Collision Repairers Only Meeting - ASRW Announces Launch of The Auto Body Repairers Assembly

ASRW PRESS CONTACT:     
Shelby Hausler                                      
888-529-1641 / 972-536-6318          
www.ASRWevents.com
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASRW Announces Launch of The Auto Body Repairers Assembly
New, complimentary event exclusively for collision repairers

Dallas/Sept. 10, 2012 –  Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) is pleased to announce a new special event to be launched in New Orleans  – Auto Body Repairers Assembly. The Auto Body Repairers Assembly is limited strictly to qualified collision repairers and will take place Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 4:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. at the Morial Convention Center. Admission is complimentary for repair professionals, and registration is available online for the event.

The urgent need for collision repairers to have a forum to openly discuss their issues amongst their peers was brought to the attention of ASRW organizers by repair community leaders across the industry. In response, “The Auto Body Repairers Assembly” was created as an inaugural event and hosted as a natural extension of the activities that take place during ASRW.  Depending upon repairer response and interest, future events will be scheduled and The Assembly will become an ongoing venue for repairers to ensure their voice is heard.

“Like other organizations, repairers need their place to openly discuss issues important to them without filters and having to be politically correct,” stated Scott Biggs, Assured Performance Network CEO.

The event will not only provide an outlet for repairers to discuss operational issues and challenges, but will also create solutions through engagement of other key industry professionals.  Repairers and repair organizations are encouraged to bring their issues to the assembly and share their opinions.  The format is designed to funnel the issues and opinions of the assembly into resolutions, action items, and directed feedback depending upon the issue.

“As an event dedicated solely to the professional collision repair industry, NACE is a natural choice, and we’re happy to provide a home to launch this event,” said Ron Pyle, ASA president.

The “repairer only” aspects are a central theme and driving force for this event and the vision for future events.  To gain entry to the meeting, attendees must be verified collision repair professionals; a shop owner, management, employee or official representative of a repair business.  No exceptions will be allowed, and no one else will be permitted to attend the meeting (including other ASRW attendees, exhibitors and press). Prior registration, official credential requirements and security have been added to ensure compliance.

Steps will be taken to ensure The Assembly is in compliance with all Anti-Trust Guidelines.

About the Events
ASRW is scheduled for Oct. 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. and includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), which makes it the industry’s leading event for dedicated professionals to conduct business, network and engage in industry issues. The Tradeshow News Network (TSNN) recognized ASRW as a 2011 Top 250 U.S. trade show. Online housing and attendee registration are open, and provides a variety of hotel options within the vicinity of the Morial Convention Center.

NACE – the world’s collision repair event – represents the only B2B event of its kind specifically designed for collision repair industry professionals from around the globe. NACE features a comprehensive educational Conference and Exposition with hundreds of diverse exhibiting companies displaying the latest equipment, products, services and technology available to today’s collision repair industry.

CARS – the premier event for automotive service professionals – features a high-quality education lineup led by industry leaders, along with an exhibitor showcase of automotive service and repair related equipment, products and services.

The ASRW media center is sponsored by searchautoparts.com/ABRN.

ASRW is produced for ASA by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, a division of Hanley Wood, LLC – a premier media and information company. For additional information, contact ASRW at P.O. Box 612128, Dallas, Texas 75261-2128; call (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444; or visit www.ASRWevents.com.

About the Sponsor
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is the sponsor of ASRW and two of its shows, NACE and CARS. ASA is the largest international not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive industry through education, legislative representation and member services. For additional information about ASA or to join, go to www.ASAshop.org.

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ASRW-12-17

ACtion Write Up - Rick Burgard, ACDelco

Thank you for the support, ACDelco! We are excited to announce ACDelco will be a SPONSOR at the Jan 26, 2013 Symposium. 

