As you read this, many of us are saying goodbye to Becky Babcox, former publisher of Engine Builder magazine here at Babcox Media, and a dear friend to many in the industry. Becky died Oct. 15, at the age of 60, following a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy. She is being remembered this afternoon in a memorial service in her hometown of Akron, Ohio.
In addition to her significant career accomplishments over nearly 30 years in the business, Becky was deeply admired by all who knew her, for her grace and warmth, for her generosity and kind spirit. I personally was a benefactor of all of these traits, having worked with Becky for several years before her retirement in 2006. I am honored to have known her and owe her a debt of thanks for all that she taught me about this industry and the meaningful friendships it can create. She will be deeply missed, and long remembered.
In Memory of Mary Rebecca "Becky" Babcox (October 17, 1951 – October 15, 2012)
Returning to our recap of the week’s industry news, this week we feature Diane Phelan, director of marketing for Permatex, in our Executive Interview series. In the interview, Phelan talks about the company’s new marketing campaign and the variety of ways Permatex will drive home its new slogan, "Always Right on the Job."
Also popular with AMN readers this week, Dayco unveiled details of its new app, which includes a unique feature – a VIN scanner. The new Dayco app scans the VIN bar code and displays all the Dayco replacement parts, belt routings, installation videos, images, etc. A “Where to Buy” tab locates all of the Dayco distributors in your area, and a simple tap on the phone dials the number of your selected parts store.
Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) yesterday reported record sales and earnings for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2012. Thomas Gallagher, chairman and CEO, announced that sales totaling $3.4 billion were up 3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2011. GPC’s Automotive Group reported a 2.5 percent sales increase and adjusted for the selling days, automotive sales were up 4 percent, Gallagher said.
In other top financial news this week, Pep Boys closed on a $200 million term loan, which ultimately will reduce the company’s long-term debt by approximately $100 million and reduce its annual interest expense by approximately $11 million. The restated loan facility is secured by the real estate underlying 142 of the company’s owned stores.
