By Ashley Reyes

SEMA’s virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

SEMA’s recently launched virtual series “Industry Talks: Back to Business” kicks off June 26, with an informational session on how to rebuild partnerships and operations following the recent economic disruption.

Hosted by the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), the event will address essential business practices for re-opening, how to build relationships with dealers and offer value to members through idea sharing on topics related to getting back to business straight from other restylers in the industry.

The event will be a virtual moderated panel discussion led by PRO Chair-Elect Josh Poulson and guest panelists Christina Jorge of Specialty Automotive Treatments, Dianna Brashler of Dealer Source, Bill Murphy of Attention to Detail, and Manny Moncada of Auto Haus Automotive Solutions. Attendees will watch and listen in as these shop owners share what new practices they have implemented in their businesses while fielding questions submitted by the audience.

“While many companies begin to operate again at full capacity, they are faced with new challenges and questions on how to strengthen their business operations and performance,” said Poulson. “This event will provide our members with insight on how other restylers and facilities are taking precautions and implementing new processes to help them get back to business in ways that are effective.”

Preregister now for “Rebuilding Partnerships and Operations Powered by PRO” taking place June 26, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). 

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that provides drivers with additional flexibility in complying with its hours-of-service regulations. Major changes to the rule include:

• On-duty limits for short-haul operations will increase from 12 to 14 hours but maintain an 11-hour limit on driving time. The air-mile radius will increase from 100 to 150 air miles.
• Under certain adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving window by up to two hours.
• Modifies the split sleeper berth provisions allowing greater flexibility for how a driver splits their sleeper berth time.
• Modifies the 30-minute break provision to require the break after eight hours of consecutive driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

The rule takes effect September 29.

Click here for more information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that provides drivers with additional flexibility in complying with its hours-of-service regulations. Major changes to the rule include:

• On-duty limits for short-haul operations will increase from 12 to 14 hours but maintain an 11-hour limit on driving time. The air-mile radius will increase from 100 to 150 air miles.
• Under certain adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving window by up to two hours.
• Modifies the split sleeper berth provisions allowing greater flexibility for how a driver splits their sleeper berth time.
• Modifies the 30-minute break provision to require the break after eight hours of consecutive driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

The rule takes effect September 29.

Click here for more information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that provides drivers with additional flexibility in complying with its hours-of-service regulations. Major changes to the rule include:

• On-duty limits for short-haul operations will increase from 12 to 14 hours but maintain an 11-hour limit on driving time. The air-mile radius will increase from 100 to 150 air miles.
• Under certain adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving window by up to two hours.
• Modifies the split sleeper berth provisions allowing greater flexibility for how a driver splits their sleeper berth time.
• Modifies the 30-minute break provision to require the break after eight hours of consecutive driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

The rule takes effect September 29.

Click here for more information.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA continues to track state reopenings each day. Additionally, SEMA has posted government and industry guidance on best practices for reopening. Examples include:

• Best practices for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.
• Recommendations for safely reopening manufacturing plants, warehouses, retail spaces and office workspaces.
• How to sanitize a car.

Click here for a state-by-state directory and the best practices documents.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA continues to track state reopenings each day. Additionally, SEMA has posted government and industry guidance on best practices for reopening. Examples include:

• Best practices for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.
• Recommendations for safely reopening manufacturing plants, warehouses, retail spaces and office workspaces.
• How to sanitize a car.

Click here for a state-by-state directory and the best practices documents.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA continues to track state reopenings each day. Additionally, SEMA has posted government and industry guidance on best practices for reopening. Examples include:

• Best practices for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces.
• Recommendations for safely reopening manufacturing plants, warehouses, retail spaces and office workspaces.
• How to sanitize a car.

Click here for a state-by-state directory and the best practices documents.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is once again accepting applications for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for companies impacted by COVID-19. The program had closed temporarily due to an overwhelming demand for loans.

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 may seek a disaster loan of up to $150,000 at 3.75% interest rate, which may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. As part of the 30-year loan application, companies may request an EIDL advance of up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid. (The forgivable grants have been capped at $1,000 per worker due to demand.)

The EIDL program is separate from the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020. Applicants may apply to both programs. Grants given through the EIDL program will be included in the PPP loan.

Apply for an EIDL loan.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is once again accepting applications for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for companies impacted by COVID-19. The program had closed temporarily due to an overwhelming demand for loans.

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 may seek a disaster loan of up to $150,000 at 3.75% interest rate, which may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. As part of the 30-year loan application, companies may request an EIDL advance of up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid. (The forgivable grants have been capped at $1,000 per worker due to demand.)

The EIDL program is separate from the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020. Applicants may apply to both programs. Grants given through the EIDL program will be included in the PPP loan.

Apply for an EIDL loan.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is once again accepting applications for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for companies impacted by COVID-19. The program had closed temporarily due to an overwhelming demand for loans.

Businesses impacted by COVID-19 may seek a disaster loan of up to $150,000 at 3.75% interest rate, which may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. As part of the 30-year loan application, companies may request an EIDL advance of up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid. (The forgivable grants have been capped at $1,000 per worker due to demand.)

The EIDL program is separate from the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020. Applicants may apply to both programs. Grants given through the EIDL program will be included in the PPP loan.

Apply for an EIDL loan.