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In light of the global COVID-19 outbreak and the U.S. restrictions, there have been many changes to the U.S. economy. To respect the government and the safety of the people, Cadence has made a few changes to promote being Safer At Home. The Cadence team is working remotely, but still working to fulfill all needs of our customers. Cadence promises to work diligently during these times to address all matters as quickly as possible. You may, however, experience a short delay in emails, orders, or inquiries. Cadence cares about our customers and wants to make sure they are getting everything they need. We appreciate your loyalty and patience during this time.

To promote being Safer At Home, we are offering a limited time 20 percent discount to all products on the Cadence website by using the promo code SAFERATHOME upon checkout.

Feel free to reach out to Cadence for any questions. We are here to help!

Stay safe and best wishes to everyone.

Interested in becoming a Cadence dealer or influencer? Dealer and Representative inquiries are welcome. Visit our website or give us a call 626.465.3383.

Make sure to visit our new and improved website! CadenceSound.com

For more information or to find out how to join the #CadenceTeam, please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CTA President and CEO Gary Shapiro on CES 2021 

Arlington, VA, July 28, 2020 – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced CES 2021®  — January 6-9, 2021 — will be an all-digital experience connecting exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the world. The new format will allow participants to hear from technology innovators, see cutting-edge technologies and the latest product launches, and engage with global brands and startups from around the world. 

"Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it's just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Technology helps us all work, learn and connect during the pandemic — and that innovation will also help us reimagine CES 2021 and bring together the tech community in a meaningful way. By shifting to an all-digital platform for 2021, we can deliver a unique experience that helps our exhibitors connect with existing and new audiences." 

CES 2021 will be a new immersive experience, where attendees will have a front row seat to discover and see the latest technology. This highly personalized experience will bring a global event to the comfort and safety of your home or office.  

For over 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation. CTA’s goal for CES 2021 is to provide an engaging platform for companies large and small to launch products, build brands and form partnerships, while prioritizing health and safety. Members of the tech community thrive by coming together, sharing ideas and introducing products that will shape our future.  

Mark your calendars for the first week in January and be on the lookout for more exciting news about CES 2021. We plan to return to Las Vegas for CES 2022, combining the best elements of a physical and digital show.  

Thank you for your continued support. Please stay healthy and safe. 

CES® is the most influential tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most influential tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

Libertyville, Ill. – With COVID-19 shifting life in many ways, Maxxsonics USA continues to assist the fight against this global crisis by supporting local hospitals and businesses. Maxxsonics has now donated more than 25,000 masks and gloves across the Midwest offering assistance and support to those in need towards the battle against COVID-19.

Alden Stiefel, President/CEO of Maxxsonics USA said, “Maxxsonics USA is committed to helping medical staffs, hospitals, first responders, and various people any way we possibly can. We are excited to see other companies in the 12-volt industry join the efforts to help those in need.”

Maxxsonics encourages everyone to join us in the movement for getting crucial medical supplies to those who are in need of them.

Established in 2001, Maxxsonics is a global leader in the mobile, marine, and powersports audio industries and specializes in designing and manufacturing power amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, and accessories that are branded Hifonics, MB Quart, Crunch, and Autotek. Additionally, Maxxsonics is the premier OEM audio supplier of audio solutions/systems for Kawasaki off-road vehicles and Polaris® off-road vehicles. For additional information, go to the corporate website at https://maxxsonics.com/

March 31, 2020 -- As we all adjust to life working around the wide spread COVID-19 virus, DS18 joins in against the fight to help aid those in need with backing and knowledge from our close DS18 family and co-workers in China who have been adjusting to this Pandemic much longer then we have.

With China successfully battling and winning the fight and using firsthand knowledge of what needs to win the battle, we will be sending over personal protection equipment such as huge shipment of medical masks and gloves in care of DS18 Team member Marcia Mileidys Maceo to The Baptist Hospital in Kendall, Florida. DS18 hopes to help with the education and safe practices needed to minimalize casualties until the global efforts find a way to destroy this disease so life can return to normal.

Continuing to practice safe social distance, using PPE (gloves, mask, sanitizer) equipment, and knowledge of safely not spreading the disease is the key component to slowing down this very fast acting and deadly virus. If we all come together as a world population there is nothing we cannot overcome.

