AASP-MN News August 2014

August 2014

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AASP News2 August 2014

AASP News August 2014 3

CONTENTSVol. 22 No. 8

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 itscolumnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.Cover image, pg. 8: © www.thinkstockphoto.com/ffennema.

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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ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..............................6

Aluminum Repair: Are You Ready?

by Kevin Martin, AASP-MN Associate Division Director

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

NATIONAL NEWS ................................................................11

F.Y.I. ..............................................................................14

Reminder: Changes in State Law Impact MN Employers

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S) ....18

Heat, Fans and Cords

by Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc.

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ..........................................22

AASP-MN and Certegy Partnership

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

aaa Auto Salvage ................................4Adamson Motors ................................10AmeriPride ..........................................20Buerkle Hyundai ..................................16Choice Auto Rentals ............................17Dentsmart ............................................18Inver Grove Ford..................................21Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ..19Jack McClard ......................................4Keystone..............................................16Lowell’s PCE........................................11Luther Hopkins Honda ........................10Maplewood Toyota ..............................17

Mercedes Benz of Maplewood ............21Mills Parts Center................................7Morrie’s ..............................................15Motorwerks BMW................................IBCMotorwerks Mini ................................IBCMPA ..................................................................12-13NAPA ..................................................7Rosedale Chevrolet..............................20Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ........7Straight & Square ................................19Toyota Group ......................................3United Fire Group................................OBCWest Bend Insurance ..........................IFC

August 2014 5AASP News


It seems the old adage “the only thingthat is constant is change” rings so true inthe automotive business. The changes wecontinue to see with the influx of aluminumare just the start of the structural changes wewill see and experience. These changes arequickly forcing businesses to add capitalequipment.

Working for a large corporation (PPG),we have a set budget for capital equipmentthat goes to maintain, repair, replace andadd equipment. That is not as easily donewith small businesses. But should it be?

I read an article last year that collisionshops will need to be doing $1.5 million to$2 million annually to be able to absorb ex-penses necessary to keep up with equipmentchanges required to work on late-model ve-hicles. We are seeing more and more evi-dence of that. So what is driving all of thesechanges? A government initiative calledCorporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE).A quick Google search provides hundredsof links with detailed explanations of the re-quirements and timelines. We are in theearly phases of the timeline. The long-termgoal of CAFE standards calls for automak-ers to achieve a combined average of atleast 54.5 miles per gallon across all of theirnew car and light-duty truck lines manufac-tured in 2025 and beyond.

More fuel-efficient engines are onlypart of what the OEMs plan to comply withthe standards. Among some of the commonmaterials used to manufacture vehicles, alu-minum holds the most promise to help au-tomakers meet the new fuel-economystandards. Manufacturers are introducingmore aluminum than ever before because ofits impact on fuel efficiency.

As I visit shops, I am shocked by howmuch aluminum is already in use on com-mon vehicles. Most high-production

vehicles to this point have all been confinedto specific panels made of aluminum, mak-ing repairs somewhat simple by replacingthe damaged panel. As we see aluminummove into mass-produced vehicles led bythe move to the Ford F-150 platform, thestakes now rise significantly.

“Aluminum has a strength-to-weightratio that meets engineering and safetyneeds, is durable and is a material that de-signers are comfortable working with,” saidMatthew Dionne, president of Hydro’s Ex-trusion North America unit. Pressure to in-crease fuel efficiency is inspiringautomakers to be creative, Dionne adds.“You’re seeing aluminum move from rela-tively simple uses, like seat tracks, bracketsand hoods to more sophisticated structuralapplications. Advances in fabrication andfinishing are moving aluminum parts frominternal, functional uses to external applica-tions that are visible to the consumer.”

Aluminum has several unique character-istics compared with other vehicle materials,such as steel. Repairing the heat-sensitivematerial requires use of advanced repairtechniques and methods. For shops, thatmeans updated training and equipment. Butin addition to knowledge, your shop floormust have the space to make the repair. Alu-minum repairs can’t be treated like anyother, and definitely require updates to yourfacility - most notably, installation of aclean room.