**Read this great write up on Rick Burgard, ACDelco, who is confirmed to teach a course on the latest in new automotive technology; covering hybrid service concerns, new HVAC features, clutch less compressors government regulations, the latest’s in GM LAN communication, new Scan tool interface, & advanced propulsion Technology

Registration will open soon – mark your calendar!

 

 

Aug. 24 Deadline for Six Scholarships - Hurry!

Contact:                       Toni Slaton                 

                                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 129

                                    tslaton@amionline.org

                                    www.amionline.org

For Release:                 News Bulletin AMI-8

                                    August 2, 2012

AMI Accepting Applications for Six Scholarships

Hurry - Application Deadline is Aug. 24

Bedford, Texas, August 2, 2012 ­— The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the following six scholarships to be awarded this year: the Emil Stanley Merit Award, the BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship, the Gale Westerlund/Richard Cossette Memorial Scholarship, the Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship, the Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Educational Scholarship and the Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship.

Three scholarships help pay expenses for recipients to attend the 2012 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. These scholarships are the Emil Stanley Merit Award, the BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship and the Gale Westerlund/Richard Cossette Memorial Scholarship.

The $1,000 Emil Stanley Merit Award is awarded annually to an individual who works in an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Collision Division member-business in good standing and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education. The 2012 award marks the 22^nd year in which AMI and ASA have honored Emil Stanley with this commemorative management-oriented scholarship.

The $1,000 BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship is also presented annually. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Media, established the scholarship that is awarded to an ASA Collision Division member-business in good standing and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education.

The $1,000 Gale Westerlund/Richard Cossette Memorial Scholarship is offered in conjunction with ASA to honor the contributions these individuals made to AMI, ASA and the collision repair industry.

NACE, the world’s largest collision repair event, is sponsored by ASA and offers world-class exhibits showcasing products and services, an educational lineup of AMI seminars, technical courses and industry sessions and the opportunity to network with other collision industry professionals.

The remaining three annual scholarships help cover expenses for recipients to attend the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. These scholarships are the Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship, the Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Educational Scholarship and the Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship.

The $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship was established by EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Media. It is awarded to an ASA Mechanical Division member-business in good standing and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education.

The $1,000 Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Educational Scholarship was established by EXCEL, in conjunction with AVI, a leader in automotive diagnostic and repair training programs for automotive repair professionals.

The $1,000 Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship was established by EXCEL, in conjunction with Zurich, formerly Universal Underwriters Group. It is awarded to an ASA Mechanical Division member-business in good standing and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education.

CARS, also sponsored by ASA, offers world-class exhibits showcasing products and services, an educational lineup of AMI seminars, technical courses and industry sessions and the opportunity to network with other automotive service professionals.

Additional details and requirements are available on the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, or fill out a scholarship application online at www.amionline.org. Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 24, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Aug. 31, 2012.

AMI was established in 1989 to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 212,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467 ext. 129, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

###

Call for 2013 Symposium Sponsorship Support

SUPPORT US AS A SPONSOR  

Automotive Service Association of Colorado of Colorado, an organization dedicated to the independent automotive industry in Colorado, is in the planning stages of its annual Independent Automotive Professionals Symposium - Jan 26, 2013 at Denver West Marriott, Golden CO.

In the past the success of our event has largely been due to the contributions of our sponsors who have gone out of their way to lend financial and word of mouth support – Efforts resulted in a sold out 2012 Symposium!

We have several different packages for sponsorship.

*Contact kfoster@asacolorado.org or 303-202-5231 to get a event sponsorship packet sent to you.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

ASA Colorado Board of Directors

ASA Calls on State Farm to Show Benefit

Automotive Service Association®
P R E S S   R E L E A S E


Contact:        Angie Wilson
                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 116
                    angie@asashop.org
                  
For Release: Immediate
                   News Release ASA-19

ASA Calls on State Farm to Prove Benefit of Pilot Program from Repairer Perspective

COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS, June 12, 2012 – On May 31, the Automotive Service Association released the facts gathered by the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee relating to the State Farm electronic parts ordering pilot program. The committee has held numerous meetings and conference calls on this issue. Since the release of this information, ASA has continued to represent repairers on this important issue and is working directly with all parties involved to do everything possible on behalf of its members.

