new england automotive report december 2015

www.grecopublishing.com

December 2015U.S.A. $5.95

Serving the New England Collision and MechanicalRepair Industry

MASSACHUSETTS

BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

NEAR1215.qxp_NEAR1014 11/30/15 5:08 PM Page 1

2 December 2015 New England Automotive Report


CONTENTSDecember 2015 Volume 13, No. 12

ALSO THIS ISSUE

COVER STORY36 | EVERYONE WINS AT 8TH ANNUAL

AASP/MA CASINO NIGHT

New England Automotive Report December 2015 5

DEPARTMENTSVICE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE by Adam Ioakim 8 | P-Pages: Your BFF in the Shop

IN THE AREA by Joel Gausten18 | Annual Clambake Brings Excitement toWestern MA

20 | I-CAR Presentation Explores Opportunitiesfor Schools

23 | Education & Innovation: Inside the NewEngland Automotive Repair Expo

LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman28 | AASP/MA Hits News Report on Insurer Interference

30 | Community in Charity: Heartwarming Donations Made Following Vandalism

34 | Local Body Shop Recognized for Charity Towards Veterans

NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten44 | OEM Summit Explores New Materials & Repair Demands

50 | AASP/MA Represented at National AffiliateMeeting

53 | Repairer Driven: The Industry Hits SEMA 2015

7 | TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: I-CAR CALENDAROF EVENTS10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR14 | AASP/MA SPONSORS

45 | THOMAS GRECO PUBLISHING LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE58 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION62 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS


December 2015December 1, 2015

AASP/MA Western Chapter Holiday PartySlainte Restaurant, 80 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA

More information: aaspma.org/chapters/western-chapter/

December 8, 2015ADALB Meeting

Division of Insurance, 1000 Washington Street, Boston, MA

December 15, 2015AASP/MA Board of Directors Meeting

Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA

AUTAUT MM TIVETIVEN E WN E W E N G L A N DE N G L A N D

STAFF

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

www.grecopublishing.com

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPRESIDENTMolly BrodeurVICE PRESIDENTAdam IoakimSECRETARYGary CloutierTREASURERKevin GalleraniIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTPaul Hendricks

AASP/MA STATEWIDE DIRECTORSCOLLISION DIRECTORRick Starbard

AASP/MA CHAPTER DIRECTORSNORTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSAlex FalzoneKevin KyesSOUTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSMichael PenachoDarlene AndradeMIDSTATE CHAPTER DIRECTORSTom RicciRay Belsito, Jr.WESTERN CHAPTER DIRECTORPeter Langone

PUBLISHERThomas Greco ([email protected])

DIRECTOR OF SALESAlicia Figurelli ([email protected])

EDITORJoel Gausten ([email protected])

ART DIRECTORLea Velocci ([email protected])

MANAGING EDITORJacquelyn Bauman ([email protected])

PRODUCTION Donna Greco ([email protected])

WWW.AASPMA.ORG

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJillian M. Zywien

12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02109Phone: (617) 574-0741 Fax: (617) 695-0173

Email: [email protected]

MASSACHUSETTS


New England Automotive Report is published monthly by TGP, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of New England Automotive Report are available at $5 per copy. Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of AASP/MA. Copyright 2015 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.com


December 2, 2015Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair & ReplacementWhittier Regional Vocational Technical High School

Haverhill, MA

December 3, 2015Automotive FoamsFuller Auto BodyAuburn, MA

Understanding & Preventing Refinish DefectsAmherst Insurance Agency

Amherst, MA

December 8, 20152015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training CourseNortheast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School

Wakefield, MA

December 10, 2015Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus & Scion Vehicles

Fuller Auto BodyAuburn, MA

December 16, 2015Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis & Safety

Fuller Auto BodyAuburn, MA

in Massachusetts

For more information, visit i-car.com

FOR A FULL LISTING OF UPCOMING AASP/MA EVENTSAND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE VISIT

WWW.AASPMA.ORG



VICE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

P-PAgES: yoUR bFF IN thE ShoPP-Pages should be the best friend

of any shop and estimator writing andnegotiating an appraisal with an insur-ance carrier. I want to empower every-one to take the time to read theP-Pages that go along with the data-base youre writing on, whether itsMitchell, Audatex or CCC One. Itsimportant to not only read the P-Pagesfor the system used in your shop, butto read the P-Pages for the other majordatabase providers as well. The reasonI suggest this is that insurance compa-nies might be writing with a differentprogram than your shop, and youneed to know better than them what isor isnt included in terms of items andprocedures. This way, they cant takeadvantage of you or pull the woolover your eyes. If Mitchells P-Pagessay that an item is not included, I canturn to the insurer and tell them thatits only appropriate that I bill for andget paid for that item. If youre unsure

as to where you can locate your P-Pages, you can find the ones for yourdatabase included with your program.Many of the P-Pages on other systemsare available on the InformationProviders websites. For those whohave subscriber-only availability,you should take advantage of thewonderful tool that is the DatabaseEnhancement Gateway (DEG). TheDEG has all of the different P-Pages inPDF format. I highly suggest down-loading these files to your desktop sothat you can have easy access to themwhenever you write an estimate. Printout the pages and staple them to yourappraisal in negotiations to prove thatyour case is fact and not simply a matter of opinion.

Take the time to read the P-Pagesand then take a walk through yourshop. Youll see all of the things youredoing on a daily basis that you willnotice are not included procedures.

Youre not getting reimbursed forthese things unless youre puttingthem on your appraisals.

Use these P-Pages as your bestfriend. Bill for anything and every-thing that youre doing that is not in-cluded, and utilize the documentationat your disposal to back up your argu-ment against insurers. If you have anyquestions on where to find P-Pages orneed more tips on how to use themproperly, contact a member of theAASP/MA Board of Directors. We arealways happy to help.

Adam Ioakim is the co-owner of Hogan & VanAuto Body in Medford, MA.He can be reached at (781) 436-0366 [email protected].

MASSACHUSETTS



AASP/MA 2015: A yEAR oF FIRStSA MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Members,

As I write my final message of2015, I cannot help but reflect. Thiswas a year of many firsts and greatsuccesses on behalf of the industry.

For the first time ever, AASP/MAs Legislative Committee filed fivematters before the Legislature. For thelast several sessions, the Labor Ratewas our only filed matter. While it isstill a priority piece of legislation, theCommittee has diversified its efforts inorder to address other issues of impor-tance, such as the ADALB, steeringand aftermarket parts. All filed andtracked matters can be viewed on ourwebsite at aaspma.org under the Leg-islative Initiatives tab. We have alsoincluded an update as to the status ofeach bill so our members can followour legislation. Please also pay closeattention to our Damage Report

newsletter and legislative updates fortimely reports.

With this years election of Gover-nor Baker came the appointment ofour new ADALB members Rick Star-bard, Bill Johnson and Lyle Pare. (JoeCoyne and Chairman Gil Cox remainfrom the previous Board.) During theJuly 21 meeting, the Board voted to re-scind the previous Boards AdvisoryRuling relative to photo and videobeing considered personal inspection.This was the first time in the Boardshistory that an Advisory Ruling hasbeen repealed. The Ruling was re-scinded by a 3-2 vote, with Rick Star-bard, Bill Johnson and Joe Coynevoting in the affirmative to remove theRuling. The original language of theRuling did two things: It opened thedoor for a non-licensed individual (aconsumer) to take photos and/orvideo of the damaged vehicle, which

we know from experience creates alitany of issues for shops, includingunseen damages, damages greaterthan expected, safety concerns andmore. Additionally, the language ofthe previous Ruling allowed for manyinsurers to ignore the applicable$1,500 deductible, as outlined by 212CMR 2.04, Section 1 (a). AASP/MA is pleased the ADALB repealed thisRuling.

