Greg Timmons Installed as 2014 SMCDA President

Representing South Los Angeles County New Car Dealers Since 1932
Spring 2014
Greg Timmons Installed as 2014 SMCDA President
F
ritz Hitchcock installed
the 2014 Board of
Directors and officers at
the 2014 Annual
Installation Meeting on
January 16. The board
includes President Greg
Timmons, Timmons VW/
Subaru; VP Greg Bozzani,
Bozzani VW; Secretary/
Treasurer Bill Stephens,
Cerritos Infiniti; Immediate
Past President Nick
Worthington, Worthington
Ford; and Directors Matt
Browning and John Davis.
During Hitchcock’s
installation, he gave an
update on his year as past
Chairman of the California
Chamber of Commerce.
Clockwise from top left: the 2014 SMCDA Board of Directors: Bill Stephens, Matt Browning, Greg
Bozzani, Greg Timmons, Nick Worthington and John Davis. Fritz Hitchcock led the installation.
Immediate Past President Nick Worthington passes the gavel to Greg Timmons. Greg Timmons
with Fritz Hitchcock.
INSIDE
Greg Timmons at
Work and Play,
Page 3
SMCDA Board Members
Attend Dealer Day
Page 5
After reporting on his year
as president of the SMCDA,
Nick Worthington thanked
the audience for the wishes
of support from the passing
of his grandfather, Cal
Worthington and presented
Greg Timmons with the
gavel. n
Cerritos College Offers
Eight EV Charging Stations
Page 9
The Southlander is an official publication of
11111 New Falcon Way
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: (562) 467-5252
Fax: (562) 653-7876
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Greg Timmons
Timmons Volkswagen/Subaru,
Long Beach
VICE PRESIDENT
Greg Bozzani
Bozzani Volkswagen
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Bill Stephens
Cerritos Infiniti
DIRECTORS
John Davis
Glenn E. Thomas Dodge, Signal Hill
Matt Browning
Browning Auto Group, Cerritos
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Nick Worthington
Worthington Ford
SMCDA STAFF
Todd Leutheuser
Executive Director
Dianna Docton
Executive Assistant
To advertise in an upcoming issue,
please contact
Todd Leutheuser at
(562) 467-5252
2 SPRING 2014
President’s Message
I
By Greg Timmons,
Timmons Volkswagen/Subaru
Long Beach
’m three months into my term as your
SMCDA president, and things are going
great. We just returned from a successful
Dealer Day in Sacramento where we joined
dealers from across the state to meet our state
legislators and to ensure our voice is heard
during the legislative process. I can tell you
firsthand that we are in good shape with the
team we have working on our behalf at CNCDA.
Closer to home, we are off and running with our sales training
program, and I invite you to participate. This April 29-May 1, Sales
Trainer Paul Webb will teach another basic training class at our
offices in Cerritos. We hired one of the graduates from his program
at our store, and he is now selling over 15 cars per month. I
strongly urge you to consider taking advantage of this great
opportunity. There are three ways you can use the program: 1) Send
your new hires; 2) your not-yet-hired; or 3) take advantage of our
recruit, train and place program. All three have different price
points and are designed to help you sell cars. Give the SMCDA
office a call to find out more at 562-467-5252.
The team at the SMCDA office has been managing the Northwood
program on the Cerritos College campus for over six years and
turning out great students. The Auto Program offers six different
eight-week classes focusing on the management of different areas of
the dealership. Through our efforts at the golf tournament,
scholarships are available for your employees to attend the
bachelor’s degree program or individual automotive marketing
classes. My daughter Natalie is currently in the Automotive
Marketing program while working at the store and is doing
exceedingly well. We are going to start another group of eight-week
classes this August and urge you to encourage your employees who
are interested in an education in the auto industry to contact the
Northwood office 562-653-7852.
Save the date for the SMCDA/Northwood golf tournament, which
will be held on July 22nd at the Old Ranch Country Club. See you
there.
Greg Timmons
SMCDA President
Greg Timmons: Mixing Work
and Play the Family Way
T
his is Greg Timmons’ second term as President of
the SMCDA. He served as president in 2010 and
has thrown his hat into the ring for another term.
Timmons took over the family dealership after his
father, Walter Timmons, passed away in 1990, and
their GM left to start his own store shortly after. He
and his mother took the reins, and after several years,
his mother retired and Greg was managing the family
business.
