MGA 1991-2001 - Anniversary Speech at Golf outing
As you all know, the MGA was founded to promote the general welfare of the glass and allied industries by providing members with resources, information, education and other services for the betterment of the industry and communities.
There are several critical issues in the glass industry, and in particular, the auto glass industry, that has made and continues to make an impact on how your business operates and affects your bottom line. Issues such as insurance, networks, NAGS, acceptance and offer, consumer choice, steering, claims processing, third party administrators, adhesives, licensing, OEM, consumer safety, ethics, and, safe auto glass installation.
Officially, September of 1991, the Michigan Glass Association was formed and recognized by the state of Michigan as an association. A young lady had a vision and was determined to take on the challenge and implementation of creating the first trade association to represent the glass industry in the state of Michigan. The history of the formation of the MGA belongs to Linda Vos from Vos Glass in Grand Rapids. Linda, with the assistance and support of several interested individuals brought their idea to fruition and formed the MGA. The Charter board of directors of 1991-1992: Pres. Linda Vos, Vos Glass, Grand Rapids; Secretary, Kim Anderson, Plymouth Glass Co., Plymouth; Treasurer, Steve Hurrell, Lansing Auto Glass, Lansing; Pres-elect, John Carpenter, Perfect Fit Auto Glass, Ann Arbor; Bob Macomber, Trans Auto Glass, Saginaw; Ray Goodrich, Crown Glass, Fermont; Brad Finkbeiner, Brad’s Mobile Auto Glass, Ann Arbor; Lou Blankenhorn, Coolidge Glass Co., Lansing; and Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass, Traverse City.
So many industry professionals ask the question, “What has the MGA done for me?” That is always the million-dollar question to associations. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore the many tough issues the MGA has tackled. There have been many bumps along the road, time, energy and money expended to make the glass industry in Michigan a better place to do business. Many friendships have developed through the years, the process of learning how to deal positively with competition, communication, safety issues, new techniques and products, and of course, attending meetings to learn how to keep up with the fast pace of technology have all been presented to you through the MGA.
Let’s see if you remember when . . . and what role you played in making this MGA history . . .
October 1991
MGA interviews and hires both a lobbying firm (Governmental Consultant Services, Inc.) and an association management firm (GCSI Association Services) and immediately go to work for the glass industry. Governmental affairs and membership committees form and become active.
November 1991
Alarming legislation is introduced in the House that would allow insurance companies to contract for covered repair in "exclusive provider" agreements. MGA initiates the task of stopping this bill.
February 1992
MGA's first Legislative Flash calls on members to again contact their legislators when a substitute bill, which would return "exclusive provider" language to the No-Fault Reform bill, is introduced.
March 1992
No-Fault Reform, passed by both chambers but vetoed by the Governor, does not contain language that would harm the glass industry, thanks to the efforts of MGA members.
May 1992
MGA meets with the Automotive Service Association of Michigan (ASAM) to set up a coalition to work for passage of "consumer choice" legislation. Coalition meets with Senator John Schwarz (R-Battle Creek), who enthusiastically agrees to sponsor the legislation as outlined.
July 1992
MGA continues to work on draft of legislation. Statewide rallies update the glass industry on the draft and enlist help. "Key contact person" program is set up. Additional membership and contributions are sought.
October 1992
MGA president, Linda Vos, and Government Affairs Committee chair spend a day under the capitol dome. They meet and talk to 16 Senators. The first Contract Glazing committee meeting is held in Lansing with "pay if paid" as the premier issue addressed by MGA. MGA starts several other committees and begins planning for 1993. MGA announces its merger with Michiana Glass Association by year's end.
1993 board: President, Linda Vos, Vos Glass, Grand Rapids
Kim Anderson, Plymouth Glass
Diane Bildstein, City Glass Service, Pontiac, 313.333.7055
Gary Boyajian, Modern Mirror, Roseville, 313.296.1000
Ray Goodrich, Crown Glass, Fremont, 800.328.7552 - invite rep. for Ray Goodrich
Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass
Brian Petty, Fenton Glass, Fenton, 313.629.5231
Carl Rumsey, Yale Glass Co., 313.387.2730
Mike Mervenne, BURCO, Grand Rapids, 800.253.2593 - Affiliate director
February 1993
A plan to speed passage of "consumer choice" legislation on the coat tails of Michigan's No-Fault Reform bill becomes a victim of political wrangling. MGA takes a stand to assure that the glass industry does not become a political pawn.
