aasp-mn news april 2014

April 2014

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AASP News April 2014 3AASP News April 2014 3

CONTENTSVol. 22 No. 4

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independ-ently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicatedto improving the state’s auto-motive service industry andthe success of its members.

AASP 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 News allows its columnists to fully express theiropinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover ©www.thinkstockphoto.com/EvgenySergeev.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 17, 201420th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing

3M’s Tartan ParkLake Elmo, MN

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

For info: Contact AASP-MN at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071

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: 973-235-1963ADVERTISING: 800-991-1995 • [email protected]

PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco ([email protected])ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Norman Morano ([email protected])MANAGING EDITOR: Alicia Figurelli ([email protected])EDITOR: Joel Gausten ([email protected])ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci ([email protected])OFFICE MANAGER: Sofia Cabrera ([email protected])

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ..............................................................4It’s Worth It!by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..................................................................6AASP-MN Takes On Insurer Mandatesby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

NATIONAL NEWS ........................................................................7

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

INSURANCE I.Q. ........................................................................9How Familiar Are You With the Distracted Driving Laws?by Craig Wengerd, Risk Consultant, CBIZ AIA

NIOSH RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE ..................................................12

SHOP HERE FIRST! AASP-MN ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY ..............16

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ..................................................18Mitchell 1: Information Tools For the Profitable Shop

aaa Auto Salvage ............................6AmeriPride ......................................8Axalta Coating Systems ..............................OBCBuerkle Hyundai ..............................14Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ....7Jack McClard ..................................15Keystone ..........................................14Maplewood Toyota ..........................15Mills Parts Center ............................4Morrie’s............................................5

Motorwerks BMW............................17Motorwerks Mini ............................17MWAPA ........................................10-11NAPA ..............................................12PPG........................................................IFCRosedale Chevrolet ..........................13Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ....4Straight & Square ............................13Toyota Group ..................................IBC


AASP News4 April 2014

PRESIDENTÕSMES-

by Jerald Stiele, AASP-MN President

It’s WORTH IT!

It is my privilege and honor to serve as President of this out-standing organization. When asked to join the AASP-MN CollisionCommittee for the first time several years ago, I worried about howmuch time it would take me out of the shop. Would it be bad formy business? Who would handle my customers and day-to-day ac-tivities? What if there was an emergency at the shop and I was at ameeting? These are legitimate questions for all of us who truly careabout our businesses and long-term viability. So I had to wonder:Would getting involved with this Association be worth my time? Itdidn’t take long for me to realize that getting involved was a greatdecision for my business.

Initially, we saved money by utilizing some of the many mem-ber benefit programs AASP-MN offers. This is the easy way to jus-tify membership. When talking with other members, I find more

often than not that their dues are covered by the amount of moneythey save by taking advantage of the great member benefit pro-grams offered. All of the programs, along with contact information,are listed on page 18 of this magazine.

We also take advantage of the many training opportunitiesthrough the Association. I’ve been to training all over the country,and our local AASP-MN training programs rank right up there withthe best of them. Our reputation as one of the strongest state asso-ciations allows us to attract high-quality instructors and trainingprograms. In trying to continually improve, we are always lookingfor new ideas on classes or seminars that members are looking for.So if you have any ideas, just let us know.

I feel the greatest benefit to myself and my business is the net-working with other industry peers. I really take advantage of


bouncing ideas and problems off of other shopowners and operators. It seems a lot of the timewe are all facing the same challenges and issues.We really have a great group of collision and me-chanical shops in this Association who are morethan willing to share ideas and help each otherout. For me, the advice and lessons I’ve receivedfrom other members is priceless.

Finally, I know it’s worth it to be involvedas I see the impact on the industry. I see the As-sociation listening to member concerns and tak-ing action. AASP-MN works hard legislativelyto fight for fair business practices. Numerousscholarships are given to local technical schoolstudents to build our future workforce and thelist goes on and on from there.

