Court Puts CCC-Mitchell Merger on Hold
The U.S. Federal District Court in the District of Columbia granted the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request for a preliminary injunction in the proposed merger between CCC Information Services Inc. and Mitchell International Inc., effectively putting a stop to the $1.4-billion merger pending the resolution of an FTC administrative trial. The trial is slated to
CARSTAR Offers 10 Tips to Surviving in Today’s Economy
With the economy struggling mightily, CARSTAR has released 10 action steps it’s advising its stores and other collision repair facilities to take to survive and hopefully thrive during tough times. “Store owners should be making every effort to tighten their belts and reduce overhead, which is absolutely essential considering all the margin squeezes we
I-CAR Launching Cycle Time Improvement Course
On April 13, I-CAR will launch its Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process (CYC01) live training program. Interest in cycle time improvements continues to grow as repairers and insurers look toward improving efficiencies for improved business practices and better results. “Managers strive to reduce cycle time and achieve improved lean processes
Missouri Shop Licensing Legislation Would Be Effective in August
The Missouri Legislature is considering a bill that would create a state board of auto body repair that would license auto body repair facilities and physical damage appraisers. Under the bill’s licensing requirements, repair facilities would be required to: pay a licensing fee of $250 annually; have all required state and federal licenses, permits and
Missouri Shop Licensing Legislation Would Be Effective in August
The Missouri Legislature is considering a bill that would create a state board of auto body repair that would license auto body repair facilities and physical damage appraisers. Under the bill’s licensing requirements, repair facilities would be required to: pay a licensing fee of $250 annually; have all required state and federal licenses, permits and
Utah Shop Beats Out Top Department Store For Customer Service Title
Utah-based Cascade Collision Repair was named No. 1 in customer service by the readers of Utah Valley Magazine, beating out leading department store chain Nordstrom’s, which came in second in the reader poll. Brian Nichols, co-owner of the three-location, family-owned business, said the pride Cascade’s employees take in their work makes the difference when it
Plan for Success
A football team wouldn’t walk on the field without a game plan. Why would you run your shop without a business plan?
Bail Out or Bust
For several months now, I’ve been asked to comment on the government assistance package to the Detroit Three automakers. I’ve resisted so far for several reasons. First, I believe it’s important for journalists to remain neutral. Our goal at BodyShop Business is to be the collision repair industry information source, and to that end I’ve
Washington Shop Warns of Phone Scam
A Vancouver, Wash., body shop is warning others of a possible scam involving relay phone service for the hearing impaired. On Feb. 6, a customer called Alpine Auto Body via the phone service claiming to need a tow to Vancouver from Texas and the cash to pay for it. Shop manager Jim McCoy told KPTV
Kaeser Announces ENERGY STAR Partnership
Kaeser Compressors recently partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program. According to the EPA, an ENERGY STAR partnership offers businesses an energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings and rewarding improvements. Kaeser says that its ENERGY STAR partnership will help the company communicate the importance