2008-01 January

MAGAZINE LEADERS IN THE SALE OF QUALITY

PARTS

JANUARY 2008

Parts Performance Group Update Pages 4-5 Never Attended a Mopar Masters Meeting?

Page 7

Chrysler News Page 13

NADA 2008 Updates!

Pages 2-8 Mopar Announces Midget Car Sponsorship Page 9

Also In This Issue!

WANTED! Industry News Connecticut News Motivational Poster Money Matters Crossword Transitions

Page 10 Page 12-13 Page 15 Page 29 Page 31 Page 35

Contact Info for NADA 2008 Rhode Island News New RI Law in Effect As I’ve Matured TidBits MMG Executive Committees

Page 11 Page 14 Page 16-17 Page 30 Page 32-33 Page 36

Mopar Masters Magazine

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NADA 2008 www.nada.org

February 7‐12 Our Hotel for NADA 2008 in San Francisco is the Parc55

Mopar Masters Guild NADA 2008 Itinerary Tentative as of 1/14/08 Thursday, February 7th Travel and arrive in San Francisco 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Hotel/Meeting room walk-through MMG Executive Committee & Planning Committee

7:30 PM

Executive Committee Meeting & Dinner Place to be announced

Friday, February 8th 8:30am-10:00am

Spouse/Guest Breakfast - PARC 2 Room - 4th Floor

Guild Functions:

PARC 55 HOTEL PARC 1 ROOM 4TH FLOOR

7:00am - 8:30am

Mopar Masters Guild Business/Committee Reports Opening address by Guild President Gerry Oakes Welcome Comments from Vice President Roy Benner Treasurers Report from Brent Hoge Secretary’s reading of the minutes from Mike Gerber Vendor Presentation - Reynolds & Reynolds Vendor Presentation - Snap-On Business Solutions Vendor Presentation - ADP Lunch - Parc 2 Room 4th Floor Vendor Fair with the Following Vendors: Corporate Billing, Inc. Storage Consultants of America Noble Logistics Full Circle Solutions Mopar Masters Guild Business & Discussion Adjourn

9:15am - 10:am 10:15am - 11:00am 11:15am - 12:00 12:00pm - 1:00pm 1:30pm - 3:00pm

3:15 - 5:00pm 5:00 pm 6:30pm

Depart hotel to San Francisco Aquarium via bus transfer for Mopar Masters Guild Reception

7:00pm - 10:00pm

MMG Reception - San Francisco Aquarium Dress-Business Casual

9:00pm - 10:00pm

Bus transfer to Parc55 Hotel available during this timeframe

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Saturday, February 9th 7:00am - 7:30am 7:30am - 9:00am 9:15am - 10:00am 10:15am - 11:00am 11:00am - 12:00 12:00pm - 1:00pm 1:00pm - 1:30pm

PARC 55 HOTEL PARC 1 ROOM 4TH FLOOR Continental Breakfast in Meeting Room Election of Officers for 2008-2009 MMG Discussion Topics Vendor Presentation - OEConnection Vendor Presentation - Dealer Tire Vendor Presentation - Hanel Storage Lunch - Parc2 Room 4th Floor Vendor Presentation - Dealer Parts Trader

2:30pm

Mopar Christine Cortez, Executive VP of Parts and Service; Rob Richard, Director of Global Mopar Parts, Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC

5:00pm

Adjourn

Evening

Open Night: Explore San Francisco

Sunday, February 10th

NADA Convention being held at The Moscone Center Convention Exposition is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Information on Convention Transportation will be provided when you arrive

Monday, February 11th

Super Performance Group Session

8:30am

Super Performance Group Meeting Opening comments from facilitator Jim Jackson - LearnStuffNow Lunch - TBA Continuation of Super Performance Group Adjourn - Prepare for Farewell Dinner

Noon 1:00pm - 5:00pm 5:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Transfer to John Pence Art Gallery via bus for Mopar Masters Guild’s Farewell Dinner MMG Farewell Dinner

9:00pm - 11:00pm

Transfers to PARC55 Hotel available during this timeframe

Tuesday, February 12th Super Performance Group Session 8:00am

Continuation of Super Performance Group Meeting

Noon

Close of Super Performance Group Meeting Lunch - TBA

Have a safe trip home!

This premier event of the year is for Mopar Masters to share and exchange valuable information in helping to grow their businesses and most of all their bottom line profits!

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PARTS PERFORMANCE GROUP – NADA 2008

ENROLLMENT IS FINALLY AVAILABLE! Many of you have asked about signing up for our Performance Group that accompanies our NADA meetings. As of Monday, January 7, enrollment is finally available and it’s the only offering on Chrysler Learning Academy for course PMPERFGP. The following is the format we will use for these meetings and Jim Jackson’s form to work from as you prepare:

1. Please use the following template to prepare and present your presentation during our Parts Performance Group meeting scheduled for the 2008 NADA Convention in San Francisco.

2. Using the template provided, list and type a short description of actions you have taken during 2007 to increase your parts Wholesale sales and related account gross profits. Descriptions may also include actions taken to reduce wholesalerelated operating expenses.

3. Make your descriptions detailed enough so that others can use your notes when they return home as a model to adapt your actions to their operation.

4. You can expand upon your written details during your presentation time before the group.

5. Where you feel it may be beneficial, bring examples of promotional advertising or any other strategy you used to inform customers about your actions. To save cost and reduce traveling weight, these examples do not have to be included in the copies you bring for distribution to members.

6. I will have my laptop and projector available should you care to include PowerPoint slides in your presentation (pictures of an open house event, customer appreciation event, promotional event, etc.) Place your PowerPoint presentation on a CD for use on my laptop.

