1-28-08 - National ACAR, Leadership Meetings, Harley Giveaway Highlight NORTHEAST 2008   

     (1-28-08) - Representatives from across the industry will be coming together at the Rockland Community College Cultural Arts Center for the Accountability for Collision Repair (ACAR) Code of Ethics Meeting and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) 2008 East Coast Collision Resolution Forum at this year’s NORTHEAST 2008 Automotive Trade Show. NORTHEAST 2008 will take place March 28, 29 and 30 at the Rockland County College Arena in Suffern, NY. The 31st annual NORTHEAST 2008 is sponsored by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ).

     “For the first time in 31 years, NORTHEAST is really looking to have a national presence,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “As the most prominent trade show of its kind on the East Coast, I think ACAR and SCRS (who sponsors the Leadership Forum) looked at NORTHEAST and felt it was something they had to be a part of. We hope that feeling spreads to the thousands of automotive professionals throughout the Northeast region.”

     This year’s NORTHEAST theme is “A Ticket to a More Profitable Future.” The largest regional event of its kind, NORTHEAST will house over 400 booths containing innovative ideas and equipment, numerous demonstrations and countless products and services for anyone working in or around the automotive repair industry. As has become the standard with NORTHEAST, there is truly something for everyone to improve upon their businesses and livelihoods, no matter what area of the industry they represent. “Between the classes and demonstrations we’ve scheduled, varied selection of exhibitors and informative industry discussions slated,” NORTHEAST Committee co-chairman Pete Cook says, “there will absolutely be something for everybody to come away with at this year’s show.”

     One of the show’s most popular events is the annual Harley giveaway. One lucky trade show attendee will leave the Rockland Field House Arena on Sunday, March 30 the new owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle! For the second year in a row, AASP/NJ will be holding a free giveaway for a 2008 FXD Dyna Super Glide Harley Davidson. “It’s a free drawing,” explains AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, “and just like last year, all you have to do to be entered in the contest is show up at NORTHEAST and fill out a small entry form at a table we’ll have set up just for the giveaway. The winner’s name will be drawn on the last day of the show, Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. The winner must be present at the time of the drawing to receive the bike, but that’s it!” Also for the second year in a row, NORTHEAST will be holding its classic car “Beauty Contest.”

     “It’s a challenge to improve NORTHEAST every year, especially after three decades,” Elder adds. “But once again I think we’ve done it. Come out and see for yourself.”

AASP Expands Mitchell 1 Member Benefits

(12-18-07) - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) has expanded its member benefits to provide an increased cost-savings opportunity from Mitchell 1’s electronic, printed and business performance service offerings. “We have a wonderful and growing partnership with AASP and we’re excited to enhance our relationship by offering special benefits to the AASP membership,” said Chris Hurst, senior account manager – national accounts, Mitchell 1.

AASP members who begin new subscriptions or renew existing subscriptions to Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5 (Online or DVD Repair and Estimator), OnDemand5 Manager/ManagerPlus management system, tire pressure monitoring system manual, mechanical parts and labor estimating guides, and emission control application tables manuals will be eligible for an enhanced price savings on the monthly subscription fees and purchase prices. As for Mitchell 1’s Business Performance Services, AASP members will receive special discounts on Mitchell 1 products including Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) and ServiceIntelligence (SI).

“AASP considers Mitchell 1 a valuable partner to both the association and its members,” said Pat Andersen, AASP president. “We're extremely pleased to be able to offer AASP members enhanced pricing on Mitchell 1 products.”

To learn more about these offerings or for more information about Mitchell 1’s products and services, AASP members may call Mitchell 1 at (888) 724-6742, ext. 6313, or visit www.Mitchell1.com to find their local Mitchell 1 representative. To find out more information on AASP/NJ, please visit the AASP/NJ website at www.aaspnj.org.

10/30/07 - New Jersey DOBI to Auto Insurers: We’ll Be Watching P&M Calculations

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has issued a bulletin cautioning insurers about their calculation of paint and materials reimbursement in auto damage insurance claims. The bulletin clarifies existing regulations that require insurers to pay for paint and materials, and informs insurers that the methods or tools they are using to calculate P&M costs may be outdated or incorrect. The DOBI bulletin urges insurers to use current guides (available through various third party databases) to properly arrive at more accurate figures. Additionally, the bulletin warns insurers that continue to arrive at insufficient allowances that they will be held accountable by the State.

