Tag: Shop Management

KPI — April: State of the Economy

Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 701,000 in March while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate increase of 0.9 percentage point stands as the largest month-over-month increase since January 1975, and is reflective of the pandemic and efforts to contain it properly. Subsequently, the number… Continue reading KPI — April: State of the Economy

KPI — April: Manufacturing ISM

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in March, and the overall economy grew for the 131st consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. The March PMI® registered 49.1%, down one percentage point from the February reading of 50.1%. The Report On Business® measures its data using… Continue reading KPI — April: Manufacturing ISM

SEMA Data Co-op Offering eCommerce Data Updates

The SEMA Data Co-op is offering free eCommerce plugins to help SEMA members enhance online retail sales, the group announced. “As the country continues to shelter at home, consumers are spending more time shopping online,” the group said in the announcement. “Smart businesses are focusing on online sales and product data to mitigate downturns due… Continue reading SEMA Data Co-op Offering eCommerce Data Updates

Air Lift Hosting Marketing Webinar Series for Shops

During this current crisis, Air Lift Company is aiming to assist the aftermarket automotive industry through a series of free webinars for owners of automotive shops about digital marketing. Click here to register for the webinar. Led by Air Lift’s Digital Marketing Strategies Manager, Devin Pringle, MBA, the six-week “Essential Online Marketing for Shops” series… Continue reading Air Lift Hosting Marketing Webinar Series for Shops

Should I Market My Business During a Downturn?

It is uncertain times for shop owners around the country. Whole states are on lockdown, people are stuck at home and cars are stuck in the garage. But that doesn’t mean your shop should go dark, too. Barry Alt, a digital strategist specializing in restoration, performance and race shops, says that it is important now,… Continue reading Should I Market My Business During a Downturn?

AAM Group Creates Made-to-Color Line Art

These unprecedented times have most people homebound for the next few weeks. Since most are sheltering in place, The AAM Group is publishing six made-to-color line art images to help pass the time. These artistic renditions of popular automotive aftermarket accessories are designed to create a positive entertainment experience to share with the whole family… Continue reading AAM Group Creates Made-to-Color Line Art

Targeting Your (Quarantined) Customers

The team at Kahn Media has been posting blogs and helpful links aimed at keeping aftermarket businesses informed and energized during the coronavirus pandemic. While there’s no denying these are tough economic times, there is some positive news as far as consumer engagement and opportunities to reach gearheads with time to spend in their garages.… Continue reading Targeting Your (Quarantined) Customers

SEMA Webinars Explain SBA Loan Programs, Labor Laws

A recently held SEMA webinar explaining the Paycheck Protection Program and other Small Business Administration loan programs, is now available for viewing as a recording, the organization announced. Hosted by Daniel Ingber, SEMA’s vice president of government and legal affairs, and C.E. “Tee” Rowe, president and CEO of America’s Small Business Development Centers, the webinar… Continue reading SEMA Webinars Explain SBA Loan Programs, Labor Laws

Keystone Automotive Compiling COVID-19 Resources

Keystone Automotive Operations is compiling resources to aid dealers attempting to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an email sent out to customers. The warehouse distributor has added a COVID-19 hub to its eKeystone website for dealers, which includes information on aid and assistance programs, including the recently passed CARES Act and its Paycheck Protection… Continue reading Keystone Automotive Compiling COVID-19 Resources

Small Business ‘Paycheck Protection Program’ Application Period Now Open

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a fund of $349 billion in forgivable loans for small businesses that was created during the passage of the U.S. Government’s $2 trillion stimulus bill, begins accepting applications on April 3. Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees are eligible to apply. The funds are provided through loans, covering up… Continue reading Small Business ‘Paycheck Protection Program’ Application Period Now Open

AAM Group Creates COVID-19 Social Media Posts for Resellers

Understanding that automotive aftermarket businesses will need to speak differently to their customers during the COVID-19 event, The AAM Group has added a special series of social media posts to its ReadyPosts service that speaks directly to consumers about the pandemic in the context of our industry. ReadyPosts is a free library of social media… Continue reading AAM Group Creates COVID-19 Social Media Posts for Resellers

Concept Vehicle Company Makes Adjustments to Help Healthcare Workers

Michigan-based Prefix Corporation, a company that specializes in the creation of prototypes, concept vehicles and design mock-ups, has re-tooled its facilities to produce protective face shields for first responders and health care workers. “We can do this,” said Prefix Founder Kim Zeile. “During times like these, we must all ask ourselves, ‘how we can assist… Continue reading Concept Vehicle Company Makes Adjustments to Help Healthcare Workers

BendPak Opens Distribution Center in Alabama

BendPak is opening a new 100,000-square-foot distribution center near Mobile, Alabama, the company has announced. The administrative and shipping complex, which is expected to be fully operational within 60 days, is located in Theodore, just a short drive from the expanding Port of Mobile. The new facility has easy access to three major interstates and… Continue reading BendPak Opens Distribution Center in Alabama

KPI: Manufacturing ISM

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector increased during February, and the overall economy grew for the 130th consecutive month, said the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. The February PMI® registered 50.1%, down 0.8 percentage point from the January reading of 50.9%. The Report On Business® measures its data using… Continue reading KPI: Manufacturing ISM