  Registration Now Open for ARA’s 77th Annual Convention and Exposition ARA announced today the opening of registration for the 77th Annual Convention and Exposition taking place in Reno, Nevada on November 11-14. The registration launch follows the Association’s announcement last week that retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman will provide the meeting’s Keynote Address. “We fully realize that this year’s Annual Convention will not look like our previous annual gatherings,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock. “But we are committed to providing the critical, industry specific educational content that our membership needs while at the same time, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a safe and positive experience for all attendees.” The 77th Annual Convention will take place at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino. "ARA is coordinating with staff at the Peppermill to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to address concerns related to COVID-19. This includes temperature checks, physical distancing, face coverings, and hand sanitizing stations,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson. “This will be a safe, high quality educational experience that will empower automotive recyclers with the skills and mindsets to succeed during these challenging times.” For more details on the Convention agenda or to register, please visit www.a-r-a.org.  ARA COVID-19 Relief Fund Continues Distribution of Grants As we reported last month, the goal of the fund is to distribute seventy-five $1,000 grants to ARA Direct and Affiliate Direct members. A recipient of a grant has the flexibility to use grant funds either to help their business or employees. ARA is continuing the process of reviewing applications and distributing grants to ARA direct applicants. Payment of funds is based on availability to pay. ARA appreciates those who have donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund and who have made this program possible. ARA would like to thank Car-Part.com, Rebuilders Automotive Supply, AB CatTech, Robertson’s Auto Salvage, Northlake Auto Recyclers, Reitman Auto Parts, We Buy Key Fobs, and VET Environmental Engineering for their generous contributions. Apply for a grant from the fund HERE. Please know, information on the application that would identify the applicant is removed before it is sent to reviewers for approval.  ARA Congratulates SpaceX on Successful Commercial Space Launch; Applauds Commitment to Reutilization ARA congratulated SpaceX last week on its historic May 30th mission that successfully launched two NASA astronauts into space. The launch was the first time a private company has sent astronauts into orbit. “This is a proud moment for the American people,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson, “as well as for the professional automotive recycling industry. I commend SpaceX in the reutilization of rocket boosters for interplanetary transit and on the development of reusable rocket systems – a focus on recyclability that is proven to dramatically reduce costs and enable the United States to compete in space exploration.” Since 2017 the aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company has launched multiple attempts into space using recycled, gently used rockets. “Our profession is built upon that same focus of recycling genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) automotive parts to bring cost savings to consumers and keep vehicles on the road.” ARA believes that vehicle manufacturers should emulate Space X in promoting the reutilization of their product to reduce costs by supporting the reutilization of recycled parts in vehicle repairs. Single-use manufacturing is self-serving, intentionally forcing consumers to overspend on repairs to their vehicle. Presently OEM position statements and procedures only allow for new OEM manufactured parts in vehicle repairs. “If we can reuse parts to launch man into space, we can surely reuse parts to repair our vehicles,” emphasized Robertson. “For decades, our members and their employees have efficiently removed and reutilized genuine OEM automotive parts,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock. “The value that safe, reliable, recycled OEM parts have in today’s automotive marketplace has never truly been recognized – in large part due to misinformation campaigns by the automobile manufacturers. Recycled original equipment automotive parts are manufactured by the OEMs and built to meet their requirements for fit, finish, durability, reliability, and safety. To see the investment that SpaceX has made in recycling their aerospace products and how proud the company is to tout the cost-savings and other advantages of using recycled products is to be applauded.” Ford Motor Company’s Termination of Lighting and Bumper Core Program Highlights Lack of Commitment to Recycling Ford Motor Company terminated its lighting and bumper fascia core recovery program on June 1st, a move that ARA responded to last week and characterized as a lack of commitment to recycling. Ford stated that it was ending the core recovery program, which has been in place for several years, due to the administrative burden it created for dealers and collision repairers. “ARA is concerned about the environmental impact that the termination of this core program will have, however, we are confident that the replacement parts market will find a solution to appropriately recovering and recycling these components,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock in a press release. “ARA is concerned about the environmental impact that the termination of this core program will have, however, we are confident that the replacement parts market will find a solution to appropriately recovering and recycling these components,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock in a press release. A 2012 statement attributed to Ford Recycling and Remanufacturing Manager, Kim Goering, promoted that the program demonstrated the automaker’s commitment to doing “whatever we can to extend the life of these components. Even more