AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting Announced 

AASPMN is excited to announce its Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting will take place March 30 - 31, 2026 at the Mystic Lake Center & Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. 

This two-day event will deliver practical, real-world guidance along with forward-looking insights into the key trends and challenges shaping the future of automotive service and collision repair businesses. 

In addition to a strong lineup of educational sessions, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow shop owners, industry leaders and vendors during dedicated networking events, including a vendor happy hour featuring the latest products and services. 



More details will be shared soon – stay tuned! 

We Need You - Act Now! 

AASPMN urgently needs committed automotive industry professionals to step forward and help lead the association in the coming years. Open positions are available on the Board of Directors and multiple Advisory Committees, and your participation is critical to advancing and protecting our industry. 

The deadline to nominate yourself or a colleague is February 15 – and it’s approaching fast. To be considered, a candidate must be nominated by five or more Regular Members. The Nominating Committee may also put forward qualified candidates. If only one nomination is received for an open Board seat by February 15, that individual will be automatically elected. If more than one candidate is nominated, an electronic ballot will be distributed to Regular Members by March 10. 

Several seats are also open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Governmental & Regulatory Affairs Committee. These committees play a vital role in representing member interests and shaping industry policy—your voice matters.

If you’re willing to serve, or know someone who should, don’t wait. Contact the Nominating Committee Chair or the AASPMN office by February 15: 

• Aaron Swanson, Nominating Committee Chair 
• (612) 817-9651 | aarons@minorautogroup.com 

• AASPMN Office 
• (612) 623-1110 | aasp@aaspmn.org 

Important: 

Only representatives of member businesses performing collision work may be nominated for Collision Division seats, and only representatives of member businesses performing auto service work may be nominated for Mechanical Division seats. Step up. Speak out. Help lead AASPMN. 

AASPMN Day at the Capitol March 3, 2026 

Join the AASPMN lobbying team and other members to advocate for Minnesota’s independent shops. Collision and mechanical shops are encouraged to participate to help advance current AASPMN bills and build critical relationships with lawmakers. 

For more information, please email linden@aaspmn.org. 

Automotive Scholarships Available 

AASPMN is awarding scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs focused on auto service or collision repair. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,500 per student and may be applied toward tuition or tool purchases. 

To be eligible, 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 professionals, with selections based on academic achievement, career goals, financial need, and written recommendations. 

The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by this date. 

Students are encouraged to apply online at: automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/alliance. Online applicants are automatically considered for multiple scholarship opportunities, including awards from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and more than 40 additional automotive aftermarket organizations and companies. Specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship can be found at automotivescholarships.com. A printable application is also available by emailing the AASPMN office at aasp@aaspmn. org.

Established in 2002, the Automotive Education Fund supports automotive students, strengthens training programs and promotes career opportunities within the independent automotive service industry. To date, more  than $360,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA, and automotive education initiatives across Minnesota. 

In 2016, AASPMN further expanded workforce development efforts with the launch of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS) – a statewide outreach program designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in automotive service and collision repair. Learn more at carcareers.org. 

Sponsorship Support Needed for AASPMN Education & Events in 2026 

Sponsorship opportunities are now open for AASPMN’s 2026 education programs and events. Sponsor support plays a vital role in allowing the association to deliver high-quality programming while keeping registration costs affordable for members. 

Sponsors receive valuable exposure and recognition throughout the year, increasing visibility within the AASPMN membership and the automotive industry as a whole. Sponsorship is an effective way to maximize marketing dollars, strengthen brand awareness and build meaningful connections with leading shops across the state. 

We would like to thank the following companies that have already committed to sponsoring AASPMN activities in 2026: 

• aaa Auto Parts 
• Complete Health, Environmental & Safety Services 
• (C.H.E.S.S.) 
• Langer Construction 
• LKQ – Minnesota 

Companies interested in sponsoring this year’s events can find additional information at: aaspmn.org/sponsors or by contacting the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110. 

AASPMN Hosts Claims Trends & Strategies Workshop 

On January 14, AASPMN will host “Claims Trends & Strategies” at APH Headquarters in St. Cloud. The evening workshop, presented by Kristen Felder of Collision Hub, will dive deep into the claims and economic factors impacting total losses and what strategies shops can use to ensure this does not become disappearing profits. 

Understanding the dynamics of human interactions is a critical basis for negotiations. Attendees will learn the meaning behind certain behaviors and some techniques to shift the dialogue and feelings around their estimate. Participants will leave better prepared to start and close negotiations with anyone, specifically insurance companies. 

2026 Membership Dues Are Now Due 

Annual membership renewal invoices were mailed on January 1. Prompt payment helps AASPMN avoid additional administrative costs associated with re-billing and collection efforts. 

By paying on time, you allow us to focus our resources where they matter most – on programs and initiatives that strengthen the automotive service industry and support your business. 

Thank you for your continued membership and support of AASPMN.