NWRA Why I joined ....

[paintlessplus]

This seems to be a hot topic -and I feel like I'm walking on egg shells here-but its my money and my personal opinion.

Right now, in the state of Nebraska, there is a bill that was introduced to our state legislature called LB 849. If it passes this bill would bar insurers from recommending shops. It would also bar them from making a recommendation after a claimant has selected a shop. This bill was first introduced in early Jan. 2004 , and was delayed, and reintroduced 3 more times. As of April 15 it was postponed indefinitly. Right now efforts are being made to rewrite and reintroduce this anti-steering bill in the next session. They are changing the wording so it somewhat mirrors the one recently passed in the state of California ( SB 551 )

The organization that is promoting and sponsering this bill is the Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA). The NABA is made up of Nebraska body shop owners, body shop parts retailers, and body shop materials retailers. The majority of the membership is made up of small independant shop owners- ( The little guys who usually suffer the most from steering )

The majority of the membership (the little guys) decided that this was an issue that they most wanted to tackle. By the way the NABA has a pretty strong and active PAC ( Politcal Action Committee).

Anyway, as much as I hate to say it, organized political involvement is what works in this country. The vocal minority rules and the silent majority drools. Just look at whats been accomplished in this country in the name of political correctness by the UACLU (Un-American Civil Liberties Union)

I just mailed my check to the NWRA. As Jeff said in his earlier posts.... If enough of us get onboard, and become active, WE will be the vocal majority of the membership. THE MEMBERSHIP BODY WILL DECIDE WHAT ISSUES TO TACKLE . And the big network guys might just end up scratching their heads wondering what happened...

In any case- If I'm just dreaming....... For the $99. fee (Thanks Jeff) I'll at least get to put the NWRA membership logo on my website and brochures to aid in my public credibility. get some neat reading materials, and write off the professional dues. :-k Bob/ Paintless Plus

[Delta Kits]

Bob,

Thanks for signing up! Now we just need to get you on the board!

We've had a few people sign up, but frankly i'm a little disappointed that there have not been more.

I know some of you have stated that you want to see certain things happen before signing up. In my opinion, that is the wrong way of looking at it, and is potentially a threat to the very existence of windshield repair.

For all the talk of problems that this industry faces, you would think that more people would be interested in doing something about it, rather than just complaining on a forum.

Like Bob said, if enough of us become members and get active, we can make a difference instead of just sitting around wondering why others don't make the decisions that we want.

What right though, do non members have to even say WHAT the NWRA should be doing?

In my opinion, none.

The NWRA is run by it's members, as it should be.

Come on guys, for $99 you are helping shape your industry into what YOU want it to be. How can 2-3 repairs worth of profit not be worth it???

Let's make a difference!

Oh yeah, i'm back!

[DaveC]

Welcome back Jeff!!!

I, for one, hope that you never piss Brent off again and get sent half-way 'round the world as you punishment:)!!!

As you already know, I rarely have an opinion about these mundane issues.

But, maybe I can be forced to throw my 2 cents worth of my view.....

1. As mentioned in another thread, I would gladly donate funds/resources to head-off the proposed CT legislation. Truthfully, however, should "licensing" be required, in any state, it would probably be to my (personal) advantage. Since taxes are already being collected via my current license, I would be "grandfathered" into the matrix. Then, all potential "future competition" would have to adhere to new rules, that would be restrictive enough to eliminate nearly any potential individual wishing to get involved in the WSR business, ergo, eliminating any future competition!!!!


2. I have (IMO) business, morale and personal ethics. I originally purchased my Delta WSR equipment based upon quality, service and support. I have had absolutely NO regrets in my decision. I was promised a product and I received that product, and that product actually exceeded my expectations.

As for morale and personal issues. . . I probably "donate" more hours and resources to causes that I believe in, on a weekly basis, than most people do for their simple earnings in a month!!! I can certainly provide documentation if desired. But suffice it to say that I ain't "shootin' the bull" on this one.

However, I am (slightly) opinionated, realize this, and would NEVER acquiesce and "jump on board" and support a cause/organization that would encourage/support the very things that I feel are wrong.

[Delta Kits]

...would NEVER acquiesce and "jump on board" and support a cause/organization that would encourage/support the very things that I feel are wrong.

Of course I agree with this...

Not to pick on you in particular, but I have two questions for you.

I know the answer from some people, but what specifically is the windshield repair association doing that encourages/supports what you feel are wrong?

Also, do you not agree with the argument that the NWRA, especially at this stage, is very small, which means very susceptible to change? In other words, i've been saying until i'm blue in the face that this organization will change into what the members want it to, and all it takes is members of this forum taking a stand, and becoming proactive. Why isn't that sinking in? And if it is, why do you not agree?

Okay, I lied...That was more than two questions...

[the big welshman]

You guys I wish I could get a membership to the above ie$99.00.I pay the full amont for my mebership $150.00---.As PEG-states in this months issue--Many times you ask what is your association doing for you-NWRA is the protector and educator of the windshield repair buisness.You are part of this industry. On Wednesday March 31st there was another meeting of CT Automotive Glass Works and Flat Glass Board.YOU CAN READ THIS MEETING ON wwwGlassBytes.com--There have been attemps to severaly limit windshield repair in the state of CT--THIS AFFECTS YOU--If windshield repair is limited at the state level. OTHER STATES will look at it and follow suite---ie from volume6-issue2 nwra news---

[DaveC]

Jeff,

I know that you would never pick on me without sending me more candy;)!!!