I can say with complete confidence that thetime and money that I spend on AASP-MN iswisely invested. If you hear me pestering othershop owners or managers to become more in-volved, I’m doing it in hopes that they have thesame results I do; that they get out of it muchmore then they put in. I can’t help but come tothe conclusion that, yes, it’s worth it!

AASP News April 2014 5

WelcomesNew Members

March 2014

aaa Auto PartsEast Bethel

DeCoux Automotive, Inc.Faribault

Falk Auto BodyRed Wing & Zumbrota

FinishmasterFridley

St. CloudDuluth

LaMettry’s CollisionNew Brighton

Northstar Auto Body & GlassBlaine

Professional Auto BodySt. Paul



LEGISLATIVEUPDATE

AASP-MN Takes On

INSURER MANDATESby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

In March, AASP-MN launched its legislative initiative to pro-hibit insurers from requiring or specifying that repair shops use spe-cific vendors, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, businessplatforms or internal processes to carry out vehicle repairs. Further,insurers would be prohibited from imposing the terms of third-partypricing agreements on repair shops. The Bill would also put an endto insurers requiring that loss adjustment or inspection (i.e. esti-mates) be conducted at a particular repair shop designated by theinsurer.

Authors for the repair industry measure are Representative JoeAtkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) and Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park). This legislative initiative is the product of extensivediscussions among repair shops. Shop owners are increasingly con-cerned about the loss of control of their own businesses.

AASP-MN will testify that some of the practices that insurersmandate solely benefit the insurers themselves – at the expense ofrepair shops and consumers. For example, a number of concernshave been raised regarding the timeliness of repairs and quality ofparts that shops are experiencing as a result of State Farm’s

mandated parts procurement process.AASP-MN is reaching out to legislators who serve on the

House and Senate Commerce Committees where the Bill will beacted upon. Members are encouraged to contact their legislators –in both the House and Senate – to tell them that this Bill is impor-tant to the repair industry and is making its way through the leg-islative process. Stay tuned for email alerts from the Associationwith more information about this effort.

In all of our communications, we have been very candid withlegislators – letting them know that the insurance industry willstrongly oppose this measure. We are portraying the issue as onewhich safeguards the fundamental right of a business person to actindependently in the marketplace.

In the view of AASP-MN, evaluating shops based on quality,timeliness and cost of repairs is legitimate. Forcing shops to con-duct business in a certain manner with particular vendors is not inthe interest of a fair and open marketplace.

AASP-MN will keep you informed of the progress or chal-lenges we face as this Bill is considered at the Capitol.



AMI Offers Scholarships to Defray NACE/CARS Attendance Costs The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for its

annual scholarship program that offers recipients $1,000 toward their expenses toattend the Automotive Service Association (ASA) trade shows in Detroit this July.To be eligible for the awards, applicants must work in the collision or mechanicalrepair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through manage-ment education; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in goodstanding; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended bythe business owner.

There are scholarship offerings specific to ASA Collision Division and ASAMechanical Division Members. The collision scholarships provide $1,000 in assis-tance to attend the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) eventand the mechanical division scholarships provide $1,000 in assistance to attend theCongress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) show.

Scholarships Available for ASA Collision Division/NACE:• $1,000 Emil Stanley Merit Award• $1,000 Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship• $1,000 BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship

Scholarships Available for ASA Mechanical Division/CARS• $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship

To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, orfill out a scholarship application online. Applications must be received by AMI onor before June 20, 2014. The scholarship recipients will be notified by AMI on orbefore June 30, 2014.

NATIONAL NEWS

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Answer: In this photo, the cushion inthis pair of ear muffs is damaged.



LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN Announces 2014 - ’15 Board of Directors

Congratulations to Jim Siegfried, AAM,Crystal Lake Automotive (Lakeville) andWayne Watson, Autoworks Diagnostics & Re-pair (Woodbury) on their election to theAASP-MN Board of Directors! They will jointhe other members of the Board, which in-clude:

PresidentJerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body (Hopkins)Immediate Past PresidentDan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center (Eagan)Secretary/TreasurerTom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair (Corcoran)Associate Division DirectorKevin Martin, P.P.G. Automotive Refinishes (Edina)Collision Division DirectorJoyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body (Bloomington)Mechanical Division DirectorGreg Kasel, AAM, Downtown Tire & Auto(Hastings)Collision SeatMike Cox, AAM, Ed’s Collision Center(Maple Grove)

AASP-MN also extends a sincere thankyou to this year’s outgoing board members: • John Ritter, Jr., AAM, Highland Autostar(St. Paul)

• Scott McClure, AAM, St. Paul Automotive (St. Paul)

AASP-MN’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program Pays Dividend

Star Insurance (Meadowbrook), the As-sociation’s preferred provider of workers’compensation insurance, recently paid partic-ipating members a dividend equal to three per-cent of premium. In all, nearly $20,000 waspaid to 111 members participating on the pro-gram.

This marks the ninth consecutive year thata dividend was earned based on the AASP-MN group’s outstanding loss experience.Fewer accidents mean lower claim costs,which helps reduce insurance premiums. Thisis a great example of how safety – and mem-bership in AASP-MN – pays!

If you are not currently insured withMeadowbrook, call Scott Murphy at CBIZAIA (763-549-2243) to learn how you can ac-cess the program and keep your local agenttoo.

AASP-MN can save member businessesmoney! Compare the Association’s insurance

programs, uniform, bankcard and other cost-savings benefits to your existing providerstoday!! Contact the AASP-MN office at 800-852-9071 or 612-623-1110 or email us [email protected] for a free comparisonquote.

AAA Names Minnesota “Top Shop” Auto Repair Facilities

Each year, the AAA Clubs of Minnesotarecognize a select number of Approved AutoRepair (AAR) facilities for their business in-tegrity, professional standards in automotiverepair, outstanding customer service and com-munity involvement.

The 16th annual Top Shop awards aregiven to those repair facilities that last year hadthe required number of online customer satis-faction surveys with an Excellent rating of 93percent or above. The evaluations are moni-tored and processed by AAA. Top Shop recip-ients are also Total Repair Care (TRC)facilities that offer the SYC&S discount tomembers and will triage, diagnose or repair amember’s vehicle within one hour of arrival attheir shop.

In Minnesota, 20 Approved Auto Repairshops have earned the Top Shop honor for2013 and 13 of them are AASP-MN members.

Currently, 128 auto dealers and independ-ent facilities in Minnesota participate in AAA’sAAR program. To qualify, a repair facilitymust meet AAA’s strict criteria for techniciancertification and customer satisfaction. Al-though AAR benefits all motorists by identi-fying superior auto repair shops, AAAmembers receive additional benefits fromAAR facilities, including a special 12-month /12,000 mile warranty. In addition, AAA autorepair experts investigate and resolve any dis-pute involving an AAR facility and AAAmember. AAA continuously monitors the per-formance of AAR facilities to insure that stan-dards are maintained.

Congratulations to the following AASP-MN members for being

recognized as Top Shops in Minnesota:

Pro-Tech Auto & Truck Repair, Inc., Corcoran4th Street Auto Repair, Inc., Duluth

Edina Tire & Auto, EdinaJ.M. Auto Service, Eveleth

Dale Feste Automotive, HopkinsCrystal Lake Automotive, Lakeville

Pro-Tech Automotive, LakevilleAutotronics of Mankato, Mankato

Maple Grove Auto Service, Maple GroveDave Steffens Automotive, Inc., Minneapolis

Herb’s Servicenter, Inc., PlymouthDunrite Auto Service, Saint Louis Park

Saint Paul Automotive, Saint Paul


Did you know that 12 states currently ban the use of hand-held devices while driving?