In September by unanimous vote,the ADALB issued another AdvisoryRuling relative to the use of certainused parts that contain wear items. Webelieve this is a big win on behalf ofthe industry. Not only does the Advi-sory Ruling state the Boards opinionthat the use of these parts (in certaincircumstances) may impact the opera-tional safety of the vehicle, but it alsoreinforces that the use of aftermarketpartsneeds to be negotiated. The Board



advised that used parts that wouldimpact the operational safety of thevehicle should not be used, and COM-PLETE negotiations should occur asmandated. To watch any ADALBvideos, log into the Members Onlysection of the AASP/MA website.

The Division of Insurance (DOI)announced in August that it wouldhost a listening session relative to 211CMR. A listening session allows forthe DOI to hear comments from inter-ested parties. The association, led byyour president, Molly Brodeur, was onhand to testify, urging the DOI to ad-dress some of the industrys concernswith the regulation, specifically on en-forcement issues. Although she wasnot present to testify, Attorney Gen-eral Maura Healey submitted a letterechoing our testimony. If the DOI de-cides to open the regulation, we ex-pect a formal public hearing sometimein the spring. To review comments relative to 211 CMR 133.00, visittinyurl.com/DOI-211CMR-133-00.

In addition to our regulatory suc-cesses, the association had many firstsin relation to our events and relation-ships. Our desire to recognize our val-ued vendor partners culminated withAASP/MAs first Vendor Apprecia-tion Night. We invited all of our spon-sors to attend a complimentary nightof food, fun and entertainment. NewEnglands number one hypnotist, JoeDeVito, provided the nights entertain-ment. Thanks again to all of our vol-unteers who were very good sports! InSeptember, SCRS Executive DirectorAaron Schulenburg gave our membersa taste of SEMA and an update on na-tional issues at our Statewide Meeting.

More recently, we hosted the firstNew England Automotive RepairExpo with the New England ServiceStation and Auto Repair Association(NESSARA). (See page 23.) There wereover 100 participants for the day, andour collision training programs werepacked with attendees. Special thanksto all of our guest speakers: RickPalmer of PMCLogic; Larry Montanezof P&L Consultants; Bill Johnson ofPleasant Street Auto Body; and MattMitchell, Esq.

Lastly, by the time you read this,well have just concluded our 8th An-nual Casino Night, which was a huge

success! With the freeing of TomBrady and the incredible Super Bowlwin, everyone wanted a piece ofGillette Stadium! We expanded ourgaming table offerings, improved ourraffle prizes and added buffet stations. We also added stops on ourprivate stadium tour and a dance floorfor those who werent interested ingaming.

We could not have had these firstsand successes this year without thesupport and participation of our members. We know how valuable

your money is, and we take it very seriously that you choose to spend itwith AASP/MA. I am extremely moti-vated by this years accomplishmentsand look forward to the year aheadwith great anticipation. If you are nota current member of the association, Iwould urge you to join today. We arethe only association fighting on yourbehalf in the Commonwealth. Wecant build the success of the auto repairindustry without the support of the


continued on pg. 56


Contact AASP/MA at (617) 574-0741 / [email protected] for information on becoming an AASP/MA sponsor!

AASP/MA NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

AASP/MA ASKS YOU TO PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

WOLPERTINSURANCE



IN THE AREA

ANNUAL CLAMBAKE BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO WESTERN MA

On October 16, hundreds from the AASP/MA community gathered at thePolish American Club in Feeding Hills for the associations Western ChapterClambake. Offering a complete chicken barbeque dinner (with steamed clamsand chowder) and more than 100 raffle prizes, this years event provided agreat way for attendees to relax and have fun after a long week in the industry.

Emceed by Western Chapter Past Vice President Andre Marcoux (WesternMass Collision) and Treasurer Mike Boucher (Custom Auto Body), the annualraffle made a Super Grand Prize winner out of James Ortiz of Central Chevro-let (who went home with a 55-inch Sony TV courtesy of LKQ/Keystone Auto-motive), while Grand Prize winner Andrew Bordoni (BodyWorks Unlimited)received a special Berkshires getaway package donated by Linders, Inc. FirstPrize, a 40-inch Insignia TV generously donated by BAPS Auto Paint & Supply,went to Tina Billings of Felix Auto Body.

This years Clambake was made possible by the amazing support of nu-merous industry sponsors. Gold Sponsors included ABSAP, AkzoNobel,Amherst Oakham Auto Recycling, Axalta, Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia, Balise Wholesale Parts Express, Central Chevrolet, Enterprise Rent-A-Car,Hoffman Auto Group, Long Automotive Group, LKQ/Keystone, Transtar Au-tobody Technologies, Sarat Ford/Lincoln and West Springfield Auto Parts. This

The 2015 Clambake Gold Sponsors. Back row (L-R): Don Cushing (Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia), Bob DeYoung (Axalta), Gordy Palley (Amherst Oakham Auto Recyclers), Eddy Ravetto (Hoffman Auto Group), Chris Morin (ABSAP). Center row (L-R):Steve Creanza (West Springfield Auto Parts), Mike McPartland (Transtar), Jack Sarat(Sarat Ford/Lincoln), Cat Demers (Enterprise Rent-A-Car), Mark Bird (Central Chevrolet).Front row (L-R): Rick Casey (LKQ/Keystone Automotive), Alan Montalbano (Long Automotive Group), Ariel Valdes (Balise Wholesale Parts Express), Jeremy Ostrout (AkzoNobel)

years group of invaluable Silver Sponsors includedBAPS Auto Paint & Supply, KwickSilver/Mass WheelWorks, PPG and Tasca Automotive. Bronze Sponsorsincluded CCC Information Services, Lia Honda of En-field, Marcotte Ford and Westover Auto Salvage.

In addition to the abundant raffle gifts donatedby the various above sponsors, prizes were also gener-ously donated by A&R Auto Glass, Affordable AutoGlass, Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia, ClootsAuto Body, Designer Office Systems, Formula Prod-ucts, Firestone, FL Roberts/Golden Nozzle, GreenfieldAuto Salvage, Hampshire Towing, Interstate Battery,Linders, Inc., Lia Honda of Enfield, Marcotte Ford,Mitchell Auto Group, River Auto Service, Larry Sko-rupski, Snap-On Tools, Jim Ekmalian/Snap-On Tools,Tasca Automotive, V&F Auto Carquest, WestoverAuto Salvage and West Springfield Auto Parts.

A special shop owners only drawing offered anarray of great prizes generously donated by 3M, BaldHill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia, BAPS Auto Paint &Supply, Crest East Coast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, theGold Sponsors, Kemperle, KwickSilver/Mass WheelWorks, Marcotte Ford, PPG, Tasca Automotive, Sher-win-Williams, Donny and Jake from U-POL and WestSpringfield Auto Parts.

The 2015 AASP/MA Clambake was the result ofmonths of hard work and planning by a dedicatedvolunteer Committee comprised of Marcoux, Boucherand fellow Western Chapter members Dan Lamon-tagne (acting president), Mike Beal (MABA past president), Gary Cloutier (AASP/MA secretary), Don Vermette (Western MA past president) and PaulZollner (West Springfield Auto Parts).

Prior to the start of the Clambake, Bob DeYoungof Axalta Coating Systems and Scott MacDonald ofWest Springfield Auto Parts offered a special EPA 6Hcertification clinic at the Polish American Club to help bring attendees up to speed on environmental requirements for shops.

18 December 2015 New England Automotive ReportMASSACHUSETTS


by Joel Gausten


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1. Bob DeYoung (Axalta Coating Systems) and Scott MacDonald (West Springfield Auto Parts) presided over a special EPA 6H certificationclinic prior to the Clambake.2. The 2015 AASP/MA Western Chapter Clambake Committee. (L-R):Mike Boucher(Western MA treasurer), Andre Marcoux (Western MA past vice president), GaryCloutier (AASP/MA secretary), Don Vermette (Western MA past president), Paul Zollner (West Springfield Auto Parts), Mike Beal (MABA past president)3. Grand Prize Winner Andrew Bordoni (Body Works Unlimited) received a special getaway package from the Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort located in the scenic Berk-shires. The prize was donated by Linders, Inc. and presented by Chris DiMarzio. 4. First Prize Winner Tina Billings (Felix Auto Body) took home a 40-inch Insignia TVgenerously donated by BAPS Auto Paint & Supply.5. Super Grand Prize winner James Ortiz (Central Chevrolet) went home with a 55-inchSony TV presented by Rick Casey of LKQ/Keystone Automotive. The TV was very generously donated by Rick, Scott Carney of LKQ Paint and Jeremy Ostrout of AkzoNobel.

