IOWA
Fidelity National Insurance signed an agreement to offer its customers SceneExchange from Scene Genesis. The Web-based program lets the insured choose autobody shops for prompt, high-quality collision repairs. Initially, SceneExchange will be available to the company's customers in Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and New Jersey. More states will be added over the next several months. 
The 2009 Keystone Calendar was unveiled during the NACE show in November. NACE showgoers who stopped by the LKQ exhibit received a free copy of the calendar featuring classic and custom vehicles. The calendar competition had more than 300 entries submitted, with only the top 13 making it into the calendar. Dan Robertson of Davenport made it with his 1962 Austin Healey.
KANSAS
According to the Greensheet, Keystone Automotive Operations acquired select assets of Kansas City-based parts distributor Arrow Speed. Keystone bid roughly $12 million to acquire the inventory and other operational assets.
Wayne Becker, owner of Becker Tire and Treading in Great Bend, died Nov. 5. Becker was a long-time member of Tire Industry Association (TIA), Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), and the Mid-America Tire Dealers Association (MATDA). Becker Tire has eight locations in Kansas.
Donnie Smith, lead collision repair instructor at Butler Community College in El Dorado, along with one of his students started a blog that focuses on the collision industry and his classroom. YouTube videos, many of which are student-led videos on procedures for repair, are also posted on the blog, www.BCRN.blogspot.com. "My goal and drive is to increase awareness and interest in the collision repair industry," Smith said.
Overland Park-based CARSTAR has recently promoted two members of its executive management team. Ernie Laky, director of purchasing, was promoted to vice president, and Bill Garoutte, senior marketing executive, had assistant vice president added to his title.
MISSOURI
On Nov. 20, Automotive Service Association of Missouri/Kansas (ASA-MO/KAN) hosted a training class at Manny's Mexican Restaurant in Kansas City. The ASA Kansas City president and co-president, Jeff Bly and Jerry Holcom, respectively, led the training. The focus was on fast, accurate, and profitable component testing with an oscilloscope (Labscope). The training not only discussed the technical importance of having a Labscope, but also its ability to assist the service advisers in selling diagnosis by showing customers the before and after wave forms.
ASA of Missouri/Kansas (ASA MO/KAN) is seeking applications for its 2009 Automotive Scholarships. Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2009. Eligibility requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA in high school and, if enrolled in college or votech, a 2.0 GPA. Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours of an automotive technology program at an accredited college or vocational school in Missouri or Kansas, or be a high school senior enrolled in a votech automotive program with a plan to register and attend a college automotive technology program in Missouri or Kansas in the summer or fall of 2009. Contact ASA MO/KAN Executive Director Sheri Hamilton at sheri@asamokan.org.
Advantage PressurePro's tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) product line is now available at www.costco.com and will be made available to all Costco members. "TPMS continues to prove more and more vital for drivers of all types, with its ability to provide the information needed to increase fuel efficiency, extend tire life, add safety, cut downtime, drive green, and much more," said Phillip G. Zaroor, president and CEO of Harrisonville-based Advantage PressurePro. "As the knowledge of these benefits continues to increase, so does the demand for PressurePro, and we are proud to help supply this growing demand alongside a company as proven and trusted as Costco."
NEBRASKA
Omaha's Performance Automotive Group has purchased Lithia Mercedes-Benz of Omaha and Lithia Ford of Omaha from Lithia Motors. With the acquisition, Performance now owns 12 dealerships throughout the Midwest. Lithia Ford closed its doors and will now be part of Performance Ford. The Mercedes-Benz dealership will remain at its location.
In October, Les Eck's auto group purchased Anderson Ford in Omaha, now Rusty Eck Ford Omaha. The new store moved Eck into the top 10 among 3,500 national Ford dealers in new-car and -truck sales volume. It's Eck's fourth location, joining businesses in Wichita and Hutchinson, Kan., and St. Joseph, Mo.
