program as many times as theywish during the two-week time period. Thecost to register is $95.00 for AASP-MNmembers and $125.00 for non-members. “This is the Association’s first forayinto delivering education to its members in

a digital format,” stated Judell Anderson,AASP-MN executive director. “Our goal isto provide the same high level of program-ming that we always have, but in a waythat’s more accessible and convenient forour members. To that end, plans are under-way to develop additional webinars that sat-isfy other areas of regulatory compliance,such as hazardous waste training and em-ployee Right to Know training,” she added. To register for the video webinar, visitwww.aaspmn.org or call (612) 623-1110.

AASP-MN Uniform PaysImpressive Rebate to Participating Members

AASP-MN recently paid 199 membersparticipating in the Association’s uniformprogram through AmeriPride Services a re-bate equal to 10 percent of their purchasesduring 2014. In total, over $78,500 in re-bates were distributed. That’s an average re-bate of $394! To find out more about how you cansave $$, compare the Association’s insur-ance, uniform, bankcard and other pro-grams to your existing providers today!! Acomplete listing of available benefit pro-grams is on page 19 or can be found on theAASP-MN website, www.aaspmn.org.

AASP-MN’s Automotive Scholarships Up For Grabs

Thanks to another successful fundrais-ing drive within the AASP-MN member-ship, the Association will be awardingscholarships to select students enrolled inpost-secondary automotive (mechanical orcollision) programs. Scholarship awardswill be $1,000 per student. Recipients must be entering the secondyear of a two-year NATEF-certified auto-motive program in the fall of 2015. Appli-cations will be reviewed by a committee ofindustry representatives, with considerationgiven to scholastic achievement, educationand career goals, financial need and writtenrecommendations. Applications must bepostmarked no later than March 31, 2015. Applications can be submitted onlineat www.automotivescholarships.com/AASP-MN or downloaded from the Asso-ciation’s website, www.aaspmn.org. Onlinesubmissions give students the opportunityto compete for several different awards, in-cluding those offered by the GlobalAutomotive Aftermarket SymposiumScholarship Committee and over 20 other

March 2015 9AASP News

automotive aftermarket organizations and compa-nies. Specific requirements for each organization’sawards can be found at www.automotivescholar-ships.com. The Education Fund was established in 2002to provide financial resources to support automo-tive students, enhance automotive programs andraise awareness of career opportunities in the in-dependent automotive service industry. Since thattime, nearly $161,000 has been distributed directlyto students enrolled in automotive programsthrough the association’s scholarship program andSkillsUSA competition.

Congratulations to 2014 Winners’ Circle Members

The Winners’ Circle is a points-based programthat recognizes and rewards AASP-MN membersfor their support and participation in the Associa-tion’s activities, events and benefit programsthroughout the year. Members that accumulated 100 points ormore will receive a FREE AASP-MN sponsoredseminar in 2015. They are:

• 3M Company, St. Paul • 4th St. Auto Repair, Duluth • aaa Auto Parts, Rosemount • Alexander’s Import Auto Repair, Minneapolis • Autoworks Diagnostic & Repair, Woodbury • Bill’s Auto Body, Forest Lake • Crystal Lake Automotive, Lakeville • Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins • Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings • Ed’s Collision & Glass, Maple Grove • Gorshe Auto Service, Minneapolis • Highland Autostar Collision Center, St. Paul • Hopkins Auto Body, Hopkins • IDENTIFIX, Roseville • Lake Marion Collision, Lakeville • LaMettry’s Collision, Richfield • Lancer Service Auto Care, St. Paul • Latuff Bros., St. Paul • Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington • Lowell’s Performance Coatings, Edina • Medi-CAR Auto Repair, Rosemount • P.P.G. Automotive Finishes, Edina • PAMs Auto, St. Cloud • Pearson Auto Body, Shakopee • Peter’s Body Shop, St. Cloud • PJW Automotive, New Brighton • Pro-Tech Auto & Truck Repair, Corcoran • Rick’s 36 Automotive Services, Stillwater • Schoonover Bodyworks, Shoreview • St. Paul Automotive, St. Paul • Suburban Chevrolet, Eden Prairie • Superior Service Center, Eagan • Twin City Autobody, Bloomington



Your business didn’t grow overnight. It came from years of hard work, confidence in what you do, and making smart decisions.

