April 2020

Happy Passover and happy Easter! In these unusual times, we're choosing to focus on the positives: We can still hide Easter eggs during quarantine and the U.S. federal government has designated auto repair "essential." In lieu of our standard content, today we're focusing on the resources you may find helpful in navigating COVID-19. Check out the newsletter for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper resources, aftermarket industry resources, and resources from the federal government.

A UTO VALUE AND BUMPER TO BUMPER ARE HERE TO HELP

Program Elements From customer financing options to personal protective equipment offerings, there are several tools that could prove to be beneficial in withstanding COVID-19. We've shopped the market for the best programs and the best deals so that you don't have to. If any of these tools could help your shop, contact your parts supplier to get started.

TRAINING WEBINARS Hopefully you've somehow managed to keep a high car count in recent weeks, but if you've already cleaned the shop, fixed up the equipment, updated software, and still have 30-60 minutes a day to spare, join us for CSC training webinars! At 1 p.m. CDT each day, we'll be diving into the Certified Service Center program elements that can benefit your shop both during COVID and after. Click on the links below to register: 4.14.20: Customer Financing - Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Private Label Credit Card 4.15.20: Communication - Digital Vehicle Inspection, Automated Texting, and more 4.16.20: Website Creation - Build and Manage an Attractive Web Presence

RESOURCES PAGE Every day is a bad day to be bombarded with emails, so we'll keep you up to date with a frequently-updated coronavirus resources page and limit the emails as much as possible. From news updates to social media templates to a daily essential businesses map to all of the information contained in this email, this resources page has your back on all COVID information and updates. If you haven't already, contact your parts supplier for SPACE credentials to access the page .

COVID DISCUSSIONS While every day brings a new challenge, shop owners can lean on each other to find new opportunities and solutions. During an Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper COVID-19 Shop Owner Panel Discussion earlier this month, panelists shared how small efforts - such as an impactful Facebook post or a certain cleaning supply - have helped keep their businesses afloat. This coming Friday, join us at 1 p.m. CDT for another interactive discussion on coronavirus.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDED WEBINAR

REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WEBINAR

T HE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY IS HERE TO HELP

TRAINING Vendors across the industry have produced dozens of training programs for use during COVID-19. Alliance University has exponentially expanded class offerings through May 1. Standard Motor Products has produced a suggested two-week YouTube training schedule. Dorman is creating frequent webinars for the next several weeks, kicking off with "How To Maximize Your Scan Tool Proficiency." CRC has compiled a collection of training videos. Babcox media company routinely releases videos about products and shop management. They've put together a comprehensive list of all of their recorded and upcoming offerings. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) has extended expiring ASE deadlines until December 31. Several other vendors are promoting previously-produced trainings. Check out the full list here.

TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE CRISIS Strengthening Your Shop During Uncertain Times (RepairPal) Getting Your Auto Service Messaging Right on COVID-19 (Indie Garage) Five Ways Shops Can Prevent Spreading COVID-19 (Shop Owner Magazine) Shop Best Practice List of "To-Do" Items for Slow Days (Aftermarket Matters) Coronavirus and Your Repair Shop: How To Minimize the Impact (Aftermarket Matters) Communication is Essential During Coronavirus Crisis (Shop Owner Magazine)

RESOURCES PAGES The Auto Care Association has created a comprehensive resources page including their efforts on behalf of the automotive aftermarket, webinar recordings and registration links, market insights, and more. The Automotive Service Association website includes recent COVID news updates, shop tools, and more.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS HERE TO HELP

The U.S. federal government has guaranteed trillions of dollars worth of coronavirus relief to businesses via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Your shop may be eligible for several different loans and tax credits.

PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM If you're short on cash to cover payroll, the Payroll Protection Program will provide cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally-guaranteed loans. If you maintain your payroll during the crisis, the loans will be forgiven. Click here to learn more about keeping your staff employed on the government's dime.

ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS EIDLs provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses to cover expenses that could have been paid sans COVID, such as payroll, sick leave, increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, rent, debts, and more. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance. Click here to learn more about obtaining a quick cash influx from the government.

SMALL BUSINESS DEBT RELIEF PROGRAM If you're worried about keeping up with payments on current or potential Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, the Small Business Debt Relief Program could help. Under this program, the SBA will cover all payments on non-disaster SBA loans for six months. Click here to learn more about getting non-disaster loans covered for six months.

COUNSELING AND TRAINING At nearly 900 pages, the CARES Act is not an easy read. Neither are many of the other helpful COVID resources. To help guide small business owners through this uncertain time, a number of organizations have been given additional funding in order to offer counseling and up to date information regarding COVID-19 to small business owners. Click here to learn more about free COVID counseling and low-cost training.

OTHER UPDATES

There's still time to enter the Grand Ole Weekend sweepstakes! Remember: You can now earn more entries than ever before! Through the end of April, earn entries with every qualifying purchase from your Auto Value or Bumper to Bumper parts supplier - and earn ADDITIONAL entries for your total MyPlace4Parts spend! As your daily MyPlace total grows, so can your number of entries, and your shot at becoming a winner.

There's still time to apply for an academic scholarship! The deadline for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper scholarship applications has been extended to April 30, 2020. The application requires a transcript, and with many schools closed, many students are unable to obtain a transcript. The application has been extended to April 30 so that all students who wish to apply will have the opportunity to do so. Visit  automotivescholarships.com and select Auto Value or Bumper to Bumper for details.