Denise Caspersen, manager of the Automotive Service Association’s collision division, recently attended a Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association (NLCRA) meeting to present to its members the “facts to date” regarding the State Farm electronic parts ordering application. The State Farm pilot is currently taking place in Birmingham, Ala.; Tucson, Ariz.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Charlotte, N.C.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.Following the NLCRA August business meeting, Caspersen discussed the verified facts about the pilot along with clear statements of concern from repairers, based on ASA member feedback to the association. During the three-hour meeting, repairers and suppliers in the Northwest Louisiana area asked follow-up questions and expressed their concerns with the pilot and its potential impact on their relationships with suppliers and consumers.
“We are very thankful to Denise and ASA for bringing to collision industry professionals of Northwest Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas such a timely discussion of the facts concerning this pilot program. Everyone gained tremendous insight from the up-to-date facts and ASA’s continuing investigation of the pilot program. We feel complete and open disclosure of those facts by all parties involved is critical,” said Bill Burnside, secretary-treasurer, NLCRA. “When all the facts are present, good decisions can be made.”
Caspersen, who will meet with ASA members in Ohio next month, said, “ASA welcomes the opportunity to speak with repairers and suppliers on this important industry issue. To date, the majority of the industry has a negative view of this pilot. The facts, the pilot results, and most importantly, the concerns of repairers about how this application will affect their business, are what remain vital to ASA. We will continue to work with as many parties as possible to find the answers our members require. ASA is now focused on a timeline in which results of the pilot will be provided.”
ASA announcements regarding the State Farm pilot are conveniently located at www.ASAshop.org. Click on “Tools & Resources” (in the blue menu bar), then “State Farm Pilot Program.” ASA reminds members to share their concerns, comments and experiences regarding the pilot by contacting Caspersen at [email protected], or by phone at (800) ASA-SHOP, ext. 106, or (817) 514-2906 (direct).
To learn more about ASA’s dedication to service and repair professionals, the value of ASA membership and how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272- 7467, ext. 361 or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
