New England Automotive Report February 2015

www.grecopublishing.com

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

Serving The new englAnd ColliSion And MeChAniCAl repAir indUSTry

February 2015

U.S.A. $5.95

MASSACHUSETTS

BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

WHERE DOES YOURMONEY GO?

How MemberSupport Affects

the Industry

2 February 2015 New England Automotive Report

New England Automotive Report February 2015 5

CONTENTS

7 | CALENDAR OF EVENTS10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR14 | AASP/MA SUSTAINING SPONSORS15 | AASP/MA ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES40 | NEWS FROM NORTHEAST®57 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION58 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

February 2015 • Volume 13, No. 2

ALSO THIS ISSUE

44

FEATURESby Joel Gausten

20 | FUN & FRIENDSHIP: HOLIDAY PARTY/WESTERN MA VENDOR APPRECIATION NIGHT

27 | VOCATIONAL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: SHAWSHEEN VALLEY TECHNICAL SCHOOL

44 | WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?HOW MEMBER SUPPORT AFFECTS THE INDUSTRY

DEPARTMENTSPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE8 | On a Mission for Membershipby Molly Brodeur

INSIDE AASP/MA16 | Member Benefits: Cloud Business Advisors17 | Meet the Board: Kevin Kyes

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE18 | The New Massachusetts Sick Leave Law -Yes, It Will Affect Youby James A. Castleman, Esq.

IN THE AREA23 | AASP/MA Vendor Appreciation Night Notice25 | MidState Meeting Explores Social Media, Energy Efficiency

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLING33 | Audi-Approved Tools and Equipmentby Jacquelyn Bauman

38 | NATIONAL NEWSSuits Against Insurers Spread Through USCarmakers Expand Airbag Recall Efforts

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT42 | One Step Ahead: Bald Hill Thrives in Changing Timesby Joel Gausten

52 | 180 BIZ FEATUREGoldilocks and the Three Salesby Rick White


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 Brodeur

VICE PRESIDENTAdam Ioakim

SECRETARYGary Cloutier

TREASURERKevin Gallerani

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTPaul Hendricks

AASP/MA STATEWIDE DIRECTORSCOLLISION DIRECTORRick Starbard

AASP/MA CHAPTER DIRECTORSNORTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSAlex Falzone

Kevin Kyes

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSMichael Penacho

Darlene Andrade

MIDSTATE CHAPTER DIRECTORSTom Ricci

Ray Belsito

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 Sofia Cabrera ([email protected])

WWW.AASPMA.ORG

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJillian M. Zywien

12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109

phone: (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 Eng-land 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 appearingin this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of AASP/MA. Copyright © 2014 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.thinkstockphoto.com/ThinkStock Photos.


FEBRUARY 2015February 11, 2015

MidState Chapter MeetingGreater Lawrence Technical School

57 River Rd., Andover, MA

MARCH 2015March 10, 2015

Vendor Appreciation NightDoubletree Hotel

5400 Computer Dr., Westborough, MA

March 20-22, 2015NORTHEAST® 2015 Automotive Services Show

Meadowlands Exposition Center355 Plaza Dr., Secaucus, NJ

FOR A FULL LISTING OF UPCOMINGAASP/MA EVENTS AND TRAINING

OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE VISITWWW.AASPMA.ORG

Turn to page 15 for a detailed listing ofsponsorship opportunities.


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

on A MiSSion For MeMBerShipWhen AASP/MA held its strategic planning session

back in late 2013, one of our main goals as an associationwas to grow and foster our membership. A little over a yearlater, we are still working hard to meet and exceed thisgoal. I am happy to announce that we are implementing anexciting new approach to not only obtain new members,but also to continue to offer a substantial value and conven-ience for our current ones.

As we move forward in 2015, AASP/MA has partneredup with vocational schools throughout Massachusetts tooffer current and prospective members centrally locatedmeeting sites throughout the state. We have chosen touse vocational facilities as meeting locations for severalreasons:

We are fortunate to have a good rapport with many

schools throughout the state; by offering these facili-

ties as meeting locations, we look to continue to build

upon these good relationships, and introduce our mem-

bers to the programs that are teaching their future local

industry.

Geographically, hosting an AASP/MA meeting at a

vocational facility makes great sense! Many of these

schools are regional, so they are centrally located to

numerous cities/towns in each particular area. If you

live in Massachusetts, chances are very good that we’ll

be holding a future meeting close to your shop or home.

Hosting an event allows these facilities to show off

their terrific programs. The school’s culinary program

will not only prepare and serve the food to guests, but

the collision repair program will of course be show-

cased in a major way as well.

We have also begun working with jobbers throughoutthe state, whose commitment to growing and cultivatingAASP/MA membership matches ours in enthusiasm.Given their pre-existing relationships with countless repair-ers throughout the state - member and non-member alike -and their on-the-road mobility, we are confident that hav-ing them spread our message will help increase attention toour association and, ultimately, membership as well.


We are gearing up for our Febru-ary AASP/MA MidState Chaptermeeting, to be held at the GreaterLawrence Technical School inAndover, which will serve repairersin the northeast section of the state.I urge you to keep checking our web-site, www.aaspma.org, to see if thereis an upcoming meeting happeningnear you. With our renewed focus onbringing tangible value to our mem-bers and an increased concentrationon retaining new ones, I guaranteethat there will be a worthy eventcoming to your area very soon. I lookforward to seeing you there!

MASSACHUSETTS


AASP/MA President MollyBrodeur is the Chief Operating

Officer of Al Brodeur’s AutoBody in Marlborough, MA.

She can be reached at (508) 485-1082 or

[email protected]

AASP/MA Executive Direc-tor Jillian Zywien has been a

senior account executive atLynch Associates for over six

years. She can be reached at(617) 574-0741 or via emailat [email protected].

Dear Members, In this issue, you will find an

abundance of information regardingAASP/MA legislative initiatives andinformation on our Political ActionCommittee. As many of you areaware, one of the most important serv-ices that the association offers is itslobbying on Beacon Hill. The collisionrepair industry is one of the mosthighly regulated industries; keeping awatch on both legislative and regula-tory proposals is imperative to ourmembers. AASP/MA is your liaison tothe ADALB, the Division of Insurance,CAR, the Division of Standards andother state agencies. As we kick off thestart of the legislative session, I en-courage our members to get involvedand consider donating to the PAC.Further information about our PACfund can be found on page 44.

I know many of our membershave been discouraged by the lack oflegislative action taken on the Labor

Rate bill; however, this association hasa much broader strategy for both leg-islative and regulatory relief. Ournewly appointed Legislative Commit-tee, led by Chairman Peter Langone,worked tirelessly over the past fewmonths to develop five items of prior-ity legislation. Our priority legislationwas developed to target the issues theindustry faces on a daily basis. At thetime of this writing, our legislation hasnot yet been filed. Following the filingdeadline on January 16, our bills willbe posted for our members to view onour website.

You will also find informationabout one of our member benefit pro-grams in this issue. We have devel-oped these programs with ourmembers in mind - seeking out com-panies you use to save you time andmoney through group purchasing pro-grams. I hope you use these programsto your company’s advantage andstart saving money today! We are

consistently developing new pro-grams, so please contact the associa-tion if there is something we do notcurrent offer! We work for ourmembers.

AASP/MA is the entity bringingtogether our industry, fighting to pre-vail on our ongoing efforts - both leg-islatively and regulatory - andeducating consumers on the need forquality repairs. Trust AASP/MA as wecontinue to “build the success of the autorepair industry.”

Sincerely,

Jillian Zywien , Executive Director

MASSACHUSETTS


2015: The yeAr oF The Shop


A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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



Tournament Sponsor- $7,500Package Includes:Company logo printed on event admission ticketsCompany logo printed on all promotional/marketing materialsExtensive coverage in our publications (NEAR & Damage Report)NEW Picture with the Board of Directors published in NEAR & Damage ReportNEW Company logo displayed on the outside stadium signage (Visible from thehotel and parking lot)NEW End Zone signage (Jumbotron) complete with company logo/slogan NEW Ribbon screens (surrounding the stadium) will display company logo NEW Prominent dinner station signage NEW Prominent dessert station signageNEW Attendees on the stadium tour will receive promotional materials for yourcompanyPresident & ED will recognize your company during the speaking programCompany banner (you provide) will be displayed at the podium Four event tickets with stadium tour and reserved seatingNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TV’s throughout the eventCompany logo listed on AASP/MA website with a link back to your siteA member of your company will “kick off” Casino Night!