�at’s why an insurance policy from West Bend makes sense. It protects your valuable and hard-earned business so you can focus on doing what you do best.

And it’s all backed by the knowledge and experience of an independent insurance agent.

West Bend. Insurance you buy when you can’t a�ord anything less.

are also the hardest to get.When you run a business, you know. �e most valuable things

To find out more, contact an official supplier of the Silver Lining®.For the name of an agency near you,

visit thesilverlining.com.





2015 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention:

AIM HIGH!April 15 - 17, 2015

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West3131 Campus Drive

Plymouth, MN

Wednesday, April 15 4:00 - 8:00pm Diagnosing & Repairing the Top Auto HVAC Problems, Peter McArdle, Standard Motor Products 4:00 - 8:00pm Common Fixes for Light-Duty Diesel Trucks (Ford, GM & Dodge/Ram), Jim Watson, Jim Dow

& Terry Clennon, IDENTIFIX4:00 - 8:00pm VirtualPaint & Spray Application Training, Iowa Waste Reduction Center

Thursday, April 167:30 - 11:30am I-CAR Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis & Safety, Mitch Becker 8:30 - 11:30am Template Estimating, Ron Kuehn, Collision Business Solutions8:30 - 11:30am Chemistry Lessons for a Multi-Generational Workforce, Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting8:30 - 11:30am Tracking Internet Marketing, Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions8:30 - 11:30am Brake Technology Update, Bob Pattengale, Bosch Diagnostics11:30am - 1:30pm Membership Meeting & Luncheon With Keynote Address: The Art of Success, Bob Stromberg1:30 - 3:15pm Roundtable Discussions & Speed Networking, AASP-MN Members & Industry Experts1:30 - 4:30pm Marketing Automotive Service to Generations X and Y, Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting3:30 - 4:30pm Failing Fearlessly: How Failure Propels Us Forward, Josh Dye, Convene, LLC3:30 - 5:00pm Dispelling the Common Myths about Aluminum Repair, Shawn Collins, 3M3:30 - 5:00pm Developing a Business Continuity Plan, Dennis Begley, CBIZ4:30 - 6:30pm Happy Hour & Vendor Displays6:30 - 9:30pm Industry Dinner & Casino Party

Friday, April 178:00 - 10:00am Stand Out from the Competition, Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions8:00 - 10:00am Simple Cycle Time Solutions, Ron Kuehn, Collision Business Solutions8:30 - 11:30am Selling the Value Nobody Can Compete With, Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting10:15am - 12:00pm Employment Practices: Do’s & Don’ts, Megan Beckman, CBIZ Payroll10:15am - 12:00pm Building a Team Administrative System, Ron Kuehn, Collision Business Solutions

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

Template Estimating8:30 - 11:30am, Thursday, April 16 (Collision)Presented by Ron Kuehn, Collision Business SolutionsSponsored by Axalta Coating SystemsCreating a final, bill-quality estimate prior to the repair is a con-stant challenge of a collision repair business. Learn how to utilizethe efforts of previous repairs to speed up the estimating process,while creating more thorough and complete repair plans and accurate parts orders. This session will cover:

• Creating an electronic estimate template and parts list library• Organizing technical repair information• Improving total loss assessment and processing• Training new estimators and repair planners

Chemistry Lessons for a Multi-Generational Workforce8:30 - 11:30am, Thursday, April 16 (All)Presented by Bill Haas, Haas Performance ConsultingSponsored by CARQUEST Do you ever find members of your team frustrated, tense, dis-tracted, upset or unreasonable with other members of the team?Wonder why? Well, Gen Y thinks Gen X is a bunch of whiners.Gen X believes Gen Y is arrogant. And everyone thinks theBoomers are self-absorbed workaholics.

While the younger generation’s entitled attitude is clashing withthe older workers’ values, Gen Y’s presence is improving work-place policy for everyone. Once we understand their differencesand learn what is important for each group, we can work together effectively.