“When comparing costs and the information we provided to the DOBI’s examination [of insurer P&M allowances], it became clear that the amounts being paid by some insurers were nowhere close to where they should have been,” says AASP/NJ Legislative Chairman Brian Vesley, who has been a key figure in presenting information on the matter to the State for over eight years. “We weren’t getting paid what it cost us, never mind making a sufficient profit. When we told the DOBI this, they were shocked. And after many years of cited examples, complaints and documentation, we’ve been able to get [the DOBI] to understand this is a real problem for consumers being denied reimbursement for proper repairs.”

“This bulletin puts the industry on notice of what is proper practice, and also says that insurers are obligated to make adequate reimbursement to shops,” Vesley continues. “The issuing of this bulletin is a landmark event that places an emphasis on the duty of insurers to justify how they arrive at the amounts they are willing to pay. It should also help eliminate the ‘take it or leave it’ attitude that’s been assumed by many insurers regarding this issue.”

“Brian has worked extremely hard on this issue for many years,” explains AASP/NJ President Tom Elder, “and this bulletin is a prime example that our voice as an association IS heard by the powers that be. The DOBI took our concerns seriously and has issued a guideline that will hopefully solve an issue that’s been plaguing our industry for years. I commend Brian and all involved for their efforts surrounding the P&M issue, and congratulate them on this achievement.”

For the full bulletin, visit the DOBI website at http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/bulletins/blt07_20.pdf

On October 24, 2007, nearly 100 repairers and supporters of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), as well as representatives from various industries related to automotive repair - came out for the Association’s annual meeting. The event, held once again at the Crown Plaza Hotel of Clark, N.J., featured valuable information for all in attendance as well as a chance to relax and network with industry colleagues over a good meal.

In his opening address, AASP/NJ President Tom Elder provided all attendees a progress report of the industry, marking current and future endeavors of AASP/NJ and other industry organizations while encouraging participation across the board. “Much of our success as an association and an industry is due to the tireless efforts of our many members,” said Elder, “and I urge all members to keep up the good work and continue to be proactive.” Executive Director Charles Bryant affirmed the statement, and reminded members to take advantage of the many benefits offered by AASP/NJ. “Access to our labor pool, equipment exchange, any one of our many member benefits and the ability to get assistance on any problems you may have come built-in with your membership to AASP/NJ,” he explained. “I encourage you to get the most out of your membership; let our association help your business.”

A multitude of speakers were on hand to provide valuable insight during the meeting, including New York’s Greg Coccaro (who is in the midst of a $40 million steering lawsuit against Progressive), representatives from the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (who are currently part of a class action suit against Progressive), Sandy Bass-Cors from the Coaltion for Auto Repair Equality (C.A.R.E.) and Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services. Bass-Cors provided attendees with a detailed perspective on the progression and importance of passage of Right to Repair legislation, while Eversman presented numerous current and future legislative initiatives around the industry.

The evening concluded with an election of the 2007-2009 Executive AASP/NJ Board. President Tom Elder and Treasurer Jeff McDowell were appointed to maintain their current positions for another two years. Anthony Trama of Bloomfield Auto Body was appointed to Collision Division Chairman, while Keith Krehel and Tom Hennessey of Krehel Auto Repair and Cokesbury Transmission (respectively) will be co-chairmen of the Mechanical Division. Ron Kromer of Ultimate Collision was also elected as board secretary.

“As usual, there was something for everyone at this year’s annual meeting,” says Elder. “I think everybody had a great night, and more importantly, they learned something at the same time. I want to extend thanks to everyone who helped orchestrate this year’s meeting, as well as all who attended. I hope to see you all next year.”

Bob Everett Joins AASP/NJ Hall of Fame

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s former president, Bob Everett, became the 25^th member of the association’s Hall of Fame at the NORTHEAST 2007 show held in March.

Everett, owner of Bayville Auto Care in Bayville, served as AASP/NJ President during 2005-2006.