            ASA has released its findings and points of concern based on its research. Research to date has included interviews with State Farm, PartsTrader and collision repairers – those who participate in direct repair program agreements (including some who are currently participating in the pilot of this application), and those who don’t participate in DRPs. ASA members across the nation including those in ASA’s affiliated associations, and in particular, ASA’s collision operations committee, have devoted time to address concerns about the State Farm pilot.

            “If this is a ‘win-win’ situation, as stated by State Farm, then now is the time for State Farm to provide the numerical data that specifically identifies any benefit (financially or operationally) to Select Service shops,” said Denise Caspersen, ASA Collision Division manager. “If State Farm is not able to clearly demonstrate the benefits of this pilot application to the repair community, then this application should not move forward.”

            ASA will continue to determine the long-term impact and other immediate concerns that this program application would have on repairers by continuing to stay engaged with all parties involved. To date, ASA has the “details of the application.” Now it is State Farm’s obligation to provide evidence that this program application is beneficial for collision repairers and the motoring public.

           All ASA announcements and documents regarding the State Farm pilot are conveniently located on the association’s website, www.ASAshop.org. Click on “Tools & Resources” (in the blue menu bar on the home page), then “State Farm Pilot Program.” (The site is best viewed using the Firefox browser.)

           “The State Farm pilot of the PartsTrader application has generated a great deal of speculation and commentary from all corners of the collision repair industry, so it was incumbent on ASA to perform comprehensive due diligence on behalf of its members and the repair community at large. The results of that exercise have been published and now we believe the ‘burden of proof’ falls to State Farm to demonstrate the benefit of this program as soon as practically possible,” said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief executive officer.

            Collision repairers may share their concerns, comments and experiences regarding the pilot program by contacting Denise Caspersen at denisec@ASAshop.org, or by phone at (800) ASA-SHOP, ext. 106, or (817) 514-2906 (direct).

            To learn more about ASA’s dedication to service and repair professionals, the value of ASA membership and how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 361.

            The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

# # #

A collection of ASA announcements related to the pilot program is located on the ASA website at www.ASAshop.org (Tools & Resources > State Farm Pilot Program).

Direct link to the release: http://www.asashop.org/ASA/Press_Releases/2012_Press_Releases/2012_asa19.aspx

Attend Pinnacol's Risk Management Symposiums: June 2012

 

Making Colorado a Safer Place to Work: Pinnacol's Risk Management Symposiums

For the third consecutive year, Pinnacol is hosting our Risk Management Symposium. This training is free to Pinnacol policyholders, and will be presented in two locations:

• Denver: June 20 and 21, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
• Grand Junction: June 27, Two Rivers Convention Center

 Select training sessions that might be of interest to ASA Members:

• Effective Safety Training
• Managing Safety Through Good Hiring Practices
• How to Prepare for OSHA Inspections

Questions? Please contact Pinnacol -  Shawna Ratner, shawna.ratner@pinnacol.com, 303.361.4788

**Learn more and view full agendas at:  http://www.pinnacol.com/employer/training

Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act (MVRA)

A Plain English Guide to C.R.S. 42-9-101
Amended effective May 21, 1997
A Service of ASA-Colorado

Note: This is intended to be a simple digest of the Act, as amended May 21, 1997. Please refer to the actual language of the law (C.R.S. 42-9-101) when needed.

The MVRA does not apply to :

• Trucks over 8,500
• Farm Vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Antique cars (25 + years old)
• Collector's items

WRITTEN CONSENT AND ESTIMATE

NO repairs can be made to a vehicle without the written consent of the owner which includes an estimate of repairs.