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.



On October 30, the Assabet Valley Regional TechnicalHigh School in Marlboro hosted a special meeting betweenvocational directors and collision instructors from through-out the state to help both parties gain a greater understand-ing of the opportunities for training available to todays autobody students. The gathering featured a special presentationby Bill Stage, senior director of segment development for I-CAR, on the Education Edition of his organizations Profes-sional Development Program (PDP).

Launched in August 2012, the Education Edition is theresult of years of research and extensive conversations withhundreds of professionals from the education and repaircommunities. As previously discussed in this magazine(From Pupil to Platinum: Inside I-CARs Vocational SchoolCurriculum, March 2015), this special two-year curriculumwas designed to give vocational school students an opportu-nity to reach ProLevel 1 status in the PDPs Refinish Techni-cian and Non-Structural Technician roles and leave schoolwith I-CAR Platinum recognition. By entering the workforcewith these achievements already in place, a young techni-cian has the credentials necessary to not only become a val-ued member of a professional collision repair team, but alsoaid his or her employer by being one of four Platinum indi-viduals needed on staff in order for that facility to earn I-CAR Gold status.

As Stage told the Assabet attendees, An individualwho graduates from the Education Edition has the same cer-tificate in Platinum that an industry technician earns.

Stage explained that the Professional Development Pro-gram is I-CARs attempt to do away with the random actsof training provided by the organization in the past andcreate a more structured, narrower path focused on individ-ual areas of learning.

We had over 80 courses, but we did not require a refinish technician to focus in that area, he recalled. The

industry said, Hey, this is crazy. We actually spent threeyears looking at our business model with the industry...[With PDP], we define the roles that touch the car in that repair process; we define the skills and competencies required.

As of this writing, there are 1,059 career and technicalschools in the US currently offering collision repair training.Of this amount, 420 schools use the Education Edition of theProfessional Development Program.

According to I-CAR literature, the organization providesthese schools with the education, knowledge and solutionsneeded to produce students that are well prepared andhighly desirable for competitive collision repair careers.

AASP/MA member, Assabet graduate and multi-shopowner Bob Waldron praised the role-specific nature of theEducation Edition as a means of addressing the evolvingneeds of the industry.

Years ago, wed have somebody take an electricalcourse, a refinishing course and maybe a welding courseand something for the office a jack of all trades, a master ofnone, he offered. Today, thats changed.

Following Stages presentation, collision repair audiencemembers moved to Assabets auto body classroom for a dis-cussion on aluminum hosted by Glen Bresnahan, nationalsales manager of Hutchins Manufacturing. A major compo-nent of Bresnahans talk was a strong warning against mix-ing steel and aluminum in the repair process, as the actcould lead to galvanic corrosion.

Aluminum is a sacrificial metal; it will deteriorate be-fore other metals will, he explained. What that brings intoplay is the need to separate aluminum from steel. Galvaniccorrosion happens when you get cross contamination. Yousee it with steel to aluminum, but its also prominent fromaluminum to steel. The bulk of those metals are not compati-ble...If you sand an aluminum panel and youve got a gloveon and wipe that panel and [then] you go over to a steel re-pair on a fender and wipe [it] youve now contaminatedthat fender with aluminum.

Bresnahan insisted that galvanic corrosion is a growingissue that demands greater attention from technicians.

When you go into the Target parking lot or Walmart,take a look at the fronts and tails of some of the vehiclesthere, he suggested. Youll see this everywhere.

For a complete overview ofthe Professional Develop-ment Program EducationEdition, please visit tinyurl.com/p3ee8yo. Informa-tion is also available throughcollisioncareers.org, a specialI-CAR-created site for stu-dents interested in pursuing acareer in collision repair. Moreinformation on HutchinsManufacturing is available athutchinsmfg.com.

I-CAR PRESENtAtIoNExPloRES oPPoRtUNItIESFoR SChoolS

IN THE AREA by Joel Gausten

MASSACHUSETTS


Left to right: I-CARs Bill Stage discussed the benefits of the Professional Development Program; Glen Bresnahan, national sales manager of Hutchins Manufacturing, gave a presentation on aluminum repair; AASP/MA member Bob Waldron showed his support of I-CAR.



On October 24, AASP/MA andthe New England ServiceStation & Auto Repair Asso-ciation, Inc. (NESSARA) presentedthe New England Automotive RepairExpo (NEARE) at the MarlboroughCourtyard Marriott. The first event ofits kind in the state in decades, thedaylong gathering boasted dozensof industry vendors and one of themost extensive educational programsever presented in the New Englandindustry.

The Expos collision-relatedagenda kicked off with a special dis-cussion on paint and materials reim-bursement hosted by Rick Palmer ofComputerLogic. Palmer explainedhow the use of a paint and materialscost accounting system (such as Com-puterLogics PMCLogic) can assistshops in determining how to controlcosts and get paid more for what theydo. By having true data at their fin-gertips, accounting system users havethe ammunition necessary to prop-erly negotiate with insurers for thepayment of these items.

We dont set prices, Palmersaid. Were just going to give you thefacts.

At a time when shops need tomake as much profit on a job as possi-ble, paint and materials cost account-ing systems help collision centers liveby the greatest message of Palmersseminar: You cant manage what youdont measure.

Of course, no collision repair pro-fessional in todays market can sur-vive without measuring the countlesschanges occurring in automotivetechnology. How many shops outthere truly know how to handle thealuminum-intensive vehicles landingin their bays with greater frequencyeach day? This was one of the crucialtopics explored by noted industry in-structor and New England Automotive

Report Technical Writer Larry Montanez during Repair U Alu-minum Repair Procedures, Tech-niques & Requirements.

In terms of aluminum heating ba-sics, Montanez informed his audiencethat aluminum softens at elevatedtemperatures, which makes deformedareas easier to straighten. Quenchingthe panel with water or compressedair should be avoided, and the panelshould be allowed to cool naturally;otherwise, you run the risk of crystal-izing the panel and causing micro-fractures (cracking).

Aluminum will not let you re-pair it improperly, offered Mon-tanez. Its going to rip, tear, shred it does a whole bunch of stuff. If youtry to heat it too much, it just disap-pears and melts away...Basically, itwill tell you when youre an idiot.

Not surprisingly, the instructorurged students to learn all they canabout the materials hitting todays

market and the equipment andshop specifications they demand.

Most shops cant fix full-frametrucks now; they dont have theequipment. Now, [Ford] just made it20,000psi stronger [with the 2015 F-150] nows its 70,000psi.

For shops that want to stay aheadof the technology curve and performjobs safely and properly, Montanezsuggests getting into the habit of fol-lowing OEM repair procedures atevery turn.

Your business has changed, hesaid. You have to do research; youhave to [refer] to repair information.Unless youre fixing a dent in thedoor or changing an emblem, youhave to do all this stuff.

As New England Automotive Reportreaders know, there has been consid-erable news coming from the AutoDamage Appraiser Licensing Board(ADALB) recently. To get the Massa-chusetts automotive community up to


IN THE AREA

EDUCAtIoN& INNovAtIoN:

INSIDE thENEw ENglANd

AutoMotIVE REpAIR Expo

MASSACHUSETTS


by Joel Gausten


speed on everything that has been oc-curring, veteran shop owner and re-cently appointed Board member BillJohnson presented Understandingthe ADALB. During the intriguingseminar, Johnson made it known thathe intends to represent the interests ofauto body shops in the Common-wealth without adhering to the influ-ence of insurers.

