Representatives of ASA Kansas, SCRS Kansas and AASP Missouri recently sponsored a day long collision industry event. The meeting was attended by 60 collision repairers and industry representatives.
Craig Brace of Pure Media was the featured guest speaker that presented a case for the power of brand and the consistency of your brand. In addition, there was a review of new media opportunities in the areas fo Twitter, Facebook, iphone and YouTube. Craig emphasized the need to review your web site and consistency of your brand. As well as looking for creative ways to utilize your website with new media opportunity and to capture more customers.
Renowned I-car instructor and industry spokesperson Toby Chess presented his always enjoyable audience interactive presentation of how to gain more dollars on each repair order. There was a review of a claim and the audience each looked for lost dollars that could be obtained by reviewing all activities taking place on the claim. On average there is $25 of lost dollars on every claim and in these tight economic times every shop should make certain they implement processes to capture these lost dollars.
Karen Fierst of KerenOr Consultants provided the audience an update on the use of aftermarket parts and the status of legislation around the use of after market parts. Karen always provides an informative and current presentation regarding CAPA certified parts usage and the issues that are faced today with the use of aftermarket parts. The audience also participated in survey regarding the use of aftermarket parts in their shops.
David McCreight of Collision Resources provided an excellent presentation of the HeiJunka principle to maximize cycle time and production flow. The theory is just one part of a larger principle of lean management.
Representatives for each of the sponsorship groups provided an update on what each of their organizations are working toward and regional meetings that are taking place.
Jeanne Silver provided emcee for the day and monitored what this group of industry stake holders feel are the top issues in the industry and within their own organization.
Those issues are:
1. Blend within a panel and P&M caps.
2. Need a united front in Missouri and Kansas groups on what it is they want to accomplish. There are several legislative issues being brought before the Missouri house and the group needs to focus as a single entity of what it is they want to accomplish (such as licensing of repair shops).
3. Steering issue and deceptive practices.
4. Rate suppression - disparity on how rates are determined.
We also had a conversation regarding the new EPA laws and regulations going into effect this year. I was able to share with the group that Scene Genesis will be hosting a Podcast on this subject in July and we will also be hosting the training video on our site. Keep your eyes on our Podcasts for information on this subject.
Scene Genesis and our SceneExchange product were proud to be represented at this meeting and share our industry knowledge while learning about the local issues that effect our business partners.
--Alan
Thanks for the post. I was at that conference. I thought it was very good and you covered it well. Thanks, Donnie
Posted by: Donnie Smith | July 13, 2009 at 09:05 AM