Upper
Midwest Auto & Truck Recyclers Convention and Trade Show
April 8, 9 and 10th over 300 recyclers, vendors,
and industry professionals gathered at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel
and Conference Center for the Upper Midwest Auto and Truck Recyclers
Convention and Trade Show in Bloomington, MN. The event was hosted
by the Automotive Recyclers of Minnesota and the Concerned Auto
Recyclers of Wisconsin. Events throughout the weekend included yard tours on Thursday and
Friday, a Host/No Host dinner on Thursday evening. On both Friday
and Saturday there were seminars/training and a trade show. Friday
evening all in attendance enjoyed a live auction and valve cover
races.
Yard tours
The event kicked off with 7 recycling yards offering tours of their facilities on Thursday and Friday. This provided an opportunity for fellow automotive recyclers to share information on operations, storage, and handling of materials.
Host/No Host Dinner
Out of town visitors could participate in a Host/No Host Dinner on Thursday evening where they could participate in an evening out on the town with members of the ARM association. Several restaurants were available to choose from.
Seminars
The topics at this year's event were relevant
to the industry and timely. They were very informative and the speakers
were first rate.
You Can't Solve What You Don't Understand
John Graci - Employers Association
This seminar focused on conflict resolution techniques that leaders
could apply. He went over what he called the Creative Problem Solving
Process. Steps of which were:
· Problem Definition
· Fact Finding
· Underlying Problem(s)
· Solutions
· Solution Evaluation
· Implementation Plan
· Benefits
John offered exercises that demonstrated understanding differing
viewpoints and common management tactics that produce de-motivated,
problem employees. Putting management on the spot and getting them
to rethink their management style.
Hybrid Technology Update and New
Technology Update
Craig Van Batenburg - Automotive Career Development Center
Hybrid Technology - This class was designed to help quickly
and visually recognize a hybrid, the high voltage parts and render
the high voltage system safe in minutes. Craig stated that the salvage
industry is most at risk next to towing companies when handling
cars that no one has shut down the electric system. He recommended
downloading the OEM's Hybrid Safety guides off the Internet and
study them well. He also advised "Hands-on" Hybrid Safety training
be attended before working on any high voltage system and proper
safety equipment used.
New Technology Update - Craig recapped the technologies
that are here now and what he expects to be coming in the future.
Fuel cells, electric, and hydrogen cars were discussed as well as
Lithium Ion battery packs and how to store and handle them. Craig
instructed the group on what he saw coming in the future and offered
ideas on what is needed to be prepared and when.
Craig was an energetic speaker with a wealth
of information. He offered up websites for more information but
a good place to start would be his own at www.fixhybrid.com. His
manual, 2010 HYBRID Salvage and Towing Guide plus Training Module
is also available on his website.
How to Grow Your Business Using
E-commerce and Social Marketing
Steve Gasser - Vivid Image
Everyone knows that word of mouth is one of the best assets in business.
Getting people to recommend your business to others. For effective
marketing, Steve said you need to "get people to know you, like
you, and trust you." So how do you use your website to achieve that
goal?
There are four elements of a successful on-line
presence:
1. Website
2. A Blog
3. E-Newsletter
4. Social Media and Viral Marketing
When planning your website and social media, take steps. Don't try
to launch it all at once. Steve recommends six steps:
· Plan
· Listen
· Take small steps
· Measure
· Adjust
· and Repeat
Electric Control Modules and Vehicle
Monitoring and Diagnostic Systems
Louie Nelson - Advanced Training Systems
Louie shared with the attendees to his seminars the complex methods
required in testing the keys and reprogramming of the security systems
for GM, Ford, and Chrysler theft preventions systems.
Judging by the reaction of those in the crowded
room, the facts and information shared by Mr. Nelson, they were
impressed by his simply amazing knowledge of the complexities of
electronic control modules.
Auction
The bidding was fast and furious and very entertaining
as Bill Morrison from Morrison's Auto Salvage kept the action going.
Serving as auctioneer, Morrison got top dollar for yard art such
as bird houses, jack car, chess sets, and a crankshaft/tire table
with a bottle of UV Vodka & shot glasses set in a GMC hub. Framed
prints, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers paraphernalia, tools,
and trips brought top dollar during the event. The highlight item
was a 350 Chevy Engine Grill which went for $2900.
Valve
Cover Races
Competitors lined up the race entries for the
Valve Cover Races sponsored by Miller Compressing. The winners were:
Stock Class
1. Jim Wolterstorff, Dykes Automotive
2. Rick Lemke, Metro Auto Salvage
3. Cindy LaVasser, Recycled Parts Plus
Custom Class
1. Rick Lemke, Metro Auto Salvage
2. Jim Wolterstorff, Dykes Automotive
3. Shannon Holmes, Holmes Automotive
Show & Shine
Shannon Holmes, Holmes Automotive
The 2010 Upper Midwest Auto & Truck Recyclers
Convention and Trade Show was a very successful event. It was well
attended, entertaining, and informative. Thank you to our sponsors,
speakers, members, and attendees; we could not have held such a
successful event without you!
See
you next year at the Washington County Fair Park in West Bend, WI,
April 29 & 30, 2011.
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