After settling in as his role as GM of the store,
Timmons purchased a Subaru franchise from Jim
Willingham in 1993.
This is Greg Timmons’ second term as president of the
SMCDA. He served as president in 2010.
Greg driving his desert dune buggy.
“It definitely started out slow,” said Timmons.
“When we bought the store, we were only selling 5-10
cars a month. It took a while to figure out the Subaru
buyer: it’s a niche-market brand, and by the mid to late
1990’s, we made it work.”
Currently, the Subaru franchise is doing better than
his VW store because the product lineup improved
and market understanding of the brand developed.
That, combined with 21 years in the same location,
have developed consumer loyalty.
When Timmons isn’t working at the store, he is usually
enjoying his other two hobbies with his family. During
the winter months, many of his weekends will be spent
in the desert riding his dune buggy. In the summer, he
spends a lot of time on traveling at speeds up to 100
MPH on the ocean in his 40-foot boat. Timmons is an
avid off-shore boater who has participated (as a driver,
not a skier) in the Long Beach to Catalina Island Ski
Race many times.
After his step son
Miles returned from
a tour in
Afghanistan, he
started working at
the dealership
several years ago.
Timmons put him
through the SMCDA
Paul Webb training
Greg Timmons with his late father Walter
last November, and he Timmons in the late eighties at the dealership.
has been consistently
selling 15-20 cars each month, becoming one of the
store’s top producers. His daughter Natalie is also
working in the business office and is currently earning
her bachelor’s degree from Northwood University at
the Cerritos Program Center. n
SPRING 2014 3
Students Travel to NY Auto Show for Tech Competition
W
hile many high school students were spending
Easter Sunday with family, CA High School
Students James Chairez and Hunter Nolasco
were boarding a plane bound for JFK to represent
the SMCDA in the National High School Tech
Competition at the New York Auto Show.
“After six weeks of hands on training, they are
ready to go”, said their Whittier Instructor, Bill
Buttineli.
“The guys at Cerritos Infiniti really helped
them get oriented with the unique aspects of
QX60 and that could make the difference.” Since 2006, the SMCDA has been sponsoring
the best high school team in the Southland to
compete against nearly 40 other teams across
the country to see who are the best techs in the
nation. The competition is sponsored by the
Greater New York Auto Dealers Association and
is held on the week following Easter each
year. SMCDA
n- 2014 1a OUTLINES.pdf 1 1/29/2014 6:03:36 PM
SMCDA Board Members Travel to Sacramento for
CNCDA’s Dealer Day
S
MCDA’s Treasurer Bill Stephens, Vice President
Greg Bozzani, and President Greg Timmons
joined dealers from across the state for the
annual CNCDA Dealer Day pilgrimage to visit the
state legislators in Sacramento. The dealers’ 2014
legislative agenda included defensive positions on a
Used Vehicle Recall Repair Mandate (SB 686
Jackson), stopping a bill that would allow Unlimited
Third Party Access to Vehicle Data (SB 994
Monning) and supporting the modernization of
Dealer Advertising to reflect the changing nature of
advertising as it relates to the internet (AB 1732
Stone). For more details on CNCDA positions on
these and a dozen other issues, go to www.cncda.org.
CNCDA is in the middle of outfitting their new
Sacramento Headquarters located about a block from
their existing space and a short walking distance to
the capital. Scheduled Grand Opening for the new
facility is August 25. n
Students Hunter Nolasco and
James Chairez stand next to a
practice vehicle at Cerritos
Infiniti along with trainer and
Shop Foreman Rob Ziarkowski
and Service Manager Joe Roell.
At left: Bill Stephens and Greg Timmons take a look at the empty Assembly chamber between appointments on
CNCDA Dealer Day.
Middle: Dealers Greg Bozzani (l) and Peter Hoffman (r) take a picture with Assemblyman Roger Hernandez.
At right: CNCDA President Brian Maas and Director Tom Hoffman join Jennifer Aragon in watching Greg
Timmons sign one of the structural berms of the new CNCDA headquarters. The facility is scheduled to be complete
and ready for move in this August.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
MY
K
$&35*'*&%16#-*$"$$06/5"/54
50th Anniversary
1964-2014
“Value for your money, quality for your time”
4 Spring 2014
Save the Date
SMCDA
Scholarship
Golf Tournament
Monday, July 21
Old Ranch
Country Club
Spring 2014 5
Paul Webb Sales Training Teaches Employees how to
Sell Cars and Make Customers Happy
T
he SMCDA recently piloted two automotive sales
training courses and is very happy with the
results!