The estimate MUST include:

• total cost of repairs (excluding sales tax and towing charges)
• completion date
• whether customer wants replaced parts returned
• cost of reassembly (if the customer chooses not to have the work done) and replacement of parts destroyed in disassembly

Exceptions: Consent for repair MUST be written unless:

• customer signs a waiver of right to an estimate
• estimate is after disassembly necessary to determine problem
• estimate is for additional charges
• vehicle is towed in or left before or after business hours, in which case NO MORE THAN $100 WORTH OF PARTS AND LABOR COMBINED IS ALLOWED without owner consent.

To give up the right to an estimate, the customer MUST sign a statement printed in BOLD type: "I DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE ANY ESTIMATE, EITHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, TO WHICH I AM ENTITLED BY LAW. BEFORE REPAIRS ARE AUTHORIZED." Authorization for repairs must be gotten, nonetheless.

If consent is not given at the onset of a business transaction, the motor vehicle repair facility must ORALLY communicate the estimate to the customer, which must then be recorded IN WRITING in specific detail on the invoice and/or repair order.

Specific information to be recorded on the estimate includes:

• Date
• Time of call
• Phone number called
• Manner of consent
• Person's name giving consent
• Employee's name who takes consent

ADDITIONAL REPAIRS

In the case where additional repairs are needed after the original job has begun, the repair facility MUST get the customer's consent, written or oral, BEFORE the work is performed.

Without written or oral consent for the additional repairs, a facility may charge ONLY the estimated cost plus 10% OR $25.00, whichever is LESS. The cost of sub-contract labor and/or parts may be charged because the facility has no control over subcontractor pricing.

DIAGNOSTIC WORK

If a diagnosis must be done before an estimate can be given the customer MUST be given an estimate which includes:

• any charges for the diagnosis
• the cost involved in disassembly
• the cost of reassembly in the event the owner does not want to proceed with the repairs
• the cost of the parts needed to replace those destroyed in disassembly in order to restore the vehicle to its former condition

After the diagnosis is completed, an estimate MUST be given orally to the vehicle owner, following the oral consent procedures.

PARTS

New
Original Equipment
Manufacturer and New NonOrginal Equipment
Manufacturer Parts

The facility MUST note on the work order what type of new part the owner wants installed, if indeed, the owner wants new parts.

Used, Reconditioned or Rebuilt Parts:

Either written or oral consent must be given BEFORE used, reconditioned or rebuilt parts can be installed. A facility cannot charge for new parts if they are not new. The facility MUST note on the work order what type of parts the vehicle owner wants installed.

Return of Replacement Parts:

If requested at the outset, all parts except those warranty parts that MUST be returned to the manufacturer, must be given to the customer IF the customer so request at the time of consenting to or authorizing the repairs.

COMPLETION DATE

The first change in any original completion date MUST BE WRITTEN on the invoice and orally communicated to the customer no more than 24 HOURS after the original date has been missed. Any additional delays MUST be consented to by the customer and recorded pursuant to the oral estimate procedures. If no notification is given, or timely notification is violated, or consent refused, the contract may be cancelled and reassembly WITHOUT COST to the customer is required, unless the customer was previously notified that reassembly is not possible. The customer pays only for those repairs that have been completed with THREE DAYS (a customer can specify a lesser condition of reassembly).

WARRANTY WORK

When doing additional work under a warranty given by a facility for a previous repair, a written notice with the completion date MUST be given to the customer. A facility warranty IS LIMITED to the terms and conditions spelled out in the warranty.

INVOICE

The invoice MUST BE LEGIBLE and a copy given to the customer. The facility must retain a copy of the customer invoice for THREE YEARS. The invoice must include:

• customer's name and address
• vehicle year, make, license number, odometer reading (when brought into the facility and if odometer is functioning and accessible)
• date vehicle brought in
• itemization of charges, taxes, service and handling, shop supplies and materials
• part description (name and number ) and whether new oem, new non-OEM, used, reconditioned or rebuilt and the charge for each part
• labor amount
• name or number of every mechanic involved and which portion of the repairs were done by each
• warranty information if a warranty is given by the facility on the service/part(s) the facility provided

STORAGE CHARGES

A facility MUST have a customer sign a SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT for any and all storage fees. There is no maximum allowable charge, yet the customer MUST agree to the amount in writing. A storage fee can only be charged beginning on the FOURTH DAY after the customer is notified that repairs have been completed.