MEA hosts retail owners and managers roundtable during COVID-19 crisis

Last week, Mobile Electronics Association held an industry roundtable online for retail owners and managers, led by Chris Cook, president of MEA. Panelists and attendees focused on how the industry can move through this difficult challenge together. The call was attended by at least 125 people. Panelists included Tomas Keenan of Top Class Installations in New York; Jason Kranitz, CEO of Kingpin University; Bryan Schmitt, CEO of Mobile Solutions; and Andy Wehmeyer, CEO of Audiofrog.

Screenshot 2020 03 27 14.55.10

During the meeting, Cook said he hopes to hold similar roundtables in future weeks with different panelists, including those who’ve taught at KnowledgeFest and those who have not. Attendees discussed staying safe during the spread of COVID-19, what defines an “essential business” and how to use downtime to focus on strengthening the structure of the business.

Panelists urged business owners and managers to work on the structure of their businesses, and keep in touch with clients using newsletters and social media. Other industry conferences have taken place online, as well, in which businesses have discussed ways of moving through this difficult challenge.

For more information about how your state and business is impacted, please click here.

Screenshot 2020 03 27 14.54.44

STILLWATER, USA – In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, KICKER’s® Tech Force continues training dealers and installers worldwide, efficiently making use of retailers’ time that normally might be spent on consumers that are no longer walking into stores. The four-man team educates KICKER representatives online about new gear releases, what makes the equipment special, and product tips that may provide a purchasing advantage over the competition.

KICKER has held nearly a dozen online-only trainings in the past month, with new “unboxing” and additional training videos slated in the coming weeks. The Tech Force teaches to an industry that is hungry for tools to use when stores reopen and some sense of normalcy returns.

“We can answer questions live, from anywhere in the world, right from the KICKER offices,” said John Myers, KICKER Tech Force senior trainer. “It’s also a chance to teach dealers and the public about all new technologies we’re rolling out in 2020. It’s really exciting!”

For example, Myers conducted a 45-minute course on several new KICKER products and technologies, reaching out to South African distributor partners at Planet World and several retailers within the country. He covered feature-intensive projects like the new KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amplifier, the re-voiced KS-Series speaker lineup, clever uses of KICKER LED speaker rings and more. A live Q-and-A session was held simultaneously to answer any questions.

KICKER plans on releasing training videos on social media, and on the training section of the company YouTube™ channel (KICKERFanatic).

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs®, the parent company of KICKER® Audio, is actively supporting the regional community during the international Coronavirus pandemic.

While KICKER’s management team has sent employees home to work remotely and to care for families and kids, the organization has also flexed its resources and manpower to support regional health-services providers.

KICKER, with support from several component suppliers, recently stepped up to the plate to offer 10,000 facemasks in support of community efforts to fight COVID-19. Believing that “charity begins at home,” 8,300 masks were donated to Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center to accommodate hospital patients and the staff caring for them.

Another 1,200 face masks have been sent to Hillcrest Medical Center, a 620-bed hospital in Tulsa, Okla., through a KICKER staff connection.

Another 500 masks were contributed to a group of New York City hospitals through KICKER brand and sports marketing director Roger Demaree, whose nephew is a surgeon currently working at a NYC hospital.

Additionally, the company was pleased to offer a supply of clear face shields to area first-responders.

Besides distributing the vendor-supplied face masks, a 15-year KICKER team member and his family have also found a way to make a positive impact in the local community.

Kyle Ambrose, who works in research and development, began experimenting with the company’s 3-D printer, normally used for creating prototype parts. Ambrose consulted with a healthcare professional about local needs and learned that beyond face masks, face shields were in great demand. Ambrose subsequently researched and discovered approved patterns online and created a headband that could be used to secure a clear face shield. He reached out to Stillwater Christian School where his children are enrolled to inquire about the availability of clear safety film used for overhead projectors. He enlisted the school’s participation in donating needed materials and also secured additional film donations from Fenton Office Mart (Stillwater).

While 3-D printing is a slow process, Ambrose is able to produce three bands simultaneously in under three hours. To date, he has hand-crafted over 100 shields which were initially slated for Stillwater Medical Center and then redirected on the hospital’s recommendation to the area’s senior-assisted living homes that were experiencing shortages. Ambrose personally delivered the shields to each home where they were gratefully received.