It’s no secret that distracted driving is dangerous and aleading cause of traffic accidents and fatal crashes. With over50 percent of the US adult population in possession of asmartphone for work and/or personal use, support for in-creased restrictions, enforcement of laws and accountability be-hind the wheel continues to strengthen.

In a report by the National Safety Council, a growing num-ber of lawsuits resulting in large awards or settlements rang-ing from $500,000 to $22 million have been paid by employersand their insurers as a result of negligent employment-relatedcrashes.

Employers should understand what liability they may faceon the road and in today’s courtroom climate. Appropriatesteps should be taken to ensure safe driving practices areimplemented and enforced.

To reduce exposure, an employer might consider thefollowing risk prevention efforts:

• Develop or review current driving policy to ensure compliance with state laws (consider polices that exceed state standards, i.e. cell phone ban);

• Screen drivers before hire and/or after accidents - Review driver history and MVRs;

• Provide training on company driving policy and safe driving techniques;

• Enforce the policy and promote accountability; and• Review liability limits and insurance coverages.

Distracted Driving Laws in Minnesota:

Texting and Web AccessIt is illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read or

send electronic messages or access the Internet on a wirelessdevice when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic. Thisincludes being stopped in traffic or at a light.

The law does not apply to devices that are permanentlyaffixed to the vehicle or global positioning or navigationsystems.

Cell Phone Use and Texting• It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.

• Cell phone use is totally banned for school bus drivers.

Reckless or Careless DrivingDistracted drivers can be ticketed for reckless or care-

less driving when their actions demonstrate a disregard forthe safety or rights of others.

For more information, contact Dennis Spindler at (763)549-2238.

Internship Sites NeededHennepin Technical College’s Automotive Technology Program students

will be looking for internship sites. The automotive faculty at Hennepin Tech-nical College is asking shops for help in providing its students with an intern-ship opportunity. It is a joint effort of Hennepin Technical College and localarea automotive businesses. The program is fully certified by the National Au-tomotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Internships are used to upgrade the technical competency of incomingservice technicians.

Students are exposed to meaningful learning experiences that enhance therelevance of what they are learning in the classroom. Each student must seekout an internship site at the end of their first year and then again at the end oftheir second year, and, at minimum, spend 200 hours working in an industrysetting during each internship. Most of these internships lead to full-time em-ployment.

Contact Mike Roberts at 763-488-2535 or email at [email protected] for more information.

Sponsorships Support 2014 Educational Programming Recently, AASP-MN asked for sponsorship dollars from its associate

members and other industry vendors to help support the association’s educationand training activities in 2014. Sponsorship dollars help AASP-MN deliverthe quality programs members expect, and keep registration fees affordable.

To date, AASP-MN has received sponsorship commitments from:

INSURANCE I.Q.

How Familiar Are You With Distracted Driving Laws?

By Craig Wengerd, Risk Consultant, CBIZ AIA

Program SponsorsAAIA

AASP NationalAkzoNobel Performance CoatingsAuto Value Parts Stores/APH

Autoshop SolutionsBill Smith Foundation

Carbench/Infinity Laser MeasuringCARQUEST USADent ImpressionsDentsmart PDR

Keystone AutomotivePPG Automotive Finishes

WorldPac

Hospitality Sponsors3M

aaa Auto PartsAAA Minnesota/Iowa

Aeromotive Services, Inc.AmeriPride Services

AudaExploreAxalta Coating Systems

BASFCBIZ AIA

CCC Information ServicesChoice Auto RentalDorman Products

IDENTIFIXInver Grove Ford LincolnKeystone Automotive

Lowell’s Performance CoatingsMalco Prod ucts

Meadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts AdvantageMitchell International

Mitchell1Norton Automotive Aftermarket

O’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.

Pro PaintSherwin WilliamsSuburban Chevrolet



Issue Date: February 27, 2014

From: Jonathan Szalajda, Acting Chief, Technology Evaluation Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

Subject: Use of After Market Component Parts

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of respirators approved by the National Institutefor Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for occupational inhalation exposures when engineering or administrative controls arenot adequate to reduce the hazards to an acceptable level. The use of a non NIOSH-approved respirator places the employer at risk ofcitation and fines by OSHA.