A facility MAY NOT CHARGE storage fees for Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays and any days the facility is closed for business.

The storage fee authorization MUST BE A SEPARATE DOCUMENT from the work order, estimate or invoice and in BOLD TYPE, state the following:

"A STORAGE FEE MAY NOT BE CHARGED UNLESS A WRITTEN DOCUMENT, FOR AN AMOUNT IS REACHED. A STORAGE FEE MAY BE CHARGED, BEGINNING ON THE FOURTH DAY, IF A MOTOR VEHICLE IS NOT REMOVED WITHIN THREE DAYS AFTER THE CUSTOMER IS NOTIFIED THAT REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED EXCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, LEGAL HOLIDAYS, AND ANY DAYS THE REPAIR FACILITY IS CLOSED FOR BUSINESS."

PENALTIES

Criminal Penalties
For failure to provide the written or oral estimate required or failure to give a correct and complete invoice.
Misdemeanor ($500 - $2000 fine)

For committing a prohibited act such as:

• charging for repairs without consent
• charging in excess of the estimate (plus 10% or $25.00, whichever is less)
• misrepresenting the necessity of repairs
• misrepresenting that a vehicle is in a dangerous condition
• misrepresenting that repairs were done when they were not
• performing unnecessary emissions repairs
• failing to give appropriate notice of a charge in the completion date
• preparing incorrect work orders (without odometer readings which were available)

Misdemeanor ($500 - $2000 fine)

For a violation of any other provisions of the Motor Vehicle Repair Act. Misdemeanor (up to $500 fine)

CUSTOMER'S RIGHT TO SUE

If a customer feels a facility broke the law, they may sue in Small Claims Court, and if the customer wins, they may recover THREE TIMES the amount of the actual damages, but no less than $250.00. Small Claims Court is limited to $5,000.00. A customer may sue in a higher courts to claim more. The courts MAY award attorney's fees and court costs to the winning party in the law suit.

The customer MUST send by certified mail a WRITTEN NOTICE giving the facility 10 days to settle before the customer can file any action in any court. A customer does not give up the right to sue when the bill is paid to get the vehicle back. This DOES NOT mean that the customer has consented to the charges. The customer MUST bring action within ONE YEAR from the time of the notice to the facility.

OTHER LAWS

Consumer Protection Act (6-1-101)

If convicted under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act, the provisions of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act MAY be imposed, including injunctive relief and fines. This is a civil statute co-enforced by the District Attorneys and the Attorney General of the State of Colorado.

Liens - (38-20-106.5)

If a customer stops payment on a check written in payment of repairs or if that check bounces, a facility MUST give written notice by certified mail in which the customer has 12 days to settle any dispute. If not resolved, the facility MAY repossess the vehicle if this can be done without a breach of the peace.

Colorado Waste Tire Recycling Development New Tire Fee

After By-Law Changes, ASA National Seats New Board - Dallas, Texas

May 16, 2012

The Automotive Service Association announced its new board of directors, which was sworn in during the association’s annual business meeting May 7-8.

Ron Nagy of Nagy’s Collision Centers in Orville, Ohio, remains chairman of ASA’s board of directors for 2012-13. Nagy initially assumed the chairman’s post at the conclusion of the 2011 annual business meeting.

Due to a reorganization of the association’s structure and governance, the positions of the board chairman and chairman-elect will now be two-year terms. The board voted and ratified these changes to the bylaws during the annual business meeting.