The people who completed the training are selling a
lot of cars, and in many cases at or near the top of
the sales boards. In fact we have one graduate who
sold 18 cars last month!
This is a collaboration between the SMCDA, Paul
Webb, Cerritos College, and Workforce Connections
(an employment development company that helps
fund training for new hires). The Board of Directors
was so pleased with the results, the SMCDA will be
offering the training on a regular basis.
The next class will be held at the end of the
month and we invite you to send your new hires,
low performers and soon-to-hire applicants. Students
will receive:
1. Three full days of Paul Webb training (TuesdayWednesday April 29, 30, May 1st)
2. 19 Modules of on-line video training with
trackable quizzes
3. An attitude, desire, and know how to earn
money selling cars and making customers happy
Space is limited for this class because we will be
in the SMCDA Board Room, so first come, first
served. For more information, please contact the
SMCDA office at 562-467-5252. n
High School Students Available for Dealership Internships
S
outheast ROP has
developed a pilot program
which provides insurance
and compensation for afterschool employment at
dealerships. Students are
expected to “shadow” and assist
technicians after school
Monday through Friday and
possibly on weekends. Scope of
work should be limited to
vehicle repair and maintenance.
The term of “employment” is
from January to June of 2014.
The program is designed to be
an ongoing partnership
between SEROP and auto
dealers. Students will range in
age from 16-18 years.
Hours Per Week: 20
Rate of Pay per hour: $9
Financial Responsibility of Dealership: None
Number of Students available for program: Six
For more information contact Marty Supple
[email protected] or 562-714-2949. n
Supercharge Your Education
O U R S T R AT E G Y F O R S U C C E S S
BKCG offers outstanding representation to auto
dealers and their owners. In fact, BKCG has the
largest jury verdicts in California for dealers against
manufacturers. Legal services include prosecution
and defense of manufacturer disputes, strategic
defense of consumer litigation, dealership real
estate acquisition and sales, and employment law.
Call Alton G. Burkhalter at BKCG today to discuss
winning legal strategies for your business.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
in Automotive Marketing and Management
from Northwood University.
• Degrees for working adults
• Year-round enrollment
• All classes taught on campus
S TA R T S M A R T. F I N I S H S T R O N G .
2020 Main Street, Suite 600, Irvine CA 92614 ■ 949.975.7500 ■ www.bkcglaw.com
Learn more at cerritos.edu/northwood
OC_1209040_BKCG_auto_7x4.75.indd
6 Spring
2014 1
10/10/12 1:34 PM
Spring 2014 7
Chrysler Foundation Donates $4,000 to the
Cerritos College Automotive Program
T
he Cerritos College Automotive Program
received a $4,000 donation from the Chrysler
Foundation. The donation is in support of the
Automotive Program’s MOPAR College Automotive
Program (MCAP) and Chrysler Automotive
Program (CAP).
MOPAR is the parts, service and customer care
organization within Chrysler Group LLC. The
MOPAR College Automotive Program (MCAP)
develops the best-trained force in the automotive
industry by rotating between class time and on-site
training.
The Cerritos College Chrysler Automotive
Program (CAP) is a two-year A.A. degree and
certificate automotive program designed to upgrade
the technical competency and professionalism of the
dealership technician. The program introduces the
student to the very basic to the most complex
automotive diagnosis and repair of Chrysler, Dodge,
Jeep and Fiat vehicles.
Every semester, students in the program spend
nine weeks of the 18-week semester in the classroom
and the lab. The other nine weeks they participate in
an on-site training at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and
Fiat dealership so the students can apply what they
learn in the classroom to real life diagnosis and
repairs at the dealership. Students have an
opportunity to learn the latest Chrysler technology.
The Chrysler group provides vehicles, books and
curriculum as well as online access to training which
is usually for journeyman technicians.
“This donation is a big boost financially. It will
help us reach more prospective students. Our partner
Chrysler Corporation is investing in Cerritos College
to attract a new generation of future technicians.
With this donation we will continue to train skilled
workforce and prepare them for careers in the
automotive field,” said Automotive Instructor Frank
Vega.