Let’s make this a thoroughly informative Wholesale-focused meeting; don’t wait until the last minute to prepare, start now.

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If you have questions about this meeting task, please email or call me using the information below.

Warmest regards, Jim Jackson JimJackson@LearnStuffNow.com 248-737-1755

Manager’s Name: Manager’s Dealership: (A) Account 574: Wholesale Sales – December 2007 (B) Account 574: Wholesale Sales – December 2006 Increase or Decrease (A minus B)

$00,000,000 $00,000,000 $000,000

(C) Account 574: Wholesale Gross Profit – December 2007

$0,000,000

(D) Account 574: Wholesale Gross Profit – December 2006

$0,000,000

Increase or Decrease (C minus D)

$000,000

(E) Account 586F: Wholesale Allowance – December 2007

$000,000

(F) Account 586F: Wholesale Allowance – December 2006

$000,000

Increase or Decrease (E minus F)

$00,000

The following describes actions I took during calendar year 2007 to increase my Wholesale Sales and related account gross profits.

(NOTE: Please number each action separately and provide a copy for each member attending the meeting.)

(The above form was emailed to you as an attachment to this Mopar Masters Magazine)

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Mopar Masters Guild to hold Election of Officers at NADA 2008 This year NADA 2008 in San Francisco will be the backdrop for our 16th Annual Mopar Masters Guild & Super Performance Group Meetings.

Every two years there is an Election of Officers for the guild. Any Mopar Masters Guild member can run for office. If you wish to nominate any member for office please make sure that the person which you are nominating is willing to run and accept that position if elected. After the election, there is a transition period in which the newly elected President is brought up to speed on current affairs. Typically the outgoing President will announce the transition of power.

It is always nice to see different members run for office. The Mopar Masters Guild is based on “the sharing of information and the power of knowledge”. So, MAKE A DIFFERENCE and get involved in YOUR Mopar Masters Guild!

Mopar Masters Guild Past Presidents 1992-1994

Chuck Hartle’ Founder and 1st President

1994-1996

Ernie Wennerstrom

1996-1998

Gerry Oakes

1998-2000

Paul Allred

2000-2002

Rick Monteiro

2002-2004

Alan Yancey

2004-2006

Marvin Windham

2006-2008

Gerry Oakes

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Never Attended a Mopar Master's Guild Meeting?

The annual meeting is of great value to every MMG member.

Here are some of the benefits:

Presentations from top Mopar corporate managers These are no-bull two-way information exchanges that allow you to plan for what’s coming during the year.

You will also likely get a chance to talk informally with these same top managers at the opening reception or another of the guild’s social functions.

Presentations from the guild’s supporting vendors All of the most important vendors to your dealership will have their top brass and technical gurus here to tell you what’s in the pipeline, including new products and software modifications.

Learn what the top Mopar dealership parts managers are doing You’re one of the top, too, or you wouldn’t be a member! Come and share your experience.

Input to the meetings with Mopar Executives MMG Executive Committee meets at least once a year with Mopar Executives to discuss issues and concerns.

The NADA convention floor alone is worth the trip! Mopar has a big exhibit with all the right people and info. Check out all the other vendor exhibits; maybe buy some new equipment for the store!

NADA’s educational seminars are presented by the top names in all dealership areas and cover a wide variety of useful topics. You also receive a binder with notes from all sessions, including those you could not attend.

The Super Performance group held in conjunction with the Guild meeting earns you training credits and lets you hear great ideas from managers not in your area. The Dealer Composite lets you compare your numbers to those of every dealer attending. If you notice another member’s number in a certain area (GP on tire sales, stock order discount, etc.) is where you want your number to be, just make a note and ask him how he does it.

Wearables! Make room in your suitcase – you will receive stylish additions to your in-dealership wardrobe, each bearing the MMG and commemorative convention city logos.

Good food and friendship awaits. Most likely someone you already know will be attending, and, with the wide variety of activities available, it’s even more likely you will strike up a friendly relationship with someone you meet.

The guild has made it possible for all Mopar Masters to enjoy these benefits, which actually amount to a competitive advantage for your business.

What do you need to bring with you? Just a willingness to participate and share your knowledge and perspective. If you are a Mopar Master, you have something to offer the guild. Sometimes the simplest idea, the one you were even a little embarrassed to mention, is just what another member needed to hear.

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NADA 2008 ‐ February 7‐12 Scheduled Attendees Roy Benner

Allan Samuels Dodge N. Richland Hills

Rich Okonsky Casey Brown

Allen Samuels Dodge Katy Allen Samuels Dodge Katy

Steve Benoit

Archer Chrysler Jeep

Don Cushing

Bald Hill Subaru Dodge Chrysler

Gerry Oaks

Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Susan McDaniel

Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Phil Krueger

Buerge Motor Car Co.

Guillermo Nava

Buerge Motor Car Co.

Steve Correll

Christopher's Dodge

Mike Gerber

Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Bellevue

Joe McBeth

Dallas Dodge CJ

Marvin Windham

Don Drennen Motor Co.

Ole Olson

Elk River Chrysler Ford

Mike Mulkins

Go Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Allen Yancey

Hayes Dodge Jeep

Tommy Thrift

Haynes Jeep Chrysler

Jason Powell

Jack Powell Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Richard Klein

Jack Powell Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Jack Powell

Jack Powell Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Rick Monteiro

Jack Powell Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Brent Christensen

Ken Garf West Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Brent Hoge

Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Paul Allred

Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Richard Schott

Moore Chrysler Jeep

Jonathan Dworsky

Park Chrysler Jeep

Steve Hofer

Park Chrysler Jeep

Tom Watson

Performance CJD

Brian Joynt

Power Chrysler Jeep

Mark Skinner

Power Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Rich Cutaia

Rick Hendrick Dodge

Robbie Jackson

Salsbury Dodge City

Doug Price

Security Dodge Chrysler

Dan Hutton

Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge

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MOPAR速 ANNOUNCES TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2008 MOPAR MIDGET NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Thursday, 10 January 2008

Center Line, Mich. - Mopar速, Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer, announced it will take the reins as title sponsor of the 2008 United States Auto Club (USAC) Mopar Midget National Championship in a press conference today at the 22nd Annual Dodge Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla.

