MISSOURI
New EPA rules are calling for collision repair shops to switch to waterborne paints. By the end of the year, Brett Baily's five Kansas City-area A&B CARSTAR collision repair shops will have switched to more environmentally friendly waterborne paints. "Our whole goal is to be the first to have it implemented and have it old hat while the rest of the industry is struggling to learn it," Baily said. The transition will cost each store about $15,000 but will reduce emissions of smog-contributing volatile organic compounds by about 75 percent and eliminate hazardous waste. The new regulation will not go into effect until at least 2013.
Members of the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce joined J&M Auto Parts Owner Jerry Brendlinger and Manager Mike Shrimplin at their CARQUEST store in Nevada for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jay Ferguson, owner of Line-X in Lee's Summit, recently changed the company name to Truck Works. Ferguson said he made the change because he has expanded the company into different types of truck accessories. "We originally just started out just doing spray-on bedliners," he said. "Then we moved to doing accessories and trying to expand our business. We've had a good response so far."
On March 20, the Belton Chamber of Commerce gathered at Scott's Car Care for a grand opening ceremony. The business is owned by Scott Burger.
Brad Carrender, owner of 3-Way Auto Sales, recently opened a new location in Oak Grove, leaving behind his Grain Valley store. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in April to welcome Carrender and his business to the community.
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced their 2007/2008 award recipients at the association's Corporate Awards Dinner on April 15 in Philadelphia. Dan Bailey, president and CEO of CARSTAR Franchise System, received the Regional Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given to those who give generously to the aid of their states or regions over time. Bailey operated three body shops in Kansas City with his brother, Bill, for over 20 years before joining CARSTAR Franchise Systems 10 years ago. During that time he has been part of the foundation of the collision industry in Missouri and Kansas and has given much of his time, talent and resources to the industry.
Chux Trux, a Kansas City-based retailer with four locations, has added a new position to the company. On May 5, Rick Abate was named the head of a new training department. Abate has six years of experience with Chux Trux, most of which was as store manager at the Olathe location.
Will Harpham, a student at Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City, received a $2,000 scholarship from the I-CAR Education Foundation. Scholarships were awarded to students enrolled in career and technical schools and colleges who are planning on pursuing a career in the collision industry.
IOWA
Through a readers' choice vote, residents of Northern Iowa chose Tires Plus in Mason City as the best place to buy tires for the sixth year in a row.
KANSAS
Shawnee Mission Ford received the 2007 President's Award -- the company's highest honor. Only 340 out of 4,000 dealerships receive the award. "Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff's commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible," said Dick Shull, president of Shawnee Mission Ford.
Enrique and Ruby Gutierrez recently opened Brian's Corner, an auto detailing and minor repair business in Ulysses.
Olathe Ford acquired the Tumminia Lincoln Mercury dealership, also in Olathe. The dealership will now be called Olathe Ford Lincoln Mercury.
Kongsberg Automotive recently purchased Norland Plastics in Haysville. Kongsberg Automotive, headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, develops, manufactures, and markets gearshifts, clutch actuators, seat-comfort components, stabilizing rods, couplings, and other components.
Steve Burhenn was elected president of Mid-America Tire Dealers Association (MATDA). Burhenn is executive vice president of Becker Tire & Treading Inc.
For the second year in a row, Parks Motors of Augusta has been named Chrysler Dealer of the Year for the Denver Business District, composed of nearly 500 dealerships over a 12-state area. The competition is now down to eight finalists for the national Chrysler Dealer of the Year, which covers 4,800 dealers.
Steffens Auto Parts in Hutchinson recently celebrated 40 years in business. Owner Butch Steffens opened the business in 1968.
On May 15, Automotive Service Association of Missouri/Kansas (ASA-MO/KAN) President Jeff Bly, and Co-Vice President Jerry Holcom led a discussion on the benefits of ASA membership. The dinner and discussion was held at Yarbroughs Family Restaurant in Shawnee. The outlined benefits included everything from discounts on uniforms and utilities to Web services and online training. Three new ASA shops were in attendance: Action Auto Repair, B&B Auto Repair, and Buddy's Automotive, all of Independence, Mo.
NEBRASKA
After competing for business over the last 25 years, Tim Leise, owner of Hartington Auto Supply, and John Lounsbery, owner of Quality Auto Parts Store, will join forces to become Cedar County Auto Parts. The new store, a NAPA Auto Parts Store is located on 108 W. Main St.
Ron Allen has opened a full-service automotive repair facility in Beemer in the former Fast Stop Station. Allen's son Jerry will manage the shop, and Joe Ruppert will help run the station.
George Witt, owner of George Witt Service in Lincoln, was re-elected chairman of the 2008-2009 Board of Trustees for the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).
Legislation that would require insurers to provide written advanced notification of any changes in property/casualty insurance policies is one step away from becoming law. Nebraska LB1045 requires that insurers who eliminate or introduce more restrictive conditions in existing property/casualty insurance policy give written notice to policyholders of policy change prior to the policy's renewal. LB1045 also requires insurers to notify issuing insurance agencies of more restrictive conditions. The Nebraska unicameral legislature passed the bill by an overwhelming majority, and Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman is expected to sign the bill into law.