Forty-one percent of manufacturers and 44% of retailers expect business to stay flat in 2010, compard with the same period last year.

President Obama last week proposed expanded small-business lending. An Ohio-based bank plans to double its small-business lending over the next three years. What have been your experiences securing business credit?

The 12th edition of PAACE Automechanika Mexico will feature seminars and educational sessions hosted by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) on collision repair, business management and mechanical topics.

ALMS champion and 2009 LeMans 24 Hours winner David Brabham is one of several motorsports icons speaking at the 2010 MIA/SEMA The Race Has Gone Green Conference.

Through donations at the 2009 SEMA Gala Fundraiser and project vehicle auctions, the specialty-equipment industry rallied to help children in need.

Polk is accepting submissions for its 6th Annual Inventory Efficiency Award, presented to one manufacturer and one distributor/retailer each year for outstanding process improvements relative to inventory efficiency.

SEMA’s enjoythedrive.com website now features a Cool Rides section with photos of all display vehicles showcased at the 2009 SEMA Show. The collection is searchable by make, model, exhibiting company name and more, making it simple for users to search and find their favorites. See 'em all here.

SEMA members can help the association spread the news about the SEMA Action Network (SAN) by placing the free SAN brochure, "Protect Your Passion," on retail countertops. 

The Federal Trade Commission plans to come after businesses using bloggers and others in social media to endorse products and services. As of December 1, it will consider hauling flagrant users of cloaked endorsers into court.

This series of SEMA News articles is aimed at developing Best Practices through knowledge, motivation and skills. “Hiring Right” covers methods for finding and retaining the best people for your business.