“I am thrilled and honored to be elected into a very exclusive club,” Everett says. “I always felt it was my duty to contribute to the association whether I was an officer or not. During that time, I think we made some great advancements with regard to AASP/NJ’s Mechanical Division. “

Everett’s humility hides the fact that he worked extremely hard and became a pioneer as the almost 50-year-old association’s first non-collision president. “Bob was absolutely a pioneer,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “He almost single-handedly developed our Mechanical Division into one of action and influence. His dedication to the Mechanical Division has been unmatched in AASP/NJ. His leadership was instrumental to the association’s success on every level.”

10/14/07 Eversman, Parde to Appear at AASP/NJ Annual Meeting

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is proud to announce its annual meeting, which will be held this year on Wednesday, October 24 at the Crown Plaza Hotel of Clark, N.J. This year’s meeting will feature guest speakers Erica Eversman, J.D., Chief Counsel for Vehicle Information Services, Inc., as well as Dave Parde of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (C.A.R.E.). Eversman is a nationally-recognized speaker and legal authority on the collision repair industry, and will be educating members on a multitude of topics including Diminished Value, insurer relations, steering, aftermarket parts and much more.

Parde is President of C.A.R.E., a national not-for-profit organization that represents automotive aftermarket companies. Parde is scheduled to give attendees an update on progress of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, and will be providing detailed explanations on why this legislation is crucial to the survival of the independent repair industry.

AASP/NJ will also give an update on the association’s activities during the past year, as well as future projects and an election of Executive Officers for the 2007-2009 term.

All AASP/NJ members and non-members are invited to attend this dinner meeting.

AASP MA/RI; Industry Groups Testify in Support of Right to Repair at Hearing

Various consumers and industry groups had their opinions heard on June 26, 2007 at the first hearing of H.B. 296, the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. Members of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Licensure heard numerous witnesses who testified in support of the legislation, including AASP MA/RI Immediate Past President Stan Morin of New England Tire and Vice President Bill Cahill of BC Auto. 

"House Bill 296 addresses a growing concern among Massachusetts state legislators who have heard constituents' complaints about the inability of the independent repair industry to fully and completely repair their vehicles due to computer repair information lock-outs by the car companies,” explained Morin. “They don't have a choice in auto repair shops because they're told to return to the car dealerships. Consumers want to spend their income the way they choose. I want to have the freedom of choice on where and how to spend my disposable income.”

Testifying witnesses in support of legislation explained that in spite of investing in diagnostic tools, searching car company websites and exhausting all other resources, they were still unable to gain access to all the information that is needed to repair vehicles. However, not all the testimony was in favor of Right to Repair legislation.

"Not all witnesses were pro-consumer," stated Sandy Bass-Cors, Executive Director for The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) testified that HB 296 is a security risk. An AIAM post-hearing press release stated, "Vehicle security information is carefully controlled to make sure it stays out of the hands of potential thieves, but under HB 296 any individual who owns a car or any auto repair shop technician would have access to this sensitive information."

"The car companies are always stating that the Right to Repair Act is a security issue,” Bass-Cors says. “But the question is, who are they alleging are potential thieves - the car owners who desperately want and need quick, affordable repairs?  Or is it the hard-working independent repair shop technician? If safety is truly the goal of the car companies, then they should welcome quick repairs for consumers. It's extremely insulting to consumers and the independent repair industry to always be accused of having criminal intent.”

Other opponents of HB 296 stated that not only were information access issues intermittent, but that with help of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), even these infrequent instances could be resolved. ASA Mechanical President and chairman of ASA-Colorado, Donny Seyfer, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO, further testified that such occurrences were isolated and could be addressed with use of the proper tools. 

“It amazes me that opponents of HB 296 [OEMs and ASA] hide behind NASTF and they claim there are only isolated incidents,” says Cahill. “Well, if we are all having problems, then they are not isolated.”   

AASP/NJ Supports Repeal of Insurance Anti-Trust Exemption

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, has endorsed the United States’ House and Senate proposed "Insurance Industry Competition Act.” The Senate version was introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), Senate Judiciary Ranking Member, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Trent Lott (R-MO), Senate Republican Whip. The House version has been co-sponsored by Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-LA), Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Rep. Charles Melancon (D-LA), Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MO), Rep. Walter Jones (D-NC) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted by Congress in 1890, was designed to promote free competition and protect consumers by prohibiting monopolies or conspiracies between competitors. The Federal Trade Commission was set up in 1914 to enforce the Sherman Antitrust Act.