important, however, is that Ford strongly believes it’s just the right thing to do from an environmental perspective.” That same statement acknowledged a desire by the automaker to cut into the remanufacturing sector of the aftermarket, a motive that ARA maintains is just one example of the company’s efforts to stifle competition and raise the cost of repairs. “It’s clear that over the past several years, Ford and other auto manufacturers have taken aggressive steps to push the automotive recycling as well as remanufacturing and aftermarket industries out of the market,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson. “I find it highly suspect how in 2012, Ford can publicly acknowledge that their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts still have a lot of life left, yet they’ve taken every position to the contrary when it comes to the recycled, genuine OEM parts sold by our members. The professional automotive recycling industry is the true champion of recycling here, and I think Ford’s termination of this program shows that.”  Kinderhook Acquires Original One Parts Original One Parts, a leading provider of certified original equipment manufacture (OEM) auto parts used by collision and repair shops and dealership service centers among others, has been acquired by Kinderhook Industries LLC. Their primary proprietary VINtegrity™ Certification Process uses a six-step inspection and certification process to ensure that recycled and refinished parts meet the exact fit, form and function as a new part, thus giving repairers the solution for meeting OEM repair procedures with cost-effective refinished replacement parts. It was this process and attention to detail that drew Kinderhook into the partnership. One Parts will be led by industry veteran Wade Hilburn, as CEO and Jerry Sullivan, as Executive Chairman, who together have more than 60 years of experience encompassing manufacturing, reconditioning and insurance claims. Hilburn noted that, “This partnership will provide One Parts with the access to capital and the resources required to offer an even broader range of high-quality recycled parts to the automotive repair market in the U.S.” Kinderhook Industries, LLC is an American private equity firm based in New York City and a licensed Small Business Investment Company. Since 2003, the firm has raised over $2 billion under management and has made in excess of 170 investments, and has extensive experience with the automotive aftermarket business, which appealed to One Parts in that is will “provide and consistently deliver quality certified reconditioned OEM parts with a convenient electronic buying experience at an incredible value”, stated Wade Hilburn, co-founder of One Parts. ARA Announces Retired Navy SEAL |
 |  |
In case you missed our announcement of June 3, ARA is proud to announce that it is partnering with Jason Redman, retired Navy SEAL and Business & Motivational Speaker, to be “ARA’s 2020 INDUSTRY COACH”. Redman was well-received last year as the 2019 ARA Annual Convention & Expo Keynote Speaker and will headline the ARA 2020 Convention taking place in Reno, Nevada on November 11-14.
“We are excited to partner again with Jason in order to empower automotive recyclers with the skills and mindsets to succeed despite the adversity this year has brought to the marketplace,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson. Redman will present a series of four live events for the ARA membership to present his dynamic and actionable strategies that are used by America’s Toughest Warriors to bring success to the battlefield. The first session will take place on June 10, 2020. “
Jason really struck a chord with our members last year,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock. “I cannot tell you how many automotive recyclers I spoke with that were personally inspired by his story and all that he has accomplished. We are proud to bring his perspective to work for our industry. Automotive recyclers will be provided what they need to GET OFF THE X OF ADVERSITY- including the impact that COVID-19 has had on their businesses - and move swiftly in the direction of their 2020 goals.”
Jason Redman is a retired Navy Lieutenant who spent eleven years as an enlisted Navy SEAL and almost ten years as a SEAL officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals, Two Combat Action Ribbons and the US Army Ranger Tab.
After being severely wounded in Iraq in 2007, Redman returned to active duty before retiring in 2013. In 2013 he launched SOF Spoken LLC, a speaking and consulting company which focuses on inspirational presentations on leadership, teamwork and the “Overcome Mindset” helping individuals, companies and teams to “GET OFF THE X” ™ from “Life Ambushes”. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir The Trident, along with his new book Overcome which released in Dec 2019. He lives with his family in Virginia.
“We are excited to partner again with Jason in order to empower automotive recyclers with the skills and mindsets to succeed despite the adversity this year has brought to the marketplace,” said ARA President, Scott Robertson. Redman will present a series of four live events for the ARA membership to present his dynamic and actionable strategies that are used by America’s Toughest Warriors to bring success to the battlefield. The first session will take place on June 10, 2020. “
Jason really struck a chord with our members last year,” said ARA Executive Director, Sandy Blalock. “I cannot tell you how many automotive recyclers I spoke with that were personally inspired by his story and all that he has accomplished. We are proud to bring his perspective to work for our industry. Automotive recyclers will be provided what they need to GET OFF THE X OF ADVERSITY- including the impact that COVID-19 has had on their businesses - and move swiftly in the direction of their 2020 goals.”
Jason Redman is a retired Navy Lieutenant who spent eleven years as an enlisted Navy SEAL and almost ten years as a SEAL officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five Navy Achievement Medals, Two Combat Action Ribbons and the US Army Ranger Tab.