The following are a few other exam-ples of required tools/equipment that arecommon amongst most of the OEM manu-facturers:• Clean Room - required for aluminum

work, it helps minimize the risk of the aluminum being contaminated by other materials in the shop.

• MIG welding requires precision in the shielding gas mixture and travel speed. Tesla, Mercedes and Audi-certified shops have very detailed specs on the type and brand of equipment required.

• A duplicate set of tools to be used exclusively with aluminum panels (to prevent galvanic corrosion).

• Aluminum dust is explosive. So the shop must be equipped with extra safety equipment like an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner.

• A designated set of frame equipment. Example: Tesla provides repair specs exclusively to Carbench-equipped frame shops. Audi only approves Celette. A complete Carbench or Celette setup will cost around $130,000.

• Trained/certified technicians - aluminum conducts heat much better than steel, which makes the process of heating for repairs very different.

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Aluminum Repair: Are You Ready?by Kevin Martin, AASP-MN Associate Division Director

Photo courtesy of Audi of America

Welcome New Members: JUNE 2014

Boulevard CollisionGolden Valley

Chapman’s Auto RepairMilaca

New Central Auto BodyMinneapolis

Ultimate Car CareInver Grove Heights

continued on pg. 20

20th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing Highlights132 golfers and 25 sponsoring companies enjoyed a beautiful

day golfing and socializing at the 20th Annual AASP-MN GolfOuting at Tartan Park Golf Course in Lake Elmo on Tuesday, June17.

With a score of 60 (12 under par), this year’s winning teammembers were:

Joe Hernandez, LKQ/KeystoneJesse Jacobson, Heppner’s Auto Body

Jim Dow, LKQ/KeystoneJoe Fleischhacker, 3M

In addition, Dave Williams (Hopkins Auto Body) and DarrenHeairet (Walser Automotive), both pictured below right, hit a HoleIn One, which really added to the excitement of the day!

A raffle/fundraiser was held during the event to supportAASP-MN’s Political Action Committee (PAC) fund. The raffleraised over $1,300 for the fund, including $350 that was re-do-nated by this year’s very generous raffle winner, Bruce Tschida,(Lake Marion Collision).

Thank you to the following companies for sponsoring holesduring the event:

aaa Auto PartsAction Auto Parts

AmeriPride ServicesAxalta Coating Systems

BASFCBIZ AIA

Dent ImpressionsEnterprise Rent-a-Car

FinishMaster & Auto PlusHertz CorporationKent Automotive

LKQ/Keystone AutomotiveLowell’s Performance Coatings

Meadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts Advantage

National Coatings & SuppliesO’Reilly Auto PartsPam’s Auto, Inc.

Pro PaintPump & Meter ServiceSherwin-WilliamsSuburban GM PartsWakeman Equipment

In addition, AASP-MN would like to extend a very specialthank you to PPG Automotive Finishes for its event sponsorship;Suburban Chevrolet and Dent Impressions for sponsoring Holein One contests; and Pro Paint for sponsoring the Bloody Marybar. Your support is greatly appreciated by all who attended!

Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee Announces its 2014 Golf Outing

The Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee in-vites golfers and sponsors to Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakevilleon September 10, 2014 for a relaxing day of golf. All proceedsfrom the event go towards scholarships for future technicians,equipment for technical colleges and other collision industry train-ing needs. The four-person scramble begins at 12:30pm, with din-ner and awards following golf.

Registration and payment for golfers and sponsors can befound on the golf outing’s website, www.icargolf.com. Registerbefore August 15 for a substantial discount. Use this opportunityto market your business and support the industry while enjoyinga round of golf with industry leaders. Those who can’t participatecan help by providing door prizes or auction items by contactingtournament director Shawn Collins at [email protected] or612-508-8222.