Tracking Internet Marketing 8:30 - 11:30am, Thursday, April 16 (All)Presented by Danny Sanchez, Autoshop SolutionsSponsored by Autoshop SolutionsRunning your business is oftentimes a numbers game. Runningyour marketing and making sure you’re getting the best bang foryour buck is also, without question, a numbers game. Join AMIAccredited Instructor Danny Sanchez in his brand new classabout the marketing numbers that drive your profits.

This class will cover key performance benchmarks and the important numbers to watch for in all of your marketing efforts:

• Learn how to measure traditional marketing, including direct mail, print and word-of-mouth.

• Delve into the numbers of your Internet marketing, including website performance, PPC, display ads and organic search.

This powerful class will help every business owner use their marketing dollars more effectively and show more dollars on thebottom line - the numbers don’t lie!

Marketing Automotive Service to Generations X & Y1:30 - 4:30pm, Thursday, April 16 (All) Presented by Bill Haas, Haas Performance ConsultingSponsored by CARQUESTMeeting their expectations is the easy part. Communicating amessage to attract and engage them seems to be the challenge.You cannot ignore these two groups at 120 million strong - theopportunities are enormous. We will examine what makes themunique and what influences their decision-making. Understandingthe obstacles of reaching them beyond their incredible filterswill lead your business to connecting with an extremely loyalcustomer.

Roundtable Discussions & Speed Networking1:30 - 3:15pm, Thursday, April 16 (All)Facilitated by AASP-MN Members & Industry ExpertsBack by popular demand! Attend this interactive session to getideas, ask questions and meet and learn from your peers. You’llhave the opportunity to participate in two roundtable discussionsand meet one-on-one with at least a dozen fellow shop own-ers/managers. Choose from the following topics:

• Cyber Security - facilitated by Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions

• Email Management - facilitated by Josh Dye, Covene, LLC• Free Money - facilitated by Mike Jost, Carol Keyes & Patrick Hanlon

• Loaner Car Management - facilitated by Bob Pearson, Pearson Auto Body & Wayne Watson, Autoworks Diagnostics & Repair

• Using Technology in the Shop - facilitated by Mars Overlee,Rick’s 36 Automotive Services & Jim Siegfried, Crystal Lake Automotive

Dispelling the Common Myths about Aluminum Repair3:30 - 5:00pm, Thursday, April 16 (Collision)Presented by Shawn Collins, 3MSponsored by 3MThis presentation, featured at the 2014 SEMA show, focuses onthe common myths associated with aluminum repairs in the col-lision shop. Topics covered include:

• Physical properties of aluminum • Different alloys • Work hardening • Thermal conductivity • Electrical conductivity • Hardness/malleability and how these properties effect repair procedures

In addition, we will dispel the myths about: • Straightening • Heating • Fixturing and setting rivets • Corrosion protection • Body filler • Welding

Developing a Business Continuity Plan3:30 - 5:00pm, Thursday, April 16 (All)Presented by Dennis Begley, CBIZ Sponsored by CBIZThis workshop will give attendees an overview of what it meansto have a business continuity plan and how to go about creatingone. Attendees will learn:

• The importance of a proper business valuation• Different types of business continuity agreements• How to fund an agreement for death, disability or retirement• How to choose a buyer• Death costs and costs of transferring ownership

A key point will be to discuss options for treating family mem-bers in the business and outside equitably, not necessarilyequally.


MANAGEMENT SEMINARS


Failing Fearlessly: How Failure Propels Us Forward3:30 - 4:30pm, Thursday, April 16 (All)Presented by Josh Dye, Convene, LLCSponsored by AASP NationalFailure surrounds us and is a part of our lives every day. It isalso filled with valuable lessons…if we have the courage tolearn from them. Featuring high-profile examples from celebri-ties we all know (and some personal examples too), Josh willshow how failure can propel us forward, helping us innovate,form better personal and professional relationships and makesound decisions - even when gripped with fear.

Stand Out from the Competition8:00 - 10:00am, Friday, April 17 (All)Presented by Danny Sanchez, Autoshop SolutionsSponsored by Autoshop SolutionsThe best brands in any industry get paid a premium becausethey are the most trusted brand and your shop is no different.Want to stand out from your competition and be able to charge apremium? Don’t miss this class!

