Independent Garage Owners
Of North Carolina
Supporting North Carolina Independent
Garage Owners Since 1959
Vendor of the Month
Total
Total is a major energy player that produces and markets fuels, natural gas and electricity & renewables. They offer a large line of products, specializing in European & performance. We are proud to partner with Total, congratulations!
Member of the Month
Whitley Automotive
Whitley Automotive has been in business since 2008. They have been proud IGO members since 2014. Whitely Automotive has two locations in Marshville and Locust. Congrats Whitley Automotive!
March News
Auto Renew Contracts/Lease Agreements
By: Stan Creech, IGO President

Have you ever fallen victim to an auto renew contract? Or signed a lease agreement or loan with all interest paid up front that you regretted later? It happened to me and like most things, I’ve learned the hard way!
Are You the Collision Shop NextDoor?

NextDoor, a private social network, has been around for a decade, but recently, the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC) has received a lot of questions from member shops about the benefits of NextDoor and how to manage their account.
IGONC Members Discussed Thoughts on Employee Benefits During January Tireside Chat

During the association’s monthly Tireside Chat on January 21, members of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina discussed employee benefits. According to IGONC Marketing and Membership Services Director Maddi Hennessey, “We discussed 401k and retirement planning, the impact of a minimum wage increase, and some of the unique benefits and perks different shops offer. The conversation went well.”
U.S. Driving Last Year Was Lowest in Two Decades

After six consecutive years of gradual increases in vehicle-miles traveled (VMT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released new year-end estimates yesterday showing total U.S. driving fell by 13.2% – from 3.3 trillion VMT in 2019 to 2.83 trillion in 2020.
Virginia Democrats, Republicans Go Head-to-Head Over Electric Car Bill

Virginians could soon see more electric cars out on the roads. However, Republicans say the way Democrats are trying to make that happen is a bad thing.
The topic of climate change and what should be done about it has been a hot topic in Richmond and one bill, in particular, has Republicans and Democrats divided.
ASA, AASP, SCRS Release Position Statement on Scanning Compensation for Collision Repairers

On behalf of the combined efforts from industry associations, collision repair professionals, scan tool providers and various subject matter experts, the Automotive Service Associated (ASA), the Society of Collision...
Consumer Want Better Performance from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

AAA research shows drivers say improving vehicle safety systems takes priority over developing self-driving cars.
Upcoming Events
All Numbers Go Back To Happiness with Chris Cotton
March 16, 12-1PM EST
Join us and Chris Cotton of AutoFixSOS for this FREE Lunch and Learn webinar! All Numbers Go Back to Happiness! Register below!
Coaching Corner with ATI
March 18, 12-1PM EST
Join us for our monthly Coach's Corner with ATI! This month's Lunch & Learn is: Building a Bench with coach Mike Haley. Register below!
Gearhead School Webinar
March 23, 12-1PM EST
Join us and Grant Swaim from Gearhead School to learn about this excellent program. Gearhead School is on demand automotive training Gearhead School offers online, on-demand essentials training for the automotive service industry.
Accelerate Your Shops Growth with Broadly
March 24, 12-1PM EST
Join us for another free lunch & learn! Accelerate your shop's growth with Broadly. Adam Cohen will show you how to drive more quality car count, fill your bays and provide an exceptional customer experience to build lifelong customer relationships.
Missed some events? Recap on our website!
A New Vision of Performance with Total - Lunch Session
March 31, 12-1PM EST
Want the best experience for your car? Understand why Total lubricants ranges have been entirely revamped to offer a high level of efficiency and innovation and learn how to optimize your selections of engine oils to better suit the needs of your shop.
A New Vision of Performance with Total - Evening Session
March 31, 6-7PM EST
Want the best experience for your car? Understand why Total lubricants ranges have been entirely revamped to offer a high level of efficiency and innovation and learn how to optimize your selections of engine oils to better suit the needs of your shop.
Reduce Legal Risks For Your Small Business
April 7, 12-1PM EST
Learning about the ins and outs of legal best practices for running a business is the key to keeping you legally safe before you pour your heart and soul into launching and growing your small business. Free and open to all.
For a full list of our upcoming events, visit our website!
We would like to thank our Preferred Vendor Total for sponsoring this newsletter! Total is ready to help provide your shop with the superior oil and lubricant products. As a Preferred Vendor of IGO, Total is ready to help members save money!