NIOSH issues certificates of approval for specific and complete respirator assemblies. The approval is granted after the respiratorhas been evaluated and found to be in compliance with all of the requirements of the NIOSH regulations in Title 42, Code of FederalRegulations, Part 84.The requirements include the presence of a viable quality assurance program that controls the important aspectsof the components and their assemblies into a configuration assuring produced units continue to meet the requirements.

NIOSH has become aware of a dangerous practice where respirator users are swapping the original hose provided withsupplied-air respirators with different sized hoses. The danger with using non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) hoses thatare sized differently can result in too little breathing air being delivered to the facepiece as well as too much air being delivered. Inaddition, because these hoses have not been subjected to the rigors of the NIOSH-approved quality assurance program of the OEM,they may have other performance features that are not compatible to the proper performance of the respirator.

Although respirators are comprised of various component parts, they are approved as a single unit. Replacing NIOSH-approvedrespirator parts, components, and accessories with non NIOSH-approved parts manufactured by another company voids theNIOSH approval. The level of performance that was required and demonstrated to obtain the NIOSH-approval label can no longerbe expected. Therefore, the modified configuration puts the user at risk. Using a modified configuration may also void the manufac-turer’s product warranty.

If you have any questions about the device you are using, you may contact NIOSH at [email protected] or by calling 412-386-4000.


NIOSH RESPIRATOR USER NOTICE



SHOP HERE FIRST!AASP-MN Associate Member Directory

3M Company - St. Paul, MNaaa Auto Parts - East Bethel, MNaaa Auto Salvage - Rosemount, MN

AAA MN/IA Approved Auto Repair - Burnsville, MNAASP-MN BankCard / Midwest Hardware Assoc. - Hopkins, MN

Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MNAdvisorfix.com - Wrightwood, CA

AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings - Stillwater, MNAmeriPride Services - Minneapolis, MNArcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN

AudaExplore - LaCrosse, WIAuto Body Specialties, Inc. - Mankato, MN

Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MNAuto Nation Parts Department - White Bear Lake, MN

Auto Plus Auto Stores - Apple Valley, MNAuto Plus Auto Stores - Bloomington, MNAuto Plus Auto Stores - Crystal, MNAuto Plus Auto Stores - Hopkins, MNAuto Plus Auto Stores - Lexington, MN

Auto Plus Auto Stores - Rogers - Hopkins, MNAuto Value Parts Stores - St. Cloud, MNAutodata Labels, Inc. - Deer Park, NY

Autodata Publications, Inc. - Rochester, MNAutomotive Parts Solutions, Inc. - St. Cloud, MNAutomotive Recyclers of MN - Minneapolis, MNAutomotive Seminars, Inc. - Luxemburg, WIAutomotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MDAxalta Coating Systems - Chisago, MN

BASF Corporation - Crystal, MNBlue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN

Blue Tow Service Center - Blaine, MNBody Shop Supply of LaCrosse, Inc. - Onalaska, WIBrake & Equipment Warehouse - Minneapolis, MN

Buerkle Honda - White Bear Lake, MNBuerkle Hyundai - White Bear Lake, MN

C.H.E.S.S. - Woodbury, MNCapstone Advisory Group - Edina, MNCar-Co Auto Parts, Inc. - Waconia, MNCARQUEST Auto Parts - Lakeville, MN

CBIZ AIA - Brooklyn Center, MNCCC Information Services, Inc. - Stone Lake, WI

Choice Auto Rental - Bloomington, MNCottens’ NAPA - Anoka, MN

Dent Impressions - Rogers, MNDentsmart - Isanti, MN

Derson/Clean Burn - Watertown, MNDorman Products - Colmar, PA

Dynotec Industries, Inc. - Shakopee, MNEau Claire Auto Parts, Inc. - Eau Claire, WIElite Worldwide, Inc. - Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Eagan, MNFactory Motor Parts - Eagan, MN