I have never been a referral shop,and Ive grown to be one of the largest[facilities] in my area, he stated. Ivebeen marketing myself as a consumershop since 1989; it works.

I believe, with [fellow new ap-pointee] Rick [Starbard] and I on theBoard, this is the first time since 89that the collision industry has truerepresentation, he added. I canmake my decisions based solely onwhat I feel is right for the collision in-dustry, i.e., the repair shops.

Perhaps the biggest ADALB-related event to hit the news in 2015was the current Boards decision to rescind a May 2014 Advisory Ruling

that had equated digital photographyto a personal inspection during the ap-praisal process. Johnson called theevent huge, while AASP/MA execu-tive team member Peter DAgostinoopined that the event was significantin what the Board accomplished [by]having that rescinded.

Johnsons discussion also touchedon exactly what the ADALB can andcannot do in the legal arena includingwhat an Advisory Ruling actuallymeans for the collision repair industry.

An Advisory Ruling does notchange CMRs, he noted. An Advi-sory Ruling is somebodys opinion. Itdoes carry weight, but it doesnt carrylaw.

Above all, he stressed the impor-tance of repairers making the time tolearn about the state regulations thatimpact their professional lives.

If youre going to be in a business,you need to know what your businessis, he said. Read the CMRs; that isyour Bible.

Rick Palmer of ComputerLogic

NESSARA Co-ExecutiveDirector MatthewLeLacheur

Attorney Matt Mitchell(Never Have Another

Short-Pay)

AASP/MA ExecutiveDirector JillianZywien

ADALB memberBill Johnson


When it becomes clear that a shopneeds to pursue the legal system to receive proper payment from an insurer, Mitchell recommended utiliz-ing the Assignment of Rights.

That means you step into thecustomers shoes and youve got allthe rights that they have, he said.

Of course, Expo attendees on theNESSARA side also received a com-plete day of incomparable informa-tion. Third-generation technician andowner Cecil Bullard presented TheArt of Profitability Improving Your

Financial Position, while ASE Certi-fied Master Technician Eric Zieglerpresided over Essential DiagnosticSteps Techniques for Drivability andElectrical Issues.

For those who committed theirSaturday to attending the Expo, theevent provided a world of knowledgeand tools to greatly improve condi-tions in their day-to-day businesses.Addressing attendees during thelunch break, NESSARA Co-ExecutiveDirector Matt LeLacheur was quick toexpress his appreciation for the enthu-siastic industry turnout.

Weve obviously had numerouspeople who have been trainers anddoing this type of work for years uphere in New England, but we haventtried to centralize it into a day, a week-end or anything along those lines for anumber of years, he said. It is ourintention to do nothing but growthis.

Later, Johnson joined attorneyMatt Mitchell for Never Have An-other Short-Pay, a presentation fo-cused on ways shops can betterensure they receive proper compensa-tion for the work they perform. Oneway Johnson achieves this is by pub-lishing a special guide with his shopspolicies and procedures and sending itto every insurance company CEO inthe state.

Take control of your business,he insisted. Send out your policiesand procedures to the insurance com-panies, and go by it.

Additionally, Johnson works toproperly identify his business postedLabor Rate a figure based on real-world numbers and not just what in-surers prefer to pay.

[The insurers rate] is not yourrate, he insisted. You need to takeyour overhead, your technicians andthe hours [they] work and figure outyour rate.

MASSACHUSETTS


The Art of Profitabilitypresenter Cecil Bullard

Diagnostic expertEric Ziegler

Industry speaker Larry Montanez

AASP/MAsPeter DAgostino




LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman

The best weapon that collision repair shops can have in the fight againstinsurers is a well-informed and educatedcustomer.

On November 3, local ABCNews affiliate WCVB 5 of Bostonaired an important report about theinterference of insurers in the dailybusiness of automotive repair shopswith a segment that posed the ques-tion, Are auto insurers putting thebottom line ahead of safety?

The news report opened with aninvestigation of a repair done onMassachusetts vehicle owner Kather-ine Spears 2010 Toyota Corolla.Spears had taken her vehicle to oneof her insurance companys pre-ferred shops and, on the surface, thecar seemed fine. However, uponcloser inspection, there were a multi-tude of problems that still remained.

These havent been crashtested, said Rob DelGallo of FactoryCollision and Restoration in EastWeymouth while pointing out therear bumper on the car. Further indicating the rear quarter panel, henoted the substandard repair processused to reassemble the car, includinginappropriate gluing and a lack ofwelds.

He went on to reveal the moldforming in the backseat as a result ofleaks and moisture penetrating thecar after the faulty repairs. Other is-sues with Spears car included hergas door opening whenever she shut

her door and a number of aftermar-ket parts that had not been crashtested.

The situation is nothing new foranyone who has been in the repairfield for any amount of time. Jobslike these constantly come throughthe door, but for a driver who onlyhas one or two accidents in their life,this can potentially be a shocking re-port. DelGallo didnt pull anypunches in his interview with thenews team.

Youre heading toward thewindshield and you have an after-market or non-original part that hasnt been crash tested, he noted.[The insurance companies] wantyou to be the crash dummy.

AASP/MA President MollyBrodeur was also featured in the segment, during which she discussedthe relationship between the policy-holders, the insurer and the bodyshops.

Policyholders feel afraid andintimidated at times by their carrier,she explains. [Consumers are]afraid to exercise the rights that areavailable to them for fear that the in-surance company is not going to ulti-mately pay the claim.

When you get your car fixed,your insurance company will tellyou theyll guarantee the work if youbring your car to one of their pre-ferred auto body shops, news corre-spondent Kathy Curran explained to

the public in the report. But whatsome drivers may not know is thatby law here in Massachusetts, youcan bring your car to any registeredauto body shop of your choice, andtheyll guarantee the work and theinsurance company will pay thebill.

Although Paul Tetrault, state and policy affairs counsel for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, was also pres-ent to defend the insurance compa-nies and their practices (noting thatthe use of aftermarket parts keeps repairs cheap and therefore keepscosts and premiums low), the seg-ment ultimately came down hard on insurers.

The piece closed by distributingan imperative bit of information toviewers that they may not have previously known: You as the cus-tomer have the right to say no tocheaper aftermarket parts if you feel the safety of your car may becompromised.

This is a substantial step forwardin addressing some of the major is-sues in the industry. While thesemajor companies may not pay heedto the cries of repair shops, they areinfinitely more likely to addressthese matters if enough consumersare aware of and take issue with thecompanies practices.

The news report is availableonline at tinyurl.com/p229dv7.

Photo courtesy of wcvb.com

MASSACHUSETTS


AASP/MA hItSNEwS REPoRtoN INSURERINtERFERENCE


As anyone who has met himknows, Gary Cloutier is acharacter. A man with a heartof gold and a personality to boot, itsno wonder that Garys shop matcheshis persona.

Sitting out in front of Cloots AutoBody in Westfield is a classic 1950spickup truck, decorated to fit the up-coming holiday.

The idea to put the truck outthere came up a few years back while Iwas at a family gathering, saysCloutier. It took me almost ninemonths to find something like what Iwas looking for. I finally spotted oneon Craigslist from Connecticut andpicked it up. It was in pieces, so I hadto work on it between jobs at the shop.Within a week, I had it put togetherand lettered up. Eventually, I came upwith the idea that we should decorateit for the holidays, starting out with

the major ones. More and more peo-ple started to notice, which was my intention.

The shop would constantly getcomments from customers about howmuch they enjoyed the truck on thefront lawn. For Halloween last year,Cloutier dressed the old vehicle upwith inflatable figures, fake skeletons,Styrofoam tombstones and more.Cloutiers wife, Liz, spent nearlyseven hours decorating their shop cen-terpiece. But very soon after the dress-ings went up, they were stolen, brokenor strewn across the lawn. It hadclearly been vandalized.

The next step for Cloutier was topurchase a camera to set up outside.They put up new decorations, hid themotion-activated camera in somecornstalks and closed up shop for thenight. That Monday, their fake witchhad her head turned backwards, theirinflatable cat was cut up, the tomb-stones were smashed and the camerawas missing.