LOCAL NEWS

Photos, clockwise from top left:This year’s winning team; Hole In One winners DaveWilliams and Darren Heairet; thevery popular Pro PaintBloody Mary bar; raffle winnerBruce Tschida poses with AASP-MN Executive DirectorJudell Anderson and membershipcoordinator Tom Kluver.


Two AASP-MN Members to Receive AAM DesignationTwo AASP-MN members will graduate from the Automotive Management

Institute (AMI) and receive the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) desig-nation at the 2014 Industry Week event (NACE/CARS), July 28th – August 2,in Detroit, MI. They are:

Perry Lindberg, Perry’s Auto Salon, Rush CityBruce Tschida, Lake Marion Collision, Lakeville

Congratulations, Perry and Bruce!To earn the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, students

must earn 120 credits by successfully completing AMI curriculum.

A Reminder…AASP of Minnesota has purchased all of the AMI self-study programs for

its members’ use. AMI charges $35 for each test taken and there is a $10 shippingand handling fee for us to ship the course out to you. For more information, con-tact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110.

MN Student Earns Medal at SkillsUSA ChampionshipsElise Groenewold, an auto body student at Dakota County Technical Col-

lege (Rosemount, MN), finished among the top three students in the nationalSkillsUSA Collision Repair Technology contest. The Conference was held June23 - 27 in Kansas City, MO, where over 6,000 outstanding career and technicaleducation students joined in the excitement of hands-on competition in 99 dif-ferent trade, technical and leadership fields.

Elise earned her spot in the nationals with dual wins at the state SkillsUSAcontest held in March, where she took 2nd place in Auto Refinishing Technologyand 1st place in Collision Repair Technology. Elise brought home a bronzemedal in the national competition for Collision Repair Technology.

The Collision Repair Technology competition includes a series of worksta-tions to assess skills in the following areas: Metal straightening, welding, plasticrepair and structural analysis. The overall appearance of the finished product,speed and proper safety practices were judged. The competitors also completedan interview, a written test on estimating and structural analysis and an ASEexam.

SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, tech-nical and health occupations education. It sponsors the SkillsUSA Champi-onships annually to recognize the achievements of career and technical educationstudents and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosenoccupations.

Congratulations to Elise and her DCTC advisors, Gerry Rainford and ScottLogan!

Program SponsorsAASP National

AkzoNobel Performance CoatingsAuto Care Association

Auto Value Parts Stores/APHAutoshop SolutionsBill Smith Foundation

CarbenchCARQUEST

Dent 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 ProductsHertz Corporation

IDENTIFIXInver Grove Ford LincolnKeystone Automotive

Lowell’s Performance CoatingsMalco Products, Inc.

Meadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts AdvantageMitchell International

Mitchell1Noble Conservation SolutionsNorton Automotive Aftermarket

O’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.

Pro PaintSherwin-WilliamsSuburban Chevrolet

Thank You to our Sponsors!

AASP-MNWEBSITE!

YOU’LL FIND:• A link to the AASP-MN Facebook Page (Like Us!)• Info to order 2015 Automotive Calendars

YOU CAN:• Update your company profile • Upload a photo of your business to your company profile• Order AASP-MN metal signs, shirts & plaques• Submit a classified ad to be added to the AASP-MN website

AND MUCH MORE! CHECK OUT WWW.AASPMN.ORG!


Celebrates 25 Years of Delivering Management Education to the Automotive Service and Collision Repair Industry

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Automotive Manage-ment Institute (AMI), the leading provider of management educationfor the automotive service and collision repair industry. The Institutecurrently offers more than 1,300 approved courses, a faculty of 300 ap-proved instructors and the prestigious Accredited Automotive Manager(AAM) designation. To date, its programs have attracted 230,000 en-rollments throughout North America.