After being severely wounded in Iraq in 2007, Redman returned to active duty before retiring in 2013. In 2013 he launched SOF Spoken LLC, a speaking and consulting company which focuses on inspirational presentations on leadership, teamwork and the “Overcome Mindset” helping individuals, companies and teams to “GET OFF THE X” ™ from “Life Ambushes”. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir The Trident, along with his new book Overcome which released in Dec 2019. He lives with his family in Virginia.
Automotive Recyclers Association Submits Comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on Stormwater Permitting
On June 1, 2020, the ARA submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their draft general permit for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. The stormwater permitting program began in 1992 and requires automotive recyclers to have a stormwater permit that will be renewed every five years. After each five-year period, the EPA will reauthorize and review the permitting guidelines and propose a new rule that incorporates any changes. This year, the EPA has taken unprecedented steps to strengthen the permitting requirements. For the past 30 years, the EPA has only made incremental changes to the permitting requirements. However, the EPA was recently sued for not properly exercising their statutory authority, which caused the EPA to take dramatic action in strengthening the existing permit requirements.
After reviewing the EPA’s proposed stormwater permit, ARA identified two main issues: (1) that the proposed stormwater permit displayed a clear lack of understanding for the automotive recycling industry; and (2) that the EPA had appeared to overstep its authority by addressing issues not relevant to stormwater runoff and pollutants. Automotive recyclers in every state should be aware (in the likelihood that the final EPA stormwater permit requirements will be stricter than they have in years past) that they will likely be impacted by the new permit changes. Recyclers in every state will most likely be impacted because each state will have to use the new EPA rules as a baseline for compliance.
To address the concerns of the automotive recycling industry as they pertain to the EPA’s stormwater permit, ARA joined the Federal Water Quality Coalition – a group of industrial companies and trade associations directly affected by regulatory requirements imposed under the Clean Water Act. While working with this group, ARA was able to represent the interests of the automotive recycling community. The Federal Water Quality Coalition, on behalf of its members, submitted comments addressing issues with the proposed EPA stormwater permit requirements.
Independent of working with the Federal Water Quality Coalition on this issue, ARA also worked with groups such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. and the National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program. While ARA worked with several groups and industries, ARA submitted comments independently on behalf of its membership and the automotive recycling industry.
After reviewing the EPA’s proposed stormwater permit, ARA identified two main issues: (1) that the proposed stormwater permit displayed a clear lack of understanding for the automotive recycling industry; and (2) that the EPA had appeared to overstep its authority by addressing issues not relevant to stormwater runoff and pollutants. Automotive recyclers in every state should be aware (in the likelihood that the final EPA stormwater permit requirements will be stricter than they have in years past) that they will likely be impacted by the new permit changes. Recyclers in every state will most likely be impacted because each state will have to use the new EPA rules as a baseline for compliance.
To address the concerns of the automotive recycling industry as they pertain to the EPA’s stormwater permit, ARA joined the Federal Water Quality Coalition – a group of industrial companies and trade associations directly affected by regulatory requirements imposed under the Clean Water Act. While working with this group, ARA was able to represent the interests of the automotive recycling community. The Federal Water Quality Coalition, on behalf of its members, submitted comments addressing issues with the proposed EPA stormwater permit requirements.
Independent of working with the Federal Water Quality Coalition on this issue, ARA also worked with groups such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. and the National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program. While ARA worked with several groups and industries, ARA submitted comments independently on behalf of its membership and the automotive recycling industry.
New Members
Welcome to the following new ARA members! Please give them a warm welcome to the ARA family - send an e-mail or call, introduce yourself and help familiarize them with all the great benefits of membership.
Welcome to the following new ARA members! Please give them a warm welcome to the ARA family - send an e-mail or call, introduce yourself and help familiarize them with all the great benefits of membership.
| Select Auto Parts & Sales, Inc. Natasha Broxton 2500 West Cornell St. Milwaukee, WI 53209-6217 (414) 763-3474 (414) 763-2917 Fax info@selectautopartsmilwaukee.com www.selectautopartsmilwaukee.com WBI Midway Automotive LLC Todd Whitehurst 6600 Canyon Dr. Amarillo, TX 79109-7001 (806) 376-5583 todd@wbimidwayauto.com | Yes Unlimited LLC DBA-Nissan Unlimited/ DBA-OEM Unlimited Edwin (Joe) Luna 2900 De Soto St. Houston, TX 77091-3834 (832) 467-4400 (832) 467-4402 Fax nissanunlimited@gmail.com www.nissanunlimited.com |
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