July 1993
"Consumer choice" legislation is introduced simultaneously in the House and Senate! Rep. Kirk Profit (D-Ypsilanti) sponsors HB 4924, and Senator Chris Dingell (D-Trenton) sponsors SB 728. MGA is off and running. Summer issue of the MGA Alert trumpets the news.
August 1993
The "Olin Barnhill Golf Classic" raises funds to further MGA's lobbying effort. HB 4924 is referred to the House Insurance Committee where committee co-chair, Rep. Mary Brown (D-Kalamazoo) schedules a hearing for September 23, 1993. MGA spearheads glass industry preparations for this crucial step.
1994 board: President, Linda Vos, Vos Glass, Grand Rapids
Kim Anderson, Plymouth Glass
Jim Wilhite, Montcalm Auto Glass, Pontiac, 810.335.9204
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass, Lansing, 517.485.4564
Jim McDonald, Acme Glass & Paint, Ypsilanti, 313.483.3820
Gary Boyajian, Modern Mirror
Ray Goodrich, Crown Glass, Fremont, 616.924.6650
Bill Jerow, Spartan Glass, Sparta, 616.887.0414
Brian Petty, Fenton Glass
Carl Rumsey, Yale Glass
Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass Co., Livonia, 313.422.7540
Mike Mervenne, BURCO, Affiliate
March 1994
Efforts to reach a compromise on HB 4924, “Consumers’ Freedom of Choice Legislation” have broken down despite good faith efforts by MGA and partner Automotive Service Association of Michigan (ASAM). The talks broke down when the insurance industry attempted to splinter the ASAM/MGA coalition by proposing individual "gentlemen's agreements" between each insurance company and each repair industry.
April 1994
Representative Kirk Profit, HB 4924 sponsor, sent a letter to Representatives Brown and Martin outlining the status of negotiations on HB 4924. The meeting was canceled due to a late-running session and the funeral of the late Governor Swainson. The meetings will be scheduled as soon as possible.
May 1994
MGA look for direction from the House Insurance co-chairs and Representative Profit. MGA urges its members to contact legislators to help push further action for HB 4924.
A great debt has incurred with GCSI, the MGA’s lobbying firm. Decision to end lobbying contract is eminent. Board commits to repaying debt to both lobbying and association management contracts.
November 1994
MGA as one of the members of the Construction Coalition of Michigan begins working on proposed prompt payment legislation. The legislation is designed to enforce timely payment by owners and general contractors. MGA lobbyist, Steve Young, meets with members of Coalition and Representative Susan Munsell (R-Howell) to discuss and put the final touches on the proposed bill.
MGA and the Automotive Services Association of Michigan (ASAM) keep consumer choice legislation alive. MGA, ASAM and GCSI meet with Representative Brown who proposed changing our "choice" bill to allow for direct repair shops. Reaction from insurance side was negative to this proposal as was the reaction from MGA and ASAM.
December 1994
The Michigan legislature adjourned mid-December without acting on HB 4924. Despite a last minute flurry if activity aimed at freeing HB 4924 from committees, legislation died when the House and Senate adjourned for the year.
1995 board: President, Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass Company, Livonia
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
A.J. Taylor, Superior Auto Glass, Houghton Lake, 517.366.9691
Bill Jerow, Spartan Auto Glass
Linda Vos, Vos Glass, past-president
Gary Boyajian, Modern Mirror
Ray Goodrich, Crown Glass
Jim Willhite, Moncalm Auto Glass
Jim McDonald, Acme Glass & Paint
Scott Osters, Architectural Glass and Metals, Inc., Okemos, 517.347.0500
Rob Luscombe, Curtis Glass Company, Ferndale, 810.546.6680
Mike Oakley, Port Huron Auto Glass, Inc., Port Huron, 810.985.8104
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc., Napoleon, 517.536.8202
Ted Andersen, Coolidge Glass Co., Lansing, 517.944.1074 - Affiliate Director
January 1995
"Consumer choice" legislation is re-introduced in the House. MGA, ASAM with Governmental Consultant Services Inc. meets with Representative John Llewellyn (R-Fremont), the newly appointed chair of the House Insurance Committee. He agrees to investigate any possible legislative strategies.
