Senate Passes Small Business Lending Fund
The Senate has passed “The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010,” H.R. 5297, by a vote of 61-38. The bill originally passed the U.S. House of Representatives June 28, 2010, and it now returns to the House for final passage. The bill creates a $30 billion lending fund that will be distributed to regional banks that will in turn lend to small businesses.
AASA ‘Know Your Parts’ Campaign Promotes Quality Brand Name Aftermarket Parts
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has initiated a “Know Your Parts” awareness and educational campaign designed to address concerns over the low-cost, off shore, generic auto parts that are flooding the domestic aftermarket.
Shop Owner Charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
The owner of New Century Auto in Syracuse, NY, has been charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after a customer’s 2004 Mercury Mountaineer was wrecked. The shop owner had allowed his father to use the vehicle to drive to Utica, NY. The vehicle’s owner told police that she had never given permission for anyone to use her vehicle.
Shop Owner Retiring After Running Business Seven Days a Week for 28 Years
Ken Volland, who owns Ken’s Gas and Auto Repair in Ellensburg, WA, is closing the business at the end of September. He has owned the business for 28 years. During the shop’s heyday, Volland had four employees in addition to himself. Earlier this year, he had to lay off a technician who had worked at the shop for 27 years. The wear and tear of being a technician has taken its toll on Volland as he has back and joint pain in addition to having lost 20 percent of the use of his hands.
Federated Launches New Website for Car Care Center Members
Federated Auto Parts has launched a new website for its Car Care Center members. Besides a detailed Car Care Center locator on the home page, the site also offers seasonal vehicle maintenance suggestions as well as a service interval schedule for when vehicle maintenance should be conducted.
New AAPEX Education Sessions Geared for Parts Stores and Repair Shops
Among the 30 education sessions scheduled for the Learning Forum at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), seven have been designed specifically for parts store and repair shop attendees. All AAPEX education sessions are free-of-charge to everyone and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4 in Marco Polo Rooms 701-706 on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1 in the Venetian Hotel.
The Real Art of Advertising: More Than Pretty Pictures and Catchy Phrases, Part I
During challenging economic times, nearly everyone in the automotive service industry asks the same nagging question: “How much should I really be spending on advertising?” In truth, the answer to that question should be another question: “Are you spending or investing?”
Choosing a Lift That Will Contribute Most to Shop Profitability
As the centerpiece of the service bay, lifts are critical to the productivity and profitability of any automotive repair shop. A lift that’s properly matched to the job at hand will let technicians work more efficiently, for greater profitability. If the lift is well-made, it will provide enhanced productivity for years to come.
Things To Consider Before Opening Your Second Shop, Part I
You have thought about it long and hard and decided it may be time to open a second shop. Here are some things to consider: 97% of all new businesses fail within the first five years. There are two primary reasons that these businesses fail: Under Capitalization and Poor Management.
Shop Profile: No Place Like Bob’s Wheel Alignment
When Bob Archer opened the doors to Bob’s Wheel Alignment in Charlottesville, VA, almost 30 years ago, he had one technician and one front-office secretary. Today, the shop employs 21 people and has grown to more than 17,000 square feet. What’s made Bob’s so successful all these years? “Service, service, service,” he says.
Executive Interview: Jim Graninger, Vice President, Regional Business Unit, Bosch Diagnostics
Bosch’s Jim Graninger brings to automotive service more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including over 20 years in the aftermarket arena. Before joining Bosch, he was Vice President and General Manager of Rexnord Industries, LLC, and prior to that, served in several vice president level roles with Snap-on, Inc., including their diagnostics business. Jim’s successful career includes international assignments in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands as well as international responsibilities for Asia, Australia and Latin America.
Think You’re Female Friendly? Examine the Basics to See if Your Shop Measures Up
Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases, including everything from automobiles to healthcare, and they spend about $5 trillion annually – about half of the U.S. gross domestic product.