The Institute was founded 25 years ago based on the concept thatthere was an abundance of technical education in the market, but verylittle industry-specific management education. At the start, AMI offered26 courses taught by 10 instructors. Today, courses are offered on arange of topics including marketing and sales, operations and service,management and administration, financial management, personnelmanagement and human resource development. Students can choosefrom several formats including webinars, online courses, DVD-qualitydownloads, self-study workbooks and traditional classroom settings.

In the past 25 years, more than 1,700 students have completed 120credits of education and graduated from AMI with the AAM designa-tion. And 112 of them are in Minnesota!

“In 1989, our founders had a vision – to make management edu-cation specifically tailored to the industry accessible to owners, man-agers and their staff,” said AMI Executive Director, Toni Slaton, AAM.“Since then, more than 700 AMI-approved courses are delivered annu-ally at many of the industry’s largest events.”

The Institute will celebrate its 25th anniversary with special eventsthroughout the year, starting with the International Autobody Congress& Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Serv-ice (CARS), July 30-Aug. 1, in Detroit. For more information about theInstitute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467 ext. 129, or visit the AMI website at www.AMIonline.org.

IRS Releases Final Rule for Small Business Tax Credit in Affordable Care Act

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the Final Rule onJune 30 that governs the tax credit for small businesses offering healthinsurance benefits to their employees, extending it to those with 25 orfewer full-time employees (FTEs). The Final Rule largely follows theProposed Rule released on Aug. 26, 2013, and includes these changes:

• The maximum credit increases to 50 percent of premiums paid for small business employers.

• To be eligible for the credit, a small business employer must pay premiums on behalf of employees enrolled in a qualified health plan offered through a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace or qualify for an exception to this requirement.

• The credit is available to eligible employers for two consecutive taxable years.

The number of FTEs is calculated by computing the total hours ofservice for the taxable year and dividing by 2,080. Additionally, thereare three optional methods available for computing the total hours ofservice. The regulation also states that an employer’s premium pay-ments are limited by the average premium in the small group market inthe rating area in which the employee enrolls for coverage through aSHOP exchange.

Additional information is available online at: www.irs.gov/uac/Small-Business-Health-Care-Tax-Credit-for-Small-Employers.

iATN Membership Exceeds 80,000 The International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN®,

www.iatn.net) now has more than 80,000 active members, the largestnumber ever in the network’s 19-year history. Members are located in160 countries and collectively share 1.9 million years of experience oniATN.

“Although we’ve crossed the 80,000 member threshold, iATNmembers are the minority of the industry: they are the professionalswho understand what it takes to survive in our increasingly challengingprofession,” said Scott Brown, president of iATN. “Members here findthat by networking with fellow professionals, they are continuously ex-panding their knowledge on systems, tools and best practices that oftenelevate their careers to the next level. iATN provides a platform that al-lows members to communicate with each other interactively by sharingcase studies, solving vehicle problems and sharing tips that cover thegamut of challenges facing the automotive service industry.”

The primary membership benefits of iATN include TechHelp,where thousands of automotive technicians from all over the world ex-change information and ideas 24 hours a day. Members also have accessto more than 20 different technical, shop management and auto industryweb forums and the extensive iATN Knowledge Base.

The Knowledge Base includes the FIX Database with more than200,000 real-world vehicle fixes, Forum Archives with millions ofiATN web forum discussions, and the Waveform Library with 35,000waveforms, scan data images, component photos, and other vehicle spe-cific images, documents and videos that have been uploaded to the net-work.

iATN was founded in 1995 and is the largest online community ofautomotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service pro-fessionals in the world. For additional information about iATN, visitwww.iatn.net.

NATIONAL NEWS


F.Y.I.

Increases in Minimum Wage Effective August 1, 2014, the minimum wage in Minnesota will

rise over the next several years. The schedule is:• Large employers (an enterprise with an annual gross volume of sales of $500,000 or more) must pay a rate of at least:- $8.00 per hour beginning August 1, 2014.- $9.00 per hour beginning August 1, 2015.- $9.50 per hour beginning August 1, 2016.- The rate as adjusted for inflation, beginning January 1, 2018.

