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Letter to the Editor

Stand Up for What?

This month’s feature article takes a look at how the State Farm direct repair program has worked for participating collision repair facilities in the year since its nationwide roll-out began. There are definitely mixed reviews on this still number one hot topic.

If you completed your homework assignment last month - to walk through your operation armed with guest writer Steven Feltovich’s checklist of waste - you are definitely ready for the conclusion of his Lean Process article on page 11.

Big news this month has come from the aftermarket parts arena with the announcement that LKQ Corporation, a relatively new player specializing in recycled parts has acquired leading aftermarket parts veteran Keystone Automotive Industries. (See page 3.)

For a little variety in your Summer reading, check out page 17 for two articles from the CRASH Network’s Scott Long. The first article raises some interesting questions about insurers’ labor rate surveys, and the second is a timely warning about another new scam hitting collision repair body shops. Be smart - do not fall for the Smart Shoppers Club.

Collision Repair Industry associations have been very pro-active this year. Check out several articles about the work being done by state and national industry groups. If you are not an active member of an industry association, now is the perfect time to stand up and join. Too busy? Not any busier than any of the men and women who are already involved in making this industry a better place. Don’t know enough? The best place to obtain useful information (besides here on INSIGHT’s pages) is at industry association meetings.

Stand up and join in!

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