Ever active in social media, thedisgruntled shop owner made a videoexplaining his situation and posted iton the shops Facebook page.

Last time I checked, the videohad over 32,000 views, Cloutier ex-plained. The Internet-based exposurehelped him reach a new audience, asmembers of the media soon reachedout to cover the story. Channel 40,Channel 22 and more called to ask if they could do a segment on the vandalized truck.

A few days after the stories aired,

a gentleman strolled into the shopwith a box full of Halloween decorations.

This guy came in and told methat his girlfriend had seen my storyon Facebook and felt bad about my situation, Cloutier recalls. She wentout and bought decorations to donateto us. It was totally unexpected. Forsomeone to spend their own moneyfor something like that to help anotherperson is so moving. They took thetime to buy the decorations and comedown here to us. Another womandrove down with her three sons just totell us how much her children lovedthe truck. The amount of peoplewatching this was far more than I evereven imagined. My wife went to getlunch the other day and was bom-barded by people who asked her if we caught the vandals and how were going to decorate the truck forThanksgiving. We knew people likedit, but we didnt realize how manypeople were looking at it. You cantput a price on that.

Cloutier is overwhelmed by thecommunitys response to his situation,and he is thankful for the people whohave stepped up to help.

These people took the time tostand up and say, Im sorry this hap-pened to you, he says. It goes toshow that there are probably evenmore people who thought about doingthe same but werent able to take thetime to do so. Were grateful for thatkindness in our customers and in ourcommunity.


CoMMUNIty IN ChARIty:hEARtwARMINg DoNAtIoNSMADE FollowINg vANDAlISM


MASSACHUSETTS


Local resident Robert Isbell (pictured with GaryCloutier and Gary's wife, Liz) graciously donatedreplacement decorations to Cloot's Auto Body

after hearing about the shop's situation.

Isbell's girlfriend Becky Check added this specialmessage to the items donated to Cloot's.


loCAl boDy ShoP RECogNIzED FoR ChARIty towARDS vEtERANS

With Thanksgiving just behind usand the winter holidays approaching,this is a time when many stop and reflecton all of the things theyre thankful for and think about those who have notbeen as fortunate. Throughout the year,James Marshall of Marshalls AutobodyExperts in Billerica gives as much as hecan to those who have given their time and often much more to defend ourcountry.

Having been a member of the AirForce in the 1980s during a time ofpeace, Marshall feels a sense of responsi-bility to give to those who were not af-forded the same luxury.

For me, I was serving our countryout of a desire to be patriotic and to giveback, he explains. Because we werentin the contingency situation, I feel like Ihad an easier time and an easier tour ofduty maybe even to the point where itwas tremendously enjoyable. Some ofour soldiers today and in the past havesuffered so greatly, whereas I neverhave. I want to do anything I can withinmy means to take some of the daily painthey go through away from them and toshow them respect and thanks for whattheyve done. Because I was never put tothat challenge, sometimes I feel a littleguilty.

If there had been any debt remain-ing, Marshall would have paid it off, andthen some. Over the years, he has partic-ipated in general donations for soldiers,contributed to specific programs such asiPods for Wounded veterans and per-sonally visited Walter Reed NationalMilitary Medical Center in Bethesda,MD to deliver entertainment devicesand letters from elementary school stu-dents to wounded veterans. Addition-ally, he raised $35,000 for the hospital.

There are so many big needs thatthese returning soldiers have finan-cially, he says. When theyre disabled,the government cant provide for themto have the same level of living when

they come back to live comfortably. Theyhave copays, apparatuses and more thatthey cant always afford.

Marshalls efforts have not gone un-noticed. For all that he has given back tothe soldiers who put everything theyhave on the line for our country, he wasrecognized by Care Dimensions, a hos-pice that provides end-of-life care to vet-erans, during their We Honor Veteransbreakfast in Waltham on November 12.Additionally, Marshall and his wife,Dawn, were recognized by State Repre-sentative Marc Lombardo, who nomi-nated them for the 2015 RetailersAssociation of Massachusetts Award ofExcellence for Community Service onNovember 19.

But for Marshall, its not about theawards or the recognition.

Someone has to stand up andshake hands and take the award fromthe person, and it just happened to beme this time, he states. But its agroup-entrenched effort every time wedo something. When people read this orhear about this, they may be inspired todo something. Thats how things getpaid forward. It doesnt take a lot of

money; it takes a village. It takes a lot of people doing a little bit of work, and then it just expands so fast. Its unbelievable.

Marshall has seen firsthand how a community can come together to improve the life of another person.During one of his visits to Walter ReedNational Military Medical Centerthree years ago, Marshall met veteranMichael Shoemaker, who was suffer-ing from a cranial contusion and abroken knee. They remained in con-tact with one another.

Paul Lashua, one of Marshalls ap-praisers (who was also a veteran andequally interested in aiding those whohave returned home from war), ex-plained that a man he knew by thename of Brian Maloney wanted to donate $5,000 to send a veteran on va-cation. Marshall suggested a differentidea. Michael Shoemakers churchwas in the process of building the vet-eran a home as a way of thanking himfor his service. After some discussion,Lashua, Marshall, Maloney and fellowdonor Mary Ellen Barry decided thatthe $5,000 was better donated towardsfurnishing Shoemakers new home.They reached out to a number of otherbody shop owners, and $5,000 quicklyturned into $18,500. Even thoughShoemaker lives out in Chicago, agroup of Massachusetts shop ownersand appraisers were able to make adifference, even from almost 1,000miles away.

Marshall extends warm thanks toall of the businesses that donated tothis cause and that continue to joinhim in these endeavors, and to thefriends and family who have workedwith him. He also thanks his RotaryClub, who take on any project anymember is passionate about with enthusiasm.



Michael Shoemaker and his familywere greatly appreciative of the gift

bestowed to them by James Marshalland other local businesses.

MASSACHUSETTS




COVER STORY

On November 14, AASP/MA hosted its 8th AnnualCasino Night at the Putnam Club at Gillette Sta-dium in Foxboro. Returning to the incrediblevenue for a second year, the Saturday night event offeredspecial tours of the stadium, incredible food and hours ofgaming. This years Casino Night included an extensiveSilent Auction with a slew of breathtaking sports memora-bilia such as items autographed by legendary athletes. Ad-ditionally, attendees had an opportunity to win an array ofraffle prizes including New England Patriots vs. New YorkGiants tickets for MetLife Stadium donated by Thomas

Greco Publishing, beautiful pedal cars donated by ColonialFord, a Windows 8 tablet donated by CCC InformationServices, tickets to see Pippin donated by Lexus of Water-town and a lottery tree donated by Linders, Inc. Addition-ally, Raffle Sponsors Balise, Lynch Associates andSpraybooth Services & Equipment Sales, LLC providedprizes including a Discovery Drone with an HD camera, aGroPro HERO starter bundle, an Apple Watch Sport, fourlift tickets to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, a YankeeCandle gift basket and a Ticketmaster gift card.

AASP/MA-exclusive tours of the

stadium included time at the new

Optum Club.Raffle winner Rosann Caliento (Gonnello SEO) tookhome a Lottery Tree donated by Linders, Inc.

Cape Auto Bodys Kevin Gallerani w

as the

high bidder of a photo signed by M

alcolm

Butler.


Casino Night gave attendees an up-close-and-personal

view of Gillette Stadium.

Appreciative AASP/MA Board members gather with representatives from High Roller Sponsor Ira Motor Group (Left to right: Ben Irving, Matt Leonard,Darlene Andrade, Kevin Gallerani, Molly Brodeur, Hans Jean-Louis, Ray Belsito, Jr., Alex Falzone, Tom Ricci, Kevin Kyes, Rick Starbard and Paul Hendricks).