Your brand is far more than just your logo; it’s the entire cus-tomer experience. From online reviews to the messages on yourwebsite, customers are using many resources when choosingtheir next repair shop. This class will outline the many movingparts of a powerful brand, including:

• Building and maintaining online reviews • Brand-building best practices • Marketing • Telephone procedures • Sales processes • Customer service• Ways to leverage your brand with inexpensive tools

Simple Cycle Time Solutions 8:00 - 10:00am, Friday, April 17 (Collision)Presented by Ron Kuehn, Collision Business SolutionsSponsored by Axalta Coating SystemsCycle time is a major focus for collision repair shops to bettersatisfy vehicle owners and insurance companies. Learn a com-mon sense approach on how to communicate, implement andmeasure these simple operations to help you become a marketleader in efficiently processing vehicles through your shop. Topics covered include:

• Measuring administrative and production cycle time• Staging the customer• Staging the vehicle• 100 percent disassembly• Improving repair vs. replace percentages • Documentation for compensation• Managing segmentation for maximum throughput• Optimizing work-in-process

Selling the Value Nobody Can Compete With 8:30 - 11:30am, Friday, April 17 (Mechanical)Presented by Bill Haas, Haas Performance ConsultingSponsored by CARQUESTFinally, all your marketing and promotion is working. Now whatdo we do about the phone that won’t stop ringing? Turn those callsinto valuable conversations, ask powerful questions, solve theirproblems and capture new business. Be prepared to present aVALUE that nobody can compete with. Never feel pressured todiscount or price match again and avoid price-based selling whenyou:

• Utilize powerful questions• Become a better listener• Create presentations to help communicate your value• Differentiate your solutions

Have valuable conversations with customers and learn to ask thepowerful questions. Their answers will tell you the value theyare looking for. Now, you can offer solutions to their problemsand meet their expectations.

Employment Practices: Do’s & Don’ts10:15am - 12:00pm, Friday, April 17 (All)Presented by Megan Beckman CBIZSponsored by CBIZ PayrollFrequently-changing regulations and employee issues can bechallenging to every organization. This workshop will focus onunderstanding the fundamentals of employment practices andthe potential for associated risks. We’ll identify the dos, don’tsand best practices that will keep you out of hot water!

• Hiring: application, interviews, job postings and background checks

• Performance management and discipline• Termination• Avoiding harassment and discrimination claims • Privacy and social media in the workplace• Employee handbook basics• Providing references• General compliance - FMLA, FLSA, etc.

Building a Team Administrative System10:15am - 12:00pm, Friday, April 17 (Collision)Presented by Ron Kuehn, Collision Business SolutionsSponsored by AASP NationalIf you find your organization struggling to keep up with the in-creasing demands and costs of the administrative side of thebusiness, this program is for you.

Explore new methods of staffing and improving the efficiencyof your office by segmenting the duties based on necessary skillsets versus a job title. This session will cover:

• Training and leading for a successful team environment• Establishing job accountabilities - regardless of job title• Cross training for back-up support• Creating estimating systems for efficiency and insurance

compliance• Creating a shared team bonus program


Diagnosing & Repairing the Top Auto HVAC Problems4:00 - 8:00pm, Wednesday, April 15 (Mechanical)Presented by Peter McArdle, Standard Motor ProductsSponsored by Auto Value Parts Stores and Automotive Parts Headquarters With the pressure of increased fuel economy and reduced emissions, the automo-tive HVAC system continues to undergo changes. Attend this class for more infor-mation on:

• New refrigerant, R1234yf, and new components such as AC line heat exchangers, oil traps in compressors, electronic displacement control and Thermal Storage Material-equipped evaporators used in idle stop vehicles

• Updated diagnostic and service techniques required by new components and reduced refrigerant and oil capacity

• Hybrid vehicle system service and compressor replacement• Pattern failures and fixes• Dual AC system diagnosis and service techniques

The goal of this class is to prepare the technician with the skills needed to properlydiagnose these systems, verify proper system operation, improve post-repairHVAC system performance and reduce comebacks.