“High Roller” Sponsorship- $5,000Package Includes:NEW End Zone signage (Jumbotron) complete with company logo/slogan NEW Ribbon screens (surrounding the stadium) will display company logo NEW Prominent dinner station signage NEW Attendees on the stadium tour will receive promotional materials for yourcompanyNEW President & ED will recognize your company during the speaking programCompany logo prominently displayed at two gaming tablesNEW Two event tickets with stadium tour and reserved seatingEngraved “High Roller” trophy to present to the night’s winnerPicture with winner published in NEAR & Damage ReportNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

Exclusive Casino Night Gift Sponsor- $3,000Package Includes:NEW End Zone signage (Jumbotron) complete with company logo/slogan NEW Prominent dinner station signage Company logo prominently displayed at registration Representative from your company present at registration handing out your giftThree event tickets with stadium tourNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

“Pit Boss” Sponsorship- $2,500 Package Includes:NEW End Zone signage (Jumbotron) complete with company logo/slogan NEW Prominent dinner station signage Company logo prominently displayed at one gaming tableTwo event tickets with stadium tourNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

“Card Shark” Sponsorship- $1,500Package Includes:NEW Ribbon screens (surrounding the stadium) will display company logo Company logo prominently displayed at two gaming tablesTwo event tickets with stadium tourNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

Dinner and Dessert Sponsor- $1,000Package Includes:Two event tickets with stadium tourProminent dinner station signageProminent dessert and dessert signageNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

Board of Directors Sponsor (2)- $750Package Includes:NEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the eventRecognition during President and ED’s speaking portion NEW Picture with the Board of Directors published in NEAR & Damage ReportOne event ticket with stadium tourExclusive opportunity to personally present a small gift to each Board Memberin recognition of their service to the association. (Your donation will pay for aticket and two drinks for each Board member.)

Jim Simeone Texas Hold’Em Tournament Sponsor-$1,000Package Includes:Company logo prominently displayed on final tournament tableOne event ticket with stadium tourNEW Picture with winner published in NEAR & Damage ReportEngraved trophy to present to the night’s winner NEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

Gaming Table Sponsor- $750Package Includes:Company logo prominently displayed on gaming tableOne event ticket with stadium tourNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the event

Spin & Win with Bald Hill Auto Group- $650 We will provide our famous four-foot “Spin & Win” wheel with your companylogo in the center of the wheel and your company name on five spokes. Youprovide the prizes. Each attendee will receive complimentary spins as part ofthe admission price. Spin & Win with your company logo will be listed on allpublicity for attendeesPackage Includes:NEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the eventOne event ticket with stadium tour

End Zone Signage Sponsor (Jumbotron) - $750Package Includes:NEW End Zone signage (Jumbotron) complete with company logo/slogan($2,000 value)NEW Your company logo listed on the website with a link back to your site

Cup Sponsor- $600Package Includes:Provide us with 200 cups imprinted with your logo (18oz minimum). Attendeeswill use these cups all night to hold chips and coupons. One event ticket with stadium tourNEW Electronic book ad will be displayed on several TVs throughout the eventNEW Your company logo listed on the website with a link back to your site

Company Table- NEW PRICING- $1,125Package Includes:NEW Prominent company signage at a VIP reserved tableNEW Ten event tickets with stadium tour (cost nine tickets)NEW Two drink tickets

2015 AASP/MA Casino NightSponsorship Categories

MASSACHUSETTS


NEAR: Why should members who aren’t taking advan-tage of your business look into what you have tooffer?

TF: We’ve been able to prove time and time again thatwe can help employers save money. Nine times out of 10,the system that they are working with is inefficient.They’re usually working with a broker that doesn’t spe-cialize in healthcare, so they’re often buying things theydon’t need. We specialize in this field and look at every-thing from a compliance standpoint in order to helpthem avoid getting fined. We will be putting up addi-tional webinars and, as usual, offering our free health-care reform consulting package. Normally, the price forthis is around $5,000. Members who use this save notonly that amount, but also the discounts on further legalanalysis if they choose to seek out more.


INSIDE

MEMBER BENEFITS

one of the most important parts of being a member

for AASp/MA is taking advantage of the programs and

benefits that the association offers. one of the services

offered is through Cloud Business Advisors, a company

specializing in healthcare compliance and reform. New

England Automotive Report sat down with vice president

Tiffany Finnegan to discuss the assets available to

AASp/MA members through their business.

Vice president of Cloud BusinessAdvisors, Tiffany Finnegan

New England Automotive Report: What inspired youto join forces with AASP/MA?

Tiffany Finnegan: We’ve been associated with theassociation for about two years. They were getting a lotof requests from members who were using their propertycasualty benefits and were looking for a similar service,but for healthcare reform.

NEAR: What are some special services or programsthat you provide to members of the association?

TF: For one thing, we have a special relationship withAmeriDoc, an on-demand healthcare access service.Through this, people can use the services offered throughAmeriDoc, such as talking over the phone with a doctoror receiving generic prescriptions over the phone, andenjoy special pricing through our business. This defi-nitely helps to cut down on employers’ healthcare costs.Plus, we provide access to major carriers so if a businessowner is in need of a specific product or solution, we areable to help them with that. Plus, we offer complimen-tary webinars and training on healthcare reform, andwe offer free consultation, especially on topics ofcompliance.

NEAR: That must be especially important now withObamacare.

TF: Most definitely. People are more confused than ever.The new system is currently in the process of tracking,but on January 1, these penalties started going into effect.People aren’t as up to date on new policies and they needto be – it’s the topic we cover on almost every conversa-tion we have. It’s especially important because peopleunderstand they aren’t following the procedure properly,but figure they will deal with the consequences whenthey come into effect. They don’t realize that by takingaction now, they can mitigate some of this damage whenthe penalties hit.

MASSACHUSETTS


MASSACHUSETTS



In addition to enjoying the thrills and excitement ofGillette Stadium during the AASP/MA Casino Night onNovember 15, longtime members of the association weretreated to another big moment when it was announced thatNorth Shore body shop owner and industry mainstayKevin Kyes (Today’s Collision Repair Centers, Chelsea andMalden) was returning to the Board of Directors after morethan a decade.

Kyes’ new stint as a Board Member comes at an inter-esting time in his history. In addition to marking the 25thanniversary of Today’s Collision Centers, he is also cele-brating a quarter century of association membership in2015. Shortly after launching Today’s with his childhoodfriend and long-running business partner, Bobby Cobb, inChelsea in 1989, Kyes joined the Massachusetts Auto BodyAssociation (MABA) to learn as much as he could from hismore experienced peers in the field.

“Once I learned that there was an association of abunch of shop owners who got together to try to improve

the auto body industry, it was a no-brainer to join,” he re-calls.

In 1992, Kyes began a 10-year run on the MABA Boardof Directors. The years between his Board stints saw hisbusiness at Today’s grow to the point where he added theMalden location in 2004. Happy to once again serve the in-dustry in a Board capacity, he is looking forward to repre-senting – and growing – the North Shore’s presence in theassociation and industry at-large. In his mind, the first stepto achieving this is encouraging newer or less active mem-bers to take advantage of everything offered to themthrough their AASP/MA memberships.

“By being an active member, you get a lot of knowl-edge in seminars and events that give you a firsthand viewof what is happening in our industry, now and down theroad,” he says, “It’s much better to hear about things thatare important to you through an association meeting ratherthan from someone else who is misinformed or when it’stoo late to take action.

“If a shop owner can’t attend a meeting in person, heor she can send someone from their shop,” he adds. “Iwould be willing to bet that once those people go to ameeting or two, they’ll want to go to every one that is of-fered. For example, my estimators attend meetings on top-ics away from their area of expertise just so they can get thewhole picture of what’s going on in the industry. I can’t be-lieve that a shop owner would not want to be part of an as-sociation. You just can’t do it on your own; our strength isin numbers.”

MEET THEBOARD:Kevin Kyes

MASSACHUSETTS


LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

When 60 percent of the Mas-

sachusetts electorate voted

“yes” on ballot question 4 in No-

vember, they created the most

generous employee sick leave law

in the country. Whether you are

an employer or an employee, the

new law is almost certainly going

to affect you, and it is important

to know what it provides - be-

cause it may not be what you

think. Be aware of the

following:

The lAw provideS For generoUS eArned SiCk

leAve.

Under the new law, employers must credit workers with at

least one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. For pur-

poses of the new law, salaried employees and any other em-

ployees who are exempt from the overtime provisions of the

Fair Labor Standards Act will be presumed to have worked 40

hours in a given week, unless it is shown that that their “nor-

mal” workweek is truly less than 40 hours.

Accrual of sick leave begins on July 1, 2015 (the effective

day of the new law) for existing employees, and on the actual

date of hire for employees who begin work after July 1. Em-

ployees generally cannot begin to use their accrued sick leave

until they have been employed for 90 days. Once that 90-day

period is up, employees can use all of their earned sick leave as

soon as it accrues. If they are so inclined, employers can volun-

tarily choose to allow a faster accrual of sick leave time and

allow employees to begin using their sick leave earlier than the

law requires.

