ACtion Magazine - January/February 2015 - (Page 6)

'The years keep rolling by' Andy Fifﬁck A s we prepare to kick off 2015, lyrics from the song "Circle" (by Harry Chapin, among others) come to mind: The seasons spinning round again The years keep rolling by With each passing year, it seems the momentum continues to build; the seasons are a blur and the years ﬂash by. Where did 2014 go? But there really is no time for philosophical pondering. I look forward to the new year, and the challenges and opportunities it will bring. One of the things I am hoping this new year will bring is a level playing ﬁeld for the independent automotive repair industry in Ohio. Along with many other shop owners in the state, I have been working hard to support Senate Bill 232, which would register Ohio's mechanical repair shops with the Motor Vehicle Repair Board. Law-abiding mechanical repair shops are currently operating under radical pricing differences compared to "backyard" operators who do not pay taxes, workers' comp premiums or unemployment premiums. These shops operate under the radar and avoid compli...a level playing field... ance with Ohio's environmental standards, OSHA laws, and other requirements associated with conducting a legitimate repair business in this state. It is important to ensure that all repair facilities in Ohio are operating appropriately and follow the laws designed to protect the consumer and promote fair competition. Simply stated, if passed, consumers would be able to identify those mechanical repair facilities that are meeting the standard to be considered a legitimate business in Ohio. There is a real sense of urgency, because if the issue does not come to a vote before year end, all efforts will have been in vain, and the process will restart next year. That's one "Circle" I hope we don't have to face. In this ﬁrst ACTION™ issue of the year, you will note a new column, "Heavy Duty and Off-Road" by Blake Gordon. We welcome Blake to the ACTION™ family. His column reﬂects our efforts to reinvigorate and expand MACS' focus on HD, Off-Road and Specialty Vehicle service and repair, a growing segment of vehicle climate and thermal management which offers opportunities for our members. Related efforts by MACS include expanded training for these specialties at our 2015 Training Event and Trade Show, to be held at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Feb. 5 - 7. If you haven't done it yet, make your plans now to take advantage of the training and industry contacts that you won't ﬁnd anywhere else! You owe it to yourself and your business. " Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone health, peace and prosperity in this New Year! ❆ Reader Reply Sincerely, Andy Andy Fifﬁck Andy@RadAir.com 330-220-8384 6 ACTION * January/February 2015 http://www.macsw.org/imis15/MACS/Publications/ACtion_Reader_Reply/MACS/Publications/ACTION/ACtion_Reader_Reply.aspx?hkey=ac24bddb-c045-442a-813c-cbf05f88ac4d http://www.meicorporation.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - January/February 2015

Outlook
Service Port
Leonard's Law
Member Profile
Compressor clutches
Recognizing career achievement
Virtual View
Heavy duty and off road
Industry News
Association News
New Products
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - January/February 2015