“We are pleased to be able to share our resources with our community,” says KICKER founder Steve Irby. “Stillwater is our home and we appreciate the opportunity to support those who care for us.”

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Thirty-minute segments focus on business survival, staying “in shape” on installation practices

LAS VEGAS – March 30, 2020 (MEDIAWIRE) – Kingpin University, training and installation training facility serving the mobile electronics industry, is presenting two weekly series of online classes designed to keep retail owners and staff sharp during the business downturn. Using Facebook Live, “Thirsty Thursdays” and “Fab Fridays” kick off at 4:00PM PST within the organization’s industry-only group, The 12V Empire.

The decision to start the online courses came after Kingpin University opted to move its in-house training courses to July in anticipation of being able to resume operations by that time. “Las Vegas was one of the first places in the country to mandate that businesses close to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus, though it was something we were planning to do in order to keep people safe,” said Jason Kranitz, lead instructor at Kingpin University. “As the practice spread, we realized it was an opportunity for storeowners, sales professionals, technicians and fabricators to make use of slow or off-work time to re-asses business and learn new skills.”

“Thirsty Thursdays” features conversations between Kranitz, co-instructor Chris McNulty and a host of industry professionals on how store owners and managers can use downtime to freshen their business and create more efficient procedures. If their stores are still open, storeowners will get tips on how best to market business to attract a hesitant and wary customer base.

On, “Fab Fridays” Kranitz and McNulty gives installation professionals quick tips on how to use small projects to increase per-install profits as well as save time with proven, high-efficiency shortcuts. The sessions will also include elements of the company’s larger training courses on using laser in the bay, street rod design and perfecting sales techniques.

“We really enjoy re-engaging with our family of professionals to help them continue to get better even while the economy has ground to a stop,” added Kranitz. “We hope the classes encourage people to stay active both mentally and physically so they can hit the ground running once things get better. We want everybody to come out of this swinging.”

To join the sessions, please request to join The 12V Empire Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/The12vEmpire. For more information on Kingpin University’s training, products and services, please call (702) 850-2995 or visit kingpinuniversity.com.

North Andover, MA – April 16, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association to hold a webinar Thursday, April 16th at 4:00pm Eastern Time.
Don't wait for the Nation to reopen to figure out how to market your business. Create your "Digital Business Card" TODAY!!
 
Learn from a couple of social media masters how to create high impact videos designed to make a lasting impression on your customers.

Understand the best ways to communicate that you and your business are prepared to take the extra care and time to thoroughly clean the vehicle prior to pickup. Also making your customer comfortable with your procedures for drop-off, pick-up, payment and demonstration of their purchase.

Learn important marketing techniques to use while your business is closed or your customer traffic is reduced.

Learn how to stay connected to your customers and your community during this time of crisis.

This is meeting is designed for store owner and managers and we will discuss what all this means for you and your business.

Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speakers as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis.

We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
 
Register by [Clicking Here]

 

North Andover, MA – April 7, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association to hold a webinar on the CARES Act 2020 and the Paycheck Protection Program - Learn How to Access Your Share of the $2.2 Trillion presented by Hilb Group of New England on Tuesday, April 7th at 3:00pm Eastern Time.
 
In this session, Hilb Group's benefits attorney, Suzanne D'Amato, Esq.  will provide an overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus Act of 2020 (CARES Act 2020) along with further details about the Paycheck Protection Program and how you can access some of the $340 Billion in forgivable loans that are available to help you defray payroll, benefits and operating expenses.
 
Register by [Clicking Here]
 
Biography:
Suzanne D’Amato
The Hilb Group of New England -- Warwick, RI
SD MEA Webinar
Website banner
 
Suzanne D’Amato joined the company in 2015 as an in-house ERISA and Employee Benefits Attorney.  Suzanne assists Hilb Group clients in navigating legal and compliance issues relating to their employee benefit plans, including Affordable Care Act compliance.
 
Prior to joining Hilb Group, Suzanne served as General Counsel to a technology company in the recruitment advertising space, where she oversaw the development and administration of an OFCCP compliance solution and advised company executives on day-to-day legal matters.  Previously, Suzanne was an ERISA Associate in the Compensation and Benefits group of two New York City law firms, where her practice focused on employee benefits and qualified retirement plans, including the drafting, implementation, operation, and termination of plans; plan qualification; plan administration; and ERISA litigation involving the representation of multi-employer pension and welfare funds in benefit claim and collection actions.
 