An employee can accrue up to a maximum of 40 hours of

sick leave in any given year, and can carry over up to 40 hours

of unused sick leave into the next year. However, earned sick

leave cannot be piggybacked from year to year - that is, an em-

ployee cannot utilize more than a total of 40 hours of sick leave

in any given year, no matter how much may have been carried

over from the prior year or earned in the current year.

Employees do not have to be compensated for unused ac-

crued sick leave upon termination of employment. On the other

hand, employers cannot set up benefit programs that compen-

sate or reward employees for not using their accrued sick leave,

since the statute makes it clear that employers cannot do any-

thing to discourage employees from using earned sick leave.

iF An eMployer hAS 11 or

More eMployeeS, Then

All ACCrUed SiCk leAve

MUST Be pAid leAve.

In determining whether an

employer has 11 or more employ-

ees, all workers are counted, in-

cluding part time, temporary and

seasonal employees. All of these

employees are entitled to the ben-

efits provided by the new law.

The rate of sick leave pay must be

the same rate that the employee

earns for actual hours worked, al-

though it is not clear from the statute how that is calculated for

workers who do not earn a fixed hourly wage, or for workers

who get paid commissions or tips.

The new law does not always make clear how to determine

whether an employer has 11 or more employees. As an exam-

ple, it is not apparent whether an employer that has 50 employ-

ees overall, but only 10 in Massachusetts, would have to allow

accrual of paid sick leave. It is also not clear how the law is to

be applied to an employer that has 20 employees over the sum-

mer, but only five during the rest of the year.

even iF yoU Are An eMployer ThAT hAS Fewer

ThAn 11 eMployeeS, The new lAw ApplieS To yoU.

While an employer must have 11 or more employees to be

required to pay their workers for accrued sick leave, employees

of smaller employers still accrue unpaid sick leave under the

statute for all hours worked. The only employers that are com-

pletely exempt from the new law are the federal government

and cities and towns who do not pass an ordinance requiring

them to also participate. These exemptions result from particu-

lar federal and state constitutional provisions that prevent the

new law from otherwise being applicable.

The lAw AllowS An eMployee To USe Their

ACCrUed SiCk leAve For A very BroAd rAnge oF

pUrpoSeS.

An employee can use their accrued sick leave to care for

themselves, their child, spouse, parent or parent of a spouse, if

they are “suffering from a physical or mental illness, injury or

medical condition that requires home care, professional

medical diagnosis or care or preventative medical care.” The

leave can also be used to attend any such person’s routine

The New MassachuseTTs sicK LeaveLaw -Yes, iT wiLL aFFecT You

by James A. Castleman, Esq.


medical appointment. Additionally, it

can be used to address the “psychologi-

cal, physical or legal effects of domestic

violence. ” Notably, for purposes of the

statute, a person’s child is very liberally

defined as “a biological, adopted, or fos-

ter child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a

child of a person who has assumed the

responsibilities of parenthood.”

There iS noT MUCh ThAT An

eMployer CAn do To MAke

SUre ThAT An eMployee iS

USing hiS or her SiCk leAve

For legiTiMATe pUrpoSeS.

Although there is a broad range of

listed legitimate sick leave purposes,

there certainly are limits. In particular,

an employee is not supposed to be able

to use accrued sick leave for reasons not

somehow related to a medical or domes-

tic violence issue. Yet, employers are

greatly limited under the law in being

able to make employees prove that they

were out of work for a covered purpose,

leading to potential significant abuse.

Employers can require that an em-

ployee provide certification from a

health care professional to substantiate

that leave has been taken for a covered

purpose, but only if the absence from

work is for more than 24 consecutive

work hours. For lesser periods of time,

essentially, the employer has to take the

employee’s word for it. Additionally, the

law significantly penalizes the employer

if they violate this rule or if the em-

ployer tries to take any adverse action

against an employee for claiming sick

leave.

The result of these limitations on

employers, together with another rule

under the statute that lets employees

take sick leave in increments as small as

an hour (or less than an hour if the em-

ployer has a payroll system that ac-

counts for work time in smaller

increments), has led to what some com-

mentators see as the potential for abuse

by employees taking “hangover leave.”

The thought is that, if an employee stays

out all weekend partying and decides to

come in to work on Monday at 11am

instead of 9am, then the employee can

claim two hours of sick leave time and

there is really nothing that the employer

can do about it. This is the case even if

the employee is deceptively covering up

a continuing problem of just being late

to work. The employee cannot be re-

quired to submit certification or docu-

mentation that he or she was actually ill,

and the employer cannot take punitive

action against the employee. Yet, the em-

ployer may be stuck with an employee

who is chronically tardy every other

Monday morning and may still have to

be paid for the time being missed.

Even if an employee is out of work

for more than 24 consecutive work

hours, there may be problems for the

employer. The employer can then re-

quire submission of documentation of

the employee’s illness. Yet the statute

also says that the employer cannot with-

hold payment while they are waiting to

receive the documentation. Additionally,

there is no time limit set by the statute

within which an employee must submit

the documentation, so there is a ques-

tion as to whether the statute’s certifica-

tion requirement has any real backbone.

There is language in the statute that

seems to direct that an employee pro-

vide advance notice of sick leave. How-

ever, the provision is worded extremely

weakly. It says that when the use of sick

time is “foreseeable,”then the employee

must make “a good faith effort” to give

advance notice to his employer - what-

ever that means. This would seem to

have no effect on the employee taking

hangover leave every Monday morning,

since they could just claim that they did

not know of their illness until that day,

and there would really be nothing that

they could have done to give advance

notice of their absence.

eMployerS MAy hAve To

MAke SoMe hArd deCiSionS

on how They Are going To

MAnAge pAid TiMe oFF For

Their eMployeeS.

For employers that have existing

systems that allow for a certain number

of days off each year for their employees

(without distinguishing between

vacation days, sick days and personal

days), there are now going to be prob-

lems. After all, if an employee uses all of

their allowed time off as vacation and

personal days, then the law mandates

that they still be allowed to take off ac-

crued sick leave time.

As a result, it appears that sick leave

days are going to have to be accounted

for specifically and separately. Other-

wise, employers will be facing potential

monetary penalties for violating the new

sick leave law. The statute allows em-

ployees to sue for triple damages and at-

torneys fees if an employer violates the

law.

deSpiTe The AppArenT

proBleMS oF The new lAw,

There MAy Be SoMe relieF

CoMing FroM The ATTorney

generAl’S oFFiCe.

One section of the new law gives

the Massachusetts Attorney General the

authority to issue regulations regarding

implementation of the law. As a result,

there is a hope that some of the ques-

tions raised by the statute may be an-

swered by those regulations. Perhaps

the regulations will address what an em-

ployer is to do in order to determine if

they are considered to have fewer than

11 employees, or what to do about com-

missioned or tipped employees. Perhaps

the regulations will set specific rules and

requirements for written documentation

of legitimate sick leave purposes. Em-

ployers should certainly welcome any-

thing that addresses the potential

hangover sick leave issue.

Maura Healey is just taking office as

Attorney General as this article is being

written, so it is too early to know what

she may address in writing regulations.

Hopefully, she will get to it before the

new law takes effect on July 1.

ConClUSion

There is a new broad sick leave law

in Massachusetts, and it will affect all

employers and employees in the state. It


continued on pg. 58

On December 16, the Slainte Restaurantin Holyoke was the site of a specialHoliday Party/Western MA Vendor

Appreciation Night hosted by AASP/MA’sWestern Chapter in appreciation of the manycompanies that support the group’s initiativesand events throughout the region.

Each attendee was greeted enthusiasti-cally by the members of the Western Chapterand presented with an engraved portfolio anda Stylus pen. The festivities kicked off with aspecial musical performance by Paul Motter(Formula Products) and his wife, Melanie,who are both members of the popular CT-based band Satinwood (www.satinwood.net).After that, attendees were treated to an amaz-ing surf and turf dinner and an evening of spe-cial games that yielded prizes donated by theWestern Chapter. One game, “So You ThinkYou Know Cars?” tested the partygoers’knowledge of vehicles. (For example, mem-bers were asked to name the first car to use astandardized-production key-start engine, orname the ride with the quickest 0-60mphtime.) Don Cushing, wholesale manager atBald Hill, easily won the game, earning him-self bragging rights and a $50 Gift Card to Lat-itudes Restaurant in West Springfield. Anothergame, “Kudos,” was just like Bingo – exceptthat the numbers were replaced by the namesof vendor companies and some of their keypersonnel. The winner of each game receivedhis or her choice of more than 30 prizes com-pliments of the Western Chapter. The “cover-all” winner, Debbie Montalbano (wife of AlMontalbano of Long Automotive), was thrilledto receive a $100 Gift Card to the StorrowtonTavern in West Springfield. These activitiesprovided a unique and fun-filled way to saygoodbye to 2014 and have an enjoyableevening with friends and industry peers. Butas Acting President Dan Lamontagne told at-tendees, this night was mostly about showingappreciation for the sponsors who help makethe Western Chapter so successful year afteryear.

