Eric Johnson has been promoted to managing partner and president of The Merrill Co. and Arnold Motor Supply, a Midwest-based automotive parts chain, following the retirement of former managing partner Dennis Spooner at the end of 2020.  

How many times has someone told you to take care of your hearing?  Anyone who works in a busy shop is subjected to a range of noises every day....pneumatic wrenches and impact guns, drills, air compressors turning on, vehicle horns, vehicle alarm system screeches, hammers striking metal, etc. Some of these noises, especially repeated exposure to certain noises, can damage your hearing. We all know how important it is to wear eye protection to save your eyeballs from fluids or metal chips, and to wear reinforced work shoes to save our toes from being mashed by heavy objects and gloves to protect our skin from certain chemicals or from handling hot and/or sharp objects,  but many of us tend to ignore ear protection, often assuming that “the noise only lasts for a few seconds, so it won’t matter.”

Sioux Falls, S.D., is home to an array of historical, cultural and recreational attractions, with the impressive Big Sioux River and Chris’s Auto Repair LLC among the top of the list. This may sound a bit of an exaggeration at first, but Chris’s has gained quite a bit of notoriety since its beginnings a mere seven years ago. 

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) reports Bobby Bassett, chairman of the board of ASE, has received the Art Fisher Excellence in Education Award from the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA). 

Automotive Parts Associates Inc. (APA) has announced the grand prize and runner-up winners in its customer loyalty “2020 Harley-Davidson Giveaway” promotion.

As part of the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) initiative to provide live and virtual education to the automotive industry, SEMA is issuing a call for speakers for the SEMA Show, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show and the association’s year-round virtual education program.

Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP) has announced the winners of  its annual Blue Streak ‘Better Then, Better Now’ Automotive Scholarship Contest: Jade Etchart, of  Cedar City, Utah; Ndayishimiye Bisamaza, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Mario Zaragoza, of Mabton, Wash.; and Mikel Cole,  of Klamath Falls, Ore. 

Jeff Kritzer of BendPak in Santa Paula, Calif., was elected to a second one-year term as chairman of the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) board of directors at the organization’s annual meeting on Dec. 1. 

Akebono Brake Corp. has added Matthew Kenefick to its aftermarket team as sales manager for the Eastern Region. 

With 2020 drawing to a close, it’s time for you to work "on" your business, not "in" your business, according to auto service industry expert Jeff Morgan, who shares practical, profit-generating action items that will set your operation up for a successful 2021.

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. has kicked off its 2020 Winter Shareholder Meeting. More than 600 shareholder owners and channel partners are registered to attend the virtual event. 
 

Integrated Supply Network (ISN) has hired Tricia Sportsman as its vice president of people and culture.

Integrated Supply Network (ISN), an international distributor of automotive tools, garage equipment and supplies, reports Pete Peterson has joined its executive leadership team as chief commercial officer. He will assume responsibility for U.S. sales and marketing.

A bipartisan group of senators has announced a national $908 billion COVID-19 relief "framework" that earmarks $288 billion for Paycheck Protection Program loans and other supports for small businesses.

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. has added Lance Brierley to its information technology team. As senior manager of technology solutions, Brierley will play a key role in the development and deployment of Alliance technology.

JohnDow Industries (JDI) has named Heather King its director of marketing. In this new role, King will be responsible for establishing and leading the marketing direction of the long-term growth strategy for the JohnDow Industries brand and its affiliated products.  

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) presented its highest honor, the Triangle Awards, to industry leaders James Kamsickas, chairman and chief executive officer, Dana Inc.; Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC; and Don Walker, chief executive officer, Magna International Inc., during the OESA Automotive Supplier Conference on Nov. 11.