Updated: Tire & Auto Groups Provide COVID-19 Resources

As federal and state governments announce new rules and regulations seemingly every day, tire-related associations, including the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB), the North Carolina Tire Dealers Association (NCTDA), SEMA and the Tire Industry Association continue to sort out the information to provide what’s most current to independent tire dealers.

These organizations have provided resources to help independent tire dealers better understand how their businesses are being affected by this pandemic.

In a letter provided to members March 23, TIA CEO Roy Littlefield suggested following CDC recommendations and protocols at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html; and suggested reviewing what TIA member Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care in Cleveland posted here: https://www.econrads.com/covid-19.

“Tire dealers and other TIA members also are likely to have employees impacted by the virus who will need to take time off. The newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 includes an expanded Federal Family and Medical Leave Act that mandates affected employees be paid for this time away,” the letter says. “It is important for TIA members to understand their responsibilities and the tax implications this could have on their businesses. One of TIA’s benefit partners, SESCO Management Consultants, has posted a page on its website with details about the new legislation. You can access it here: https://sescomgt.com/resources/white-paper/employers-prepare-to-provide-paid-sick-leave-and-fmla-under-new-legislation/202003201520145278. I encourage you to read it and to contact SESCO if you need assistance. Also, be sure to talk with your tax advisor and accountant to get their advice, as well.”

In addition, on March 24, TRIB shared the following COVID-19 resources with those on its email list:

Federal Resources:

Business Resources:

Travel Resources:

Remote Work Resources:

In an email to its members March 24, the NCTDA offered resources and guidance regarding Shelter in Place in the state.

“At this time, North Carolina is not under a shelter-in-place order. However, during times of emergency, local and state government does have the authority to impose restrictions. To continue operations through a restriction or curfew, your business must apply for re-entry. The North Carolina Business Emergency Operations Center offers these steps to complete that request. For guidance on how the CISA defines ‘Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers,’ click here,” the email states.

SEMA has also created a page on its website for updates and resources on COVID-19, including how each state defines “essential” businesses, federal resources and loan programs and OSHA guidelines for protecting your workers from potential exposure.

The NCTDA also shared the NC Chamber resource guide and guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce.

In addition, the NCTDA shared that the government of North Carolina has begun a proactive effort for businesses to apply for “essential designations:

The Business Emergency Operations Center in North Carolina asks that companies email [email protected] with the following information:

Business name
Point of contact (including name, email, phone number and address)
Nature of their business and why they are critical to continue operations
Business website

Contact Persia Payne-Hurley (919-733-7927, [email protected]) with NCDPS for more information.

In addition, SEMA has created a new webpage at www.sema.org/coronavirus to help businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. The site includes details and information about how each state defines “essential” businesses, SBA (Small Business Administration) emergency loans, paid sick and family leave, unemployment benefits and more.

For more coverage on how COVID-19 is impacting the tire industry, click here.