“Because of people like you, our chaptercontinues to thrive,” he said.

The AASP/MA Western Chapter wouldlike to thank the following companies for theirgenerous support: ABSAP, AkzoNobel,Amherst Oakham Auto Recycling, ArtioliChrysler/Dodge, Axalta, Auto Craft Sales,Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/ Jeep/Kia, BaliseWholesale Parts Express, BMW of WestSpringfield, CCC Information Services, Cen-tral Chevrolet, Empire Auto Parts EnterpriseRent-A-Car, Formula Products/Satinwood.net, Hoffman Auto Group, Linders’ Inc.,LKQ/Keystone Automotive, Long Automo-tive Group, Marcotte Ford, Mirka Abrasives,Mitchell Auto Group, PPG, Sarat Ford Lincoln,Sherwin-Williams, Tasca Parts Center, TranstarAutobody Technologies Inc. and WestSpringfield Auto Parts.20 February 2015 New England Automotive Report

IN THE AREA

FuN & FrieNdship:holiday party/western Ma vendor appreciation Night

MASSACHUSETTS



AASP/MA Vendor Appreciation Night Tuesday, March 10

6pm-10pm

Doubletree Hotel 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581

(508) 366-5511

...And Much More!

Registration Deadline: One week before the event

For more information, please contact Executive Director Jillian Zywien at (617) 574-0741 (phone), (617) 695-0173 (fax) or [email protected].

MASSACHUSETTS


• Vendors and Board of Directors Only (shops may attend but must pay $35 per meal)

• Hypnotist for entertainment• Plated Meals

• Two attendees from each vendorcompany attend for FREE

• Two complimentary drink ticketsfor vendor attendees

• Expanded New England Automotive Report advertising in lieu of vendor gifts

MASSACHUSETTS



IN THE AREA

On January 13, the AASP/MAMidState Chapter launched its 2015schedule with a jam-packed meeting atthe Doubletree in Westborough. The ro-bust agenda included guest speakerswho covered everything from in-shopproduction, to social media marketing,to how to save money on energy bills.

The evening kicked off with an up-date by Amy Blair of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, who provided an overview ofthe company’s ARMS AutomotiveSuite of Products. As discussed atlength in our October 2014 issue (“En-terprise Rent-A-Car Provides IndustryLeadership & Key AASP/MA Sponsor-ships”), ARMS helps collision repaircenters increase operating efficiencies,enhance customer service and stream-line communication with insurancecompanies and customers. To find outmore about the ARMS Auto Suite, visitwww.armsautosuite.com or [email protected].

Next on the agenda was EmilyStout, a fellow from the social mediaconsulting firm Venly (www.venly.com),who offered an in-depth presentationon the importance of optimizing socialmedia websites to ensure that a busi-ness is accessible and makes a profes-sional impression when customerssearch for it online. Shop owners whohave yet to take the social mediaplunge need to look at the changingworld around them, as utilizing siteslike Google+ and Facebook can lead toincreased business and consumer en-gagement.

According to Stout, happy cus-tomers on social media tell an averageof 42 people when they have a positiveexperience at a shop, but will only tellnine people when not using thesetechnologies. Social media is a greatopportunity for businesses to build

brand loyalty and maintain two-wayconversations with consumers – aslong as it is used consistently andcorrectly.

“The good news is that eight out of10 US social media [and] social net-work users want to find businesses on-line,” Stout explained. “The bad newsis many businesses fail to respond to 90percent of Facebook users’ wall postsand messages.

“When you are successful with so-cial media, it’s a way to get free mar-keting,” she added. “It’s also a way tosee what people are saying about youto make sure your customers arehappy.”

Stout stressed the importance ofdeveloping strong Search Engine Opti-mization (SEO), which helps users findyou on the first page of a Web search.

“The more times that your name isonline, the more times Google is goingto think you’re important [and] thehigher your SEO is going to be,” shesaid.

Of course, no social media willhelp you if you can’t afford to keepyour lights on. With energy rates inMassachusetts jumping by as much as37 percent with some carriers in recentmonths, now is the time for shops tobetter streamline their energy efficiencyand reduce costs. Frank Collins, re-gional president of Energy Efficiency &Sustainability (EES), appeared at theMidState Chapter meeting to explainthe current trend of high rates andwhat shops can do to weather thestorm.

Collins revealed that the currentspike in rates is due to the energyissues caused by an intense winterseason.

“Two-thirds of the electricity inMassachusetts is generated by burning

natural gas,” he explained. “Right now,the pipes coming into New Englandare too small and too cold.”

Collins added that last year’s harshconditions caused natural gas to betrucked into the state because notenough was getting through the pipes.This caused a jump in rates this year –a problem that Collins expects will per-sist for the next four to five years.

Fortunately, there is good news.Massachusetts is second only to Cali-fornia in the aggressiveness of itsenergy rebate program. Each electricbill has a line called the “Energy Effi-ciency Charge.” Shops are advised topay close attention to the amount listedin this area, as this figure adds up to aconsiderable amount over time. Ac-cording to Collins, shops in the areahave seen upwards of $3,500 gather inthe “rebate bucket” over the last fiveyears.

“It’s up to you guys to go raiseyour hand and get that money back bycoming in and having somebody do anenergy efficiency update,” he said.

Additionally, Collins discussed theenergy-saving advantages of usingLED lights in place of more traditionalfluorescent lighting. For example, henoted that switching to an LED polelight could potentially reduce electric-ity usage by 75 to 80 percent.

“By lowering your costs, you’re in-creasing your profits,” he said. “It’s assimple as that.”

EES is currently offering freeassessments for AASP/MA members.For more information, please call(508) 449-0505.

Emily Stout of Venly discussed the benefits ofusing social media to promote a business.

MidSTATe MeeTing exploreSSoCiAl MediA, energy eFFiCienCy

MASSACHUSETTS


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Contact these Mazda dealers for all your parts needs:North End Mazda747 Chase Road (Route 13)Lunenburg, MA 01462Toll Free: 800-322-1241Fax: [email protected]

Premier Mazda Cape Cod141 Stevens StreetHyannis, MA Phone: 508-815-5900Fax: 508-568-9361www.premiermazda.com

Mastria Mazda1545 New State HighwayRoute 44Raynham, MA 02767Phone: 877-272-8876Fax: [email protected]

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VOCATIONAL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Led by instructors Dan Simard and Dennis Reppucci, Shaw-sheen's Auto Collision program is open to sophomores, junior andseniors, with freshmen getting a glimpse into the course via an ex-ploratory program. The Auto Collision program is affiliated with theNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which of-fers two nationally recognized certifications: SP/2 (a safety certifica-tion students can earn through testing) and ASE certificationobtained after graduation in areas such as body repair, frame repairand painting. In addition, Tech Prep articulation agreements existwith several colleges for students to receive credit for courseworkcompleted while at Shawsheen Tech.

The Shawsheen facility includes a Chief frame alignment ma-chine with computer laser measuring, a plasma cutter, oxyacetyleneand MIG welders, eight working stalls and a downdraft sprayboothwith paint-baking capabilities. Educational areas include part re-placement, plastic and electric repair, stall installation, conventionaland unitized frame correction, estimating and more.

In addition to the education available in the school's facility,Shawsheen currently has collision repair Cooperative Education

shawsheeN vaLLeY TechNicaL high schooL

in an ongoing effort to foster stronger relationships

between vocational schools and the auto body in-

dustry they service, AASp/MA is currently engaged

in a series of on-site visits of these facilities to see how

the association can better work with them in building

tomorrow's workforce. on January 7, AASp/MA presi-

dent Molly Brodeur kicked off this series with a visit to

the Auto Collision program at Shawsheen valley Tech-

nical high School in Billerica.

continued on pg. 33

Photos from top: Auto collision student Harley Thibeaultis a junior from Billerica.; Brian Legere, a junior fromBedford, hones his skills on the Shawsheen shop floor.;Wilmington-based student Mackenzie Griffin is in her thirdyear at Shawsheen.

Left: AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur visited with Shawsheen Auto Collision instructors Dan Simard (left) and Dennis Reppucci.

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• Audi parts departments provide professional customer service that gets you the right part, the first time

Helping you do business is our business. Order Audi Genuine Parts from these select dealers.

Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan

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program (CO-OP) relationships with 12 bodyshops in the area. If their grades and atten-dance are good enough, students are invited toparticipate in these arrangements beginning inthe third quarter of the junior year.

