Herman Trend Alert: Competition for Hourly Employees is Intensifying
In the late 1990s, we saw an increase in competition for good workers. To entice prospective employees to join organizations, recruiters offered higher salaries, more comprehensive benefits and high-dollar incentives like automobile leases, stock options or lavish gifts. As the momentum picked up, the cost of hiring people went up and employers began raising prices of their goods and services to generate needed funds.
Herman Trend Alert: International Cultural Influence
For many years, American culture has been followed and adopted by people in countries all over the world. Young people particularly pick up eating habits (McDonald’s), clothing preferences (Nike) and much more. They watch American television shows — in English and in translations — and become great fans of singers, actors and sports figures. We see evidence of international cultural influence on television news when we see citizens of other countries wearing American clothing and hear them using American jargon.
Herman Trend Alert: Shortage of Skilled Labor Spreading
We have focused quite a bit of attention on the growing shortage of qualified workers in the United States. Based on our interpretation of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we anticipated a shortage of 10 million in skilled labor by 2010. We presented our case in our book, “Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People.” While there have been some challenges to our forecast, many others now use our projections. Whether the actual shortfall will be 8, 10, or 14 million, it is clear that employers find it increasingly difficult to hire and retain the people they need.
GPI Gives $2 Million Gift to Northwood’s Aftermarket Building Project and Program
Northwood President Dr. David Fry announced late last week that General Parts Inc. (GPI) presented the university with a $2 million dollar gift toward the university’s planned 25,000-square-foot automotive aftermarket facility on its Midland, MI, campus. The gift was announced on behalf of the company by O. Temple Sloan III, president of GPI on Monday, February 20, during a gathering of 1,100 of their suppliers, associates and the extended Sloan family in Raleigh, NC. The building will be named The Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies.
Herman Trend Alert: Focus on the Individual
As employers move through the next 10 to 15 years, they will discover that concentrating on individuals will be considerably more productive than pushing any one-size-fits-all concept. Employees seek, expect, even demand personal attention. Their attitudes will drive employers, and then others, to correct their deficiencies. We will see this shift from groups, teams and classes of people in practically all aspects of corporate life.
Amy Antenora Promoted to Editor of aftermarketNews
Amy Antenora has been promoted to the position of editor of aftermarketNews (AMN). Antenora has been the managing editor of AMN since she joined the company in September 2002. Antenora, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Kent State University, serves on Babcox’s Corporate Marketing Committee and Emerging Media Group, in addition to her editorial duties.
Herman Trend Alert: Secret of Effective Leadership in 21st Century
Our research into what makes leaders effective has uncovered an interesting factor that deserves more exploration and discussion. For years, workers seeking to grow into higher career positions have developed specialties in particular areas of expertise. In tomorrow’s world, these subject matter strengths will be valuable, but will not enable people to become effective leaders.
Buyer Beware: Learn More About the Dangers of Counterfeit Auto Parts
Until the 1980s, counterfeiting was thought of as a victimless crime, conjuring up images of knock-off brand-name watches and handbags. Today, however, counterfeiting is big business, accounting for five to eight percent of all goods sold worldwide. In terms of criminal activity, counterfeiting is among the most lucrative crimes today, its impact on the global economy estimated at $350 billion to $500 billion a year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has called counterfeiting “the crime of the 21st century.” The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and its Brand Protection Council, in conjunction with Babcox Publications, have produced a supplemental publication on counterfeiting in the motor vehicle industry. The publication will serve as a resource guide for warehouse distributors, parts stores, retailers and technicians in the automotive aftermarket, as well as for parts distributors, fleet equipment and maintenance managers, and service providers in the heavy-duty market.
Herman Trend Alert: Cynicism
The events of 9/11 had a serious and permanent impact on the U.S. psyche, creating a level of cynicism not seen since the Depression. As we transition into a stronger economy, it is interesting to listen to cynics, disbelievers, doubters and pessimists. Even though the positive numbers are becoming stronger — even in manufacturing, there are people who still think — and act — like the economy is in trouble and will not improve.
FTC Letter Rekindles Right to Repair Flame
In the continuing legislative process regarding HR 2735 — The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the Energy and Trade Committee, in response to the Dingell’s request for feedback from the FTC on the proposed legislation.