In 1945, Congress passed the McCarran-Ferguson Act, allowing the insurance industry an exemption to the Sherman Antitrust Act for activities related to the "Business of Insurance." The McCarran-Ferguson Act prevents the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Justice Department from investigating the conduct of insurance companies.

Now, in light of insurers recording all-time record profits, combined with multiple class-action lawsuits based upon insurers' denials of legitimate claims, Congress is reconsidering the McCarran-Ferguson Act exemption to the Sherman Antitrust Act.

“This is an unprecedented course of action for our industry,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “Obviously, there was a time when the exemption was necessary for the good of the country. But that was over half a century ago. The insurance industry has had 62 years to take advantage of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. It’s time for the insurance industry to compete on a level playing field. These proposed bills will help our industry tremendously. Everyone in the automotive repair industry should get behind them.”

Charles Bryant, Executive Director of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ), was honored by both AASP/NJ and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) at AASP/NJ’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007.

Bryant, a long-time industry activist, was first presented with SCRS’ annual Most Innovative Idea Award at the NORTHEAST East Coast Leadership Conference. Bryant’s idea was the creation of a website where anyone in the country can go to see what other states are doing regarding proposed legislation, regulations or even copies of case law relating to the automotive repair industry. The site,  www.autorepairlegal.com, was unanimously praised at the Leadership meeting by repairers from across the country.

Bryant was honored once more the next night at the NORTHEAST 2007 Dinner party when AASP/NJ President Tom Elder surprised him with induction into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame.  “I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” a stunned Bryant said. “For the first time in my life, I really am speechless.”

Elder felt the induction was long overdue. “Charles has been such an integral part of not just our association, but our entire industry for over 30 years,” Elder stated. “It would be impossible to count the number of shops he has helped over the years, many of whom would not still be in business without him. He is truly deserving of this honor and I am grateful to be the one to award it to him.”

Automotive repairers from across the country turned out for last week’s NORTHEAST 2007 Trade Show in Suffern, NY for a weekend of education, networking and great equipment deals. The show, sponsored by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ), saw close to 8,000 attendees and exhibitors walk the huge Rockland Community College Arena floor for the latest in automotive repair technology available.

NORTHEAST 2007 kicked off on Friday afternoon with the annual East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting. Over 60 representatives from automotive repair associations from as far away as California came to the event to share ideas and concepts with industry peers. Moderated by NYSACTS and LIABRA Executive Director Edward Kizenberger, the event featured reports from many of the associations represented and was followed an awards presentation.

The trade show kicked off Friday evening with two standing-room-only seminars and bucking a national trend, showed an increase of 13 percent in attendance over last year’s show. The show floor traffic saw 373 booths with 134 companies showing their wares to automotive repairers from across the northeast.

This year’s show was boosted by the addition of a classic car beauty contest and a free 2007 FXD Dyna Super Glide Red Pearl Harley Davidson raffle. Louis Fugaro of Seaview Motors in Jersey City, NJ won the Harley on Sunday afternoon while a crowd of anxious semi-finalists looked on.

As vendors broke down their booths late Sunday afternoon, there was an incredibly positive buzz going around. “This year’s show was one of the best I have seen in quite some time,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder said as he looked out over the arena’s balcony. “We are getting such a positive response from vendors and attendees. Many vendors have already expressed their desire to expand their booth space next year. We knew we had to make some changes and we tried some new things this year. It looks like it has paid off.” 
 

Latest Automotive Repair Trends & Equipment at NORTHEAST 2007

All of the automotive repair industry’s latest trends, equipment and tools will be on display at this weekend’s NORTHEAST 2007, the largest regional automotive trade show in the country. The show, presented by the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) will feature more than 150 exhibitors in over 400 booths filled with the latest technological advances and equipment.