Rob Richard, Director of Global Mopar Parts, Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC, and Kevin Miller, CEO and president of USAC, revealed the newly-created Mopar Midget National Championship logo with the help of Team Mopar drivers Jerry Coons Jr., and Brady Bacon, and spoke about the new sponsorship at the joint press conference. The partnership marks the union of two of the most widely respected organizations in circle track racing today.

"USAC is the racing series where legends are born, and Mopar's recent success in the USAC National Midget Series is proof of that statement," said Richard. "Mopar midget engines have had a legendary run in the series, with Jerry Coons Jr. [2006-2007] and Josh Wise [2005] earning Team Mopar three straight USAC Midget championships. With a new role as title sponsor of the 2008 Mopar Midget National Championship, Mopar will expand on this success, strengthening its ties to USAC and deepening the Mopar brand's recognition with the grassroots racers and enthusiasts that drive circle track racing."

"This partnership between USAC and Mopar combines two organizations that define the true passion of racing," said Miller. "Both USAC and Mopar have long and storied heritages in motorsports, along with devoted fan bases. Mopar's title sponsorship of the 2008 Mopar Midget National Championship will enable both organizations to grow as leaders in grassroots open wheel racing. We at USAC are proud to welcome Mopar on board."

30-event Mopar Midget National Championship schedule on tap for 2008 The 2008 Mopar Midget National Championship will feature a 30-event schedule at tracks across the country. The series will visit ten states and famed tracks including Ohio's Eldora Speedway, Iowa's Knoxville Raceway, O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, and the Belleville High Banks in Belleville, Kan. The 2008 Mopar Midget National Champion will be crowned at the season-ending "Turkey Night" event in November at Southern California's Irwindale Speedway.

About the United States Auto Club USAC was formed in late 1955, replacing the American Automobile Association as the National auto racing sanctioning body. In the ensuing 52 years, USAC has sanctioned virtually every form of motorsports, from quarter-midgets to Formula One, including a 42-year term as the sanctioning body for the Indianapolis 500 mile race. In those 52 seasons, more than 7,500 events have been presented in nearly every state in America, plus events in Japan, Argentina, Italy, England, Canada and the Bahamas. USAC also provides professional testing and seal of approval programs for major automotive manufacturers.

70 Years of Mopar When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep速 and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

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Hey all you Varmints out there We needs y’all to pays attenshun There is a durn cowpoke that we are lookin fer out there and we needs yer help findin em.

Don Cushing be needen sum help on this here Newsletter.

We be needen someone to belly up to the bar so to speak.

That durn Dan Murphy has headed over to the other side with some company named Honda so we be needen someone to fill his boots.

Please Contact Don ASAP before he starts pullin out what little hair he has left dcpub@cox.net

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Important contact information for NADA 2008 Housing: To check on housing reservations go to the following web link, you will need to have your housing confirmation number that should have been e‐mailed to you. If you do not have that there will be a number for you to call.

http://reg.itsmeetings.com/its/0802nadsfo/11.asp? group=Null&FName=&LName=&Title=&Comp=&Addr1=&Addr2=&City=&State=&Zip=&Cntry=&Phone=&Fax=& Email=&PaxID1=&PaxID2=

Facilities: Meetings will be held at: Parc 55 Hotel 55 Cyril Magnin Street San Francisco, Ca 1‐800‐595‐0507 WWW.PARC55HOTEL.COM

Cocktail reception Friday November 8th, 2008 (buses will pick up from the Parc 55): Aquarium of the Bay Embarcadero at Beach Street San Francisco, Ca 94133 1‐888‐SEA‐DIVE www.aquariumofthebay.com

Mopar Master Guild dinner (buses will pick up from the Parc 55): John Pence Gallery 750 Post Street San Francisco Ca 94109 1‐415‐441‐1138 www.johnpence.com

NADA Convention: Moscone Center www.moscone.com/site/do/index

Contacts:

Steve Hofer

Cell 612‐798‐5508

Mopar Masters Magazine

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Progressive Admits Claims “Specialist’s” Representation of CT Law is Wrong If you are or have been a party claiming diminished value against a Progressive insured in Connecticut, you might have been put off by a misleading statement by a Progressive claims representative. One such claimant’s attorney was told blatantly that the Connecticut Insurance Department refuses to allow insurers to offer diminished value coverage, and, therefore, no diminished value claims can be paid. CT Diminished Value Correspondence Say, what?

Here is “Claims Specialist” Heather Hinckley’s July 9, 2007 response to a third party claimant’s demand for the inherent diminished value suffered as a result of a Progressive insured’s negligence: At this time, the State of Connecticut, Department of Insurance does not allow Progressive Insurance of any other company to sell Diminished Value coverage for a vehicle. As the State doesn’t allow sales of the Diminished Value coverage, we are not able to afford Diminished value coverage. For these reasons, but not limited thereto, Progressive Insurance must respectfully deny your claim for damages. I am sorry that I could not advise you more favorably regarding this matter, but trust that you will understand our position.

Counsel for the claimant took the issue up with the Connecticut Insurance Department, which responded on September 26, 2007 stating that: Heather Hinckley of Progressive Insurance has responded that the Connecticut Insurance Department does not allow diminished value coverage to be sold and therefore claims for diminished value cannot be made in Connecticut. In response to Ms. Hinckley’s assertion this is not correct. The Connecticut Insurance Department does not prevent claims made for diminished value and an insurer can request to include provisions of diminished value in their policy.