February 1995
First MGA fund-raising raffle is a success. Thanks to the hard work of committee members.
March 1995
Representative Llewellyn initiates parallel discussion between MGA and the insurance industry regarding "consumer choice" legislation. MGA Auto Glass committee meets with new AAA leadership. AAA outlines ideas for new claims program, using a "third party administrator." Prompt payment legislation is introduced. MGA Architectural Glaziers Committee continues to work with the Michigan Construction Coalition on this issue.
April 1995
MGA Auto Glass Committee meets with Citizens Insurance in Howell, MI to discuss auto glass issues. MGA continues legislative efforts on HB 4529 with the Construction Coalition on "prompt pay."
May 1995
Due to criticisms of MGA not having representation of the architectural glaziers, MGA diversifies board and begins major recruiting effort to attract glaziers to the association. Architectural Glaziers Committee hosts first spring seminar; "The Effects of Prices, Glass Coating, and Legislation on Our Industry."
August 1995
Annual “Olin Barnhill Golf Classic” raises necessary funds to assist with daily operations of MGA.
1996 board: President, Bill Jerow, Spartan Glass, Sparta
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
John Hogenson, Echo Etching, Grand Rapids, 616.454.2800
Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass, past-president
Scott Osters, Architectural Glass and Metals, Inc.
Rob Luscombe, Curtis Glass Company
Mike Oakley, Port Huron Auto Glass, Inc.
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc.
Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass Co., Traverse City, 616.941.7112
Perry Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass, Wyoming, 616.241.5300
Carl Rumsey, Yale Glass
Dennis Calvin, Calvin & Company, Flint, 810.239.3524
Ted Andersen, Coolidge Glass, Affiliate director
January 1996
HB 4466 -- Senator Dingell (D-Dearborn) introduces amendment to HB 4466 that assures there shall be no limitations in the consumer's choice of vendors for automotive repairs. Due to much correspondence and lobbying, Representative Law indicates he is not considering scheduling any conference committee meetings to discuss differences on HB 4466. Bill will die at the end of 1996.
MGA Auto Glass committee notified by mail, every insurance carrier offering automobile coverage in the state of Michigan of what we consider to be their legal obligation: to pay full and adequate compensation for all materials and labor used to restore an automobile to its pre-damaged condition.
March 1996
Nine insurance companies respond to letter mailed in January.
May 1996
The first Auto Glass "Round Up" committee meeting presents two part programs: "EDI -- Gateway To Processing of Insurance Claims" and "Automotive Glass Installation Materials Issues." May 2, 1996.
October 1996
Auto Glass committee presents: "An Interactive Meeting with Panel Discussion of Issues Effecting the Motoring Public, Networks, Insurance Companies, and Auto Glass Replacement Facilities." October 16, 1996.
1997 board: President, Bill Jerow, Spartan Glass, Sparta
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
Scott Osters, Architectural Glass and Metals, Inc.
Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass, past-president
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc.
Ken Sudall, A-2 Auto Glass, Ann Arbor
Carl Ostdiek, Henderson Glass, Troy, 810.528.4490 ext. 200
Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass
Perry Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass
Dennis Calvin, Calvin & Company
Tom Braun, Auto Glass Specialists, Walker
Ted Andersen, Coolidge Affiliate director
March 1997
Auto Glass Committee presents: “An Interactive Meeting with Panel Discussion of Safety, Certification, Licensing, Ford Warranty and Captive Part”. March 19, 1997. This meeting had 75 registrations from glass shops representing all corners of the state.
April 1997
Architectural Glaziers committee organizes “A Tour of the Guardian Industries Float Glass Manufacturing Plant.”