• Small employers (an enterprise with an annual gross volume of sales of less than $500,000) must pay a rate of at least:- $6.50 per hour beginning August 1, 2014.- $7.25 per hour beginning August 1, 2015.- $7.75 per hour beginning August 1, 2016.- The rate as adjusted for inflation, beginning January 1, 2018.

The law also provides minimum wage raises for the 90-day train-ing wage (for employees 18 and 19years old), and establishes a youthwage (for workers under 18) and aspecial wage schedule for certainhotels, motels, and resorts with asummer work travel exchange visi-tor program.

Women’s Economic Security Act

On Mother’s Day, May 11,Governor Dayton signed Min-nesota’s new Women’s EconomicSecurity Act into law. Employersshould take note of the followingprovisions, some of which are effec-tive immediately.

Minnesota employers shouldrevisit their employment policies toensure that they comply with theseprovisions. This law may requirechanges to handbook policies or other employer rules regarding equalemployment opportunity, workplace accommodations, break time,parenting leave and sick leave.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:Pregnancy Accommodations

• Requires reasonable accommodations including more frequent restroom, food and water breaks, seating and lifting limits for pregnant employees. Accommodations are required to be provided to all pregnant employees under the law, without proof of medical necessity.

• Employers are required to engage in the familiar interactive process with respect to other requests for accommodation, based on the advice of a licensed health care provider or certified doula.

• The law specifically indicates that a temporary transfer to a less strenuous or hazardous position may be required where other accommodations are not possible.

• This law is part of Chapter 181 (not the Minnesota Human Rights Act), and is subject to the definitions therein, setting forth which employees and employers are covered by the law. For instance, this section only applies to employers with

21 or more employees, and employees are subject to minimum prior service and hours-worked requirements.

Changes to the Minnesota Human Rights Act• “Familial status” is a new protected class for purposes of

employment.• “Familial status” is “the condition of one or more minors

being domiciled with (1) their parent or parents or the minor’s legal guardian or (2) the designee of the parent or parents or guardian with the written permission of the parent or parents or guardian.” The prohibition against discrimination based on familial status also protects pregnant women and anyone “in the process of securing legal custody of an individual who has not attained the age of majority.”

• Labor organizations, employers and employment agencies are all prohibited from discriminating on the basis of familial status. Employees and applicants cannot be required to provide information regarding their familial status.

• Includes an appropriation for enforcement of the act.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2014:Minnesota Parenting Leave Law

• Amends the Minnesota Parenting Leave Law to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave (up from 6) for pregnancy and parenting, and brings MN law generally into accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act with respect to eligibility for leave. Expands use of leave to cover prenatal care, incapacity due to pregnancy, childbirth or related health conditions for female employees only.

• Modifies requirements regarding timing of leave,

which may now begin anytime within 12 months after the birth or adoption of a child, or within 12 months after the child leaves the hospital, if the child remains in the hospital longer than the mother.

Use of Paid Sick Leave• Expands use of employer-provided paid sick leave to cover

care for an employee’s mother-in-law, father-in-law and grandchildren and in circumstances of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking.

• This provision does not require employers to provide paid sick leave.

Nursing Mothers• Requires that space provided for nursing mothers must be

shielded from view and free from intrusion, and include access to an electrical outlet. This space cannot be in a bathroom or bathroom stall.

• Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for asserting rights or remedies under this section.

Reminder – Changes in State Law Impact MN Employers

Timetable: Changes to MN Parenting and Sick Leave Laws


• Creates a private right of action for violations ofthe section and authorizes enforcement by the Department of Labor.

Wage Disclosure Protection• Prohibits employers from taking action against

employees who disclose wage information.

Equal Pay Certification• Employers will be required to obtain an Equal

Pay Certificate to execute a contractor agreement with the state in excess of $500,000.