Raffle winner Mike Berggoli (right) and guest Joe Minardi enjoyingthe New England Patriots vs. New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium, a prize donated by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. (Photo courtesy of Rick Starbard)

The assorted AASP/MA Board members with representatives from Tournament Sponsor Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Tim Varitimos (far right), Steve Pacios(second from right) and Andrea Kershaw (fourth from left).



Congratulationsto this yearsCasino Nightwinners (clockwise from top left)Texas Holdem(sponsored by Best Chevrolet in memory of JimSimeone, with trophies and gift cards donated bythe AASP/MA Western Chapter):

First Place Sidney Urena (LKQ)Second Place John Lundy (Imperial Parts)Third Place Jim Boughner (Weymouth Automall)

High Roller(sponsored by Ira Toyota of Danvers)Tim Varatimos (Enterprise Rent-A-Car)

Board member Darlene Andradewon the Silent Auction forCrossing the Charles.

Silent Auction winner Patrick Cibotti (Boston Body Works) took home threeBoston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs tickets autographed by Johnny Bucyk.

Silent Auction item winner Rick Starbard with the Welcome toBoston, Loozah! issue of ESPN

with Belichicks address. Tom Ricci with the Patrice Bergerom-signed photo

he scored at the Silent Auction

Rob Harlan of LKQ won the Silent Auction for a photosigned by Superbowl champion Rob Gronkowski.

Jay OBrien (Cape Auto Body)took home a Bose SoundlinkMini BLUETOOTH Speaker II

donated by the Raffle Sponsors.

Ken DeLuze (DeLuze Collision Center)won a fire truck pedal car donated by

Dana Nevens of Colonial Ford.

Jamie Benge of Accurate Collision, Inc.went home with a police pedal car donated

by Dana Nevens of Colonial Ford.

MASSACHUSETTS




Gaming Table SponsorsBernardi Auto GroupFinishMaster Corp.LKQ/Keystone AutomotiveLombard EquipmentThomas Greco Publishing, Inc.General SponsorsAASP/MA Western ChapterPaster, Rice & Castleman



NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten

On November 5, the Society of Collision Repair Special-ists (SCRS) welcomed automotive leaders and professionalsfrom around the globe for the 2015 OEM Collision RepairTechnology Summit. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Cen-ter during the 2015 SEMA Show, the all-day event offeredvarious discussions devoted to the past, present and futureof OEM technologies and repair procedures.

Not surprisingly, a fair amount of the Summit focusedon how aluminum is driving innovation within the automo-tive industry even if its use is not as revolutionary as somein the industry might believe.

Aluminum has been involved in the auto industry sincethe inception of the auto industry, offered Doug Richman,vice president of engineering and technology for Kaiser Alu-minum. Vehicles in the early 1900s had aluminum bodies...Its not new.

According to Richman, repairers need to become betterprepared to handle vehicles with more than one material, asthe days of monolithic autos will soon come to an end.

The multi-material approach to vehicle design is nowthe norm in Detroit, he said.

Naturally, an increase in the use of aluminum and othercomplex materials has increased the demand for specializedexpertise. Mark Allen, collision programs and workshopequipment specialist for Audi of America, noted that todaysstudents are expected to demonstrate greater skills in theclassroom than ever before.

When we give our welding training, one of the thingsthat we do is x-ray the samples, he offered. [Theres an]old adage, If it looks good, it must be a good weld, [but] x-rays dont lie.

Repair technicians hoping to competently work intodays industry must also be aware that some modern vehi-cles have millions of lines of software code.

A lot of people love to say that todays cars and trucksare computers on wheels. Well, thats not true; theyre

six computers, of-fered SEMA Vice Presi-dent of Vehicle TechnologyJohn Waraniak, who added that cars like the Ford GT areknown to generate as much 100 gigabytes of data everyhour.

Clearly, if repairers are not regularly performing full sys-tem scans on the vehicles in the shop, they could be causingirreparable harm to those jobs. According to OEM Summitpanelist Jake Rodenroth (director of client services for Colli-sion Diagnostic Services), jobs involving bumper covers andpaintless dent repair have among the highest numbers ofcodes in the industry. If a tech ignores or is simply unawareof these codes, a repair that appears correct at first glancecould actually cause the disconnection of a backup camera,blind spot detector or another critical safety component.

Later in the day, Summit participants tackled questionssubmitted by the audience. Responding to a request forfeedback on the ever-controversial topic of salvage parts,American Honda Co. Instructional Designer Chris Tobiemade his feelings known.

We dont know where that [salvaged] parts been, hecautioned. We have no idea where that part came out of.Has it been in a wreck before? Was it up in the Salt Belt? Allthose things are going to affect the integrity of that parts fu-ture.

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit was de-signed to put SEMA show attendees in a room with innova-tors in automotive structural design and technology. TheSummits focus was on emerging trends in vehicle construc-tion and technology and how both of those aspects influencevehicle repairability and collision industry preparation. Forinformation on upcoming SCRS-hosted events (includingthe annual Repairer Roundtable on April 20 at the Double-Tree by Hilton SeaTac in Seattle), visit scrs.com.

oEM SUMMIt Explores NewMaterials & Repair demands

MASSACHUSETTS


Doug Richman of Kaiser Aluminum discussedthe evolution of multi-material vehicle design.

SEMAs John Waraniak offered insight into thecomplexity of todays computerized vehicles.

Audis Mark Allen stressed the importanceof properly testing aluminum welds.


THOMAS GRECO PUBLISHING, INC.Launches RedesignedWebsite

For over 25 years, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. hasprovided the automotive repair field with regional, industry-focused and association-specific publications. Recently, TGP (the team behind New England Automotive Report, as well as New Jersey Automotive, Hammer & Dolly,AASP-MN News, Wisconsin Automotive News and theNORTHEAST Conference Journal) launched a new, completely redesigned website. The innovative upgradeddesign of grecopublishing.com features a multitude of updates, including a refreshed interface with a modern aes-thetic, an easily navigable archive of old and new titles, in-formation about their numerous services and more.

Like the associations we partner with [AASP/NJ,AASP/MA, WMABA, AASP-MN and WACTAL], our company is always looking for ways to evolve and advancethe industries we serve, says Thomas Greco, founder andpresident of TGP. By creating a website that is full of edu-cational, informative and entertaining content that is easyto navigate on every platform, we feel we are well preparedfor the ever-changing technical advancements the futurebrings.

Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. provides a number ofservices to the automotive repair field including theirmonthly and quarterly publications, advertising, trade showmanagement and administrative services. To find out moreabout TGP or the NORTHEAST 2016 Automotive ServicesShow, visit the new website at grecopublishing.com.

Networking.

Education.Innovation.

Technology.

ITS ALL HERE.AASP/NJs

March 18, 19, 20, 2016Meadowlands Exposition Center

Secaucus, NJ

www.aaspnjnortheast.com

New England Automotive Report December 2015 45MASSACHUSETTS



On November 4, AASP/MA Presi-dent Molly Brodeur and Executive Di-rector Jillian Zywien represented theassociation at the AASP NationalBoard meeting in Las Vegas, NV. Heldduring the 2015 SEMA Show, themorning gathering provided AASPstate affiliate representatives fromacross the US an opportunity to pro-vide reports on their associations indi-vidual efforts and gain insight intowhat their peers in other areas aredoing to improve the collision repairindustry.

In her report, Zywien outlined anespecially active time for AASP/MA,with recent work on Beacon Hill in-cluding providing written and oral tes-timony in support of the long-runningLabor Rate Bill (Hope at the StateHouse: AASP/MA Brings Labor RateCampaign Back to Boston, NEAR,September 2015), participating in a lis-tening session on Division of Insur-ance regulations (AASP/MAParticipates in Regulatory ListeningSession, NEAR, September 2015) andpromoting a bill that would better pro-tect a consumers existing vehicle war-ranty (Fighting for the Consumer:AASP/MA Submits Written Testimonyon Senate Bill 134, NEAR, November2015).