Jerry Burns of Automotive Impressions Inc. inRio Rancho, N.M., remains as immediate past chairman for one more year. Darrell Amberson, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, Minn., also maintains his position as chairman-elect for one year.

Roy Schnepper of Butler’s Collision Inc. in Roseville, Mich., was elected secretary/treasurer. This position is a one-year term with the possibility of serving a second consecutive one-year term. All other elected officers going forward will serve two-year terms under the new bylaws.

Serving as general directors are Gary Keyes, E&M Motors Inc., Stuart, Fla.; Donny Seyfer, Seyfer Automotive Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colo.; and Bob Wills, Wills Auto Service, Battle Creek, Mich. Serving as affiliate directors are Joel Baxter, B&B Auto and Truck Repair, Bremerton, Wash.; and Mark Gurnsey, Accountable Auto Care Inc., Broomfield, Colo.

The final two board positions are held by ASA’s Collision Division and Mechanical Division directors: Dan Stander, Fix Auto Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Colo. (Collision Division); and Bill Moss, Ferris EuroService Automotive Inc., Warrenton, Va. (Mechanical Division).

Source:  Tire Review - http://www.tirereview.com/Article/100557/after_bylaw_changes_asa_seats_new_board.aspx

Pinnacol policyholders: Risk Management Symposiums: June 2012

For more information and to register, visit the following:  

http://www.pinnacol.com/employer/training
or email shawna.ratner@pinnacol.com, 303-361-4788

AMI Accepting Applications for Host of Scholarships

The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has announced that it is accepting applications for a variety of scholarships:

$1,000 Body Shop Business Magazine Scholarship – Deadline 8/24/12: AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Media, established the scholarship, which is awarded to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Collision Division member who strives to be, or is presently working, in a management capacity. The scholarship money will be applied toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2012 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. To be eligible for the award, applicants must work in the collision repair industry; demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, be recommended by the business owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and the Babcox Scholarship Selection Committee and their employees, are not eligible to apply.

$1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship – Deadline 8/24/12: AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Media, established the scholarship, which is awarded to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently working, in a management capacity. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2012 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. To be eligible for the award, applicants must work in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the business owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and the Babcox Scholarship Selection Committee and their employees, are not eligible to apply.

$1,000 Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Education Scholarship – Deadline 8/24/12: AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with AVI, established the scholarship to help automotive service professionals obtain the management education and technical training essential for success in today’s ever-changing industry. AVI, a leader in automotive diagnostic and repair training programs for automotive repair professionals since 1994, will fund the scholarship. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipients’ expenses to attend the 2012 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age; must have a minimum of two years work experience in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through education and training; and if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the owner. AMI trustees and their employees, and AVI employees, are not eligible to apply.

$1,000 Scholarship to Attend Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Training Conference in Las Vegas – Deadline 8/24/12: AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with AVI, established the scholarship to help automotive service professionals obtain the management education and technical training essential for success in today’s ever-changing industry. AVI, a leader in automotive diagnostic and repair training programs for automotive repair professionals since 1994, will fund the scholarship. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipients’ expenses to attend the 2011 AVI Training Conference in Las Vegas, Oct. 29-30. To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age; must have a minimum of two years work experience in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through education and training; and if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the owner. AMI trustees and their employees, and AVI employees, are not eligible to apply.     
 