Federated Insurance - Owatonna, MNFeldmann Imports Mercedes Nissan - Bloomington, MN

Finishmaster - Duluth, MNFinishmaster - Fridley, MNFinishmaster - St. Cloud, MN

G & K Services, Inc. - Minneapolis, MNHedahls Parts Plus - Fergus Falls, MNHedahls Parts Plus - Detroit Lakes, MN

IDENTIFIX - Roseville, MNInver Grove Ford Lincoln - Inver Grove Heights, MN

Kent Automotive - Minneapolis, MNKeystone Automotive - Minneapolis, MNLKQ - Viking Auto Salvage - Northfield, MN

LKQ Minnesota - Albert Lea, MNLowell’s Performance Coatings & Equipment - Edina, MN

Mark’s Towing, Inc. - Eagan, MNMcClard & Associates - Hopkins, MN

Meadowbrook Insurance - Overland Park, KSMetro Auto Salvage - Lakeville, MN

Midwest Parts Advantage - Eden Prairie, MNMighty Auto Parts - Burnsville, MN

Mitchell International - San Diego, CAMitchell1 - Slidell, LA

Morrie’s Automotive Group - Brooklyn Park, MNMotor Parts & Equipment - Winona, MN

NAPA Auto Parts, Forest Lake - Forest Lake, MNNAPA Auto Parts, Monticello - Monticello, MNNAPA Auto Parts, Northfield - Northfield, MNNAPA Distribution Center - St. Louis Park, MNNAPA Distribution Center - Owatonna, MN

National Coatings & Supplies - Little Canada, MNNational Coatings & Supplies - Rochester, MN

Net Driven - Duluth, MNNorth Willow Contracting, Inc. - Palisade, MN

Norton Automotive Aftermarket - No. St. Paul, MNO’Reilly Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MNP.P.G. Automotive Finishes - Edina, MN

PAM’s Auto, Inc.- St. Cloud, MNParts Department of Owatonna - Owatonna, MN

Pro Paint Metro, Inc. - Roseville, MNPro Paint Metro, Inc. - Baldwin, WI

Proven Force Clutch and U-Joint - Maple Grove, MNPump & Meter Service - Hopkins, MN

RLO Training - Renton, WARudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN

SATA Spray Equipment/Dan Am Corp. - Spring Valley, MNSavage Parts Service - Burnsville, MNScharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN

Schmelz Countryside - Maplewood, MNSharp Auto Parts, Inc. - Stillwater, MN

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes - Bloomington, MNSouthern Minnesota Auto Supply Co. - Rochester, MN

St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts - Anoka, MNStraight & Square Distributing, LLC - St. Cloud, MN

Suburban Chevrolet - Eden Prairie, MNThe Hertz Corporation - Alexandria, MNTotal Automotive, Inc. - Chanhassen, MN

U.S. Auto Force - Appleton, WIU.S. Auto Force - Roseville, MN

United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IAValley Imports - Fargo, NDValspar - Minneapolis, MN

Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc. - Brown Deer, WIWallace Auto Parts/BMJ Corp. - Columbia Heights, MN

Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MNWurth USA - Hutchinson, MN

Zee Medical Service - Burnsville, MN



Mitchell 1: Information Tools For the Profitable Shop

Mitchell 1 has provided industry-leading repair information, es-timating and management solutions to the motor vehicle industry forover 95 years. Mitchell 1’s complete shop solutions are designed tohelp simplify everyday tasks for service professionals while improv-ing productivity and profitability:

• ProDemand™ and Manager SE™ are the industry standards for mechanical repair, estimating and shop management information.

• SureTrack™ adds to the power of ProDemand with an exclusive combination of experience-based knowledge and detailed parts replacement records, all wrapped in an interactive community.

