PARTS Act Reintroduced in U.S. House of Representatives
Written by staffReintroduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 22 is designed to amend patent law regarding automotive parts. House Judiciary Committee members Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), and Senate Judiciary Committee members Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced H.R. 1663, Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade and Sales Act of 2013 (PARTS).
Search “PARTS Act” at autobodynews.com for previous analysis of this legislation.
Industry Continues its Support of Linda Holcomb
Written by Melanie AndersonAs Linda Holcomb, President of the Glendale/Foothill/Pasadena California Autobody Association chapter, fights her battle with breast cancer, industry members continue to rally behind one of the first female pioneers in the business.
Holcomb recently underwent a minor surgery, followed by her third round of chemotherapy treatment. In addition, her treatment will include surgery, radiation and breast re-construction, followed by a year of herception therapy and five years of hormone treatment.
“You have your ups and downs,” said Holcomb. “That’s part of this program.” She said the support and well wishes she’s getting from the industry really means so much to her. “This is truly what keeps me in very high spirits and what will get me through this.” Holcomb has about 10 more months of treatment.
Valley-Ventura CAA Presents ‘Got a Good Lawyer?’ May 29
Written by staffThe Valley-Ventura chapter of the California Autobody Association will present “Got a Good Lawyer?” on May 29. Body shop managers and owners are invited to hear featured guest speaker Cory King, parter of the San Diego firm of Fine, Boggs & Perkins. His employment law practice focuses on both the prevention side of employment claims, as well as litigating all types of employment matters. King will give an update on the recent case law regarding wage and hour compliance. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to Cindy Shillito, southern California CAA representative, at (714) 944-4028.
On March 31, 2013, the new Insurance Regulation, Subchapter 7.5, Article 1, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulation, Amended Section 2695.8, took effect.
This regulation addresses the issues that were discussed with the Department of Insurance by the California Autobody Association when the Insurance Commissioner took office. The CAA has been working with the department to assist in clarifying the areas of aftermarket parts usage and claims settlement. This regulation addresses a number of issues for the collision repair industry. The regulations:
A Yucaipa auto body shop is preparing to give away a car this summer to a local family in need.
Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop has partnered with Auto Club of Southern California, Spreen Honda, Yucaipa Mayor Denise Hoyt, Martin Auto Colors, PPG and Community Connect to provide one family the gift of a car.
The gift will come complete with one year of registration and insurance, a trunk full of groceries and possibly car seats.
Community Connect will be collecting the applications and making a recommendation for the recipient selection. The staff at Ben Clymer’s will make the final selection from the applicant who most demonstrates the need and life change that a car would bring to their family. Applications can be submitted by potential recipients, a friend or family member or an agency. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on May 17.
The car will be given in a presentation set for June 19 at 11 a.m. at Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop, located at 32247 Dunlap Blvd., Yucaipa.
CDI Uncovers Elaborate Workers’ Comp Insurance Fraud in 4-Year Investigation
Written by CDIThe California Department of Insurance (CDI) arrested Robinson Yang, 44, Roland Yang, 43, and Sotheany “Teny” Hul, 42, of Diamond Bar, CA, on multiple counts of theft, fraud and forgery.
The three suspects are accused of producing and selling hundreds of false certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance. All three were booked between March 22 and April 3, 2013 and are being held pending bail hearings.
The CDI said, after a four-year investigation, the counterfeit workers’ compensation insurance leaves injured workers without benefits, hundreds of victims in 19 states and losses exceeding $700,000.
Top California Collision Repair Students Compete at SkillsUSA in San Diego
Written by Melanie AndersonThe top 29 California collision repair and auto refinishing students competed at the 46th annual SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference in San Diego April 4–7.
These top 29 students came from both northern and southern California high school and post secondary schools to showcase their skills at Mossy Toyota’s collision repair shop off Lovelock Street in San Diego.
SkillsUSA is the largest competition for career and technical education students. The California event involved over 2,100 student, educator and business and industry representatives. Students showcased their skills and abilities through competition and live demonstrations of their technical trade, including automotive, construction, cosmetology, culinary, drafting, electronics, firefighting, graphic communications, health, manufacturing and leadership. These students are the future of America’s workforce.
PPG MVP Spring Conference Held in Scottsdale, AZ
Written by PPG staff
The PPG MVP Business Solutions Conference held at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, AZ, April 7-9 saw record attendance. This MVP Conference featured dynamic and well-known keynote speakers.
PPG stays committed to providing leading edge refinish products along with fresh and advanced business curriculum for its customers. The MVP Conference is one example of delivering innovative and relevant programming to assist its customers and their collision center performance.
The Indiana Autobody Association will present a webinar called “A Shop You Can Trust Program—The Overview” on May 22. The IABA recently introduced a consumer-based loyalty program for members that will ensure that their consumers are not steered away from their businesses. This free one-hour webinar explains the program and its features and benefits. Tune in on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. To register, go to:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
register/678566336.
Superior CARSTAR in Tipp City, OH, Added to MSO Network
Written by staffCARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts has added Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop in Tipp City, OH, to its network. Owned by Greg Arnett, Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop is located at 125 W. Broadway and has been serving the region since 1980. They specialize in paint and body restoration on American and foreign cars, trucks and vans.
“By teaming up with CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, we are able to acquire new resources that allow us to improve our customer service, cycle times and relationships with insurance companies,” said Arnett, owner of Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop. “And, all the while still keeping our hometown characteristics.”
The CARSTAR Management System provides stores resources to improve key business metrics such as cycle time, participation in CARSTAR’s 19 corporately managed DRP programs, and improved purchasing power from 45 corporately managed purchasing programs.
“We are excited to have Greg Arnett join the CARSTAR network,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR.