$1,000 Richard Cossette/Gale Westerlund Memorial Scholarship – Deadline 8/24/12: The scholarship, offered in conjunction with the Automotive Service Association (ASA), honors the contributions these individuals made to AMI, ASA and the collision repair industry. The scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2012 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. To be eligible for the award, applicants must work in the collision repair industry; demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; own or work for a business that is an ASA Collision Division member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, be recommended by the business owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and the Scholarship Selection Committee and their employees, are not eligible to apply. Richard Cossette owned Lehman’s Garage in Minneapolis, Minn., and was a charter founder of AMI and a $50,000 Charter Counselor contributor to AMI’s EXCEL program. He was the first chairman of EXCEL and was the recipient of AMI’s Annual Recognition Award in 1994. He was awarded an honorary Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation in 1997 to further recognize his commitment and dedication to AMI. He also held numerous leadership positions on the ASA board of directors and was active in several industry organizations until his death in 2002. Gale Westerlund owned Gale’s Auto Center in Blaine, Minn., and was a $25,000 Guarantor contributor to EXCEL. He earned the Institute’s AAM designation in 1993, and also served on the ASA board of directors for many years. He was an active member of ASA and other collision industry organizations until his death in 2005.   

$1,000 Emil Stanley Merit Award Scholarship – Deadline 8/24/12: The scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who works in an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Collision Division member-business and who displays a desire to improve their business skills through management education. The 2012 award marks the 22nd year in which AMI and ASA have honored Emil Stanley with this commemorative management-oriented scholarship. The award recipient will receive $1,000 toward expenses to attend the 2012 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. To be eligible for the award, the applicants must work in the collision repair industry; demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, be recommended by the business owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and the Emil Stanley Scholarship Selection Committee and their employees, are not eligible to apply. ASA established the Emil Stanley Merit Award to honor Mr. Stanley’s lifelong contributions to the automotive service industry. Publisher of Automotive Body Repair News (ABRN) until his death in 1989, he was a strong advocate of NACE and of professionalizing the automotive repair industry. The scholarship is made possible by commitments from ASA to AMI’s resource development effort – EXCEL.

AMI Announces Applications for the $1,000 Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship: Aug. 24 Deadline

Contact:                       Toni Slaton                 

                                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 129

                                    tslaton@amionline.org

                                    www.amionline.org

For Release:                 News Bulletin AMI-5

                                    April 19, 2012

AMI Announces Applications for the $1,000 Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship

Application Deadline is Aug. 24

Colleyville, Texas, April 19, 2012 ­— The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the $1,000 Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Zurich, formerly Universal Underwriters Group, established the scholarship, which is awarded to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently working in a management capacity.

Zurich introduced the scholarship program specifically to address the educational needs of the automotive aftermarket. A leader in the automotive insurance industry, Zurich provides a range of customized products for the automotive aftermarket.

The scholarship will be applied toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2012 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. CARS is sponsored by ASA and offers an educational lineup of AMI seminars, technical training courses and industry sessions, a trade show and the opportunity to network with other automotive service professionals.

To be eligible for the award, the following requirements must be met: applicants must work in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through education and training; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and Zurich and its employees, are not eligible to apply.

To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, or fill out a scholarship application online at www.amionline.org. Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 24, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Aug. 31, 2012.

AMI was established to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 212,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 129, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

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AMI Announces Applications for the $1,000 AVI Education Scholarship: Aug. 24 Deadline

Contact:                       Toni Slaton                 

                                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 239

                                    tslaton@amionline.org

                                    www.amionline.org

For Release:                 News Bulletin AMI-6

                                    April 19, 2012

AMI Announces Applications for the $1,000 AVI Education Scholarship

Application Deadline is Aug. 24

Colleyville, Texas, April 19, 2012 ­— The Automotive Management Institute (AMI), is accepting applications for the $1,000 Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Education Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with AVI established the scholarship to help automotive service professionals obtain the management education and technical training essential for success in today’s ever-changing industry.

      AVI, a leader in automotive diagnostic and repair training programs for automotive repair professionals since 1994, will fund the scholarship.

      The educational scholarship program is aimed at helping to develop quality technicians, managers and shop owners. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipients’ expenses to attend the 2012 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. CARS is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and offers an educational lineup of AMI seminars, technical training courses and industry sessions, a tradeshow and the opportunity to network with other automotive professionals.

      To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age; must have a minimum of two years work experience in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through education and training; and if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the owner. AMI trustees and their employees, and AVI employees, are not eligible to apply.