The CID also included a letter from a Progressive Claims Manager responding to the complaint that said: I am writing in reply to your inquiry dated Aug. 21, 2007. I reviewed the complaint as well as the claim file and am able to provide you with the following information.

The letter sent by Heather Hinckley dated July 9, 2007, is incorrect.

Well that’s nice. Glad we got that all cleared up.

Of course, several questions remain. Has the Connecticut Insurance Department taken any action to ensure this misstatement of Connecticut law/regulation does not occur again? Has Progressive taken any action to make certain that its employees do not make this misstatement of Connecticut law/regulation again? But the one that has me really wondering is whether Heather Hinckley is still a “claims specialist” or whether she’s been knocked down to “claims representative”, “file clerk”, or “doughnut person”? After all, inquiring minds want to know.

It also bothers me that someone labeled a “claims specialist” by an insurance company can’t tell the difference (Continued on page 13)

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(Continued from page 12)

between what is owed to an insured (first party) and what is owed to someone making a claim against an insured (third party). Ms. Hinckley’s comment about Progressive not offering “diminished value coverage” has nothing to do with a third party claim. The only portion of the policy any third party cares about is the section that tells the insured, “We’ll pay for anything for which you become liable up to the policy limits” (excepting, of course, intentional torts). How much of a specialist is a claims specialist who can’t tell the difference between a first party and third party claim? That’s covered in Insurance 101.

Probably, the most pertinent question is how many other people accepted the Hinckley line about diminished value not being permitted to be paid and simply went away? Well, Connecticut, your Insurance Department has spoken. Demand your diminished value. It’s really not illegal after all.

This is an article by Erica Eversman J.D. Legal Counsel for Vehicle Informarion Services, Inc. www.vehicleinfo.com/AutoMuse/

Chrysler gives timing, details of nearly 5,000 cuts Detroit, Sterling Hgts. plants among those taking a hit January 3, 2008

By TIM HIGGINS FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER Chrysler LLC, which announced plans in November to slash as many as 10,000 hourly jobs, gave greater detail Thursday about when some of those cuts will be enacted.

According to Chrysler: •Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit will lose about 900 jobs and Toledo North Assembly Plant will lose about 780 in early February. Jefferson North is losing its second shift and Toledo is losing the third shift.

•Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois will lay off 1,096 UAW members at the end of February, including about 600 temporary workers who are not eligible for the same sort of job protections as regular workers.

The automaker is eliminating the third shift at the plant.

•Sterling Heights Assembly will lose its 1,140-person second shift in mid-March.

•Brampton Assembly outside of Toronto will lose 1,000 jobs in the first quarter.

Chrysler spokeswoman Michele Tinson said the layoffs are volume-related and that the automaker is in negotiations with the UAW about buyout packages for workers. Laid-off workers typically receive 95% of their take-home pay.

In November, Chrysler announced it would cut between 8,500 and 10,000 hourly jobs in 2008. Those cuts are on top of the 11,000 hourly jobs announced in February 2007 that are being cut over three years.

The February plan also called for the elimination of a shift at the St. Louis-area minivan plant in 2008. Tinson said that occurred Jan. 2 and resulted in 1,078 layoffs.

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Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill Clarifying Consumer Notice Bill Says Insurers, Auto Repair Shops Must Comply with Decisions of Vehicle Owners WASHINGTON, D.C., June 22, 2007 - Rhode Island Bill 516 - which has passed in the state Senate requires repair shops to inform consumers about their right to have original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts used in the repair of their vehicle. The bill was introduced Feb. 15, 2007, by state Sen. Kevin Breene. This substitute version was recommended by the Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Committee in early June.

S.B. 516 applies to both insurers and auto body repair shops, and requires them to provide written notice to consumers that they are entitled to OEM parts for the repair of their vehicle. The majority of this bill was already in place under Rhode Island General Law. However, this version of the bill reinforces the vehicle owners' right to choose which kinds of parts to use in the repair of the vehicle and states that the auto repair shops must comply with this choice. It also requires the insurers to pay for the services rendered by the auto repair shops regardless of which type of parts are chosen by the vehicle owner.

The revised bill includes this additional text: "For an automobile which is less than thirty (30) months beyond the date of manufacturer, the insurer and the auto body repair shop must provide a written notice to the vehicle owner that: (i) he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install 'original equipment manufacturer parts' or 'OEM parts' in the repair of a motor vehicle body replacement; or (ii) he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install 'non-original equipment manufacturer parts' ('non-OEM parts') in the repair of a motor vehicle body replacement. To comply with this provision, written notice may be provided on the appraisal written on behalf of the insurer and the estimate prepared by the auto body repair shop."

S.B. 516 has been sent to the state House of Representatives and was referred to the House Committee on Corporations. If passed in the House, this act would take effect Jan. 1, 2008.

ASA supports state disclosure laws that require insurers and auto collision facilities to obtain the written consent of vehicle owners as to what type(s) of replacement crash parts are being used to repair their vehicle.

For more information, visit www.TakingTheHill.com. Click on the link for Legislative Reports, then on Aftermarket Parts Disclosure Laws. There, you will find a link to a report detailing the aftermarket parts laws for each state. Under Rhode Island, the full text of Rhode Island Senate Bill 516 and an additional article regarding this bill are included.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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CT Ins Commissioner Informs Repair Consumers of Rights Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas R. Sullivan sent posters to repair shops throughout the state informing consumers of their rights regarding auto repairs and arbitration. In a letter to auto repair dealers and other repair shops, the Commissioner requested their assistance in displaying consumer education posters in their facility in an effort to inform the public of their options when facing an auto repair decision.

