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Letter to the Editor
Monday January 17
Member Input Drives AASP-MN 2005 Convention
As a result of a recent membership survey, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) is holding its annual convention on March 4 & 5, 2005. In addition, all of the educational program topics have been planned based on members’ survey responses. These changes underscore the association’s commitment to be a member-driven organization, delivering what members request.The convention will be combined with the association’s annual meeting and spring management conference into one event. The two-day line-up includes programs for mechanical and collision repair shop owners, managers and technicians as well as jobbers and warehouse distributors.
Members told the association that reducing cycle time and paint/material management are the hot topics for collision shops today. So is the need to better understand and work with all three major estimating systems to write more profitable estimates. For mechanical shops, it is improving shop efficiency and marketing strategies. Traditional jobbers and WDs are looking for ways to compete more effectively with the big-box automotive retailers. Everyone in the industry is looking for ways to control the costs of health insurance and other employee benefits – are HRAs and HSAs the answer? All of these topics will be covered.
On the technical side of the industry, mechanical techs, collision techs and parts professionals alike need information about the proliferation of coolants, oils and other lubricants on the market. Mechanical techs want to know more about engine control systems and using lab scopes to help diagnose intermittent faults. Collision techs need to stay up to speed on vehicle restraint systems and the new electric hybrids on the road. The latest information on all of these topics will be presented by leading industry experts.
In addition to the full line-up of educational programming, attendees are sure to enjoy the luncheon keynote presentation, Speed Traps, Potholes & Idiots. Professional speaker, Jay Gubrud, will share how to overcome the roadblocks that impede daily success. Also, back by popular demand, Friday evening’s industry dinner will feature Casino de Fantasia. Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize, roll the dice, play some cards and win prizes.
The event will be take place at the Wildwood Lodge in Woodbury/Lake Elmo, a brand-new facility. For more information, go to www.aaspmn.org, or call the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071.
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