• Applies to businesses with 40 or more full-time employees in Minnesota or the state where the business has its primary place of business. The law contains an undue hardship provision.

• Includes appropriations for enforcement of the provision.

OTHER CHANGES:Unemployment Insurance

• Amends Minnesota unemployment law to make it more likely that victims of sexual assault and stalking will qualify for benefits.

• Provides unemployment compensation if “the applicant quit because domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking of the applicant or immediate family member of the applicant necessitated the applicant’s quitting employment.”

• Defines employment misconduct to exclude employment misconduct that was a result of being a victim of sexual assault or stalking.

• These provisions apply to determinations and appeal decisions issued on or after the effective date of October 5, 2014.

Grant Programs• Establishes grant programs to increase the

number of women in high wage, high demand non-traditional occupations.

• Establishes grant programs to promote the creation and expansion of women-owned businesses.

• These programs are one-time appropriations for fiscal year 2015.

Retirement Savings Plan• Requires a report by January 1, 2015 on the

feasibility of a state-administered retirement savings plan available to employees without access to either an automatic enrollment payroll deduction IRA maintained or offered by their employer, or a multiemployer retirement plan or qualifying retirement plan.

• While this section is effective immediately, there are no substantive changes that employers need to be aware of at this time.

Article provided by Kristin Berger Parker, StinsonLarsonAllen, 612.335.1770,[email protected].

August 2014 17

What’s the connection between heat,fans and cords? Most shops aren’t air-con-ditioned. Employees don’t take the summeroff, so they heat up. And then they go to thelocal big box retailer and buy a cheap boxfan to help cool down. Then we come in andtell them it’s not okay. Why not? Because itisn’t grounded.

Any electrical equipment or extensioncord used in your shop has to be grounded.If the equipment is hard-wired, the electri-cian saw to that when the equipment was in-stalled. If it’s portable, the plug will havethat third prong, the grounding prong. Theexception: Power tools that are double-in-sulated. Those have a plastic case, polarizedplugs, and are marked with the words “dou-ble-insulated” or a square-within-a-squaresymbol.

Your entire electrical system isgrounded. Current flows from the powercompany through wires into your shop,through electrical devices, and then toground. The usual route to ground isthrough the neutral wire (the wide blade ona plug). But if something goes wrong – forinstance, if there’s a short circuit or a wirebreaks loose of its connection – electricitywill find another path to ground. That canhappen in the office area or the shop. Butthings are nice and quiet in the office area.You don’t have cars running over cords,people using abrasive tools or occasionalwet floors.

Electricity isn’t picky about what pathit takes to ground. Just like water flowingdownhill, it will take any path available,with preference given to paths through goodconductors. Humans are very good conduc-tors. That grounding prong provides abackup path to ground that is better than thehuman body.

The cheap box fans are listed forhousehold use only. They’re designed to beused in dry locations where they won’t beknocked around, where dust won’t accumu-late and where there’s little risk of damage.Use them in the office areas if you must, butnot in the shop.

So if you can’t use a standard box fanto cool workers, what can you do?

Provide grounded fans. Installing over-head fans may be a long-term solution. Forthe short-term, get industrial grade pedestalfans, which people can move around as theychoose. You can use extension cords withthese, provided you use a grounded, roundcord rated for the fan. Round cords arehard-service cords. They’re the only typeyou should be using in the shop. Flat cordsjust aren’t heavy-duty enough for your workenvironment.

Provide beverages to your employees.The best choice in a hot environment is coolwater. Electrolyte replacement drinks areokay in limited amounts, but usually pro-vide more salt and sugar than people need.

Caffeinated drinks can act as diuretics.Carbonated ones can make people feel satedtoo quickly, so they don’t drink enough.Flavored waters might be a good option.

Give workers a chance and a locationto cool off. Put an air conditioner in theirbreak area.

Be alert to the signs of heat stress, andalert your employees to those signs. Ifsomeone starts feeling queasy or tired, orgets a headache, encourage that person totake a break in a cool area. If a worker be-comes hot and flushed, suspect heat stroke– that’s a medical emergency, requiring im-mediate action.