"Consumers have the right to take their car to any repair shop they choose," Commissioner Sullivan said, "and this outreach effort helps to ensure consumers are aware of those rights."

Two posters (24" X 19") were included in a mass mailing to approximately 4000 facilities including general repairers, limited repairers, used and new car dealers with auto repair facilities, and insurance company drive-through claim shops. One poster tells consumers that they have the right to have their vehicle repaired at a facility of their choice and if they feel their rights are being denied to contact the Connecticut Insurance Department.

The second poster informs consumers that when a dispute exists between a repair facility and their insurance company regarding the price to fix a vehicle, assistance is available through the Connecticut Insurance Department or an independent arbitration program. Both posters provide toll-free phone numbers to the Connecticut Insurance Department's Consumer Affairs Division.

"The vast majority of auto repairs are handled to the mutual satisfaction of all parties involved," said Commissioner Sullivan, "but in those instances when problems do arise, the Connecticut Insurance Department is here to help."

In addition to this initiative, the Connecticut Insurance Department has issued frequently asked questions regarding vehicle repairs to assist consumers with the process. Administrative guidelines that provide best practice guidance to insurance companies when determining labor rates and repair costs were also issued by the Department in January of 2007. The arbitration program, referenced in one of the two posters, was also reconfigured to provide assistance in resolving disputes between the repair shop and an insurance company over the costs associated with an auto physical damage claim.

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Rhode Island Law Mandates Complete Use of Estimating Guides A new law took effect Tuesday that says insurers must use estimating systems "in their entirety."

Rhode Island has again been successful in passing some unique legislation to address repairer complaints over some insurers selective use of P-pages when appraising collision-damaged vehicles.

The Rhode Island House and Senate on Tuesday both voted to override the veto of Governor Donald L. Carcieri on two collision repair bills. House Bill 5549 now makes it an unfair claims settlement practice for an insurer to modify any estimating system without a prior agreement with the shop, or fail to use the system in its entirety when appraising collision damage.

The law, which became effective immediately upon passage on Tuesday, further states that it is also an unfair claims settlement practice for an insurer to refuse payment of any documented paint and materials charges dictated by recognized estimating software.

Norm Duquette, an estimator at Providence Auto Body in Rhode Island, explained the need for this legislation. "Each system has its own procedures, its own instruction manual if you want to call it that, what is included and what is not included. Ninety percent of the insurance companies out there want to pick and choose certain items in the book. If it means they have to pay more money out, they don't want to do it. They tell you what estimating system they want you to use, and then they don't want to pay for the items that their system says are required for the repair."

The law contains a provision for DRP shops, stating that these practices shall not be considered an unfair claims settlement practice if they are done with a DRP facility.

(Continued on page 17)

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(Continued from page 16)

John Petrarca, owner of Providence Auto Body and president of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island said, "It's a big win. Unless insurers are forced to do something, they are not going to do it."

"I put a copy of the bill on my desk this morning," Duquette said.

HB 5549 further requires that insurers may not limit the amount paid for a repair if the consumer elects to have their vehicle repaired at a shop of their choice, based on the charges of a DRP shop, should the consumer have elected to use the insurer's shop.

Also on Tuesday, the Rhode Island House and Senate overrode a veto on a second collision repair bill designed to educate consumers about their right to choose a repair facility.

House Bill 5547 requires insurers, beginning on January 1, 2008, to put the following disclosure on all proof of financial responsibility cards, PURSUANT TO RHODE ISLAND LAW, THE CONSUMER HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE REPAIR FACILITY TO COMPLETE REPAIRS TO A MOTOR VEHICLE. AN INSURANCE COMPANY MAY NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CONSUMER'S CHOICE OF REPAIRER. Petrarca said that these successes are due to shop owner involvement in the legislative process in Rhode Island. "We have been working at this for years, and we will be right back in January to continue working. We're not doing anything special," Petrarca explains. "The problem in this industry is that nobody gets engaged. They think it can't be changed. But it can be changed. The more people you get engaged, the more you explain your plight, the more they listen. Our legislature is one hundred percent behind us because I think we have proved our case.

"We get out and talk to our representatives at their fundraising events. When you get one of those fundraising tickets in the mail and you throw it in the trash, that's a missed opportunity. State house hearings are very formal, you only get three minutes to explain your case, but when you go to a fundraiser, you are speaking to the same people on a personal level. Our legislators are real people, they are businessmen, they're school teachers, they understand what we are telling them."

Reprinted with permission from CollisionWeek (www.collisionweek.com)

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ADP helps drive business results in your Parts Department.

ADP w.e.b.Suite®2007 ADP w.e.b.Suite helps you manage your day-to-day operations and make better business decisions. It provides easy-to-use business and analytical tools to quickly identify issues and profit opportunities in your dealership.

• Real-time accurate information helps make better decisions.

• Customizable exception reports on each desktop to let you choose the metrics you want to monitor.

• Robust on-screen support and training tools including animated ‘Show Me Help’ demonstrations.

Parts Desktop Key features for the Parts Department include: • Warranty Parts Tracking – end-to-end management and tracking of warranty parts.

• FastLane Statistics – includes real time access to Special Orders information as well as Work in Process with drill down capability for both Parts Counter Sales and Service Repair Orders.

• SmartGrid Reporting – Monitor employee productivity, up to date Inventory Management Report, as well as Top Purchasing Customer Reporting.

PartScan® PartScan was designed in cooperation with over 200 parts managers, and is currently used in hundreds of Parts Departments across North American.

• Reduce the Time and Expense of Parts Receiving – scan, validate, and electronically update orders when they are received.

