This legislative cycle there are three primary areas of activity that are being addressed. Your support, both by participating at our Day at the Capitol event or financially, is greatly appreciated to help advance these efforts. 

On March 3, AASPMN will arrange meetings between lawmakers from the House and Senate, and their AASPMN member constituents. During these meetings our member constituents will share their top concerns, and details on AASPMN’s legislative agenda, which includes: 

• AASPMN bill to improve 72A.201, specifically regarding supplement process misuse by insurance companies with time delays and denials of required operations, including a new legal pathway to hold insurance companies accountable and enforce Minnesota’s strong insurance laws. 
• Remind lawmakers that employers need a clear way to contest paid leave claims to prevent fraud. 
• General introductions and “Thank you” to build relationships for future requests from shops. 

If you are interested in participating in AASPMN’s Day at the Capitol, contact Linden Wicklund at linden@aaspmn.org or (612) 623-1110. 

Change of Date for the AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting 

Please note the dates for the 2026 AASPMN Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting have changed to April 29 and 30. Last month, AASPMN announced the dates as March 30 and 31, but shortly thereafter discovered conflicts with those days. The event will be held at Mystic Lake Center & Casino in Prior Lake. 

Things are coming together for a great day-and-a-half event. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to see at the conference. More details and registration information to follow. 

Day 1 

• 8am – 4pm: Registration Open 
• 9am – 9:30am: Coffee with vendors 
• 9:30am – 9:40am: Opening remarks 
• 9:40am – 10:55am: Opening Keynote and Panel Discussion: Adaptability and Accountability with Dr. Melissa Furman and panelists (four leaders from AASPMN member companies) 
• 11am – 12pm: Morning Breakout Sessions: three classes to choose from, including collision, mechanical and leadership topics 
• 12pm – 1:30pm: Lunch and Annual Meeting 
• 1:45pm – 2:45pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions: three classes to choose from, including collision, mechanical and leadership topics 
• 3pm – 5pm: Roundtable discussions: 10 topics led by MN industry leaders (Attendees will participate in four topics for 25 minutes each) 
• 5pm – 6:30pm : Happy Hour and Vendor Showcase 

Day 2 

• 8am – 11am: Registration Open 
• 8:30am – 9am: Morning coffee and networking 
• 9am – 11:30am: Workshops – Three separate workshops that are 2.5 hours each with topics including AI, mechanical shop growth, collision estimating and more. 
• 11:45am – 3pm: Committee Meetings – Let us know if you would like to join a committee! 

AASPMN Rolls Out New Online Community 

AASPMN recently rolled out its new CRM system (online community) for members to enjoy. The new system allows registrants to update their user/shop profile, register for events, participate in industry group discussions, search the member directory and more! AASPMN members also have access to exclusive “Members Only” content, such as our Resource Library and new Career Center (coming soon)! 

AASPMN members are encouraged to login using the credentials provided by AASPMN and update their profile today! 

AASPMN’s Automotive Scholarships Up for Grabs 

AASPMN will be awarding up to $20,000 in scholarships to select students enrolled in post-secondary automotive service or collision repair programs. Scholarship awards will be $500 - $2,000 per student and can be applied toward tuition or tool purchases. 

Applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education, career goals, financial need and written recommendations. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than March 31, 2026. 

Applications must be completed and submitted online at automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/ alliance. Online submissions give students the opportunity to compete for several different awards, including those offered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and over 40 other automotive aftermarket organizations and companies. Specific requirements for each organization’s awards can be found at automotivescholarships.com. 

AASPMN’s Automotive Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry. Since that time, nearly $365,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state. In 2016, AASPMN’s efforts to attract a future workforce expanded significantly with the creation of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS), a statewide marketing and outreach initiative to encourage high school students to pursue an education and career in the automotive service and collision repair industry. Visit carcareers.org to learn more.

Year-Long Sponsorships Support AASPMN’s Educational Programs & Other Activities in 2026

Sponsorships for AASPMN events and activities in 2026 are now available. Sponsors are rewarded with increased visibility and recognition within the AASPMN membership and industry at large. It’s a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry. 

Recently, AASPMN asked for year-long program sponsorships from its Associate members and other industry vendors to help support educational programs and other activities in 2026. Sponsorships help AASPMN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable.

To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments:

PREMIER

MN ADAS

PLATINUM

LKQ Minnesota

Lube-Tech

Optimize Digital Marketing

GOLD

3M Automotive

PPG Automotive Finishes

SILVER

Apple Ford White Bear Lake

Axalta Coating Systems

Enterprise Mobility

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Sherwin Williams

Suburban GM Parts

BRONZE

aaa Auto Parts

C.H.E.S.S.

Dentsmart PDR

Gallagher

Langer Construction

Precision Diagnostics

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor in 2026, contact the office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org. 

2026 Membership Dues Are Due!

If you have not yet paid your 2026 membership dues, PLEASE do so today. Your timely payment will save AASPMN the additional cost and time incurred with re-billing and other collection efforts. We’d much rather be working on programs and initiatives to improve the automotive service industry – and your business. Thank you!