“We’re very excited that the show is finally here,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “As a shop owner, it is the one place I can see all the new equipment without traveling thousands of miles. For anyone in the Northeast, it’s at most no more than a couple hours away. The show alone is worth the strip. When you add in the educational seminars and new features such as the classic car show and Harley giveaway, I can’t think of any reason why any repairer would not attend.”

NORTHEAST has a reputation for providing cutting-edge, insightful seminars and classes for 30 years. This year’s slate features everything from nationally known speaker Mike Anderson (Developing SOPs) to two new I-CAR classes as well as a highly anticipated database panel discussion.

“What good is having the new equipment if you don’t know how to make a profit from it,” Elder adds.  “That’s why we feel the seminars are vital to the show. We give repairers the opportunity to come to the show, take a class or two and then utilize that new knowledge to purchase from our many exhibitors. And they can also take the time to sit back and relax at our Saturday night comedy show and then look forward to the chance of winning a $12,000 Harley on Sunday. It’s as complete a package as I have seen in all my years in the industry.”

NORTHEAST 2007 will take place this weekend, March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY. For more information, logon to www.aaspnj.org.

TRAVELERS ESTIMATING ISSUES

Introduction

Starting in September of 2006, AASP-NJ began receiving complaints from member (collision) shops regarding the estimating practices of Travelers Insurance. In simplest terms, the complaints centered on Travelers not reimbursing, or not adequately reimbursing shops for materials and procedures necessary for complete, safe and proper repairs. On some of the disputed items, Travelers was acknowledging the need for these materials and procedures, but was contending that these items were somehow fully reimbursed through the estimating program they were using, and therefore were not required to be itemized and reimbursed separately. Travelers uses Audatex to complete estimates.

The Specific Estimating Issues

1.)   Blend within a repaired panel – When refinishing a repaired panel, the field staff is arbitrarily reducing the refinish time.

2.)   Seam sealer and weld thru primer – Travelers is not fully reimbursing the labor and material cost for seam sealer and weld thru primer, incorrectly contending they are included in Audatex’ database labor for the replaced panel. In the example provided by the one shop owner, the field appraiser was willing to pay for the seam sealer but capped the amount they were willing to pay even though the shop provided an invoice for the amount used to repair the vehicle.

3.)   Damaged salvage parts – The field appraiser refused to pay for repairs to the damaged salvage panel that Travelers specified which had numerous dents. When told that the panels had obvious visible damage to the consumer, the appraiser again stated that he had to meet his criteria or his boss would write him up. The repair facility didn’t repair the dents as directed by the Travelers field appraiser. As a result, the customer made a complaint. Unfortunately, the part in question and all the adjacent panels were needlessly refinished again once the part was repaired as the repair facility initially indicated as being necessary.

4.)   Flex additive – Travelers is denying reimbursement for the labor and material cost for the flex, incorrectly contending they are included in the refinish time of the bumper in Audatex’ database.

5.)   Car cover – Travelers is denying reimbursement for the labor and material cost for car cover, incorrectly contending they are included in the refinish time in Audatex’ database.

AASP-NJ Actions

It first appeared that Travelers was inadvertently misinterpreting the Audatex estimating program and the proper application of the procedure pages within this program. The Audatex estimating program includes grouped and imbedded labor that is not fully itemized and therefore less than fully clear. We contacted Audatex in writing and the response we received confirmed our contention that our interpretation of the Audatex program was correct and that the Travelers interpretation was incorrect.

It should also be noted that the ambiguity within the Audatex estimating system is at least partially to blame for some of these issues. Audatex has been formally asked on more than one occasion to clarify some elements of their estimating program, such as providing a detailed, itemized breakdown of all labor included in their “first panel setup” allowance. Audatex has repeatedly denied these requests.

We then contacted Travelers’ management and began a series of conversations and emails in an attempt to resolve what appeared to be a relatively simple issue. We shared the clarification we had received from Audatex, and invited Travelers to provide documentation that supported their contention that we were wrong and they were right. At this level, Travelers was not denying that the disputed estimating practices were occurring, but rather that they reflected an accurate interpretation and application of the Audatex estimating system.