VirtualPaint Spray Application Training Program4:00 - 8:00pm, Wednesday, April 15 (Collision)Presented by Iowa Waste Reduction CenterThis VirtualPaint training session will give attendees the opportunity to learn or re-fresh best practices and techniques for improving spray painting efficiency. TheVirtualPaint technology is precise, offers unbiased on-screen data output anddisplays immediate visual results to highlight good techniques and identify wheretweaking usual habits might make a significant difference. During this interactivesession: • Attendees will take turns using a familiar spray gun setup to spray typical automotive images on a screen that will visually show the amount of paint they’re using. • The smart technology will immediately show and tell how much overspray and film-build variation was created, as well as whether gun handling skills are consistent or not. • Attendees will get detailed feedback and a new perspective on spray application that cannot be easily replicated in a spray booth.

Every spray painter will get valuable skill insights out of attending this class. Andcompeting for top score is always a lot of fun!

Common Fixes for Light-Duty Diesel Trucks (Ford, GM & Dodge/Ram)4:00 - 8:00pm, Wednesday, April 15 (Mechanical)Presented by Jim Watson, Jim Dow & Terry Clennon, IDENTIFIXSponsored by IDENTIFIXThis course will cover common issues and fixes for:

• Ford 6.0L, 6.4L, and 6.7L Powerstroke diesel• GM 6.6L Duramax diesel• Dodge/Ram 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins diesel

In addition, a few of the not-so-common issues encountered by the specialists atIDENTIFIX will be discussed.

I-CAR: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis & Safety 7:30 - 11:30am, Thursday, April 16 (Collision)Presented by Mitch Becker, I-CARThis course explains safety measures when working on hybrid electric and alterna-tive fuel vehicles. This session will help you:

• Understand high voltage issues with electric A/C systems• Identify new applications for hybrid technology and unique hybrid system features

• Properly care for a high voltage battery, prior to and during the repair process

• Identify the different types of alternative fuel vehicles currently on the market, as well as concepts in tomorrow’s technology

Brake Technology Update 8:30 - 11:30am, Thursday, April 16 (Mechanical)Presented by Bob Pattengale, BoschSponsored by BoschThis session will cover the practical braking application of hydraulic theory and diagnostic procedures with a focus on brake service tips tohelp avoid costly comebacks. Anti-Lock and Electronic Stability Control sys-tems are reviewed with a focus on wheel speed, lateral acceleration, yaw rateand steering angle sensors, with theory of operation and how to diagnose andservice these systems. Topics covered include:

• Fundamentals of braking forces review• Anti-lock brake system (ABS) overview• Electronic stability control (ESC)• Best recommended practices for brake service• Systematic brake inspection process• Top 10 tips to ensure a successful brake service

TECHNICAL SEMINARS

FUN FOR ALL!Membership Meeting & Luncheon with Keynote Address: The Art of Success 11:30am - 1:30pm, Thursday, April 16Sponsored by PPG Automotive FinishesIn this hilarious and inspiring keynote address, comic and storyteller BobStromberg remembers Christmas Eve 1963. His grandfather opened a pres-ent…a Craft Master Paint-by-Number set. Over the next two weeks, Bobwatched him carefully paint the numbered shapes one color at a time. Then al-ways, his grandfather cleaned his brush. Weeks later, the canvas was trans-formed and so was his grandfather.

The presentation highlights the importance of accepting responsibility for one’swork - Rule #1: Paint Your Color! And, the importance of accepting responsi-bility for one’s self - Rule #2: Clean Your Brush!

Happy Hour & Vendor Showcase4:30 - 6:30pm, Thursday, April 16 You’ll have the opportunity to visit AASP-MN’s convention program and hospitality sponsors. This is your chance to catch up on the latestand greatest in products and services, make some new contacts or get answers tothose questions that you haven’t found the time to pick up the phone and ask, allin a fun and relaxing setting.

Industry Dinner & Casino Royale6:30 - 9:30pm, Thursday, April 16Casino Royale sponsored by Dent Impressions(Additional charge of $40 per person or $75 per couple)Become the High Roller you’ve always wanted to be at AASP-MN’s IndustryDinner & Casino Royale on Thursday evening, April 16. Eat, drink (cash bar) andbe merry while enjoying the evening with fellow members and industry profes-sionals. Choose between blackjack, three and four card poker, red dog and moreas you wager your “casino money” in hopes of having enough at the end of thenight to bid on valuable prizes.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONSCrowne Plaza Minneapolis West3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN

Make your hotel room reservations by calling (763) 559-6600. Be sure to tell the reservationist you are with the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers room block.Reservations must be received by March27, 2015 to guarantee the rate of $119.