• Streamline Physical Inventory and Cycle Count Processes – quickly scan parts and bin labels by using portable scanners reducing labor hours.

• Electronically add parts to Repair Orders or Invoices with Extended PartScan.

PartsVoice ADP’s PartsVoice Suite of products consists of two dealer-facing locator products: • PartsVoice Integrated – fully integrate with ADP’s Parts application.

• Web application – a stand alone placation with full locate, discount and OEM specific functionality.

The PartsVoice Suite of products also includes Ca$h Discovery Program.

• It allows both buyers and sellers to customize their profiles to buy and sell only the parts they wish.

• It matches the idle inventory of sellers to the parts needs of buyers.

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Increase System Utilization with ADP Consulting Services Increase System Utilization with ADP Consulting Services Consulting Services from ADP can help drive results in all areas of your operation. As part of these services, Client Operations Analyst (COA) Days and Tune-Ups are now available at a discount on ADP’s eStore (U.S. Only).

Get in-depth expert analysis from our COAs.

Parts Department Tune-Up The Parts Department Tune-Up consists of a 3-day on-site COA visit focused on your Parts Department. Your visit includes review and analysis of the following functions:

Set-ups, Interfaces and Part Information

Monthly Functions

Review Inventory Controls and Stockorder Procedures

Database Management

Invoicing Set-Ups/Pricing

Review Reports

Review Manufacturer Return Policies and Procedures

Daily Functions

Dealership management will be given a comprehensive report outlining the findings of the assessment. You can also order Job-Specific Tune-Ups for your Parts Manager!

Regular Price: $3,900 eStore Discounted Price: $3,300 Simply login to ADP eStore at DealerSuite.com/eStore and order now!

See the ADP Consulting Services flyer for more details about these special prices for COA Days and Tune-ups. To learn about more Training Solutions and other department and job-specific Tune-Ups click here.

We look forward to seeing you at NADA in San Francisco.

Visit us at NADA Booth 6621s to see our solutions.

For more information on ADP Solutions please call us at 888.424.6342, or visit us at DealerSuite.com.

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Making Business Better Reynolds is committed to helping your dealership succeed In today’s competitive automotive environment, improving every aspect of your dealership is an advantage that must be considered. The dealership business can be highlighted by three main areas: • • •

Customer Experience Employee Management Business Processes

In managing your customer experience, there are several things you can do to help ensure a better customer experience in your dealership: Make sure you are ready for your customers when they arrive at your dealership, know who they are, know what vehicle they are bringing in, what service work is needed, and what technician will be assigned. These are all keys to success. Technician Dispatching from Reynolds enables you to effectively load your shop so that you can make use of available resources without overbooking and provide accurate promise times to your customers.

With Technician Dispatching, you’ll know instantly how much time is available by type of repair and skill level. This increased efficiency will save time for your customers and make the service process go smoothly... which, in turn, increases customer satisfaction.

Employee management consists of putting the right processes in place that allow you to enforce the attributes in your dealership that you desire. One of those attributes is making sure that each and every part you order gets receipted quickly and accurately into your ERA® system, making it available to sell within seconds. Parts Barcoding Inventory Management does just that; it allows your employees to quickly scan parts bar codes and quantities, which updates into ERA in near real-time through the use of wireless technology.

The main goal of any business is to increase sales and profits, and running an efficient and productive service department with solid business practices will help you do just that. Through the use of Service Sales Kit, your service advisors will uncover additional selling opportunities by performing a vehicle walk-around inspection. This inspection can aid you in pointing out additional service needs. Service Sales Kit also gives advisors the ability to effectively use a menu format to easily sell maintenance packages and not simply oil changes.

All of these solutions and more will be available at the Reynolds and Reynolds booth #7615S and 7815S in the South hall at this year’s NADA show. Be sure to stop by and talk with our team of experts about how we can help make your business better.

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Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you

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Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you

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Noble Logistics Announces Information 360 Over the last several years, Noble Logistics has developed a proprietary inhouse operating system (cNLS) to new heights by involving our customers for making the web-based platform more robust and user-friendly.

To further enhance cNLS, and after months of development, we are pleased to announce the implementation of bar-code scanners (Information 360). This leading edge technology from a platform hand held unit from Symbol will augment cNLS and allow for complete “chain of custody” of all shipments.

The bar-code scanning process will replace the current manual environment of paper manifests and tracking logs which will allow for more reliable and timely shipment information. Some of the key aspects include real-time visibility of PODs through the “signature capture” feature and the “track & trace” feature which will allow customers on-line visibility of a shipment through our hub & spoke distribution networks to the final destination. Noble Logistics will be introducing this technology for all their Regional Network Systems in several regions of the U.S. Tim Yager, V.P. and committee chair on the project, is quite pleased with the development and testing phase and is excited about the near future roll-out.

Tim went on to say: “there is a high level of excitement within the company and the customer base; this has been a goal for quite some time, we’re nearing the finish line on testing and location implementation in eminent”

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Motivational Poster of the Month!

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As I've Matured...

• I've learned that one good turn gets most of the blankets.

• I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

jackasses.

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in...

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.

I've learned that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others they are more screwed up than you think.

I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

I've learned that it is not what you wear; it is how you take it off.

I've learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you're finished.

I've learned to not sweat the petty things, and not pet the sweaty things.

I've learned that ex's are like fungus, and keep coming back.

I've learned age is a very high price to pay for maturity.

I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.

I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it I've learned that there is a fine line between genius and insanity.

I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away.

And the real pains in the ass are permanent.

Make some copies…and give it to 5 friends...

Trust me, they'll appreciate it.

Who knows, maybe something good will happen. If not...tough!