• SocialCRM™ is the loyalty marketing solution that helps shops retain their current customers and acquire new ones.

Exclusive Offers for AASP Members!

Mitchell 1 SocialCRM™Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM is a unique and affordable customer re-

tention and new customer acquisition marketing service. In additionto the great digital marketing tools (targeted email promotions, au-thentic reviews, automated service reminders and thank-you notes,robust reporting, etc.), the powerful solution also offers social mediasharing of consumer reviews and has been optimized for mobile de-vices — all for only $185/month*.

TeamWorks™TeamWorks™ brings together Mitchell 1’s industry-leading man-

agement, repair information and estimating software in a powerfulsolution that seamlessly integrates all aspects of your business. Writeaccurate estimates, order and track parts, get concise diagnostics andrepair information from Mitchell 1, trusted by generations of serviceprofessionals for over 95 years. TeamWorks is offered to AASP mem-bers for as low as $199/month.

To take advantage of these special AASP promotions and findyour local Mitchell 1 independent sales representative who candemonstrate the value of the entire Mitchell 1 product portfolio, visit:www.mitchellrep.com/index.asp .

Promotions above apply to new Mitchell 1 customers only. Ac-tivation fee waived. Cannot be combined with other offers or dis-counts.

*Compatible with shop management systems other than Mitchell 1Manager.

Cash in on Your Member-

WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCEMeadowbrook Insurance GroupContact: Scott Murphy763-549-2243 / [email protected] scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook oneof the 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 sit-uation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer membersan exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability in-surance premiums.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIESAmeriPride ServicesContact: Jim Dillon651-955-1398 • Fax: 952-738-3318 [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 • Fax: 952-933-4595 [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 JulsonPhone: 651-486-4866 Fax: 651-486-4859 Discounts 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.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONFryberger, Buchanan, Smith & FrederickPhone: 800-496-6789 Fax: 218-725-6800Members 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.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINEIDENTIFIXPhone: 800-288-6220 Fax: 651-633-2188Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s#1 technical information hotline. One free call is ex-tended to all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARSAASP-MNContact: Jodi PillsburyPhone: 612-623-1110 or toll free 800-852-9071 Fax: 612-623-1122 / [email protected] rate on printed business forms and calen-dars.

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

SHOP SERVICESSummit Software & Mobile SolutionsContact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 /[email protected]. Website: www.emarketingsherpas.comAASP members receive a $50 discount on their an-nual e-Marketplace subscription, a digital marketingsystem that includes mobile phone apps and a com-plete customer service, sales, marketing, advertisingand communication platform.

INFORMATION PROVIDERSMitchell1Contact: Mitchell1 RepresentativePhone: 888-724-6742 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 Phone: 800-238-9111AASP members receive a 15% discount on anyMitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visithttp://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more information.

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.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMSShop-Probe Auto Body Management System800-524-8104 / www.shopprobe.comShop-Probe is one of the most user-friendly and af-fordable collision management systems on the markettoday. The system interfaces with every major esti-mating system as well as the QuickBooks accountingsystem. Shop-Probe’s excellent customer support andpersonal attention to detail is what sets it apart fromthe competition. AASP members receive a 10% dis-count off the price of the management system and anyadd-on products. Call for more information.

BUSINESS COACHING180BIZ540-833-2014 / [email protected]: www.180biz.com180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP mem-bers at a steep 20% discount! One Eighty BusinessSolutions LLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop own-ers increase profits and car count while decreasingstress since 2003. AASP members receive a discounton very affordable one-on-one coaching plans withoutlong-term commitments and complicated contracts.180BIZ offiers a risk-free trial of their services. Tolearn more, please call or email us, or visit our web-site.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONSNet DrivenContact: Jon Napoli218-623-7351 / 218-310-7285Net Driven is a market leader in website and internetmarketing solutions designed exclusively for the au-tomotive 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.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS


aasp-mn news april 2014

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