After a month of unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the issue at this level, we pressed the issue with a higher level manager at Travelers. We went through essentially the same exercise at this second level, again with Travelers promising to obtain and share with AASP-NJ, documentation supporting the validity of their position. At this level, Travelers management also indicated that their estimators were trained to fairly negotiate repair costs, and that these disputed items were negotiable at the shop level. We shared the fact that the feedback we were consistently receiving from our member shops is that Travelers was consistently refusing to negotiate these items in any way.

We were then made aware that this issue was not limited to the New Jersey market, but rather was also an issue in other regions of the Northeast, and that affected collision shops in these other markets were seeking relief through The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). AASP-NJ and SCRS joined in their efforts to responsibly resolve this issue, which now involved a third, even higher level of management within Travelers. At this level, Travelers appeared less interested in proving their proper application of the Audatex program, and more interested in convincing us that the problem either didn’t exist, or if it did exist, would best be resolved at lower levels.

AASP-NJ was obviously frustrated and annoyed at this point after over four months of responsibly attempting to resolve the issue, or at least to engage Travelers in intelligent dialog. We insisted that Travelers either provide a detailed letter of clarification on these specific estimating issues, or agree to immediately participate in a conference call, with association and shop-level participation from several affected markets. Travelers finally agreed to participate in the conference call but to this date has stonewalled our repeated attempts to have it take place.

 Shop Options

As a licensed repair shop, you have an obligation to fully repair vehicles entrusted to you by your customers. This includes application of all materials and procedures necessary for a complete, safe and proper repair. You are also entitled to be reimbursed the fair market value for these materials and procedures. If you are experiencing the similar problems with Travelers, we feel it is our obligation as a trade association to inform you of options that you may wish to consider.

• You can accept the Travelers estimating practices without challenge, knowing that you may be less than fully compensated for the value of the materials and procedures that are a part of the repair.
• You can calculate the total value of any non-or inadequately reimbursed items, and charge the policy holder separately for these items, explaining to your customer that the insurance company is unwilling to pay for these items to cover the full cost of repairs. You can also notify your customers that not all insurance is the same, and that they may have a more pleasant repair experience through other insurance carriers.
• You can file formal complaint(s) with the New Jersey Department of Insurance. In the past, this process has been somewhat frustrating and nonproductive, but there is the possibility that numerous complaints filed on the same issue may produce results.
• You can explain the issue to your customer(s), and have them authorize invoking the Appraisal Clause, which may exists within their insurance policy with Travelers. The appraisal clause, while sometimes time consuming, will almost surely result in more reasonable reimbursement of all repair procedures. Additional information on the Appraisal Clause process can be found on this website in the member’s only section.

AASP/NJ Attends I-CAR Awareness Meetings

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) recently hosted two meetings in New Jersey to better educate professionals on “what’s new at I-CAR.” Both meetings – one held in Mt. Laurel, the other in Saddle Brook – were designed to not only inform collision repairers as well as insurers of new innovations and procedures at I-CAR, but also to answer any questions from the auto repair industry.

I-CAR’s Northeast Regional Manager David Coffey, who was on hand at both meetings (in addition to Larry Montanez) emphasized the importance of continuous training. “With the constantly increasing complexity of vehicles on the road today, it is imperative that the repairers of today receive up-to-the-minute training. At I-CAR, we are proud to provide collision repairers with information and education that is valuable not only in its applicability, but also in its timeliness.”

AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant was one of over 50 AASP/NJ members and industry supporters that attended the meeting held for Northern New Jersey. “We feel that I-CAR is a vital organization with a strong commitment to bringing our industry the training and information it desperately needs. We are proud to support I-CAR in its mission to provide our members with information they need to do their jobs safely and properly.”

Among the many highlights of I-CAR’s presentation was an announcement from Coffey explaining a future decision that could stand to greatly benefit AASP/NJ members. “We realize that training is a great expense to our membership,” said AASP/NJ President Tom Elder, who attended the meeting held for Southern New Jersey. “In an effort to help ease the financial burden of continuing education, AASP/NJ is currently in talks with I-CAR to provide discounted training for members of our association, as well as other trade organizations who provide I-CAR training as a benefit to their members. Our request has been met with a positive response, and the possibility of I-CAR accepting our proposal looks promising. We are currently awaiting further information, but we are anxious to further solidify our already strong relationship with I-CAR in providing this additional, valuable benefit to our members.”