Zywien also updated attendees onthe recent appointment by Massachu-setts Governor Charlie Baker of threenew members to the Auto DamageAppraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) AASP/MA mainstay and formerAASP National President Rick Star-bard (Ricks Auto Collision, Revere),industry veteran Bill Johnson (ownerof Pleasant Street Auto Body in SouthHadley and current president of theStatewide Towing Association) andauto insurer representative Lyle Pare (Plymouth Rock Assurance

Corporation). The current in-carnation of the ADALB hasbeen making headlines latelyfor a number of actions includ-ing the rescinding of the previ-ous Boards Advisory Ruling that aphoto or video was considered a per-sonal inspection for initial appraisalpurposes (ADALB Rescinds Contro-versial Advisory Ruling, NEAR, Sep-tember 2015 ). Zywien noted thatAASP/MA considers the ADALBs re-vised position on this matter a consid-erable victory for the states auto bodyindustry.

[The old Ruling] opened the doorfor a non-licensed individual to takephotos and videos and turn them in,and the insurer would send him or hera check, she explained. It alsoopened the door for insurers to ignorethe $1,500 deductible as outlined byour regulations in Massachusetts. Wewere thrilled that they decided to re-scind that Ruling.

Additionally, the ADALB issued acrucial Advisory Ruling relative to theutilization of used suspension parts(ADALB Issues Advisory Ruling onUsed Parts, NEAR, November 2015).

In their opinion, the use of usedsuspension parts...may impact the occupational safety of the vehicle, Zywien said.

Following Zywiens report,Brodeur discussed the associations ef-forts to build membership (including asoon-to-be-implemented monthly sub-scription for dues) and provided asummary of a number of recent keyevents in the Commonwealth. Held onSeptember 11, the AASP/MA MidStateBBQ (MidState BBQ Offers Fun inSupport of Education, NEAR, No-vember 2015) raised thousands forarea vocational programs. Coordinatedin partnership with the Collision

Repair Education Foundation, thefunds are used to outfit select schoolsin the state with epoxy floor coating.

The students do all the labor,said Brodeur of the coating process.We just help them secure all the prod-ucts necessary so they can do it.

On October 24, AASP/MA joinedthe New England Service Station andAuto Repair Association (NESSARA)to co-host the 2015 New England Au-tomotive Repair Expo (see page 23).Encouraged by the success of this ini-tial joint venture, Brodeur expressedAASP/MAs desire to work with thegroup again in the future.

[NESSARA] has some memberswho are interested in having access tocollision information and education,she said. Were in the beginningstages of talking about what a relation-ship with them might look like goingforward.

In addition to providing AASPstate affiliates an opportunity to sharenews on their recent activities, themeeting showcased the ongoing col-laboration between the national associ-ation and the Society of CollisionRepair Specialists. SCRS Executive Di-rector Aaron Schulenburg gave a guestpresentation to update affiliate repre-sentatives on the work the nationalgroups are doing together via theDatabase Enhancement Gateway(DEG) to address database issues withthe three major Information Providers.

AASP/MA REPRESENtED At NAtIoNAl AFFIlIAtE MEEtINg

NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten

Top: AASP/MA PresidentMolly Brodeur discussed

ongoing efforts to grow membership.

AASP/MA provided an update onthe associations legislative work.

50 December 2015 New England Automotive Reportcontinued on pg. 62


On November 3-6, more than170,000 people got lucky in Las Vegas.

Drawing in crowds from aroundthe globe, the 2015 SEMA Show offeredfour incredible days of everything youcould possibly want in the automotiveworld. From high-quality training andseminars hosted by the Society of Colli-sion Repair Specialists (SCRS) tobreathtaking hot rods and celebrity ap-pearances, the Las Vegas ConventionCenter housed a celebration of cars andthe people who love them.

For the sixth year running, theShows Collision Repair & Refinish sec-tion boasted some of the most popularvendors in the field.

What stands out to us aboutSEMA is obviously the booth traffic, theexcitement of the attendees and thevenue, offered Kurt Lammon, presi-dent of exhibitor Urethane Supply Co.,from the Show floor. Urethane SupplyCo. came back to SEMA in 2013, andweve been blown away by howstrongly it was supported by the indus-try. Its also very well managed, andthey put a good show on. Traffic is re-ally the best thing for an exhibitor, butthe support we receive throughout the

process is very helpful.This year, Lammons company dis-

played its new 6066-CG Nitrocell Ni-trogen Plastic Welder at its SEMAbooth. Urethane Supply introduced thefirst commercialized nitrogen plasticwelder to the collision repair industryin 2006; the 6066-CG Nitrocell is thenewest version.

SEMAs been great; weve gottena lot of traffic to our booth from all overthe country, he said. Weve gottenlots of good distributor coverage; justabout all of our major distributors arehere.

Speaking from her companys im-pressive booth in Central Hall, BASFAutomotive Refinish Marketing Serv-ices Manager Tina Nelles also had afantastic time at the Convention Center.

This has been a really good weekfor BASF, she said. We had severaldifferent activities to expand our pres-ence at SEMA. In addition to havingour main BASF booth in Central Hall,we added a smaller booth in the Colli-sion Repair section that focused on ourvalue-added tools and services. We alsopartnered with Custom Upfits in theoutdoor booth to perform spray demos.It has been an extremely busy weekwith a lot of excitement from all direc-tions, allowing us a great deal of expo-sure. Our guests at the booth includedJay Leno, Chip Foose and RichardPetty; everyone had a lot of good con-versations and a great time interactingwith one another. Were looking for-ward to seeing the positive results fromour participation in this years Show.

(Leno, Foose and Petty werent theonly big names to visit SEMA. Othercelebs spotted throughout the week

include Social Distortion singer/guitarist Mike Ness, pro skateboarderTony Hawk and TV personality GuyFieri.)

In meeting rooms through the Con-vention Centers North Hall, SEMAcollision repair attendees had an op-portunity to take in dozens of RepairerDriven Education (RDE) courses cour-tesy of SCRS. This years extensive listof presenters included New England Automotive Report Technical WriterLarry Montanez (Aluminum DamageAnalysis and Joining Methods, Post-Repair Inspections), Tim Ronak of Ak-zoNobel (Getting Paid for Investing inFacility, Equipment & Training), Cali-fornia-based instructor Toby Chess(Welding Technologies A Compre-hensive Tutorial on Modern Equip-ment, Repair PlanningConsiderations for Welding Compo-nents) and Mike Anderson of Colli-sionAdvice (Business Financials:Balance Sheets, Income Statements andCash Flow), among many others.

continued on pg. 55TV legend Jay Leno stopped by the BASFbooth to meet his fellow auto enthusiasts.

NATIONAL NEWS

REPAIRER DRIVEN:The Industry Hits SEMA 2015

REPAIRER DRIVEN:The Industry Hits SEMA 2015

by Joel Gausten

World-famous restaurateur and TV host GuyFieri at the House of Kolor booth



Additionally, SCRS presented aslew of special events and activitiesthat gave collision repair industry at-tendees a chance to experience evenmore. The OEM Collision Repair Tech-nology Summit (see page 44) continuedto be a crowd favorite, while the No-vember 5 Repairer Driven Education(RDE) Sky Villa After-party allowedhundreds of guests a rare opportunityto relax in one of the citys most opu-lent locations. Other industry-relatedevents held during the week includedan AASP National Meeting on Novem-ber 4 (see page 50).

AASP/MA Executive Director Jil-lian Zywien believes that participatingin the AASP National meeting providesvalue to her as a regional associationleader.

As a state affiliate of a national as-sociation, we are afforded the opportu-nity to have a unique perspective of theindustry, she says. We work hardwithin the state to advance initiativesthat benefit our member shops, and we have other state partners doing thesame. Additionally, we have a parentorganization monitoring national regu-latory and legislative projects thatcould ultimately affect shops. Its im-portant that association leaders cometogether to understand threats andprovide solutions based on our sharedexperiences.

