“We look forward to being part of the engine that moves this technology forward,” says Hugh Joyce, president of James River Air Conditioning.

Thursday (2/23/12) McDonnell will announce industry leaders who will participate in the trial program using their own electric vehicles.  One of those is James River Air Conditioning.

“Charging technology is a crucial piece of the puzzle.  It will eventually be part the larger picture in moving us forward as we develop a more diverse energy usage pattern.” said Joyce.

James River’s electric Nissan Leaf car has been in use for six months.  “The only problem we’ve encountered is deciding who gets to drive it that day.  It has definitely lowered our fuel costs.” continued Joyce.

Apollo Launch Program will allow business to access how most effectively utilize battery powered vehicles with this citywide trial run.

Additional Information:
Billy Amacker, James River Air  804-358-9333   billya@jamesriverair.com

 More information on the event:

Evatran™ Launches Plugless Power™ Wireless EV Charging at VIP Event in Richmond, Va.

Apollo Program Partners Hertz, Duke Energy, Google, Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research Gather for Electric Vehicle Showcase

(Richmond, Va.) Green transportation pioneer Evatran™ joined public and private sector VIPs today in Richmond, Virginia to showcase Plugless Power™, a hands-free charging system redefining electric vehicle (EV) convenience in today’s marketplace. Attendees celebrated the cost savings and convenience of EV usage in residential, commercial and residential applications.

The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Governor, addressed the crowd at 1111 East Broad Street which included Plugless Power Apollo Program partners Hertz, Duke Energy, Google, and Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR).

“Through our Apollo Program, Evatran is actively partnering with multiple high-profile EV leaders from across the country to increase awareness of the convenience of Plugless Power wireless charging and how that convenience impacts the adoption of electric vehicles,” Rebecca Hough, Evatran COO, said.

According to Hough, even with the benefits of driving past gas stations, saving money, and shrinking their carbon footprint, potential EV users were still turned off by the hassle of fumbling around with a big heavy cord to charge their vehicles.

“With Plugless Power, we’ve overcome one of the major obstacles to more widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” she said, adding, “It’s power windows and automatic garage door openers that have made life easier for car owners through the years. Now, we’re making the cars themselves more attractive to potential buyers.”

At today’s launch event, attendees were given the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles and participate in a demonstration of the wireless charging technology on a Nissan LEAF while learning more about how Apollo Program partners are realizing the benefits of Plugless Power in numerous ways, such as in their EV fleet programs. Dominion Chevrolet, James River Air Conditioning, and Sheehy Nissan supported the test drive portion of the event, with assistance from Virginia Clean Cities.

Apollo Program participants utilize Plugless Power on their own electric vehicles, testing the wireless technology at their locations for three months and providing feedback to Evatran. The Plugless Power system allows drivers to simply pull up to a charging station, park, and let the wireless technology do the rest, automatically charging an electric vehicle’s battery through the well-proven, safe process of inductive power transfer. Evatran works with Program partners to install charging stations at their facilities, as with Google at its high-tech campus in Mountain View, California or at the automotive research campus of CU-ICAR in Greenville, South Carolina.

With increasing market availability, Evatran is expanding its Apollo Program and working with automotive manufacturers to integrate the technology into the next generation of electric vehicles. A second phase of the Program is planned for the third quarter of 2012 to include additional participants across the country.

For more information about Plugless Power visit www.pluglesspower.com or email info@evatran.com.

About Plugless Power™
Green transportation pioneer Evatran™ has delivered wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging to today’s automotive marketplace with its innovative Plugless Power™ hands-free charging system. Redefining electric vehicle convenience, Plugless Power is safe and easy-to-use with residential, fleet, and public installation options for people on the go. No cords, no worries, no hassle – just access to more convenience, lower emissions and better fuel economy. Plugless Power is in-demand, with both individuals and many well-known companies like Hertz, Duke Energy, and Google who are using the system to realize costs savings by developing easy-to-use EV fleet programs. Unleash your EV today; visit www.pluglesspower.com. 

Bruce’s Super Body Shops is proud to promote FeedMore’s holiday giving/cards program – 100% of your donation for a holiday card goes directly to FeedMore. Give a holiday gift to FeedMore and nurture the giving spirit while feeding neighbors in need. And when you donate in honor of co-workers, friends, and loved ones, our holiday tribute cards make the perfect gift.

FeedMore is the umbrella name for the Central Va. Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and the Community Kitchen.

It’s mission:  Working together to efficiently and effectively fight hunger to enhance lives in our community. 
 
Thanks to the zealous efforts of hundreds of volunteers plus  individuals and companies donating funds and products…last year (July 2010 – June 2011) FeedMore provided:

• Over than 900,000 meals to children –through Kids Cafe, Summer Feeding, and BackPack programs
• More than 350,000 meals to seniors through Meals on Wheels home delivery (This is an 11-year high)
• Food for more than 14.6 million meals to families and adults through the Food Bank’s distribution and Mobile Pantry programs

It is local hunger relief that works!
 