May 1997
Auto Glass Committee submits survey to members in May MGA Alert newsletter relating to licensing and regulation of the auto glass industry. The concerns of glass installation integrity, the need for proper repair and safety and the impact upon the consumer and our industry are at issue. MGA Auto Glass Committee begins investigation on the process and procedures to support regulation of the auto glass industry.
November 1997
MGA Education and Auto Glass Committee promote Performance Achievement Group to provide auto tech training at community colleges. The first four-day tech training class was held at Grand Rapids Community College in November. Students with less than one-year experience in auto glass installation successfully completed the class designed to both educate new recruits and update veterans.
1998 board: President, Bill Jerow, Spartan Glass, Sparta
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc.
Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass
Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass,past-president
Carl Ostdiek, Henderson Glass
Ken Sudall, Visions Auto Glass
Brad Strong, Bushey Glass, Bay City, 517.754.7431
Tom Braun, Auto Glass Specialists
Mike Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass
Steve Fath, A-! Auto of Big Rapids
Dennis Calvin, Calvin & Company
Dominick Ferraro, Affiliate director, Ford Carlite Automotive Glass Operations
February 1998
MGA and Performance Achievement Group (PAG) realize they are a winning team and offer the second TECH TRAINING course to the auto glass repair and replacement industry. The course offers business owners searching for the highest industry standards or a technician looking to improve their installation versatility.
April 1998
Auto Glass Committee presents, “Carlite Autoglass Replacement System (C.A.R.S.), Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) and Glass Shop Registration and Mechanic Certification in the State of Michigan.” This educational meeting was held in Lansing on April 1, 1999.
June 1998
MGA Auto Glass Committee presents: Lynx Services Update “Making the Process Work for You”. Lynx Services of PPG provided information, both general and technical, to extend network understanding. The information included a status update regarding State Farm, tips on working with the system and new programs with other companies on the horizon.
August 1998
MGA Board approves the process of obtaining an Attorney General opinion regarding whether or not auto glass replacement shops and their installers fall under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Services & Repair Act (MSVRA) of 1974. MGA hires lobbyists GCSI to guide us through the process of clarifying our status under the MVSRA of 1974.
17th Annual “Olin Barnhill Golf Classic” attracts yet another record number of golfers on August 11th. This is a great event! Special thanks to golf committee members, Mike Mervenne, Dick Corey, Eric Santilli, A.J. Taylor and others.
October 1998
MGA Board meeting held on October 22, 1999, with guests Fred Pirochta, director of the Repair Facility Division for the Bureau of Automotive Regulations, Secretary of State, and Dennis Liphardt, Executive Director, Automotive Service Association, to go answer questions and provide insights to the Board on glass shop regulation and technician licensing by the State of Michigan.
December 1998
MGA Auto Glass Committee host final educational meeting on December 7th for 1998: National Autoglass Specifications - NAGA Pricing Update “Reflections On The Movement From List To Benchmark Pricing.”
1999 board: President, Bill Jerow, Spartan Glass, Sparta
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc.
Jerry Wordhouse, Edward’s Glass, past-president
Carl Ostdiek, Henderson Glass
Ken Sudall, Visions Auto Glass
Hank Weber, Auto One Glass Accessories, Jackson, 517.783.6442
Dick Corey, Twin Bay Glass
Mike Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass, Wyoming
Steve Fath, A-1 Auto of Big Rapids, Big Rapids
Dennis Calvin, Calvin & Company
Jeff Motzer, Auto Glass Specialists, Grand Rapids
Tom Braun, Affiliate director, Carlite by Visteon, Romulus
March 1999
AG rules not in favor of MGA question. Attorney General, Jennifer Granholm, issued Opinion # 7011, which stated that due to the fact that windshield glass is not included in 1974 PA 300 as a major component part, there was no need for businesses engaged in installing motor vehicle replacement windshield glass to register and comply with the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. MGA disappointed, but will continue to support licensing and explore this issue in the future.
May 1999
MGA Auto Glass Committee hosts first Quarterly Meeting of 1999 on May 12th. “You Can Do Something about Steering” and “Guidelines for Insurance Billings” were the focus of this successful and informative MGA event.