“The CO-OP works out really well,” saysReppucci. “The students learn while they'rethere, expanding their skills and sometimesbecoming a permanent employee of thecompany.”

Parents and potential students are oftenintroduced to the Auto Collision program atthe school's 8th Grade Career Night, whereReppucci and Simard are on hand to distributebrochures and discuss the many auto repairtraining career opportunities available at theschool. Once welcomed into the program, thebudding technicians learn in an environmentthat is constantly evolving to better suit thechanging demands of the professional colli-sion repair industry. A state-of-the-art, two-bay Garmat prep station highlights theShawsheen shop, while the footprint of theshop was recently re-designed to providemore open workstations for the young techs tolearn their craft.

Not surprisingly, these improvementshave led to a steady influx of students eager tolearn all they can.

“The program wasn't up to par with whatit should have been in terms of the number ofstudents we had,” offers Simard. “Over thelast couple of years, things have been gettingbetter and better because of recent changes.”

After touring the Shawsheen shop andconversing with the instructions about theirofferings. Brodeur was pleased with what shesaw and felt that the program would becomeeven stronger once they're in a position to em-brace estimating systems and the I-CAR voca-tional curriculum.

“Both of the teachers here are passionateabout teaching the kids how to have the cor-rect entry-level skills to matriculate into the in-dustry,” she said. “They have a live shop here,so they're working on customer vehicles. Thekids are learning a sense of production time,and they understand that there's a customeron the other side of this transaction waiting toget his or her car back.”

MASSACHUSETTS


VOCATIONAL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHTcontinued from pg. 27

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLING

It is no question that the automotive service industry is one of innova-tion. It is constantly changing and evolving with each and every passingyear. The cars on the roads today would sound like science fiction even justa decade or so ago. Perhaps the most prevalent change in modern vehiclesthat has caused a stir in the industry is the introduction of aluminum-inten-sive commercial vehicles. New England Automotive Report sat down withCollision Programs and Workshop Equipment Specialist for Audi of Amer-ica, Inc., Mark Allen, to discuss some of the tools and equipment approvedfor work on Audi aluminum vehicles.

According to Allen, an entire aluminum kit with Audi-approved toolscan cost anywhere from $60,000 to $130,000 depending on how your shopis currently equipped. Although this may seem like a hefty investment,Allen believes it is a necessary one.

“The products that we approve are tested by different labs and institutesto ensure their performance is as specified by Audi engineers,” he says. “Anexample is the MAG/MIG welders [Fronuis VAS6388, or the Car-o-liner/Migatronic VAS2001C]. These welders were tested at the Welding Institutein Germany to make sure that they’re capable of doing the type of weldsnecessary to simulate what is done at the factory.”

When Audi produces a car, they crash approximately 150 of them inorder to meet all of the international crash standards. Some of these carsare then used to develop repair procedures. They are repaired with Audi-approved tools, equipment and products and are re-crash tested. The resultsfrom the second crash are analyzed to validate the safety of the repair. Fromthese results, Audi does further engineering to better the repair proceduresand products. This offers a consistent, repetitive result in order to ensure thesafety and satisfaction of the customer.

The products are also designed and tested for the safety of the work en-vironment. The aluminum room curtains they approve are reflective and en-hance the lighting of a room to provide a brighter working space, as well asto disperse blast energy in the event of an explosion. Their vacuum and itsarm attachment are designed to take the fumes and grinding dust away fromthe worker in order to minimize health risks, and they are also explosion-resistant. That is the same case with electrical tools that may ingestaluminum dust and can either cause fire or explosion.

Audi is one of the industry’s leaders in innovation, creating the futureof the collision repair field. It is important to remember that the rules ofnature apply to the world of business as well - those who don’t adapt goextinct.

All of these products and more can be purchased through Snap-onBusiness Solutions. A complete list of Audi approved tools and equipmentcan be found at audicollisionrepair.com/media/Audi_Aluminum_Collision_Manual.pdf.

MASSACHUSETTS


Audi-ApprovedTools forAluminum Repair

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NATIONAL NEWS

SUiTS AgAinST inSUrerS SpreAdThroUgh U.S.

If recent actions in a variety of states are any indication, 2015 could be the year that the national collision industry finally has its day in court.

According to reports by CollisionWeek Online, thefinal months of 2014 saw antitrust lawsuits against ahost of insurers filed by collision repair facilities inIllinois, Alabama, California, Ohio, Missouri,Kentucky, Oregon and Washington. Additionally, arecently filed suit in Michigan (Rodenhouse Body Shop,

Inc. et al v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Com-

pany et al.) names 12 shops as plaintiffs and more than30 insurers as defendants, while a case filed in Arizonain late October (Legends Collision LLC et al v. State Farm

Mutual Automobile Insurance Company et al.) involvessix collision repair businesses and 20-plus insurers.

In December, a suit filed against State Farm byLouisiana Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Cald-well and a RICO suit filed by Crawford’s Auto Centerof Downingtown, PA (“Frustration & Litigation: TheInsurance Industry Gets Served,” NEAR, October2014) were transferred into current multidistrict litiga-tion (MDL) being heard in the US District Court forthe Middle District of Florida. Both Crawford’s andthe State of Louisiana had opposed the consolidationof their cases in this manner.

A press release issued by Attorney General Cald-well regarding his case accused the nation’s top autoinsurer of engaging “in a pattern of unfair and fraudu-lent business practices aimed at controlling the autorepair industry and forcing unsafe repairs on vehicleswithout the knowledge or consent of Louisiana con-sumers.” Filed last spring, the Crawford’s suit allegesthat State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, Farm-ers, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide conspired to con-trol the cost of automotive repairs and create artificial“prevailing” rates based on their DRP shops’ use ofproducts by the industry’s three leading InformationProviders (Audatex [AudaExplore], CCC or Mitchell),who have been named as conspirators. USAA, Travel-ers and American Family were also named as conspir-ators in the suit, but were not named as defendants.

carMaKersexpaNd airbagrecaLL eFForTs

In response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad-ministration’s (NHTSA) request for carmakers to imple-ment a nationwide recall of their vehicles that containTakata airbags (“Danger from Japan: Inside the TakataAirbag Recall,” NEAR, January 2015), a number of manu-facturers have announced expansions of their efforts to ad-dress the problem.

In early December, honda announced a Safety Im-provement Campaign that recalls certain 2001-2007 HondaAccord (with 4-cylinder engines), 2001-2002 Honda Accord(with V6 engines), 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2002-2006Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Honda Element, 2002-2004 HondaOdyssey, 2003-2007 Honda Pilot, 2006 Honda Ridgeline,2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2002-2003 Acura TL and 2002 AcuraCL vehicles. With these additions, a total of approximately5.4 million Honda vehicles will be covered by the recall.

On December 11, Mazda issued a statement that itwould institute a nationwide Safety Improvement Cam-paign of 2004-2008 model-year Mazda6 and RX-8 modelsequipped with certain Takata airbag inflators. Currently,there are 330,000 vehicles included in Mazda’s campaign inthe United States. On December 18, Reuters reported thatFord expanded their recall of older-model Mustang carsthat featured driver-side Takata airbags with inflators to in-clude about 502,500 vehicles. This is in addition to the ap-proximately 55,000 vehicles Ford vehicles already recalledfor possible driver-side airbags defects.

On December 19, chrysler (FCA US LLC.) announcedthat it would “replace driver’s-side airbag inflators in an es-timated 3.3 million older-model (2004-2007) vehicles world-wide in an expansion of the ongoing regional field action.”The manufacturer stressed that this decision was a precau-tion, not a response to a direct accident or fatality caused bya defective Takata airbag in their vehicles. The expansion af-fects an estimated 2,890,785 vehicles across the US; 258,586in Canada; 66,436 in Mexico and 99,030 outside the NAFTAregion. Three days after the Chrysler announcement, theNew York Times reported that bMw would replace driver-side airbags in approximately 140,000 BMW 3 Series vehi-cles produced in the US between January 2004 and August2006. Previously, the automaker’s recall was limited to ap-proximately 11,700 cars in Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

New England Automotive Report will follow this story asit develops.

MASSACHUSETTS


MASSACHUSETTS



On March 20-22, the New Jersey affiliate of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers(AASP/NJ) will host the 38th annual NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show at the Meadow-lands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. The largest regional show of its kind in the country,NORTHEAST 2015 will offer three days of special vendor displays, industry meetings, seminarsand unique educational opportunities designed to help attendees prosper in an ever-evolvingprofession.