The next CAP program at Cerritos College starts
October 20, 2014. The last day to apply to the
program is September 1, 2014. For more information
about the program, visit: http://cms.cerritos.edu/
auto/cap.htm or call Frank Vegas at (562) 860-2451
Ext. 2973. n
Powerful Advertising Solutions
One call can deliver to an audience that spends
over 3.93 billion dollars* annually on vehicles.
With a combo buy of Long Beach and South Bay's four major
newspapers, you can target your audience from LAX to Orange County.
Call 562-499-1301 or 310-543-6695
www.presstelegram.com | www.dailybreeze.com
8 Spring 2014
Cerritos College Offers Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
C
erritos College is pleased to offer eight electric vehicle
charging stations for public use. Four charging stations
are located in parking lot C-2 off Alondra Blvd. near
the college bookstore. A second set of four charging stations
is available in the college’s parking lot C-10, accessible from
166th Street near the Auto Technology Complex. Charging
rates are $0.30 per kWh used. Users do not need a Cerritos
College parking permit; however the vehicle must be
actively charging to avoid parking fines.
Cerritos College installed these charging stations to
promote green transportation technology in Southern
California and to provide public access for charging their
electric vehicles.
Since going active on April 5 the charging stations have
already eliminated 82 kilograms of greenhouse gas
emissions by charging electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle owners can obtain more information
regarding the charging stations at http://www.chargepoint.
com/. n
C E R T I F I E D
P U B L I C
A C C O U N T A N T S
We’re focused on you
Focused on your
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Accounting
Taxes
Audit
Review
Bookkeeping
Internal procedures
Cash flow
Consulting services
Since the 1940’s we have provided a complete
range of services to the owners of dealerships and other
automotive related businesses.
Put our experience to work for you.
*2007 Claritas
www.L S L CPAS .com
O r ange Coun t y ( 7 1 4 ) 6 7 2 - 0 0 2 2
Spring 2014 9
Is My Gas Can Safe?
T
he maintenance and operation of gasoline tanks,
both aboveground and underground, has become
expensive, highly regulated, and burdensome.
Automobile dealers have resorted to gas dolly equipment where a small amount of gasoline can be added
to each new automobile delivered to the dealership.
We note that automobiles delivered to dealerships
from manufacturers have very small amounts of gasoline; this being a result of U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) regulations, which dictate
Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s
Department of Fire Protection Engineering, as
reported by NBC News in late 2013, have
indicated that under certain conditions, plastic
cans are vulnerable to fires with an explosive
force.
that minimal amounts of gasoline be retained in gas
tanks of vehicles in transport. We write this memo
to discuss DOT, OSHA, and CARB regulations applicable to gasoline being transported from a public
gasoline station to dealerships for a later fill in automobiles on the lot.
Federal DOT Regulations: Gasoline transport is
discussed in Section 173.6 of the DOT regulations
By Sam Celly, Celly Services, Inc.
under “material of transport exceptions.” The regulations require that a container being used to transport gasoline must be less than 8 gallons per container and a maximum of 72 total gallons (440 pounds).
The containers must be secured in the pickup truck
and properly labeled. The driver should be trained
in DOT regulations. We recommend that the containers are UL certified. Beyond that, there are many
other regulatory agencies with enforcement in the
hazmat arena. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR2011-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2011-title49-vol2sec173-6.pdf
Safety concerns for gasoline containers are as follows:
Properly labeled container with hazard warnings
and employee training in Hazard Communication
Program (OSHA Regulation 29 CFR § 1910.1200).
29 CFR § 1926.152(a)(1) states that “Only
approved containers and portable tanks shall be used
for storage and handling of flammable liquids.
Approved safety cans or DOT approved containers
shall be used for the handling and use of flammable
liquids in quantities of 5 gallons or less…”
Bonding of containers to eliminate static electricity be followed both at the time of filling up the containers and when transferring from container to container. Keep containers on the ground when filling
Continued on page 11
The firm of Michael L. Cox & Associates, recognized experts in automotive dealership accounting for over
18 years, recently joined GYL Decauwer LLP effective May 1, 2013. The Cox group adds a new niche to
the specialty industries currently served.
10 Spring 2014 Continued from page 10
and not on the bed of the truck. Use grounding wire
when necessary. Keep nozzle in contact with can
during filling. Do not fill containers over 95% to
allow for expansion. Spilled gasoline must evaporate
before containers are put on the truck.
Containers must be closed so as to minimize the
risk of spill and creating a fire hazard.
