Executive Director’s Message
Dear NARSA/IDEA,
The new personal and professional reality of our lives has changed drastically over the last 2 months. Where my family and I live, we have been on lock down for more than 7 weeks. We are fortunate since Sandy and I can work for NARSA/ IDEA from our home.
Even though we would love to be traveling and attending our in-person events NARSA/IDEA had scheduled for this spring, we are having to pivot our expectations. Our Board of Directors has recognized that the association must change the way we interact with our members. As a result, we are increasing our engagement on social media and producing more content on our website NARSA.org.
One of the things our staff is working on is a new more user-friendly website with a forum dedicated to heavy duty service technical information. The new website will also be an easier way to view past conference presentations and previous issues of The Cooling Journals.
Please stay safe, practice good social distancing practices and we hope to see you in person soon.
Mark Taylor
NARSA/IDEA Executive Director
mtaylor@narsa.org
COVID-19 Safety Practices
While some US states have lifted lockdowns and reopened businesses, The World Health Organization warns that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. NARSA encourages its members to continue to put employees first by practicing social distancing, maintaining clean work environments and limit exposure.
Here are some examples of how NARSA members are changing their business practices to ensure everyone’s safety:
Kelvion technicians in Poland were able to conduct a virtual visit to an ironworks facility to analyze and plan the next steps to repair a damaged dry cooler.
(Photo Caption: A Kelvion service team use video conferencing to inspect a damaged dry cooler at an ironworks facility in Poland / Kelvion)
To prevent contamination, Serck (Gateshead, England) has upgraded its daily cleaning and provided hand sanitizer, tissues and wipes for employees. Serck is also using video conferencing to avoid large gatherings and meetings.
Bushey Automotive (Midland, Michigan) has implemented changes when it comes to customer service by offering a contactless drop-off and pick-up system. Employees at Bushey Automotive also perform a pre and post cleaning of all touched services like keys, door handles, steering wheels and shifters.
(Photo Caption: Bushey Automotive’s Auto Glass Guru Brenden M. hard at work but still keeping it safe in Midland, Michigan.)
All the delivery drivers at Rex Radiator (Bensenville, Illinois) now wear masks and gloves daily and maintain social distancing.
To see the CDC’s current guidance for COVID business practices, click here.
SBA Loans & the Paycheck Protection Program
On Friday, April 24, 2020, The White House approved an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which forgives loans if employees are kept on the payroll for 8 weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage, interest or utilities. NARSA encourages all of its members to apply for this assistance as soon as possible as funds are likely to run out again. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. We’ve put together a guide of updates and an SBA Loan Checklist here on our website NARSA.org to better help you navigate this process. There’s also a list of articles and resources.
Industry News
SCAM WARNING
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning small businesses about loan scams hoping to trick you into giving scammers sensitive business information like your bank account numbers or employees’ Social Security numbers.The FTC has already received tens of thousands of complaints with people losing more than $20 million to fraud. NARSA advises members to never apply for a loan without verifying the lender.
TAX DEADLINE
NARSA wants to remind members that the IRS tax deadline has been moved to July 15, 2020.
The March/April Cooling Journal
In case you missed it, our latest issue of The Cooling Journal is currently available online. We have a number of great news articles and features.
Members in Action
Jim D’s DPF Cleaning Service (Aston, Pennsylvania) has recently produced several great videos on its YouTube channel including an inside look at Jim D’s DPF Cleaning Process.
NARSA members Redline Emissions Products (Redding, California) and Diesel Emissions Service (Redding, California) recently appeared on Diesel Laptops’ The DL podcast to discuss DPF cleaning and problem-solving in the diesel emissions industry.
South Texas Radiator (Sinton, Texas) sent us these photos of an antique radiator rebuild that will be installed on a 1948 Dodge Power Wagon truck like the one pictured.
We love sharing the big and crazy jobs and projects our members are working on from all across the world. Send us your photos and videos to linda@narsa.org.
Upcoming Events
As we have reported previously, NARSA has canceled its 2020 Spring Management Conference and the International Tour.
Welcome New Member
NARSA wants to welcome its newest member:
Howard Spratt
Frenzelit, INC
Lexington, North Carolina
New Products
Kelvion Introduces New Plate NX350M
Koyorad Introduces Lightweight Performance Radiator for the 1988-1991 Honda Civic/CRX swapped with B-Series Engines
Have a new product you’d like us to share in our publications? Email linda@narsa.org
Social Media
We’re constantly sharing industry news across our social media platforms and on NARSA.org. Stay connected with @NARSAnow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.