Considering NORTHEAST’s nearly four-decade-long reputation in the industry, it comes aslittle surprise that a slew of major exhibitors have already signed on to participate in the event.Not only have such notable players as Accudraft, Honda, Hunter Engineering and RW Mallon in-creased their exhibition space for this year’s show, but other leading companies including ProSpot/Innovative Solutions, Metropolitan Car-o-liner, Valspar, BASF, Axalta Coating Systems, LKQand FutureCure Paint Booths (among many others) are already committed to attending. Return-ing exhibitor Ford will also be a major part of NORTHEAST this year, boasting a large boothspace and various presentations throughout the weekend, in addition to their status as a Goldsponsor.

In addition to offering plenty of action on the show floor, NORTHEAST 2015 will serve as thehome of a variety of nationally focused industry meetings and events that will draw attendeesfrom across the country. On March 19, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) willhold pre-show Spring Board and General Meetings at the Exposition Center. The closed SpringBoard Meeting will explore ways that the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool in-dustry and automobile manufacturers (OEMs) work together to ensure that automotive serviceprofessionals employed outside the OEMs’ franchise system have the information, training andtools needed to properly diagnose and repair today’s high-tech vehicles. The open General Meet-ing will address the growing communication gap between manufacturers and the shopowners/technicians who service their vehicles, allowing for a greater sharing of information be-tween the parties. For more information, please visit www.nastf.org.

On March 20, AASP affiliate representatives will gather at NORTHEAST for the SpringNational Board Meeting. The morning event will provide an opportunity for each participatingstate to provide updates on their individual association’s recent activities and successes. Themeeting will also discuss ways to better serve all AASP groups through improved nationalbenefit programs and other initiatives. To learn more about AASP National, visitwww.autoserviceproviders.com.

Later that day, AASP/NJ and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will co-hostthe 2015 East Coast Resolution Forum. This long-running NORTHEAST event will provide an ex-ceptional outlet for auto repair industry market leaders and influential representatives to networkand learn from other state and regional collision repairers or associations facing very similar is-sues. This year’s objective will be providing a collaborative learning environment where attendeescan share their successes or challenges in response to specific questions posed by industrypeers. For further information, please visit www.scrs.com.

In addition to the above highlights, NORTHEAST 2015 will be fueled by some pretty impres-sive star power thanks to a very special guest appearance by Ryan Friedlinghaus of West CoastCustoms! Appearing at NORTHEAST courtesy of Platinum Show Sponsor BASF, Friedlinghauswill be on-site on Saturday, March 20, from 10am to 2pm to greet fans, sign autographs andpose for pictures.

With last year’s show drawing the largest crowd in its long history, AASP/NJ President JeffMcDowell is excited by the idea of exceeding that record in 2015.

“I am very pleased with the current progress of our 2015 show,” he says. “I have heardfrom a great deal of my industry peers about their enthusiasm for this year’s NORTHEAST. It’slooking to be our largest one yet.”

Registration for NORTHEAST 2015 is currently open at www.aaspnjnortheast.com. Formore information, visit the website, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show on Facebook,the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show on YouTube page (www.youtube.com/AASPNJNORTHEAST) or follow the show on Twitter @AASPNJNORTHEAST.

NEWS FROM NORTHEAST®

INDUSTRY VENDORS, LEADERS GEAR

UP FOR NORTHEAST 2015

MASSACHUSETTS


NORTHEAST 2015 HOST HOTEL!Hyatt Place-Secaucus575 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094Phone: (201) 422-9480Fax: (201) 422-9443�www.hyatt.com(Special Room Rate of $149/night if you mentionNORTHEAST. Deadline is March 1.)

Courtyard by Marriott455 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Secaucus, NJ 07094Phone: (201) 617-8888Fax:(201) 319-0035www.marriott.com(Special Room Rate of $139 [king] / $149 [double] per night if you mention NORTHEAST.Deadline is February 19.)

Meadowlands River Inn250 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Secaucus, NJ 07094Phone: (201) 867-4400Fax: (201) 865-7932www.meadowlandsriverinn.com

Holiday Inn - Harmon Meadow300 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094�Phone: (201) 348-2000Fax: (201) 348-6035www.hisecaucus.com

Embassy Suites455 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094�Phone: (201) 864-7300 Fax: (201) 223-0088www.embassysuites.com

Hotels Five Minutes or Less from NORTHEAST:Holiday Inn Hasbrouck HeightsPhone: (201) 288-9600Fax: (201) 288-6973283 Route 17 South, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604www.meadowlandshi.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites350 Route 3 West, Secaucus, NJ 07094Phone: (201) 863-8700Fax: (201) 863-6209www.lq.com(Shuttle Available)

Crowne Plaza – MeadowlandsPhone: (201) 348-6900Fax: (201) 348-14072 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094www.cpmeadowlands.crowneplaza.com15 Meadowlands ParkwaySecaucus, NJ 07094www.redroofinn.com

NORTHEAST 2015 Hotel Information Coming to the show from out oftown? These hotels are withinwalking distance from NORTHEAST:


Currently, Bald hill stocks $1.9 million in Mopar &

kia parts. The dealer’s lines include dodge, Chrysler,

Jeep, ram, Fiat and kia. They have 15 trucks performing

daily deliveries to rhode island, Massachusetts, Con-

necticut and new hampshire.

of course, a parts operation of this size can only suc-

ceed with the right team at the helm. All of the parts advi-

sors in Bald hill’s Call Center are capable of taking care

of any of their many customers throughout new england.

one of the biggest changes that happened at Bald hill’s

parts department was the March 2014 retirement of their

34-year veteran parts director, ernie wennerstrom. wen-

nerstrom was a big proponent of cross-training and now,

under the guidance of new parts director Matt Jarvis (a

20-year Bald hill employee), the department’s 30-person

operation is working to have everyone trained so that

they all can take any call – whether a customer needs

Chrysler/dodge/Jeep parts or kia products. Additionally,

Bald hill has been very fortunate to have the ability to

“promote from within” with many of its parts employees.

Their eagerness and ability to learn has allowed them a

seamless transition as the enterprise moves forward.

in addition to knowing Bald hill thanks to its high-

quality parts and quick deliveries, AASp/MA members

have become familiar with the dealer thanks to the regu-

lar presence of wholesale Manager don Cushing. go to

an association meeting or fundraising event, and there’s a

strong chance that Cushing – a former AASp/MA director

– will be there in support.

like many of their parts customers, the Bald hill

parts team has had to work hard to adapt to a changing

industry. with aftermarket companies more prevalent in

the marketplace than ever before, the dealership has com-

mitted itself to staying one step ahead of the competition.

“one of the biggest things that we use here at Bald

hill is Mopar’s Conquest program,” explains Cushing.

“we are able to be competitive with the aftermarket by

using this program in conjunction with oeConnection’s

Collisionlink and repairlink solutions. These programs

allow us to offer aggressive pricing, which benefits our

customers.”

As anyone working in a body shop or dealership

these days surely knows, the automotive industry in new

england and beyond has also experienced considerable

economic ups and downs in recent years. Thankfully, the

Bald hill parts operation has been able to thrive in these

difficult times thanks to the trust of its co-owners, Jim

hagan and Bob petrarca Jr., having the right people in

place and being able to anticipate and address industry

trends. Above all, Bald hill prides themselves on their

ability to pay attention to detail, make sure they specify

the correct parts the first time and deliver those items as

quickly as possible. By doing so, the dealership’s parts

customers remain happy and profitable.

As Bald hill’s relationship with AASp/MA moves

forward, Jarvis and Cushing are hopeful that the dealer’s

resources and expertise can assist the association in de-

veloping new industry education initiatives.

“whether these include the tech schools, collision

shop owners, association members or non-members, any

opportunity we have to offer our services will certainly

help as we all grow,” says Jarvis.

Thanks to their commitment to its customers and

great reputation throughout the region, Bald hill is in a

constant state of growth. The dealership recently com-

pleted a major warehouse expansion that now allows

them to service all of their dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and kia

customers from one central location. This greatly reduces

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

ONE STEP AHEAD:BALD HILL THRIVES IN CHANGING TIMES

by Joel Gausten

In the world of wholesale,few dealers have reachedthe heights achieved byBald Hill in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Left to right: Anthony Pickett, Delivery/Sales; Sid Simoes, Delivery/Sales; Don Cushing, Wholesale Manager; Matt Jarvis, Parts Director;Emmett Knapton, Warehouse Manager; Lance Sharpe, Business Manager and Chris Hancock, Dispatcher


errors in picking the correct part and virtually eliminates

damages caused by having two locations. not surpris-

ingly, there are even more great things in store for this

local institution moving ahead.

“one event we are currently working on is a Certi-

fied Collision Shop program night,” Cushing says. “As

this is still in the planning stage, our hope is to be able to

have a three-night event in rhode island, Massachusetts

and Connecticut, with direct information on how to be-

come certified for Chrysler repair. watch for more up-

dates!”

with another great year already underway for Bald

hill, Cushing looks forward to welcoming new whole-

sale customers to the dealer’s exceptional services and

unbeatable customer care.