Suzanne holds a B.S. in Health Systems Management from University of Connecticut and a J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in the State and Federal courts of Connecticut.
North Andover, MA – May 5, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association to hold a webinar Thursday, May 7th at 4:00pm Eastern Time
 
KnowledgeFest Speaker and Mobile Electronics Sales Pro of the Year, Elias Ventura of Virginia based Safe and Sound Electronics. He will present:
 

Selling with Confidence: Remembering that you are the Expert

Do you know everything there is to know about all the gear you sell, but still find yourself selling the gear the customer wants, instead of what he really needs? Lack of assertive confidence during the sales conversation often costs you the sale, or worse, creates a dissatisfied customer. Join us to learn more about how to turn your knowledge into more dollars and bigger smiles. You ARE the expert.


This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.

Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis

We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
 
Register by [Clicking Here]
 
 
 
 
North Andover, MA – April 23, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association to hold a webinar Thursday, April 23rd at 4:00pm Eastern Tim

Learn that in every selling situation, someone is leading, and someone is following. When the buyer leads, we give away too much information and get next to nothing in return. When the seller leads, we learn what the buyer really needs, and why, and then sell them the correct solution. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to know who’s in control, and comfortably and seamlessly become the leader to achieve more of the results you want.

Learn important marketing techniques to use while your business is closed or your customer traffic is reduced.

Learn how to stay connected to your customers and your community during this time of crisis.

This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.

Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis

We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
Register by [Clicking Here]
 
 

 

North Andover, MA – April 28, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association to hold a webinar Thursday, April 30th at 4:00pm Eastern Time
 
KnowledgeFest Speaker and noted Author, Tomas Keenan of Top Class Installations, Inc. presents:
 
No one talks about the fight to retain employees, and how they want to get out of the cycle of desperate decision making. No one talks about hemorrhaging money or the deep fears running a business can cause. Until now. Tomas Keenan eradicates confusion and the common yet secret fears every businessperson faces, using a proven and profitable method. After years of refining what works for his company, Tomas reveals the three main components of a properly structured vision and why they’re paramount to your success. This is the secret sauce that takes you from working too hard on the wrong aims to increasing your efficiency, establishing pipelines and turbo-charging your revenue. 

This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.

Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis

We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
 
Register by [Clicking Here]

Kevin Hallinan of WINNING, Inc. shared sales insights in this week’s weekly presentation with Mobile Electronics Association

April 23, 2020 -- Today, MEA’s weekly webinar focused on selling, and Kevin Hallinan presented on “The Buyer Seller Dance and How to Take the Lead.” Hallinan—a KnowledgeFest speaker—has over 30 years of sales, training, and management experience. Those who missed the presentation can view the recording by visiting Mobile Electronics Association on Facebook. Attendees also asked questions relating to how the current COVID-19 crisis has impacted how salespeople interact with clients.

Hallinan urged attendees to be willing to think differently about selling. He then discussed how to create ground rules for selling. “In selling situations, someone is leading and someone is following in the conversation,” he said. “How do we know if we are the one who is leading or following? The one who’s talking is following. The one who’s asking questions is leading. The more questions we ask, the better off we are.”

Hallinan also asked attendees to think about the three most compelling words they can think of if someone were to ask whether they should work with them or with a competitor. “The bad news is, we’re not sure what will resonate with the customer. What is that customer’s reason for doing business? Honesty, quality of workmanship, and price are our reasons. But our job is to find out their reasons.”

Stay tuned for the next weekly MEA presentation. And remember to visit www.meahelp.com for resources relating to COVID-19.

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The Mobile Electronics Association announces the launch of www.MEAhelp.com as a resource for the Mobile Electronics Industry.

This resource will be updated frequenlty with infomation about: Vital Resources for Retailers, COVID-19 Health Information, Federal & State Resources and Education & Training Events.

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – April 7, 2020: The Mobile Electronics Association is providing a list of online training opportunities at www.MEAhelp.com as a centralized resource for the Mobile Electronics Industry. Got to MEAhelp.com for more information.
 