Recent studies and trends show why our numbers for service are continue to grow: 

• Rising poverty rates
• High rates of food insecurity
• Food costs are up
• In our first four months of this fiscal year (July – October), FeedMore distribution increased 1.2 million pounds over last year

Relieving hunger does much more than fill an empty stomach. It changes lives, offers hope, improves prospects, and strengthens the community.
 
Hunger is real—in our community…among our neighbors.
 
92 cents of every dollar you donate directly benefits hungry neighbors in our community.

Bruce Hutchins opened Bruce’s Super Body in Midlothian in 1990. Today there are two additional centers. Bruce’s supports the Central Virginia Food Bank and are uniform sponsors for Powhatan Soccer Association.

• Dream Catchers is a 501(c)( 3) Non-Profit Organization
• Established in 1993
• PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Premier Accredited Center since 2009
• Serve an average  of  110 – 125 students per week
• Serve both children and adults
• Serve students with 130 separate diagnoses
• Disabilities include physical, cognitive, developmental and emotional challenges
• Provide over 4000 lessons annually
• 400  volunteer hours needed per week
• 24 staff – 4 full time
• 19 horses – mostly donated or free leased
• Students ride for 1 hour each week per session ~ sessions are 10-12 weeks
• Charge $50 – $60 per lesson depending upon payment plan ~ actual cost to provide a lesson is $159
• Partial and full scholarships may be available depending upon funding
• Group and individual lessons available
• Instructors are certified by PATH International (formerly known as NARHA)
• Facility is located on 22 acres land held in trust by the Cori Sikich Foundation
• Facility includes a 20 stall barn, indoor & outdoor arenas, round pen, 10 fenced pastures
• Operate 12 months a year
• Serve over 996,000 square miles between Virginia Beach and Richmond
• Annual operating budget exceeds $700,000
•  Introduced Horses for Heroes Program in 2010 – nationally recognized program of therapeutic riding for military service members and veterans
• Developed a Research Team in 2007 – working with professors from the College of William & Mary and other professionals to study the positive impact of therapeutic riding

757-566-1775
www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org

With a totally new concept consumers had never experienced… a body shop that stood up the consumer rights.
Four years later, the second shop opened in Richmond’s West End.  This facility launched Bruce’s signature look and further enhanced the consumer experience, with it’s open glass concept that welcomed consumer inspection and interaction.

Southern expansion began in 2002 with the opening of the 3rd store in Williamsburg… giving consumers on the Virginia Peninsula a choice for body repair. The company continues to confound all the “experts” with its growth and success. But it’s no surprise to the customers who come to Bruce’s in record numbers. Today Bruce’s has repaired over 100,000 vehicles and continues to impress consumers with their commitment to excellence in collision repair and customer satisfaction. 

Bruce’s philosophy to meet manufacturer standards of repair…  to serve the needs of the vehicle owner and if necessary to act as their consumer advocate.  These standards have earned them the highest quality ranking.
They are the only body shop in Virginia to earn Dupont’s 5 Star Rating.

Our Repair Bays—Yes there are many! … Just another reason repairs are completed faster at Bruce’s.  That and all the other creature comforts, better repair equipment and skilled people are more reasons you get your car back faster with better repairs from Bruce’s.

Why it is Done
As part of their services, several insurers offer their customers access to their network of “preferred” collision repair facilities. These are businesses that regularly perform work for that insurer; in return, the insurer provides marketing and other perks to that shop for making their insured’s repairs a priority. These businesses are commonly known as “Direct Repair Program” or “DRP” shops.

In a typical “DRP” scenario, the insurers agree to market a shop to their policyholders (typically when an insured calls to report a claim) if that shop agrees to repair the vehicle to the contractual standards of the insurer. These standards often include giving that particular policyholder high priority at the shop and guaranteeing that the repair will be completed within a set period of time (i.e. three days or even 24 hours). When conducted appropriately, DRPs provide peace of mind to customers who are concerned about the timely return of their vehicles and enable the insurer to build solid working relationships with shops in a particular market area. (Hammer & Dolly, April 2011)

Why it is Wrong
While DRP arrangements exist in most states – and insurers are certainly able to market their services to customers – it is important that you never forget that you, the consumer, have the ultimate right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. If and when an insurer gives you the impression that you can only go to one of their program shops, you are not being treated fairly. In 2008, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) – a national collision repair trade group comprised of 6,000 collision repair businesses and 58,500 specialized professionals – issued a list of what they consider to be unfair and deceptive DRP marketing practices. Here are a few of the most common offenses: Deceptive referral practices of a malicious nature. Utilizing language and word tracks that cause the consumer to question the quality, services and integrity of any repairer that is not a part of an insurers’ Direct Repair Program (DRP) or “referral” program.

