nication with current and prospective customers is being accomplished digitally as well. I am hopeful watching Microsoft and others develop even more user-friendly and secure meeting sites in the future. The effect on all our businesses is varied. We are all learning new ways to safely conduct typical business transactions. Whether it be internal or outgoing communications, we all need to adapt to the new normal. The safety of customers and employees continues to be of the utmost importance as we attempt to re-open the economy. Cyber security is important, as digital communications are being used more often. Remember to use password-protected digital meeting sites, as cyber criminals can easily break into those unprotected sites to steal identity information. Automotive industries have been deemed essential, and I am certain that our industry is in better shape than the restaurant/bar businesses, airlines, professional and amateur athletics and many other industries. The automotive segment has experienced some additional changes during this time. Mass transit ridership is down, so miles driven in personal vehicles may have seen a relative increase. In addition, the need to
keep vehicles and businesses disinfected has increased during this time. LubeTech and other distributors have sold disinfectant systems, supplies and chemicals to a variety of customer types. Some customers sell this service, some donate the service and many use the products internally, depending on the specific business. Disinfecting vehicles and surfaces in businesses has become a top priority during this time. The outlook is not certain. Many believe that we will not return to pre-pandemic economic levels until COVID-19 vaccines are developed and available. The medical industry is developing additional knowledge and treatments daily, but the vaccines may not be available for use until sometime in 2021. Until then, we all need to embrace conducting business in new and different methods. AASP-MN is leading the way with digital communications and frequent updates related to running our businesses in the new normal. I wish you all the best as we attempt to re-open the economy. Please continue to consider safety and health as we work to overcome the effects of this pandemic.
AASP-MN News
July 2020 | 5
