Industry News
Bites American Omni is certified American Omni Trading (AOT) has been certified by Great Place to Work, based on what the company’s employees say about their experience. Ninety-eight percent of AOT employees called it a great place to work — a score that is 39 points higher than the U.S. average.
‘The Red Book’ is ready The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide, known to the industry as “The Red Book,” is celebrating its 20th year of publication. The reference guide is published by Wheel Consultants Inc. and contains both OE and plus-size wheel and tire fitment information for cars, trucks and SUVs.
CEAT sponsors rodeo events CEAT Specialty Tires will be the official ag tire sponsor of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance, which produces major rodeo events across the United States, for the next three years. CEAT also is sponsoring the Women’s Rodeo World Championship.
Bridgestone to buy Azuga Bridgestone Americas Inc. plans to acquire Azuga Holdings Inc. and the company’s fleet management platform for $391 million. The purchase will allow the Bridgestone to speed up its work of developing and deploying sustainable mobility solutions.
SBA sets up PPP loan forgiveness portal The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has rolled out an online portal that lets businesses that have borrowed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds of $150,000 or less apply for loan forgiveness. The SBA says the portal will help rush relief to more than 6.5 million small businesses. A borrower can apply for loan forgiveness once all proceeds from the loan have been used. The SBA says loan forgiveness applications should be submitted by the maturity date of the loan. The process to apply depends on whether or not lenders are participating in direct forgiveness through the SBA. SBA customer service personnel are available to answer questions at (877) 552-2692, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Through the PPP, the SBA and lenders have generated nearly 12 million loans — totaling nearly $800 billion — to more than 8.5 million small businesses.
Ohio tire dealers name officers, make donations The Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA) named new officers and made two donations during its recent golf outing, which was held near Columbus, Ohio. The OTAA donated $1,500 to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit that helps members of the automotive aftermarket who are struggling due to illness or other problems. “We also made a $1,500 contribution to Maria’s Message, a foundation that seeks to raise awareness around the epidemic of distracted driving,” says Alex Boehnke, OTAA’s legislative director. Sportscaster Dom Tiberi accepted the donation on behalf of the foundation, which he created after losing his daughter to distracted driving. The association’s new officers are Jeff Wallick of K&M Tire Inc., president; Jon Boyd of Boyd’s Tire, vice president; Jamie Ward, CEO and president of Tire Discounters Inc., second vice president; and John Casey of Flynn’s Tire & Auto Service, treasurer. More than 125 people participated in the event. ■
FTC supports Right to Repair The Federal Trade Commission has voted to enforce Right to Repair laws, which will give consumers the ability to repair their own electronic and automotive devices. The vote signals support to enforce federal antitrust laws and an act that applies to consumer warranties and device repairs.
Snap Finance adds leaders Snap Finance has expanded its leadership team to include Gaurav Kohli, chief technology officer; Doris Hektor, chief compliance officer; and Tim King, chief financial officer.
Topdon opens office Topdon USA has opened a new office in Rockaway, N.J., and has hired Chad Schnitz as its vice president. The diagnostic tool supplier also has named Victor “Vince” Lee as its marketing director.
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The OTAA gave $3,000 in donations during its annual golf outing, including $1,500 to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation. Chuck McCourt, center, president of Base USA Corp. (Accu-Turn), accepted the check on the foundation’s behalf.
MTD September 2021
9/2/21 1:40 PM