Disparaging Statements. Insurance company employees making disparaging remarks to consumers in an effort to apparently “steer” them to one of their DRP or referral shops. Vague and Ambiguous remarks about repair “delays.” It is reported that various insurance company employees have time and again insinuated, or worse yet, stated to a consumer that the repairs will take longer if they are NOT done at one of their

DRP shops.
Preying on the consumer’s lack of knowledge in their rights or repair expectations to gain leverage against the informed repairer. The vast majority of consumers do not have the skills or experience needed to make sound collision repair decisions without guidance and input. Unfortunately, it appears as though some insurers take this situation and use it in their favor. The end result is a consumer who is coerced into a situation that may not be in their best interest. In fact, if repairs are done in a substandard way, the consumer is oftentimes at a loss on how to rectify the situation.

What Others Have Done
Unfortunately, “steering” can become so problematic at times that the legal system has to get involved. Bill Ebert, a body shop owner in Illinois, successfully sued State Farm for using unfair tactics in encouraging customers not to utilize the services at his shop, American Auto Body. According to Bill’s son (and current shop owner) Wade, State Farm had told consumers that his family’s business was known for charging for work they hadn’t performed and other offenses. “[State Farm] took it upon themselves to start telling customers, ‘You know, American Auto Body doesn’t play nice,’” he says. “You can say all kinds of things [to market your services], but when you start lying, there’s a problem.” The push against “steering” has even extended into the world of politics. In 2009, California Congresswoman Jackie Speier opposed state legislation (sponsored by Personal Insurance Federation of California, who represent State Farm, among others) that gave the state’s auto insurers greater leeway in marketing their DRP services. Ultimately passed into law in October 2009 (much to the chagrin of many body shop industry groups), the bill added the following passage to the California Insurance Code: An insurer may provide the claimant with specific truthful and non-deceptive information regarding the services and benefits available to the claimant during the claims process. This may include, but is not limited to, information about the repair warranties offered, the type of replacement parts to be used, the anticipated time to repair the damaged vehicle and the quality of the workmanship available to the claimant.

What You Can Do
Because you are a vehicle owner and collision repair consumer, it is always in your best interest to make the most informed choice on where you have your car repaired. While you should be cautious of being steered towards an insurer’s preferred body shop, you should also be aware that many DRP shops perform professional, high-quality work. It is quite possible that your shop of choice is a DRP shop anyway. But never allow anyone to take away your right to choose. If you would like more information on steering, or if you suspect that it has happened to you, please contact the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association at (804) 789-9649.

Only 16 of these Voltswagon Beetles – with the help of Rawlings completing the interior!

• You have the right to choose your repair facility.
• You may be entitled to a rental vehicle of comparable value to your vehicle
• You have the right to insist on Original Manufacturer’s Parts.
• Bruce’s Super Body Shops guarantee our repairs for LIFE (as long as you own your vehicle).

Bruce’s is the only shop in the country to receive DuPont’s 5 Star Rating.
Our goal is to offer the best service for our customers.  Our facilities are designed to allow you to experience our work space and give you a sense of how we repair vehicles.  Our technicians are some of the best trained in the country.  We believe a safe, well-equipped work environment benefits our customer with higher quality repairs.  Our people take pride in delivering you with the best experience and a job well done.

Our happy customers come from as far away as Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, the Peninsula, the eastern shore of Virginia, and as close as Williamsburg, Richmond, Henrico, Midlothian, Powhattan, Chester, Chesterfield, James City County, Petersburg — the entire tri cities area.  We serve folks from Hanover, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen,  Henricus, Norfolk, Hampton, Ashland.  If you need a Richmond collision center, Bruce’s provides 2 auto body repair locations close to you.  Our Williamsburg, Va body shop makes it even easier for even more drivers who have been in an accident, to receive excellent service and fast turnaround time.

Sincerely,

Bruce
President and Owner

You, your car and our technicians enjoy our clean work space.  We wash your car before and after the repair.

Vacuum lines at each work station control dirt and dust. –better for your car…better for our staff.

Dust-free sanding controls keeps your car’s interior cleaner and protects our employees.

Keeping current with today’s automotive manufacturing techniques requires us to keep the most updated equipment at Bruce’s.

Today’s vehicles are manufactured with lighter weight materials which require special equipment to weld.  Older shops still use antiquated welders with intense heat. They can literally burn thru today’s new frame material.  This will jeopardize the safety of the vehicle and stamina of the repair.

We are computerized…from frame straightening to our 4 wheel alignments – there is no guess work.  We follow the manufacturer’s specs.

Our BlowTherm Downdraft paint booths assure the safety of our workers and the environment. They heat to 200 degrees in less than 4 minutes,– giving you a baked-on factory finish.

Because Bruce’s follows manufacturers specifications, we guarantee our repairs for as long as you own your vehicle.

We use only quality DuPont paint products and techniques.

You can relax, knowing that Bruce’s has returned your car back to pre crash condition using manufacturer’s specs.  Even if that means challenging the insurance company if they advocate the use of ill-fitting, non-OEM parts.  They might be cheaper but yield inferior repairs.

Plus these knock off parts have never withstood crash tests.  Are you ready to trust cheap parts to the safety of your family?

The best part is…you don’t pay more – you just get more at Bruce’s Super Body Shops!