“we know that shops have many dealers that they

can choose from,” he says. “we are dedicated to provid-

ing the best possible service to our customers. Anyone

can offer ‘loss leader’ discounts, but you can’t discount

great service. we invite everyone to give us a call so that

we may have the opportunity to earn your business!”

The Bald Hill parts team is availableMon-Fri 7:30am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to1pm. For more information, please call (800)822-3015 or visit www.baldill.com.

Like them at www.facebook.com/baldhillparts.

Bald Hill’s 15 trucks deliver to Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

COVER STORY

There has never been a bettertime to be a part of AASP/MAthan right now.

Over the past several months, the asso-ciation has succeeded in launching a new era ofimpressive regulatory victories and heightenedinfluence at the political table. Last year,AASP/MA was instrumental in working withthe Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers

(CAR) on a change to rewrite Section 4 oftheir Performance Standards, which pre-

viously allowed insurers to suppressthe Labor Rate. This year, CAR will betaking a look at their PerformanceStandards for full review, andAASP/MA has been invited to partici-pate in this process. Additionally, theAuto Damage Appraiser Licensing

Board (ADALB) has been workingto rewrite the language in 212

CMR. AASP/MA and its leg-islative team at Lynch Associ-ates have been workingdirectly with the Board andthe Department of Insuranceto make sure those changesbenefit the associationmembership.

by Joel Gausten

WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?How Member Support Affects the Industry

MASSACHUSETTS




Now, with a new Governor andlegislative session in place, AASP/MAis poised to change the industry inMassachusetts for the better – andyour support is going to make it allpossible.

As longtime members ofAASP/MA know, the rewards andbenefits of membership far outweighthe cost of annual dues. One very im-portant tool that is directly fueled bymembership dues is the AASP/MAwebsite (www.aaspma.org). The site’sMembers’ Only section offers exclusiveaccess to past issues of New England

Automotive Report, archived Damage

Report newsletters, informative linksand a special “Ask the Expert” feature.In addition, users have access to acomprehensive Member Manual thatcontains laws and regulations govern-ing the industry, helpful tools for theirbusiness and essential forms. Perhapsbest of all, the site features recordingsof meetings held by the ADALB. Formany, this feature has been worth theprice of membership alone.

“There may be something you areexperiencing in your shop that anADALB advisory ruling has alreadysolved, or perhaps you are looking forthe regulations on how to negotiate onpaint and materials,” offers AASP/MAExecutive Director Jillian Zywien.“Our members can enjoy the conven-ience of clicking a link to answer manyof these types of questions at anytime.”

In addition to their work in ex-panding the tools available on thewebsite, AASP/MA is building a pres-ence in the new legislative session.The association’s Legislative Commit-tee, led by new Chairman Peter Lan-gone (Langonet Auto Body), has filedpriority matters, including a new in-carnation of the long-running LaborRate Bill.

“In the last session, we were ableto identify elements of the Labor RateBill, as previously written, that werean impediment to passage,” offersZywien. “AASP/MA leadership hastaken a novel, strategic approach to

initiatives filed on behalf of the indus-try for the upcoming session. Chair-man Langone, along with hiscommittee members and the Board ofDirectors, evaluated a number of op-tions that could be developed to offerthe kind of relief that the Labor RateBill sought to provide. Our strategyfor these efforts will be to file a num-ber of smaller, separate items that aredesigned to correct the inequities inthe auto body industry’s abilities to

operate under an open market modelwhere the Labor Rate is fairly negoti-ated, enforcement of licensing laws isequally applied and the industry willbe better positioned to level the play-ing field.”

After years on the front lines ofthe Labor Rate debate, Langone ishopeful that AASP/MA’s current andupcoming legislative actions finallyprovide the economic relief that the

Massachusetts industry has desper-ately needed for far too long.

“We have the lowest averageLabor Rate in the entire country,” hesays. “We are not the cheapest place tolive, obviously. We should be closer tothe rates in our neighboring states,and that’s basically what our new billis going to try to do.”

With 2015 already proving to be agame-changing year for AASP/MA,Langone encourages his fellow mem-bers to take the time necessary to edu-cate themselves on what is happeningat the State House and be responsivewhen the association requests theirtime, help and enthusiasm in pushingbills forward.

“The legal and legislative arenasare the most important things we arein the association to address,” hestates. “This is the main work we arehere to do.”

One incredibly important way thatmembers of the AASP/MA commu-nity can help the process along is bydonating to the association’s PoliticalAction Committee (PAC).

“A [PAC] is a mechanism de-signed to allow associations to supportcandidates and elected officials thatagree with and work for the initiativesproposed by the industry,” explainsZywien. “When a specific member ofgovernment is a champion for the is-sues we pursue, we want that officialto continue in office and thus continueto advocate for our initiatives. Mem-bers can donate up to $500 a year tothe PAC and then the leadership deter-mines how to most effectively utilizethose funds to support those whowork on our behalf.

“Building a strong PAC throughmember support allows the associa-tion to participate in fundraisingevents,” she continues. “With manynew members in the 2015 legislature,and a new Governor, it is importantthat we build our presence on BeaconHill through strengthening relation-ships with decision makers. It is ourgoal this year to introduce the issuesof the auto repair profession to as

AASP/MA is poised to change theindustry in Massachusetts for the better – and your support is going to make it all possible.

many new members of government asthe budget allows for. Relationshipbuilding and supporting our advo-cates is the primary purpose of ourPAC.”

In order for members to have themost effective impact with their PACcontributions, Zywien offers somegeneral rules to follow. For one thing,the law specifies that PACs can onlybe funded through personal dona-tions; these are not tax-deductible. Ad-ditionally, dues funds cannot beco-mingled with political donations,as corporate funds of any kind areprohibited for donation to public offi-cials. However, dues funds do supportthe association’s professional legisla-tive consultants’ costs.

“PAC donations must be writtenon a personal check and come frompersonal funds; these checks arepayable to AASP/MA PAC,” she adds.“You can make an annual pledge tothe PAC account, made over severalpayments if that is more convenient.You may also pay by credit card if thecredit card is your personal one.Under state law, you may not donatemore that $500 per individual, peryear to a PAC or the campaign of aspecific public official. If all of ourmembers pledged only $100 per yearto the PAC, it would facilitate all theneeds of the association as we buildour footprint on Beacon Hill.”

Fueled by the strongest politicalmuscle it has ever had, AASP/MA hasentered 2015 with a renewed sense ofpurpose in the Legislature. Althoughpromoting anything at the State Houseis a long and sometimes frustratingendeavor, Langone is quick to remindthose who feel burnout over theprocess that the problems facing theindustry didn’t get here overnight –and won’t go away overnight, either.The industry can win this one; it justneeds to keep pushing.

“Even though the last Labor RateBill didn’t get passed, it did bringabout some changes,” he says. “It keptattention on our situation. We have tokeep that message out in the forefront;

if we just let it die, the insurers willjust leave things alone. This needs tobe out there, in print and discussed allthe time.”

“Members play an integral partthrough development of strong rela-tionships with local elected state offi-cials and a unified effort to supportingthe goals of AASP/MA,” adds Zywien. “As the new legislature takesoffice, it is imperative that membersmeet with representatives andsenators in their districts to educate

lawmakers on the unfair treatment ofthe auto body industry and the over-bearing tactics of the insurance indus-try. This kind of connection expandsthe number of lawmakers willing tosupport and work for passage of ourproposals. By forming these relation-ships in the district, legislators willfeel more obligated to you as one oftheir constituents.”


MASSACHUSETTS


COVER STORY

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Premier Nissan of Newport295 E. Main RoadMiddletown, RI 02842Phone: 401-619-5050Fax: 401-847-4559www.premiernissanofnewport.com



180 BIZ FEATURE

Once upon a time, there was a cus-tomer named Goldilocks, and she wasin need of auto repair. The problem forGoldilocks was she had just moved intothe area and it was like a vast wilder-ness. Not knowing what else to do, shedecided to visit three repair shops andsee what the experience was like ateach.

The first shop that Goldilockswalked into was a blur of posters andmenu boards. Steve Steamroller greetedher at the front counter. While she wastalking to Steve, she noticed he seemeddistracted and kept interrupting herwhile she was discussing her problem.Every time he interrupted her, he wastrying to sell her a service that hadnothing to do with her issue. She finallygave up on trying to talk and told Steveshe’d get back to him for an appoint-ment. When she walked out of theshop, she did not feel listened to andcared for. Under her breath Goldilockssaid, “This shop is too hard to deal with.”

So, she moved on to the second shop onher list.