Mopar Masters Magazine Across 1. Wound remnant 5. Biology 101 specimen 10. Spill the beans 14. __ mater 15. St.. __ of Jerusalem 16. Napoleon's prison, e.g.

17. Mary's follower 18. Squads 19. Garfield's foil 20. Cheap hams?

23. Wrath 24. Earlier in time than 25. Words of relief 28. John Fowles novel 33. Windbreaker 35. Eggs 36. Find a cheap place to park?

38. __ qua non 40. "Brown" co.

41. Simpleton 42. Beach bum's wages?

47. Word on a wine bottle 48. More desert-like 49. Canine 51. Salon supply 52. Weeks in a Roman year 54. Chicken or small 55. Inexpensive footwear?

61. Proscribe 64. Spreads 65. It has a creamy filling 66. Highly excited 67. Quit 68. Iranian money 69. Dorothy's doggy 70. Option on a form, perhaps 71. Musician's submission Down 1. Like Lot's love later

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2. Scratch 3. Shells and such 4. Thumper, for one 5. Most intense 6. Talking bird 7. Idle of "Monte Python" fame 8. Please in Potsdam 9. Horse that doesn't win, place or show 10. Accounts of a lifetime 11. 60s drug 12. "The Greatest" 13. Line opener 21. Diaphragm 22. Supermodel Mero (aka Sable) 25. Musical recitative 26. Small community 27. Brief description 28. Israeli spy group 29. Bird sanctuary

30. Mary Poppins, for example 31. Spirit 32. Beatles' record label 34. Strange 37. Keyes' famous first words 39. Leno's announcer, Hall 43. Mark for omission 44. South American river 45. One at rest 46. Covered walk or colonnade 50. Dress shoe 53. Cove 55. Kind of stick 56. Okie-dokie 57. Come second 58. Pennsylvania city 59. 20 quires 60. Stag 61. Container 62. It may be bruised 63. Kid

'Money Matters' Crossword by Dave Fisher Answer on Page 34

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Tidbits

News Items from Our Industry GM expects flat U.S. sales in 2008 General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner says the automaker expects overall U.S. auto sales to hold roughly flat in 2008 with the depressed levels of 2007 even as global sales hit a new high.

Campi named head of Chrysler purchasing John Campi, a longtime adviser to Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, will direct the automaker's $40 billion in annual purchases. Campi replaces Simon Boag, who today was named executive vice president for Global Alliance Operations.

Del Rosso named Audi of America COO Audi of America Inc. said today that Mark Del Rosso, former regional general manager for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., will take over immediately as Audi of America COO.

Chrysler to cut 1,096 jobs in Belvidere, Ill. Chrysler will eliminate 1,096 jobs next month at its assembly plant in Belvidere, Ill., a company spokeswoman said today. The job cuts have been expected since CEO Bob Nardelli said Nov. 1 that Chrysler would eliminate up to 10,000 jobs and four vehicle models from its lineup.

Webasto names CEO for North American unit Supplier Webasto Product North America Inc. is now headed by former Webasto Roof Systems COO Mark Wallace. He took the reins as Webasto Product CEO on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

GM ads to focus on cars, small SUVs General Motors will shift its advertising emphasis from full-sized trucks and SUVs to cars and small SUVs in 2008. The company also will highlight its fuel economy and eco-friendliness, says Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president of North American vehicle sales, service and marketing.

States sue to overturn EPA tailpipe ruling California and its allies filed a lawsuit today to overturn a Bush administration ruling that blocks states from enforcing their own greenhouse gas emissions rules for cars and trucks. Fifteen states and five advocacy groups joined California in the lawsuit.

U.S. auto sales seen down in December Housing woes and high gas prices likely combined to send U.S. auto sales to a weak finish in December, capping the industry's worst sales year in a decade and increasing pressure on U.S. automakers to cut production further, analysts said on Wednesday.

Mercedes unleashes a compact SUV Mercedes-Benz will take the wraps off a new compact sport/utility model at the Detroit auto show. The little ute will be a concept called the Vision GLK Freeside. The production version bows at the Beijing show in April.

Hyundai targets 20% rise in '08 sales Hyundai Motor Co. said today it was aiming to sell 3.11 million vehicles in 2008, up 19.6 percent from 2.6 million last year. But sales are expected to remain under pressure in the United States, where fallout from the housing market is denting demand, and China, where fierce competition is hurting.

TRW acquires some Delphi brake assets A TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. subsidiary paid $40 million for some assets of Delphi Corp.’s brake manufacturing operations.TRW will now supply General Motors with braking modules formerly supplied by Delphi because of the acquisition, TRW said in a statement.

Repair shops seek help in filter dispute The German Association for Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) wants the makers of aftermarket diesel particulate filters to compensate repair shops for the cost of replacing an estimated 80,000 defective units.

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Tidbits

News Items from Our Industry

Toyota boosts markup on warranty parts In a policy change, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. is reimbursing its dealers at list price for parts they use in warranty-covered service.

The policy took effect Oct. 1. Toyota previously paid dealers a warranty parts markup of cost plus 45 percent. List price averages cost plus 67 percent, says Roger Racer, parts manager of Larry H. Miller Toyota in suburban Salt Lake City.

High school internships seek to remedy future tech shortages Brent Brinson, a senior at Pasadena Memorial High School in Texas, studies in an unusual classroom: the service department of Monument Chevrolet in suburban Houston. His textbook is a Malibu engine, which he is taking apart to diagnose a problem with a piston rod.

EU: Auto data must be shared The EU Commission has ruled that independent automotive service operators have the right to obtain proprietary repair information from automakers. The decision requires Daimler, Toyota Motor, General Motors and Fiat to make technical data available to all independent shops within the EU.