1/31/06

Mike Anderson Seminar Packs AASP/NJ Meetings

Noted industry speaker Mike Anderson packed two hotel conference rooms last week at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s chapter meetings in Totowa and Toms River. Anderson, owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, located in Alexandria, Virginia, presented the seminar "Profitable Estimating– Educate: Not Alienate" to close to 200 AASP/NJ members.

"That was the most informative and entertaining seminar I have seen in years," said AASP/NJ Chapter 5 Vice President Les Daniels, who attended the meeting in Totowa. "Mike was so energetic and positive about how we can all improve our businesses in so many ways. It was very, very inspiring."

The seminar, which was scheduled to last three hours, ended up almost reaching four hours due to the participation of the membership in attendance. "I haven’t seen anything like this kind of response in a long time." AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant said. "I happened to attend both meetings and for the first time in I don’t know how long, our members came out of a meeting smiling and encouraged about their industry."

Anderson’s presentation went over so well that AASP/NJ will bring him back two times in the near future. He will be a featured speaker at the association’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007, and later on in the year for an intense all-day seminar.

"Mike is the kind of guy every association should bring in," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "More than anything else, he gets members excited about their industry. He teaches them new ways to make their businesses more profitable. He is the real deal."

AASP/NJ Hits Record Membership Numbers

Despite (or maybe because of) a downturn in the automotive repair industry, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has set a record for membership for 2007. The association, which was founded over four decades ago, is now close to 500 members and growing.

“With the state of the industry, I must admit I am very pleasantly surprised with the numbers,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “We have a great organization and I think our members know that we are extremely active in every aspect of the industry. We are always working to find ways to make them succeed, and the success we’ve had is a great selling point to new members. “

The key factor in this surge in membership has been the work of AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “Charles has been instrumental to our successful membership drive,” Elder adds. “He has been a huge part of the automotive repair industry in our state for over 30 years and he knows the industry like he back of his hand. Let’s face it: When Charlie calls, it’s hard to say no,” Elder says with a laugh.

Although AASP/NJ is thrilled with the jump in membership, Bryant feels there is much more work to be done. “My immediate goal is to increase our mechanical membership,” he states from the AASP/NJ office in Neptune. “I come from a collision background so I am learning on the fly about the mechanical end. With the help of members like Bob Everett and Rick Allen, I am learning more and more about the mechanical repair industry and I plan to concentrate on that area in the upcoming months.”

“Our goal is to have every automotive repairer in the state as a member of AASP/NJ,” Elder says. “It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, but by nature I’m an optimist. I think what we offer — on all levels – is worth well more than the membership fee. More and more shops in New Jersey are realizing that and we are welcoming them with open arms.”

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) kick off a busy 2007 with two seminars by sought-after collision repair industry speaker Mike Anderson later this month and follow up with the association’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007 in March.

“We’re starting this year off with a bang,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “We’ve been trying to get Mike Anderson to come out to our state for a few years. His reputation for excellence in automotive repair and motivation is second-to-none. We’re extremely happy Mike’s schedule opened up and he’ll be able to speak directly to our members in Totowa and Tom’s River.”

AASP/NJ has previously announced the NORTHEAST 2007 seminar schedule highlighted by I-CAR courses, TPMS seminars and a much-anticipated database panel discussion. “We put the schedule out about a month ago and already we’ve had people register for seminars and make reservations at the show hotel,” says Elder. “There’s lot of excitement going around because everyone understands we’re making the effort to produce a bigger and better show. We want repairers leaving the show with both training and equipment that will make them money when they return to their shops.” Added attractions at NORTHEAST 2007 will include a hot rod beauty contest and a free 2007 FXD Dyna Super Glide Red Pearl Harley Davidson raffle.

The 30th anniversary NORTHEAST 2007 trade show will take place March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. For more information on NORTHEAST, contact Dave McCarey at 1-800-223-4648.

12/21/06         

NORTHEAST 2007 Seminar Slate Set

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has announced the seminar schedule for their flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007. The show’s theme in 2007 is “Navigating Your Way to Success.”

