The new year is here, and ASCCA leaders, members, and partners gathered virtually on January 30th – 31st for the first Team Weekend of 2021. If you couldn’t join us, here’s a recap of the Team Weekend events.
President Rory Balmer welcomed attendees and acknowledged the new members of ASCCA. He expressed his enthusiasm for the association and highlighted the positives activities going into 2021. As part of his message, President Balmer recognized John Eppstein, immediate Past President. In recognition of the former president, a scholarship in John’s name has been established with the ASCEF. Interested individuals are invited to contribute to this fund.
ASCCA Committee Meetings
The Government Affairs Committee was joined by ASCCA lobbyist Jack Molodanof to review legislative activity for 2021. Included in his report was a discussion on recently introduced AB 294 which would create a Towing and Storage Board (similar to the BAR) and have an impact on vehicle towing and storage fees. J. Molodanof expressed his concerns with the broad language of the bill and negative impact on consumers. Dave Kusa, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, indicated that ASCCA may be asking their members to contact their elected officials about the problems with this proposed legislation. The Committee also received a NASTF report from Craig Johnson that included an update on the new NASTF website (www.nastf.org) and the availability of information that will allow shops without vehicle security credentials to utilize a third-party programing device (managed by Opus). Shops utilizing this program must still be certified by NASTF.
The Membership Committee discussed the various efforts underway to build and retain membership. The Committee is finalizing an “onboarding” plan for new members to ensure they are provided information on all the benefits of membership as well as helping them develop contacts in their Chapter and the association. Engaging new members in Chapter meetings, association events, and training provided by ASCCA Partners are all important aspects of retaining these members. The Committee also discussed the plans being developed to contact each member of ASCCA (as was done in spring 2020) to see how the membership is doing following the events of last year.
The Revenue & Benefit Committee reviewed the list of Corporate Partners of ASCCA and thanked them for their ongoing loyal support. Even with the difficulties of 2020, the ASCCA Corporate Partners provided financial support as well as additional virtual trainings, consultations, and other benefits to the membership. The Committee also discussed the corporate sponsor component of the upcoming Virtual Conference. The Revenue & Benefit Committee will work closely with the ETI Committee to obtain sponsorships as well as exhibitors for the Trade Show.
The Chapter Representative Committee convened and received the additional ASCCA Committee reports:
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The ASC Educational Foundation, Chair John Eppstein reviewed the status of the scholarship fund and encouraged all ASCCA members to select ASCEF as their chosen charity when purchasing through Amazon (Amazon Smile Program). He also reminded the Committee of the “Cars for Careers” program under which donated cars fund scholarships. Applications are currently being accepted for the scholarship program. More information can be found at: www.asc-ef.org.
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The Connected Cars Committee reviewed the materials that had been shared via the ASCCA website and reported that they are developing their goals for 2021. The Committee anticipates working with the ETI Committee on the educational opportunities available at the Virtual Conference.
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Armstrong & Associates/Coremark – Glen Dailey and Matt Nabity provided some updated information regarding their products and the industry. This included:
- There may be slight increases in Workers’ Compensation rates in 2021. Attendees were reminded that shop owners must report to the W/C carrier if an employee tests positive for COVID0-19.
- A new garage keeper provider is coming on board. Ameritrust (based in the Midwest) will be available to interested members.
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HR Portal is available to all member shops and it includes the mandated Sexual Harassment Training at no charge. To access it, simply email Matt Nabity at mnabity@coremarkins.com.
- Health care insurance and regulations may be changing due to the programs and policies of the Biden administration. Some of these changes may not have an impact on California based businesses due to the current state requirements.
The Chapter Representatives Committee also received a presentation from Alison MacLeod and Samantha Nadimi of KP Public Affairs on the membership recruitment program developed for ASCCA. Titled “80 for 80”, the goal is to recruit 80 new members in honor of ASCCA’s 80th anniversary. The first step of the program has been completed with the recent mail out of postcards to a target list of potential member shops. Chapters will be provided with additional messages and scripts that can be used to contact these shops. Chapter Leaders will be invited to participate in an orientation meeting to launch this exciting effort! More information will be shared over the next two weeks via the RepTalk Google group.
Education Training
As part of the Education Training of the Team Weekend, attendees were able to hear from two outstanding speakers:
Rob Morrell, Director, WORLDPAC Training Institute on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Auto Industry – The presentation highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the new reality. R. Morrell described the benefits of the various training opportunities that have been available but also described the “Zoom fatigue” that many are experiencing.
Hunt Demarest, CPA and Accredited in Business Valuation on the Stimulus Package and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – This presentation provided clarity to attendees on some of the aspects of the PPP as well as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. A very healthy Q&A session followed the presentation, and many were able to get answers to their specific questions on these programs.
ASCCA Board Meeting
The ASCCA Board met on Sunday morning, January 31st. President Balmer welcomed the Board and expressed his enthusiasm for the year. He expressed his belief that ASCCA could achieve great things in 2021 and have fun in the process. President Balmer noted his appreciation for the time dedicated by the leadership present as well as the various members of the Committees who had been in attendance the day prior.
As part of their agenda, the Board reviewed the year-end financials which show the association being in a sound position. The Board also ratified its workplan for 2021 and discussed the membership recruitment campaign being launched in coordination with the Chapters. Leadership and the state office will work closely with the Chapters, providing support and materials in these efforts.
President Balmer closed out the weekend by thanking everyone who attended and challenging all to talk to their shop-owning friends about the benefits of ASCCA membership.