MGA launches it’s website - www.mgaglass.org. Under the direction of Tim Tock, Saf-Ti Glass Distributors, the MGA joined the information superhighway and opened their website. The site contains Association information, membership listing, Board and Committee listings, and a calendar of events.
October 1999
Attendance at the October 27th quarterly meeting was high due to the keynote speaker Frank Fitzgerald, Michigan Insurance Commissioner. His commitment to work with the MGA on a Customer Bill of Choice and unethical insurance company conduct inspired members to become actively involved in their Association.
2000 board: President, Jeff Motzer, Auto Glass Specialists, Grand Rapids
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
Dale Babcock, Quality Glass/Napoleon, Inc.
Bob Wilczewski, Henderson Glass, Rochester
Ken Sudall, Visions Auto Glass
Hank Weber, Auto One Glass Accessories
Steve Fath, A-1 Auto of Big Rapids, Big Rapids
Shari Montgomery, Pollack Glass, Lansing, 517.482.1821
Mike Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass
Dan Hogan, Superior Auto Glass, Houghton, 517.366.9691
Tom Braun, Affiliate director, Carlite by Visteon
March 2000
MGA board member Shari Montgomery of Pollack Glass in Lansing, produces and airs a television safety commercial for consumers on most cable stations across the state of Michigan on safe auto glass installation.
April 2000
MGA Auto Glass committee quarterly meeting presents “Passenger & Side Airbag Safety Training For Auto Glass Technicians” at Autostock Distribution in Lansing. Over 70 auto technicians and their managers attended the informative, hands-on, professional development meeting on passenger and side-door airbag safety training.
April 2000
Auto Glass Committee (AGC) meets with Michigan Insurance Commissioner, Frank Fitzgerald, as a result of the October 1999 quarterly meeting. Issues AGC requested Fitzgerald review/research and provide recommendations for the MGA included: Third Party Administrator; Pricing; Consumer Choice; Harmon/AAA, Other state legislation.
May 2000
Auto Glass Committee meeting with Michigan Insurance Commissioner, Frank Fitzgerald, cancelled and unfortunately, we were never able to reschedule a follow-up meeting with Fitzgerald.
December 2000
Quarterly meeting, “Facing the Future of Technology” presented in Lansing by NAGS/Mitchell. Theme focused on an Internet concept of a “glass hub” which would allow an Internet workspace marketplace. Program would allow full service to: consumers, billing, retailers, manufacturers, insurance companies/TPA’s, and associations. More will follow on this subject in 2001.
2001 board: President, Mike Coffman, Coffman Auto Glass, Wyoming
Karl Rogier, Capital Auto Glass
Bob Wilczewski, Henderson Glass
Steve Fath, A-1 Auto of Big Rapids
Shari Montgomery, Pollack Glass
Dan Hogan, Superior Auto Glass
Tom Braun, Affiliate director, Carlite by Visteon
June 2001
Quarterly meeting, “Glass: It’s Clearly Structural” presented by Performance Achievement Group in Lansing at Autostock Distribution. Meeting subject was new vehicle concept technology and how it impacts the auto technicians installation practices. Basic installations may have not changed, but technicians knowledge about the vehicle is critical to understand before you can safely and properly install a windshield today!
Well, as you can see, the MGA has experience with education, tours, the insurance industry, the Michigan insurance commissioner, the Michigan Attorney General, the Michigan Legislature, member surveys, fund-raisers, and a great deal of support from you, its members. We wish to thank each one of you for your human and financial support over the years. Without you, progress would not have been possible. Unfortunately, our work is not done, nor will it ever be done. In order to make changes, we must be united and strong. Apathy does not play a role in progress and your continued support is needed to survive. The MGA encourages you to encourage your colleagues to become active once again in our glass association. Board elections will be held in December. Volunteer to take a seat, or, volunteer to serve on a committee of the MGA. Oh yes, everyone always says they are too busy, but I hope you observed those board members who have served more than one term, giving more than their share of commitment to you. In addition, please realize each board member has a personal life too! They have not given up, we continue to volunteer to the cause, but we sure could use your help.
Thanks again to each of you and thanks for sharing this special 10-year anniversary with us.
I would like to invite Linda Vos to say a few words . . .
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