BMW plans 2 new U.S. parts distribution centers With its existing U.S. warehouses nearing capacity, BMW today announced plans for two new parts distribution centers in eastern Pennsylvania and suburban Chicago. The centers, totaling 1.2 million square feet, will be used for the storage and handling of automotive and motorcycle parts as well as accessory and lifestyle items such as BMW-branded clothing.

States bolster warranty reimbursement laws Auto dealers in five states have gained another weapon in their battle with automakers for higher payments for repairs covered by factory warranties. Four states have copied a 4-year-old Maine law that prohibits automakers from charging dealerships additional fees when the dealerships must pay retail rates for warranty parts and labor

Dealership stores tires to build service sales Mickey Blank concedes that he stores snow tires for his dealership customers in the off-season for reasons that go beyond generating good will and favorable word-of-mouth. “If I store your tires, you're going to bring your vehicle to me twice a year to get your car serviced,� said Blank, fixed-operations manager of Greentree Toyota-Scion in Danbury, Conn.

AutoNation enhances online service scheduling AutoNation Inc. is rolling out a new online process for scheduling service appointments at its more than 250 dealerships. The nation's largest dealership group compares the process to booking airline tickets and hotel rooms on the Web. Dealerships traditionally have scheduled service appointments on their Web sites by asking customers to fill out a form or send an e-mail request.

Body-shop conference offers seminars for women Women own or co-own more than a third of the nation's 40,000 body shops. In response, the collision repair industry's largest annual conference will offer its first seminars for women this year. The International Autobody Congress and Exposition, or NACE, plans a women's professional development track at its conference Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas.

New site promotes tire checks All 2008 car and truck models will include a tire pressure monitoring system, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says. The system includes an instrument panel light that indicates low tire pressure.

Heat is on industry to make auto AC climate-friendly The auto industry is feeling heat to make air conditioning systems less threatening to the environment. The new push comes roughly a decade after automakers and suppliers eliminated a refrigerant that was damaging Earth's protective ozone layer. But growing worldwide concern about climate change means the replacement refrigerant's days also are numbered.

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Solution to 'Money Matters' Crossword by Dave Fisher From Page 31

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Transitions Here are two emails that I recently received from StarParts Guru Rose Black and former MMG member Dan Murphy.

Hi Don I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I have chosen to take the special early from Chrysler; actually today is my last day. It has been absolutely without a doubt a pleasure working with you and all the Chrysler dealers; I loved that part of my job.

I do not have all the email addresses for all of "MY" dealers and I would like to say good bye so if you get a chance let them know that I will miss them all very much and p.s. if any one needs a good parts person that knows StarParts I am the one.

Please keep in touch, my home email is: riblack@comcast.net or John Johnson has my numbers.

Thanks for everything over the years Have a safe and blessed holiday season to you and your family.

Rose The StarParts Queen has left the building!!!!!!

Hello All – just a quick note with my new Information. We are in a brand new building – things are good.

Thanks for all your positive thoughts during the past months – it was worth the wait as this is a fantastic opportunity for me.

Please do not put me on your “funny stuff” list – emails will be deleted if they do not have a reasonable subject line.

Remember me if you need Honda parts!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan Murphy Santan Honda 1150 S Gilbert Rd – north of the 202 Chandler 85286

Direct 480‐285‐2894 Toll Free 800‐765‐1353 Fax 480‐289‐2377 Email dan.murphy@santanhonda.com

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THE GUILD MOTTO

“THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BY LIKE SIZE DEALERS IN A NON COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT” This is the reason the Guild exists. The strength of our existence relies not on the voices of a select few, but on the combined knowledge of all. With this in mind, everyone should remember to become as pro-active as possible.

The Guild is YOURS, be proud of it and be part of it!

2007 Mopar Masters Guild Executive Committee Gerry Oakes Roy Benner Brent Hoge Mike Gerber Marvin Windham Alan Yancey Rick Monteiro Dan Hutton Robbie Jackson Steve Hofer

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Baxter Chrysler Allen Samuels Dodge Larry H. Miller CJD Eastside CJ Don Drennen Chrysler Hayes Chrysler Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Tom O’Brien Chrysler Salsbury’s Dodge City Park Jeep

Guild Committees Membership Committee

Vendor Chairman Newsletter Chairman Performance Group Chairman Finance Committee Chairmen Reynolds and Reynolds

ADP

Snap-On Business Solutions OEConnection Dealer Tire Hanel Storage Interstate Batteries Full Circle Solutions

Mike Gerber Steve Hofer Larry Morris Robbie Jackson Paul Allred Don Cushing Ole Olson Roy Benner Brent Hoge Paul Allred Tom Watson John Gilbert Rick Cutaia Larry Morris Jim Stoneman Roy Benner Steve Hofer Mike Mulkins Tommy Thrift

Eastside CJ Park Jeep Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Salsbury’s Dodge City Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge Bald Hill Dodge Chrysler Elk River Ford-Dodge Allen Samuels Dodge Larry H. Miller CJD Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge Performance Dodge Preston Dodge Rick Hendrick Dodge Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Westoaks CD Allen Samuels Dodge Park Jeep Go Chrysler Jeep Haynes Motor Co.

Dan Hutton Tom O’Brien Chrysler Brent Hoge Larry H. Miller CJD (Dan & Brent are the chairs for Snap-on.

OEConnection and Dealer Tire) Terry Doll Earnhardt Dodge Mark Skinner Power CJD Tom Watson Performance Dodge Tom Welz Lou Fusz Dodge Rick Stewart Commonwealth Dodge

NADA 2008 Planning Committee

Steve Hofer Rick Monteiro

Park Jeep Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge

Website Chairman & Webmaster

Mike Gerber

Eastside CJ