Tag: Shop Management

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

KPI: State of the Economy

The country gained 273,000 new jobs last month despite growing concerns of the coronavirus pandemic—uncertainty that triggered stock market volatility and caused wary central bankers to implement emergency interest rate cuts. A few short weeks later, the administration’s decades-low unemployment rate of 3.5% is overshadowed by a fierce novel virus that is, quite literally, applying… Continue reading KPI: State of the Economy

KPI: The Voice of Consumers

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® reported a slight uptick during February, following an increase in January. “Despite the decline in the Present Situation Index, consumers continue to view current conditions quite favorably. Consumers’ short-term expectations improved, and when coupled with solid employment growth, should be enough to continue to support spending and economic growth… Continue reading KPI: The Voice of Consumers

How Manufacturers Can Cope with COVID-19

COVID-19 is disrupting economies and supply chains worldwide, affecting manufacturers and customers alike. Luckily, SME, a trade publication for manufacturing engineers, has tips for how manufacturers can cope with the pandemic and any disruptions to the workplace, as well as protect its employees and facilities. Click here to read the full article at SME.

AAM Group Suspends Hosting, Billing Fees for Aftermarket Websites Customers

The AAM Group is temporarily waiving the hosting and support fees for its Aftermarket Websites and Aftermarket Websites PRO customers. All account billings for hosting and support due March 24 through May 23 will be waived. Aftermarket Websites is The AAM Group’s website-building service for aftermarket accessory resellers. “AAM stands with our local resellers and… Continue reading AAM Group Suspends Hosting, Billing Fees for Aftermarket Websites Customers

Dealers United Hosting Webinar Detailing State of Industry

Dealers United will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, the group announced, showcasing insights from dealership and industry experts around the Coronavirus impact in automotive, business continuity plans, changing consumer behavior and more. This event will be led by 5 dealerships from across the US and Canada, Dealers United, and industry experts from Facebook Automotive… Continue reading Dealers United Hosting Webinar Detailing State of Industry

SEMA Issues COVID-19 Alert to Members

With constantly evolving regulations regarding COVID-19 protections, businesses are having to adapt to a rapidly changing legal landscape. Recently, several states have issued ‘Shelter in Place’ and ‘Safer at Home’ orders to limit a range of public activity, exempting businesses deemed ‘essential.’ In response, SEMA has provided a review of Federal and State directives to… Continue reading SEMA Issues COVID-19 Alert to Members

SBA Offering Disaster Assistance Loans

As part of overall government efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and minimize economic disruption, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small business owners that the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Loan program offers up to $2 million in assistance for qualifying small businesses. The SBA loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll,… Continue reading SBA Offering Disaster Assistance Loans

MAHLE Unveils New Customer Portal

MAHLE has unveiled its new CustomerCare Portal, the company announced. The portal gives customers access to the e-shop, where users can find out about products, place orders, view order status and history and download invoices and bills of delivery. “The challenges our customers face on a daily basis require digital means of communication. Information has… Continue reading MAHLE Unveils New Customer Portal