Employees will work better if they’renot overheating. As long as the relative hu-midity and the temperature aren’t both ob-scenely high, moving air will help coolthem down. But you don’t want to riskelectrocuting them as you cool them, somake sure all the fans in your shop are prop-erly grounded (along with any extensioncords used with them).

If you have questions about electricalsafety, heat stress, OSHA grants or othersafety or environmental issues, contactCHESS at 651-481-9787; toll free at 877-482-4377, or [email protected] specializes in helping small- tomedium-sized business with occupationalhealth and safety issues. We have been pro-viding services to the automotive industryfor over 20 years.

By Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc.

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

Heat, Fans and Cords


20 August 2014 AASP News

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Each OEM manufacturer has a detailedlist of its requirements. Audi has a 28-pagemanual on its requirements, including toolsand equipment needed. Audi’s requirementsappear to be the most extensive and couldeasily exceed 6 figures. The manual is lo-cated at: http://audicollisionrepair.com/media/AudiAluminum_Collision_Manual.pdf.

This is not meant to be an all-inclusivelist, but rather an example of what will beneeded for those choosing to compete forvehicles made with aluminum. While ourindustry continues to elevate itself, I haveno doubt that the talented individuals whomake up our industry will continue to show-case the entrepreneurial skills and spirit thatwill lead them down the path of success.Footnotes/References:• www.industryweek.com/blog/survey-aluminum-will- help-auto-industry-meet-cafe-standards• FenderBender (January 2013)• http://audicollisionrepair.com/media/Audi_Aluminum_Collision_Manual.pdf

continued from pg. 6


CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

AASP-MN and Certegy Partnership

The AASP-MN is pleased to recom-mend Certegy, An FIS™ Company, as thepreferred provider for check warranty/veri-fication services.

For nearly 50 years, Certegy has beenthe trusted leader in payment processingand loss prevention solutions supportingmore than 289,000 merchants worldwide.With proven results built on innovativetechnology and a solid financial reputation,Certegy brings security and reliability topayment processing, fraud prevention andrisk management – valuable commoditiesfor an ever-changing market.

The following program is customizedspecifically for AASP-MN members:

• Discount rate of only .75%, which covers NSF, closed accounts and non-disputed stop payment checks

• Discount rate of .93%, which includes full stop-payment coverage

• No transaction or statement fees• No check minimums• $25.00 monthly minimum• ACH billing and claims payment• $1.25 voice surcharge-only if remote

transaction was not obtained• 60-day claim submission • Enhanced Warranty™ program

virtually eliminates disallowed claims• Discounted equipment pricing

For more information on the AASP-MN program, please contact Heather Ellisat 952-240-5017 or via email [email protected].

You may also call toll free (877) 520-2987 to speak with a Certegy representativeor email an inquiry with your companyname, address and phone number to: [email protected] and reference“AASPMN” in the subject line.

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

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

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

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIESAmeriPride ServicesContact: Jim Dillon651-955-1398 • 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.

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 auto-motive industry. Net Driven assists independent tireand automotive industry dealers who are looking toincrease revenue by selling more tires, service, andwheels. AASP-MN members who choose Net Drivenare eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setupfees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

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

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

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

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.

PAYROLL PROCESSINGCBIZ PayrollContact: Bob Willbanks612-298-1176 / [email protected] receive 20% discount off standard payrollproducts and services (excluding 401k). Memberswho switch prior to June 30 will receive first month ofpayroll processing free.

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

BUSINESS COACHING180BIZ540-833-2014 / [email protected]: www.180biz.com180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP membersat a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business SolutionsLLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increaseprofits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one coaching plans without long-term commitmentsand complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trialof their services. To learn more, please call or email us, orvisit our website.

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

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.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

AASP-MN News August 2014

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Transcript of AASP-MN News August 2014