GREAT LAKES NEWS (132)
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Church Brothers Collision Repair in Indianapolis recently teamed up with the Indiana Pacers, the NBA’s Central Division champions, to benefit a local community center with a $5,000 donation.
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) awarded $17,000 in scholarships to help post-secondary automotive students pay for tuition during the 2013-2014 school year. The scholarships were in the amount of $1,000 per student and were made possible by a successful fundraising drive within the AASP-MN membership, as well as a generous donation from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee. All recipients will be entering the second year of a NATEF-certified automotive program based in Minnesota.
AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention Fuels Industry’s Fire
Written by AASP MN staffAASP-MN held its Annual Meeting & Convention at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth on April 11-12. During the two days, over 250 area shop owners, vendors, presenters and industry supporters gathered for the event.
Despite shaky weather conditions, the event kicked off with the “Peer-to-Peer Roundtable & Networking Extravaganza.” For two hours, attendees met with fellow AASP-MN members in a revolving “roundtable” setting to discuss a variety of topics including I-CAR’s new Professional Development Program, OSHA and EPA regulations, employee “perks” and incentives and reducing business operational costs. The topic-specific roundtables were followed by a round of “speed networking,” in which participants met one-on-one with another member for three-minute sessions, then rotated to the next. They introduced themselves with the idea of identifying common interests and opening the door for a future connection at the event or sometime thereafter.
AASP-MN to Host “2013 Safety Compliance: AWAIR Workshop”
Written by AASP MN staffAASP-MN will host the “2013 Safety Compliance: AWAIR Workshop” at its Roseville offices on Thursday, May 16. The workshop will be offered from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
As of June 10, 2013, all automotive repair facilities, collision and mechanical, are required to have 'A Workplace Accident & Injury Reduction' (AWAIR) program. The purpose of the program is to help shop owners create a safer workplace by providing a mechanism for identifying and correcting hazards. An AWAIR program provides the framework for an effective safety program.
The Automotive Service Association of Michigan recently launched a new “Members Only” community website - www.MiASACommunity.com - and revamped their main site - www.ASAMichigan.com.
“At our strategic planning session last fall, we recognized the challenges of the ‘new normal’ for automotive repair facilities and the importance of their time and ability to travel to meetings after a long stressful day," said Ray Fisher, President of ASA Michigan. "Members would also call us about missing one of our webinars, needing a business aid, a form, or some information from the State of Michigan. We also discussed the value of members being able to share ideas, best practices and provide feedback on various topics similar to an electronic bulletin board type of format in the past. And, lastly, we needed to make sure that access to everything was convenient and available 24/7/365.”
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.
April marks the beginning of service for the 2013–2014 Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) Board of Directors.
The new additions to the board are: Joyce Weinhandl, Northfield & Twin City Auto Body, Bloomington; and Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings.
The new officers are President Dan Sjolseth, Superior Service Center, Eagan, and Secretary-Treasurer Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, Hopkins.
Michigan Approves Bills Banning MFN Clauses; ASA Says This is Good News for Repairers
Written by staffMichigan’s governor recently signed off on Senate Bill (SB) 61 and 62, effectively striking down most favored nation (MFN) clauses by health care corporations and insurers in the state.
Though the legislation did not address property and casualty insurers, the Automotive Service Association says this is good news for automotive repairers.
MFN clauses appear in a number of agreements offered by major national insurance companies and allow insurance companies to negotiate that they get the absolute best price available on services.
ASA Michigan is asking its members to take action regarding Senate Bill 249 to update aftermarket parts language.
Recently, ASA Michigan informed its members about SB 249, which will add language to the current requirement notifying consumers about the use of aftermarket parts.
The current law requires that the following statement be on estimates using a bold font not less than 10 point: “This estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket crash parts supplied by a source other than the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Warranties that apply to these replacement parts are provided by the manufacturer, distributor, or insurer of these parts.”
The requested language would continue with “These replacement parts are not covered by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.”
ASA Michigan, along with ASA national, has provided an easy way for industry members to write their Senator in a ‘pre-drafted’ letter on TakingTheHill.org that will go to your Senator’s office upon completion.
