AASA working with industry to provide aid in aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma

Oct. 2, 2017
Bill Long, president and COO of Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), provided this update on the industry impacts of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma by responding to questions posed by Aftermarket Business World.

Bill Long, president and COO of Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), provided this update on the industry impacts of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma by responding to questions posed by Aftermarket Business World.

Q: Do you have an estimate of how many members or industry participants are impacted by Harvey and Irma?

A: We don’t know exactly how many are out of commission but we do know we had some 200 members/locations in the paths of Harvey and Irma. We also know that companies, employees and their families were affected in some way, but like most in our industry, we are a dedicated group focused on serving customers well.

Q: Do you have a disaster preparation checklist for aftermarket businesses?

A: Suppliers have long had their own plans in place to ensure safety for their employees and families and in continued service to customers. In many cases this may involve shipping products from non-affected regions of the country. Our members have not found a need for AASA to provide such a checklist, as such.

Q: Are you concerned over non-reported, compromised “flood cars” being shipped out of the hurricane zones and sold to unsuspecting buyers via title washing?

A: AASA is working with researchers to quantify and estimate the impact these storms will have on the aftermarket both short- and long-term. We will share this when available.

Q: Are there additional available resources regarding the impact of these storms?

A: As a member of the board of the Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, we have let our members know of the services, help and support that is available from the Foundation. The Charitable Foundation serves a vital role in specifically helping members in our industry. We ask for the aftermarket’s support with donations so that we may continue to help our own in times of need.

AASA announced at its Technology Conference in Clearwater, Fla., today that it would make a special donation to the Aftermarket Charitable Foundation in addition to its annual support to assist aftermarket businesses and employees in the impacted areas and urged members to support the foundation’s efforts.

Long has been president and COO of AASA since 2012. He works closely with the AASA Board of Governors to maintain a strong focus on providing services and programs that address industry issues and offer opportunities to the members for advancing their businesses.

Prior to joining AASA, Long served as president of Long Strategies and managing partner of BC Partners, delivering business improvement strategies, global competitiveness, brand relevance development, marketing programs and leadership services to the automotive aftermarket industry since 2009.

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