I definitely think theres tremen-dous value in being at the table forthese Board meetings, addsAASP/MA President Molly Brodeur.Its a very intimate way to be able toget a handle on what the other AASPaffiliates are working on in their indi-vidual states and markets. All of thegroups bring something unique to thetable.

SEMA 2015 also demonstrated theongoing relationship between AASPand SCRS. In addition to working to-gether in overseeing and promotingthe Database Enhancement Gateway(DEG), AASP National served as asponsor of SCRS RDE Series.

Weve always had such a great re-lationship with AASP and really viewthem as a sister organization to ours,says SCRS Executive Director AaronSchulenburg. I think we always havea very similar vision [for] the industryand perspective on where the industryneeds to go, so its really great to have

their support. Theyre the only othergroup of their nature thats involvedfrom a support standpoint in this pro-gram. For us, its really nice to be ableto show the industry that theres somecollaboration there and they supportthe programs that were putting to-gether.

Having a partnership with an-other national group such as SCRS isanother avenue of information, com-ments Brodeur. Aaron really has hisfinger on the pulse of whats going onin this industry across the country, andtheyre very effective in getting that in-formation out to repairers. At a stateand national level, AASP recognizesthe importance of having synergy be-tween the two groups.

With the energy produced by thisunforgettable event still being feltthroughout the industry, it is no sur-prise that Zywien encourages theAASP/MA community to attend nextyears SEMA.

Think of the largest trade showevent you have ever attended and thenmultiply that by 10 that would beSEMA, she says. Its impossible to

see everything SEMA has to offer; ifyou are afforded the opportunity, its amust-attend event. AASP/MA, in con-junction with NESSARA, plans to bringa similar trade show event to our mem-bership again next year. Please look toour newsletters and future New Eng-land Automotive Report articles for a cal-endar of events.

Additional information on SEMAis available at semashow.com.


MASSACHUSETTS


NATIONAL NEWS

This 1915 Ford Model T was one of hundredsof classic cars displayed at SEMA 2015.



entire industry. Please join in the fight today. We have several new membership options including monthly andquarterly payments. Call AASP/MA today, fill out the application included on page 58 of this issue or visitaaspma.org.

Sincerely,

Jillian Zywien, Executive Director

AASP/MAExecutive Director Jillian Zywien has been a senior account executive at Lynch Associates for over sixyears. She can be reached at (617) 574-0741 or via email

at [email protected].

MASSACHUSETTS


A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORcontinued from pg. 11


As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA), I will abide by the associations bylaws and code ofethics. I understand that membership in AASP of Massachusetts is non-transferable, and I must remain current with my dues in order to be a member in good standing. I understand that if I discontinue my membership that I must immediately cease using any association promotions,logos or materials. Additionally, I understand that as part of my AASP of Massachusetts membership, I will receive New England Automotive Report, the official publication of AASP of Massachusetts, faxes, emails and other mailings.

2016 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

BUSINESS INFORMATION:

Mr. Mrs. Ms.Business Representative Name: ______________________________

Business Name ____________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP TYPE

REPAIRER MEMBER (check one)Collision Repair ShopMechanical Repair ShopBoth, Collision & Mechanical Repair ShopsOther Repair Shop

SUPPLIER/ASSOCIATE MEMBER (check one)Auto Paint/Crash Parts/Auto Parts/WholesalerEquipment/Tool SupplierManufacturer/Sales AgentServices (Computers, Software, Vehicle Rental, Other)

LIST OTHER SPECIALTIES ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

What benefits motivated you to join AASP of Massachusetts?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

PERSONAL INFORMATION:Name ____________________________________________________Nickname ________________________________________________ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES (The AASP membership year is from January 1 to December 31, 2016)

$40/month $115/quarter $425/year - bESt vAlUE!Monthly & Quarterly Dues are Automatic Credit Card Transactions ONLY*

NEW! Political Action Committee (PAC)Donation ...............$_____Check or Cash Credit Card: Visa MasterCard Amex

Card Number: __________________________________________CID Number: ____________Expiration Date: ________________________________________Name on Card: __________________________________________Billing Address of Credit Card: ____________________________________________________________________________________Signature: ______________________________________________Date: __________________________________________________

*** PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY ***

12 Post office Square, 6th Floor boston, MA 02109Phone: (617) 574-0741 | Fax: (617) 695-0173|[email protected]

FoR oFFICE USE oNlyCheck Number ______________________________Check Date ________________________Check Amount ______________________________Date Joined ______________________________Member Number ______________________Next bill Date ______________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ( )____________________________________ Fax Number ( ) __________________________________________

E-mail Address ________________________________________ Web Site Address ____________________________________________

Enrolled By (Name and Address) ________________________________________________________________________________________

Street City State Zip

Street City State Zip

Just like good tools and equipment, membership in AASP of Massachusetts is avaluable investment. AASP of Massachusetts works for you through

such outstanding programs as: (1) management and technical training; (2) discount uniform rental; and (3) a wide variety of other business services.

Put AASP of Massachusetts to work for you today. COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND

RETURN IT WITH PAYMENT TO AASP OF MASSACHUSETTS.

As required by the U.S. Tax Code, AASP of Massachusetts, Inc. informs its members that 75% of the dues paid to the associationare tax deductible. The remaining 25% is allocated to legislative activities and is not tax deductible.

MASSACHUSETTS


(3#s on back for Visa, 4 on front for AMEX)

*Additional authorization form needed. Please contact AASP/MA Office.



www.firsthyundai.com www.firstfordma.com www.firstchryslerma.com

Prompt & Dependable DeliveryParts Line:508.699.4700Fax Line: 508.699.4761Parts Hours:Mon-Sat: 7:30-5:00270 East Washington St. North Attleboro, MA 02760

Experienced andProfessional Parts TeamParts Line:774.888.6666Fax Line: 508.673.6338Parts Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:30-5:00292 William S. Canning Blvd. Fall River, MA 02721

Ask about ourCompetitive PricesParts Line:508.316.8410Fax Line: 508.316.8397Parts Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:30-5:00280 East Washington St. North Attleboro, MA 02760




Allen Mello Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ......15AP Media ........................................................56Audi Group ....................................................48Audi Shrewsbury ..........................................52Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram..............8Balise Wholesale Parts Express ....................21Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ..................61Bernardi Group ........................................32-33Best Chevrolet/Best CDJR..........................IFCBMW Group ..............................................26-27BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................61Clay Subaru ....................................................61Colonial Auto Group ....................................29Empire Auto Parts..........................................55Enterprise ........................................................10First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................59First Ford ........................................................59First Hyundai..................................................59Ford Group ......................................................9Future Cure ....................................................17G&M New England LLC ..............................56Honda Group..................................................22Hyundai Group..............................................54Imperial Ford..................................................43Infiniti of Norwood........................................31Ira Group....................................................12-13J&R Auto Body Supply Co. ............................6Kelly Automotive Group............................IBCKia Group........................................................40Linders, Inc. ..................................................62Long Automotive Group ..........................OBCMazda Group..................................................43Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury ....................52Mopar Group..................................................41Nissan Group..................................................51NORTHEAST 2016 ......................................45PPG ....................................................................3Robertsons GMC Truck ................................57Sarat Ford Lincoln..........................................23Sentry Group ..................................................49Subaru Group............................................46-47Tasca Group ....................................................35Toyota Group..................................................42Village Auto Group........................................16VW Group ......................................................60Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury ......................52Wagner Kia of Shrewsbury ..........................52Wellesley Toyota/Scion ................................59

AD INDEX

AUTAUT MM TIVETIVEN E WN E W E N G L A N DE N G L A N D

continued from pg. 50

These endeavors include continueddiscussions with IPs on more globalissues as well, with topics such as rawbumper prep, mechanical times inap-propriately categorized as body, theability to capture specialty LaborRates (such as aluminum), weldingtimes on advanced structures andfeather, prime and block. Many of themore macro-level issues have been

generated from feedback on the DEGTop 10 list.

More information on AASP National is available at autoserviceproviders.com.

MASSACHUSETTS


NATIONAL NEWS


new england automotive report december 2015

Documents