Spill proof spouts also lock in vapors so as to avoid
vapor release while in storage. Don’t overfill gas
tanks on automobiles. Keep fire extinguisher close
by!
Transport truck must have a spill kit available with
a trained operator on containing, cleaning, and proper disposal of spill absorbent.
Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s
Department of Fire Protection Engineering, as
reported by NBC News in late 2013, have indicated
that under certain conditions, plastic cans are vulnerable to fires with an explosive force. The conditions that present the higher risk include having a
very small amount of gasoline (a few teaspoons)
inside the gas can, cool temperatures, tilting the can
at 42 degrees (typical pour angle) and of course a
spark! The employees should be trained to avoid
these risky conditions and maybe even buy metal
cans in the future. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/
investigations/watch-gas-can-explode-labtest-v21744014
CA Air Resources Board (CARB): As of July 1,
2007, all Portable Fuel Containers (PFC) sold in
California must be certified by the Air Resources
Board as meeting low-emission standards and regulatory requirements. This regulation is applicable to
manufacturers and retailers who place the gas cans
in the stream of commerce. Only containers of 10
gallons or less are covered by this regulation, so the
sale of a 25 gallon gas caddy for shop use is exempt
from CARB regulations. The following table provides a listing of those CARB approved containers
certified for sale. http://www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/
fuel-containers/pfc/eo/eo.htm
Summary: CA based businesses have only CARB
approved containers available. Other states may use
these CARB approved containers with vapor locks
that are spill proof and emit negligible flammable
vapors and hence, are safer. Training in hazardous
materials, including information on risks associated
with plastic cans, should be provided to employees.
Following safety and operation instructions on the
PFC is also mandatory. n
Sam Celly has trained auto dealers regarding EPA/
OSHA compliance in 9 western states since 1987. He
was the first staff engineer at KPA after earning his
Bachelor’s of Engineering degree and later, his MS
degree in Chemical Engineering (School of Mines &
Technology). In 1997, he received his Doctorate of
Jurisprudence from Southwestern University in Los
Angeles with emphasis on Labor & Environmental
Law. Sam is a Certified Safety Professional and has
served as the Chair of the Law Committee and
Environmental Issues Committee of the American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Additionally,
he is a member of American Institute of Chemical
Engineers (1985) and the AIHA, where he is the
President of the Southern California Section. Contact
him at [email protected].
Employee Appreciation
For the Holidays
Café n’ Stuff
Catering
Reserve Your Date by October 31st &
we will include FREE Holiday Cookies
For the Day after Thanksgiving
www.cafenstuff.com
Special Luncheon Packages
Begin at $12.95 per person
Served at Your Location or Ours
Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Dinner Menus Available
Call Café n’ Stuff 888-888-9292 today
minimum 50 guests for bbq on site
Follow us on Facebook
Spring 2014 11
Reach OC car buyers
at every turn.
Reach South Bay/Southeast
Reach
OC car
car buyers
at buyers
every turn.
at every turn.
rom print to online to mobile media, our
dvertising vehicles fire on all cylinders.
ur network of websites and newspapers
ovide the most in-depth coverage relevant to
range County communities.
From print to online to mobile to special events, no one beats our lineup of advertising opportunities.
Contact us today about customized packages targeting the consumers you want to reach.
reate a customized package targeting
From
print
to
online to mobile media, our
onsumers you
wantSpecial
to reach:
Advertising Supplements
advertising
vehicles
fire on all cylinders.
• Innovative ad units
Don’t miss out these high-performance
automotive sections publishing in 2014:
• Mobile
• Certified Pre-owned Vehicles
• Event activation
• Trucks,
Crossovers
and SUVs
Our network
of websites
and newspapers
• Custom publications
L.A.
Auto
Show coverage relevant to
provide•the
most
in-depth
Orange County communities.
Print And Digital
Create a• customized
Los Angelespackage
Times targeting
consumers
you Pilot
want to reach:
• Daily
• Innovative
ad unitsBeach Independent
• Huntington
• Mobile
• Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot
• Event activation
• Custom publications
LA Times Signature Events
• Festival of Books
• The Envelope Screening Series
• The Taste
To advertise or more information, contact Kevin Davis
at 714-966-7503 or [email protected]
o advertise in this section,
ontact Kevin Davis at 714.966.7503
r [email protected]
To advertise in this section,
contact Kevin Davis at 714.966.7503
or [email protected]
14AS3587