1. As a private organization, the NWRA has allowed entities to join this organization that are clearly, plainly and simply (although, yet to be determined in a court of law) promoting steering, bait-n-switch and attempting to restrict my (or individuals') rights to practice free trade. Why should I align myself with those that would "cut my nose off to spite my face"?

2. I don't like a "wishy-washy" approach to what is supposed to be conceived as a(n) professional organization. Either this org. will tell me where they attempt to go (given the fact that I contribute), or they will continue to pander. How hard/long did it take for the NWRA to decide that they would discount memberships to $99.00 if signed-up via a WSR Supplier? As a prospective member, I should either "jump" on-board, or find another solution?

If I wanted to speculate in "futures," I would be on Wall-Street. However, we are dealing with reality and today. Not a pamphlet that was copyrighted a decade ago!

Let's face it, you are planning an upcoming wedding? If you plan on moving into a new home, do you expect to know what you are supposed to get/receive "up-front?" as far as your future abode? Or, would you allow the contractor to say "Trust Me?"

[Delta Kits]

1. As a private organization, the NWRA has allowed entities to join this organization that are clearly, plainly and simply (although, yet to be determined in a court of law) promoting steering, bait-n-switch and attempting to restrict my (or individuals') rights to practice free trade. Why should I align myself with those that would "cut my nose off to spite my face"?

Shouldn't the question be what they are doing, not who is around while they do it?

What do you propose they do? Where do you draw the line? Should the NWRA be in the business of judging the intentions of people wanting to be members? Should the NWRA also decide who is bringing down our industry, for example, by not charging enough? If so, who is to say how much is enough? What about technicians that do mediocre work? Should they be excluded? Who decides that?

Do you see what i'm saying? It's about what the organization does, not about who they allow to be members.

The NWRA is clearly a benefit to windshield repair technicians. While some may question the motives some companies have for being involved, it's crazy to jump to the conclusion that because the NWRA lets them be members, that all of a sudden they are beholden to those who would destroy our industry.

Let's face it, you are planning an upcoming wedding? If you plan on moving into a new home, do you expect to know what you are supposed to get/receive "up-front?" as far as your future abode? Or, would you allow the contractor to say "Trust Me?"

The difference is, in your analogy, the contractor is handing you and your friends the hammer, and saying make the house what you want it to be.

[DaveC]

Jeff,

Seems like the NWRA stands for the National Windshield Repair Association.

NOT the National Windsheid Rapair and Replacement Associtation.

NOT The National Windsheild Network and Insurance Company Association.

As a private entity, they have the right to be restrictive and NOT be sued under federal law. Face it, the Boy Scouts of America are a "Private Organization." They can lawfully refuse (and do) to allow atheists, homosexuals and non-theists into their organization by their design.

The AARP requires that you be of retirement age to join their organization.

Heck, you have to have a business license to get a business account at Sams Club.

IMO, so long as this organization is supposed to represent my "best interests" as an independant (or even affiliated) WSR kinda guy, they should represent me (if I were a member) and NOT the very networks, combo shops and orgs. that are determined to put "me" out of business.

For every time that I have attempted to call in an insurance repair and the (ds "S" word) took over, I can assure you, steering attempts were present. Funny, but the "S" folks are members of the NWRA?

Suffice it to say, unless I am aboslutely required to respond, I "promise" to limit any future posts to "true" WSR technical kinda stuff.

However, I hope you realize that "No Matter What," while the independants might get "swallowed up" in this process, it is vendors like Delta that are most likely to suffer in the long-run. Your products are great!!! Your service, even better!!! Your support... second to none!!!!

Please, continue to try and take the "High Road!"

[DaveC]

Sorry, forgot to respond to this one ...

--------------------
What do you propose they do? Where do you draw the line? Should the NWRA be in the business of judging the intentions of people wanting to be members? Should the NWRA also decide who is bringing down our industry, for example, by not charging enough? If so, who is to say how much is enough? What about technicians that do mediocre work? Should they be excluded? Who decides that?

---------------------------

Simple. Any entity that can not "police" itself and support those goals/ideals upon themselves, has NO business trying to tell others what to do.

As for "judigng" intentions...

Yes, they have the right to ensure that thier membership is how they want it to be.

Chiropractors might call themselves "doctors," but, how many chiropractors that you know can claim that they are members of the AMA?

Sorry

[StarQuest]

OK guys,

We all seem to have some problems with joining NWRA because of fears that our money will be wasted and our independent membership won't have any inpacked on changing things. I'm sorry for saying this but 5 years ago I spent $2000 of my personal funds to fight anti-steering and unfair trade practices against one network and lost. Would I ever do that again? Probably not!!! But what were talking about here is a $99-$150 membership fee to obtain a majority vote which may change the way NWRA fights our future battles and interest. Think about it? Harmon puts up only $2500 and gets noticed. As independents we come up with $35,000-$49,000 in new membership fees. Who do you think NWRA will be listening too and working for? Simple math isn't it?

My opinion is if all you guys want to sit back do absolutely nothing and hope for the best....good luck, cause it won't happen! Doesn't everybody understand that the replacement companies and major glass suppliers have a future interest in taking over the repair industry? If we can't join together as independents right now....it will be to late. Stop being cheap asses and give this a chance. Forget about the political nature of this argument. We could be discussing that for ever with no positive results. Truthfully, 2-3 repairs in exchange for a chance to promote or insure our future! Come on!!!

This is the best chance we have to make a difference and have our voice heard. Jeffs not blowing smoke on this issue. He has as much to loose as the rest of us.