      To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 1011, or complete the scholarship application online at www.amionline.org. Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 24, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Aug. 31, 2012.

      AMI was established to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 212,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, contact AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 129, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

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AMI Announces Applications for $1,000 Scholarship to Attend the AVI Training Conference in Las Vegas: Aug. 24 Deadline

Contact:                       Toni Slaton                 

                                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 129

                                    tslaton@amionline.org

                                    www.amionline.org

For Release:                 News Bulletin AMI-7

                                    April 19, 2012

AMI Announces Applications for $1,000 Scholarship to Attend the

AVI Training Conference in Las Vegas

Application Deadline is Aug. 24

Colleyville, Texas, April 19, 2012 ­— The Automotive Management Institute (AMI), is accepting applications for the $1,000 Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Education Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with AVI established the scholarship to help automotive service professionals obtain the management education and technical training essential for success in today’s ever-changing industry.

AVI, a leader in automotive diagnostic and repair training programs for automotive repair professionals since 1994, will fund the scholarship.

The educational scholarship program is aimed at helping to develop quality technicians, managers and shop owners. The scholarship will be applied toward the recipients’ expenses to attend the 2011 AVI Training Conference in Las Vegas, Oct. 29-30. The conference offers an educational lineup of technical training courses, AMI management seminars, a vendor area and the opportunity to network with other automotive professionals.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age; must have a minimum of two years work experience in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through education and training; and if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the owner. AMI trustees and their employees, and AVI employees, are not eligible to apply.

To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, or complete the scholarship application online at www.amionline.org. Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 24, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Aug. 31, 2012.

AMI was established to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 212,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, contact AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 129, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

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AMI Accepting Applications for the $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship: Aug. 24 Deadline

Contact:                       Toni Slaton                 

                                    (800) 272-7467, ext. 129

                                    tslaton@amionline.org

                                    www.amionline.org

For Release:                 News Bulletin AMI-4

                                    April 19, 2012

   AMI Accepting Applications for the $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline is Aug. 24

Colleyville, Texas, April 19, 2012 ­— The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the annual $1,000 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Media, established the scholarship, which is awarded to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently working, in a management capacity.

            The scholarship will be applied toward the recipient’s expenses to attend the 2012 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in New Orleans, Oct. 10-13. CARS is sponsored by ASA  and offers an educational lineup of AMI seminars, technical courses and industry sessions, a trade show and the opportunity to network with other automotive service professionals.

            To be eligible for the award, the following requirements must be met: applicants must work in the mechanical repair industry; must demonstrate an interest in self-improvement through management education; must own or work for a business that is an ASA member in good standing; and, if the applicant is not the business owner, must be recommended by the business owner. AMI Trustees and their employees, and the Babcox Scholarship Selection Committee and their employees, are not eligible to apply.

      To request a scholarship application, call AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 101, or fill out a scholarship application online at www.amionline.org. Applications must be received by AMI on or before Aug. 24, 2012. The scholarship recipient will be notified by AMI on or before Aug. 31, 2012.

      AMI was established to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 212,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made. For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467, ext. 129, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

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MEET OUR NEW ASA COLORADO RECRUITER, BLAINE SWANSON

Blaine will be stopping by to introduce himself, and tell you about the latest ASA Colorado happenings!

Blaine Swanson, ASA CO Recruiter

"I am a graduate of Colorado State University with a Business Finance degree. For 3 years I worked for Auto-Owners Insurance as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. My experience included handling and servicing garage accounts, as well as teaching classes to agents, informing them of the different insurance products available and proper way to write an auto repair business."

Thank you ASA Colorado for making the 2012 Independent Automotive Professionals Symposium a success!

CLICK HERE to read Parts & People article highlighting the Symposium line-up!

CLICK HERE to read Parts & People article
featuring ICAR instructor Toby Chess

CLICK HERE to read Parts & People article
on "Sequence of Service" course