To help with the navigation, AASP/NJ has scheduled seminars covering just about every aspect of the automotive repair industry. “I think we’ve lined up an incredible slate that goes across the board,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “Each year, we try and offer education that you can’t get anywhere else in the region and at the same time give repairers the opportunity to see the latest in technology and equipment. Our committee has succeeded in doing that once again, and I hope everyone will check the show out in March. I promise you will come away with something that will make your business better.”

The show’s educational schedule starts out on Friday morning with the “Maintenance Profits Boot Camp,” presented byATI. Also on Friday will be the annual East Coast Resolution and Mechanical Resolution Forums, two gatherings that attract the most prominent industry figures from across the country to discuss all things relevant to automotive repair. Later that night, NORTHEAST 2007 will officially open with seminars on new hybrids and new metals and repair technologies. The trade show itself will run from 6-11pm.

Saturday is NORTHEAST’s most comprehensive seminar day, this year featuring two I-CAR classes, a TPMS class, another ATI course and the highly anticipated DATABASE PANEL DISCUSSION. Seminars from one of the industry’s most respected speakers, Mike Anderson and Dupont round out the day’s educational activities.

“Every day there will be something for someone – whether you’re a collision or mechanical repairer,” Elder adds, “We are excited about the program and we hope to see everyone come out and see what NORTHEAST and AASP/NJ are all about. “

The 30th anniversary NORTHEAST 2007 trade show will take place March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. For more information on NORTHEAST, contact Dave McCarey at 1-800-223-4648.

AASP/NJ is pleased to announce that Mike Anderson, once of the country’s most sought-after collision repair industry speakers, will be presenting his acclaimed seminar, “Profitable Estimating– Educate: Not Alienate,” on January 24 & 25 at association chapter meetings in Totowa and Toms River. Attendees who attend the seminar (which is certified by the Automotive Management Institute [AMI]), receive a copy of Mike’s one-of-a-kind estimating “Bible,” a binder chock-full of useful, not-included items, P-Pages from all three major information providers, copies of trade publication articles and OEM information that assists the user in educating adjusters about why certain procedures are essential for the proper repair of a vehicle.

Mike Anderson is the owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Mike serves on the Mitchell and Motor Advisory Boards, and the ASE test review committee.  Mike is active in the industry as a member of WMABA, CIC, SCRS, CAPA and the National Auto Body Council and serves as a Skills USA/VICA Contest Chairman. 

Anderson is an acclaimed source throughout the industry, and has presented his seminars to groups across the country, including Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Boston, Washington, DC, Canada and Mexico.  Participants in Mike Anderson’s seminars consistently rate them as exceeding their expectations and highly recommend his seminars to others, providing CSI results any automotive repair shop would be proud of.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, is outraged at the aggressive actions of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) attempting to kill the recently passed NJ version of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. The New Jersey "Right to Repair Act" gives motoring consumers the ability to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, whose parts they wish to purchase, even work on their vehicles themselves. The bill was passed out of committee last month after years of effort by AASP/NJ.

“This is totally inappropriate and ill-advised on the part of ASA,” AASP/NJ’s Bob Everett (himself an ASA member), says. “We have spent the last few years educating our members, our representatives and our customers on the merits of the Right to Repair Act; and the passing of the bill was in response to the needs and voices of those members and customers. To come out and openly rally against the bill is incredulous. It just proves that ASA is more interested in the needs of others as opposed to the needs of their members.”

ASA has renewed its fight against the bill by contacting shop owners across the state and urging them to voice their opposition to the measure with their State Assembly members. “Apparently, the opinions of automotive repairers in New Jersey who have stringently supported this bill for the last two and a half years mean nothing to ASA,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “The response to the passing of the bill has been overwhelmingly positive from our members and our customers. ASA is ignoring that completely. Maybe that’s one of the reasons ASA has had little success in our state. Their goals, particularly when it comes to Right-to-Repair, are not shared by the majority of automotive repairers in New Jersey.”

The actions are taking its toll on Everett, who has worked tirelessly on the bill. “It really is sad,” he says,  “when an association that is supposed to fight for its members’ rights, puts greed and special interests above those rights.  I always hear how our industry can never get anything accomplished because we ar