To register, log on to www.aaspmn.org


CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCEMeadowbrook Insurance GroupContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one ofthe most competitive programs around for Worker‘sCompensation insurance. In addition, members areeligible to receive an annual dividend based on thegroup’s loss ratio. For more information, log on towww.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCECBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotesfrom multiple carriers for property/liability insurance andmembers can choose the program that best fits their situa-tion. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members anexclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insur-ance premiums.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSCBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Begley763-549-2260 / [email protected] AIA will provide AASP-MN member with quotesfrom multiple carriers for life insurance, health insur-ance, long-term care and disability insurance.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIESAmeriPride ServicesContact: Jim Dillon651-955-1398 / [email protected] pricing to members on rental of uniforms,entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also dis-counted. Members receive annual rebate equal to10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSINGAssociation BankCard ServicesContact: Mac Hardin952-933-2026 / [email protected] rates for AASP-MN members. Terminalsand printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipmentis also available.

INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTSWipers & Wipes, Inc.Contact: Dennis Julson651-486-4866Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products.Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area.Shipping free to outstate members with $100 pur-chase.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONSNet DrivenContact: Jon Napoli218-623-7351 / [email protected] Driven is a market leader in website and internetmarketing solutions designed exclusively for the auto-motive industry. Net Driven assists independent tireand automotive industry dealers who are looking toincrease revenue by selling more tires, service, andwheels. AASP-MN members who choose Net Drivenare eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setupfees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

StormlogixContact: Paul Switzer732-364-1156 / [email protected] extends a discount on its website pack-ages to AASP members. Costs can be spread outover 6 months.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINEIDENTIFIX800-288-6220Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1technical information hotline. One free call is extendedto all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARSAASP-MNContact: Jodi Pillsbury612-623-1110 / [email protected] rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICESSummit eMarketing SherpasContact: Frank Terlep888-377-2661 / [email protected] members receive a 5% discount on all SummiteMarketing Sherpas’ services, including: websitedesign and development, search engine optimization,email marketing and communication, online reviewand reputation management and social mediamarketing.

INFORMATION PROVIDERSMitchell1Contact: Mitchell1 Representative888-724-6742 x 6986AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 in-formation and management programs at significantdiscounts. For more information, log ontowww.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representa-tive at 888-724-6742, X6986.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative 800-238-9111

AASP members receive a 15% discount on anyMitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visithttp://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more information.

PAYROLL PROCESSINGCBIZ PayrollContact: Carrie Hobrough612-436-4620 / [email protected] receive 20% discount off standard payrollproducts and services (excluding 401k). Memberswho switch prior to June 30 will receive first month ofpayroll processing free.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICESCertegy Check ServicesContact: Heather Ellis952-240-5017 / [email protected] rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

BUSINESS COACHING180BIZ540-833-2014 / [email protected] offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP membersat a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business SolutionsLLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increaseprofits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one coaching plans without long-term commitmentsand complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trialof their services. To learn more, please call or email us, orvisit our website.

REPLACEMENT PARTSDorman ProductsPhone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329AASP members receive insider information, specialaccess and other perks from Dorman Products, aleading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive re-placement parts.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONFryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick800-496-6789Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assess-ment and consultation (some restrictions apply) withan attorney who specializes in the area of law that isthe subject of the call.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Net Driven Knows Your Business

Today, over 97 percent of consumers search for local busi-nesses online, and without the right website and Internet marketingprogram you could be losing a significant amount of potential newcustomers. If your website isn’t optimized for local searches anddoesn’t provide the information that consumers are looking for,they will not set foot in your business. Net Driven is the leading and most trusted provider of websitesand Internet marketing solutions designed exclusivelyfor the automotive industry. We offer an end-to-end so-lution that takes customers from their couch directly toyour front door. We are more than just a website com-pany…we are Internet marketing specialists that willensure that you have all of the tools that you need tocapture more leads and convert those leads directly into sales. Did we mention that we only work in the automotive industryand that we were founded by a third generation independent tiredealer? In other words, nobody knows your business like NetDriven. Net Driven also has a customer retention rate of over 93 percentbecause we have the best support and consultation practices in the

industry. You get access to unlimited customer support with NetDriven. Your personal Net Driven Client Relationship Manager willcontact you quarterly to answer questions, analyze your website re-sults and make ongoing recommendations, ensuring that your web-site ranks higher than your competition and that your website isworking to convert more leads into sales. As a Preferred Provider of AASP-MN, members who choose

Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their firstyear setup fees. In addition, we offer powerful add-ontools such as our Wheel Configurator, Virtual Show-room, TurboClick ads, Net Driven Testimonials, NetDriven Diagnostic Center and our Tire Advantage Cal-culator to ensure that you have a customized solution

to meet your unique needs. Drive More Visitors. Drive More Leads. Drive More Sales. Formore information, visit www.netdriven.com, or call us at 1-877-860-2005.

AASP is Part of Industry Grassroots Network

The Auto Care Association, the Al-liance of State Automotive Aftermarket As-sociations (ASAAA) and the Alliance ofAutomotive Service Providers (AASP) re-cently announced the formation of the AutoCare Advocacy Network. The Network wasformed to create a more comprehensive andsystemized auto care industry response tolegislative and regulatory initiatives in

Washington D.C. and in the states. “There are auto care manufacturers,distributors, retailers and service facilitiesin nearly every legislative district in thecountry,” said Bruce Tschida, president ofAASP National and owner of Lake MarionCollision in Lakeville. “The goal of the Net-work is to develop the ability to quickly ac-tivate these grassroots resources to ensureour industry has a unified voice on issuesimpacting our economic well-being.” “Issues are being considered by

Congress and state legislatures around thecountry, and it is critical that the industryhas a strong and coordinated program to ad-dress these initiatives, whether they are pos-itive or negative,” said Aaron Lowe, seniorvice president, regulatory and governmentaffairs, Auto Care Association. “State groups working together withour national associations represent a signif-icant potential grassroots power,” said GaryManke, ASAAA executive director. “Ourmembers look forward to empowering ourstate groups and their membership to ensurean effective and powerful grassroots pro-gram in support of our industry.”

ASE Certification Testing Now Available All Year

The National Institute for AutomotiveService Excellence (ASE) has changed itstesting schedule to allow year-round accessfor automotive professionals. ASE testing isnow available 12 months out of the year.Whether a candidate registers on the firstday of a registration window or the last,they will always have 90 days to schedulean appointment and take a certification testat any of the 450+ Prometric test centersacross the country. “This new testing schedule is designedto eliminate the last-minute crush and im-prove access to convenient dates and timesat the testing centers,” said Tim Zilke, ASEpresident and CEO. “While ASE certifica-tion will still have quarterly registration cy-cles in winter, spring, summer and fall, thetesting will be continuous. Certificationswill expire in June and December, the sameas before.” The new testing cycle effectively in-creases the availability of appointmenttimes by 50 percent. You can find all the in-formation on the ASE certification program,including registration deadlines, links toASE Study Guides, recorded webinars tohelp you prepare and even a free “testdrive” link to experience the computerbased testing format on the ASE website atwww.ase.com.


NATIONAL NEWS



aaa Auto Salvage ..............................................8AmeriPride........................................................6Axalta Coating Systems ....................................OBCBuerkle Hyundai................................................4Choice Auto Rentals..........................................4Dentsmart ........................................................22Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota..................3Jack McClard....................................................3Keystone ..........................................................10

Lowell’s PCE ....................................................5Maplewood Toyota ............................................14Meadowbrook Insurance ..................................20Mercedes Benz of Maplewood ..........................7Mills Parts Center ............................................22Morrie’s ............................................................9Motorwerks BMW ............................................IBCMotorwerks Mini ..............................................IBCMPA......................................................................................12-13

PAM’s Auto ......................................................21Proven Force ....................................................21Rosedale Chevrolet ..........................................10Roseville Chrysler ............................................22Straight & Square ............................................14Toyota Group ....................................................IFCWest Bend ........................................................11

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX


Documents

AASP-MN News March 2015