The second shop that Goldilocksvisited had fewer posters on the walland looked older (and dirtier). PaulPushover was there to assist Goldilocksand kept asking her what she wantedto do about every little thing. Paul wasvery nice, gave her lots of informationand options, and then asked her whatshe wanted to do. This madeGoldilocks uncomfortable because shehad No idea what she wanted to do.“If I knew what to do, I wouldn’t be here

talking to you!” thought Goldilocks.Even though Goldilocks was smilingand shaking her head up and down,she had no idea what Paul was talkingabout 90 percent of the time, whichonly made her feel uncomfortable. Shedidn’t want someone to educate her,give her options and then ask herwhich she’d like to pick, so she told

Paul that she’d get back to him toschedule an appointment. Under herbreath Goldilocks said, “This shop is too

wishy-washy to deal with.” So, she movedon to the third shop on her list.

When Goldilocks pulled up to thethird shop on her list, she was immedi-ately impressed. The parking lot wasclean and it was easy for her to seewhere to park. The front office waswarm and inviting with no salesposters at all. The walls had pictures ofthe employees and their families andsome beautiful prints that highlightedsome of the natural areas around hernew home. Al Awesome greeted herwith a smile and his name at thecounter. He shook her hand and startedasking questions that helped him un-cover her issue, as well as her historywith her vehicle, how she’s using ittoday and what her plans were movingforward. Al then suggested a course ofaction to get her vehicle in the shop andtaken care of. Arrangements weremade, repairs were performed and thevehicle was picked up. As Goldilockswas driving home from the shop in hergreat-running vehicle, she couldn’t helpbut think, “This shop is just right!” andlived happily ever after.

As you can see from this story, youcan approach a sale from one of threeperspectives: One focused on you andyour numbers, or one focused on thefear of overselling or one focused onthe customer.

If you come at your customer fo-cused on you and your numbers, yourcustomer will be able to sniff out yourtrue intent quickly, resulting in less-than-stellar sales. Your customer willfeel like a number dealing with yourbusiness. You don’t listen to your cus-tomer because you think you alreadyknow what he or she wants. Thenyou’re surprised when you push your

customer and lose the sale. When your fear of being perceived

as overselling dominates your thinking,you’re afraid of selling because you’reafraid of coming across as pushy. Youknow what I mean: That typical poly-ester suit wearing, fast-talking, stereo-typical used car salesperson. So how doyou deal with this fear? You become aknowledge bearer or an option giver.You come to your customer with yourfindings, discuss the options availableand then ask them what they want todo. This takes all the weight of the salesdecision off you and puts it squarely onthe shoulders of your customer. Theonly problem is that your customerdoesn’t know how to make this deci-sion.

As a rule, your customers don’twant more information; they wantsomeone they trust to guide them andto help them get what they want. Whenyou don’t know what they want, that’swhen you’re pushing and you’ll losethem. By taking the time to connectwith your customer like the third shopdid, you understand them. Making asale is just like practicing medicine; pre-scription before diagnosis leads to mal-practice. Asking questions is how youdiagnose. It’s a critical step in the salesprocess that too many skip. This is cost-ing you the customer, the opportunityand the sale.

when yoU ASk qUeSTionS,yoU’re ABle To:

qualify the customer. Do you do thework they need done? Are you the bestprovider for them to get what theywant? You can figure this out by askingthe right questions.

engage the customer. Asking questionstakes your customer out of the standsas a spectator and puts him or her on

goldiloCkS And The Three SAleSby Rick White

the field as a player. Engagement is thenumber one secret to success in sales.Differentiate your business. Your com-petitors aren’t taking the time to askquestions to help the customer. Askingquestions gives you the ability to con-nect with your customer and reallystand out.

Build rapport. Rapport is a connectionyou make with your customer outsideof the transaction. This is where youbuild the relationship. Try to learn onenew thing with each customer everytime you work with them.

Understand their issue. They’re callingyou for a reason. Asking questionshelps you uncover that reason andmake sure you can help them.Understand their feelings and needs forthis vehicle. Every person has a differ-ent set of expectations for each car theyown. Asking questions helps you seethe world through their eyes as it re-lates to this vehicle.

Build credibility. You’re being judgedby your customer based on your levelof engagement and the quality of ques-tions you ask. Ask dumb questions andthey’ll think you’re dumb. Ask smartquestions and they’ll think you’resmart.

If you ask the right questions andlisten to the answers, your customerwill actually HELP you build yourpresentation because you’ll be able toprovide them with solutions that ex-actly match their wants and needs!

While this story shows three shops,each of these scenarios can happen inthe same shop on any given day. Manytimes, it’s the activity level of the shopand the lack of training for advisorsthat causes the inconsistency. Make acommitment today to slow thingsdown at the front counter and trainyour advisors on how you want yourcustomer treated (and the questions toask,) and you’ll see your sales numbersand customer loyalty climb!


About rick white & one eighty Business Solutions

Rick White is a managing member of One Eighty Business Solu-tions (180BIZ), a Virginia-based coaching and business solutionsprovider to the automotive and truck repair industries. Rick’sclients consider him a trusted advisor, helping them to increaseprofits and free time while reducing stress. If you would like morebusiness tips and thoughts just like this, please visit our Facebookpage at www.facebook.com/180biz. 180BIZ provides affordable,down-to-earth, one-on-one business coaching with no long-termcommitments and a money-back guarantee! To see how we canhelp you and your business, please email us at [email protected] call (540) 833-2014.

MASSACHUSETTS


NISSAN VILLAGEParts Direct: 888-309-0980

Fax: [email protected]

CHARLES RIVER SAABParts Direct: 617-923-0014


VOLVO VILLAGEOF HINGHAM

Parts Direct: 781-829-3120Fax: 781-829-3193

[email protected]

• Accurate, professional wholesale staff• Fast Delivery to Your Door• Competitive Discounts• Large Inventory - Over $4 million in mechanical

and collision parts• Collision Link

BOSTON VOLVO VILLAGEParts Direct: 800-336-2355


PORSCHE OF NORWELLParts Direct: 888-744-8810


AUDI NORWELLParts Direct: 888-744-8810


VOLVO VILLAGE OF DANVERSParts Direct: 978-741-3474Parts Fax: [email protected]

HONDA VILLAGEParts Direct: 800-555-4235


HYUNDAI VILLAGE OF DANVERSParts Direct: 888-227-0956


For almost 50 years Ray Ciccolo has been supporting the retail and wholesale automotive

market in the metropolitan Boston area. Your satisfaction is our first priority.

VILLAGE WHOLESALE HOTLINE: 1-855-VAG-PART1-855-824-7278Visit us on the web: www.villageautomotive.com


As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service providers of Massachusetts (AASp/MA), i will abide by the association’s bylaws and code of

ethics. 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.

2015 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 to January 2016)

Total Due ....................................................................................$395.00

NEW! Political Action Committee (PAC) Donation ...............$_____

Check or Cash

Credit Card: Visa MasterCard

Card Number: __________________________________________

Expiration Date: ________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________

*** PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY ***

12 post office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109

phone: (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




Audi Group ....................................................32

Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4

Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram............43

Balise Wholesale Parts Express ......................6

Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ....................8

Bernardi Group ........................................30-31

Best Chevrolet/Best CDJR..........................IFC

BMW Group ..............................................36-37

BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................55

Clay Subaru ....................................................23

Colonial Auto Group ....................................29

Empire Auto Parts............................................9

Enterprise ........................................................11

First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................11

First Ford ........................................................11

First Hyundai..................................................11

Ford Group ....................................................56

Future Cure ....................................................47

Honda Group..................................................34

Hyundai Group..............................................41

Imperial Ford..................................................56

Infiniti of Norwood........................................28

Ira Group....................................................12-13

Jaffarian Toyota/Volvo..................................22

Kelly Automotive Group............................IBC

Linder’s, Inc. ..................................................58

Long Automotive Group ..........................OBC

Mazda Group..................................................26

Mopar Group..................................................24

Nissan Group..................................................48

PPG ....................................................................3

Robertsons GMC Truck ................................17

Sarat Ford-Lincoln ..........................................9

Sentry Group ..................................................49

Subaru Group............................................50-51

Tasca Group ....................................................35

Toyota Group..................................................39

Village Auto Group........................................54

VW Group ......................................................46

Wellesley Toyota/Scion ................................10

AD INDEX


is too early to know all of the effects

that it may have, and how much abuse

there may be of the new statute. But

hopefully, it will work to protect those

employees that legitimately need to

take time off because of medical issues

in their families - and hopefully, the

new Attorney General will clear up

some of the major issues that exist in

the new law.

Attorney James Castleman is a managing member of Paster,

Rice & Castleman, LLC in Quincy, MA. He can be

reached at (617) 472-3424 or at

jcastleman@

prclawoffice.com.

continued from pg. 19

MASSACHUSETTS


LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

New England Automotive Report February 2015

Documents

Transcript of New England Automotive Report February 2015