Douglasville, Georgia – April 21, 2020 – Omega Research & Development Technologies, Inc. is excited to announce a new live webinar training series on how to leverage Omega’s product line and take advantage today’s safety conscious culture shift. Dealer sales & installation staff will be taught the latest tips & innovations to leave no stone unturned. It’s time to maximize customer experience while maximizing dollars-per-car with high value add-ons and system performance techniques.

The training series will be offered in 30 minute bite-size segments at multiple times during the week to optimize our dealer’s valuable time and learning experience. Our training schedule is convenient for east and west coast dealers. Trainings will cover everything from how to use the latest remote start firmware features to selecting a product line philosophy that’s best for your shop culture and customer base. We’ll also be offering future trainings on telematics, maximizing online branding, vehicle integration, our full line of t-harness solutions, and much more over the coming months. This is your chance to evolve and utilize culture shift to your advantage and leave your competition in the past. Each training will also have various giveaways for attending dealers! Home Depot/Lowes Digital Gift Cards, Free product, Omega swag, and more. Check the schedule at www.OmegaRules.com/training to see upcoming topics, giveaways, and register!

For information on becoming an Omega Dealer in the US, email our North American Sales Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">For more information on Omega’s car security, keyless entry and remote start product lines, please visit www.CarAlarm.com, www.OmegaWeblink.com, and www.OmegaDealer.com. Don’t forget to follow us at https://facebook.com/OmegaRD, @omegaresearch on Instagram.

Omega Research & Development Technologies has been an innovative leader in the vehicle security industry for over 40 years. Since its founding in 1971, Omega's product line has diversified to include remote start modules and other vehicle accessory products. Omega's most recent product offerings include the exciting new technologies of telematics, wireless and databus integration. With the vision of the founder, Kenneth Flick, guiding the company, auto security systems remain the central focus of Omega Research & Development Technologies. In 1995, Omega became the only company in the keyless entry arena with a technology designed to prevent crime due to unauthorized transmitter access to vehicle systems. The patented technology, Unauthorized Transmitter Alert, promises to revolutionize the industry. Consumers can now have instant knowledge of any unauthorized access to their keyless entry systems. Most of the product lines manufactured by Omega are equipped with Unauthorized Transmitter Alert technology. Omega's mission, as it was over four decades ago, is to provide reliable, leading-edge security and automotive accessory products at a competitive price.

For more information contact:

Javier Leiva, North American Sales Director
Omega Research and Development Technologies, Inc.
800-554-4053 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The below link is for applying through the Small Business Association (SBA) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief. This is a short form (5 screens) that can be completed online in a few minutes. MEA recommends that all members that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus apply for this relief.

 

You will need the following information:

1. Business Tax ID or Social Security number

2. Total Sales for the period from 2/1/2019 through 1/31/2020

3. Total COGS (Cost of Goods Sold - which is only what you pay for products for resale) for the same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

4. Total Operating Expenses (Total of everything else you paid not including the COGS) for same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

5. The date the business was established (usually date of incorporated) and current ownership is the same if it has not changed

6. Select “Automotive Repair” activity and “Automotive – Parts. Accessories” for detailed

7. Number of employees you had employed as of 1/31/2020

8. You will need the full name, address, DOB and social security number of each owner of the business and the % of ownership they have

9. Bank name, account number and routing number

 

**As long as you use a good faith effort in compiling the information, the government is most likely to forgive some errors.


To Start Your Application Click the Button [CLICK HERE]
 
When completed you will be assigned an application number and receive an email for additional information needed once your application is processed. Currently there is not a way to edit the information once submitted.
 
Visit MEAHelp.com for more tips on what other information you may need.
 
 

 

 

Two-thirds of the industry continues to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (April 20, 2020) – The majority of businesses in the specialty automotive industry continues to operate during the Coronavirus pandemic. Even with “shelter in place” rules in effect in many states, more than two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their facilities during this time.

The findings are from a survey of SEMA member companies conducted April 1-7. SEMA has been working to identify areas to support the aftermarket industry during the pandemic as it moves towards recovery.

“The results of this survey show the resiliency of the specialty automotive industry and how it continues to push forward, working to move past the COVID-19 disruption,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are using this feedback to further develop resources to help member businesses through this time of economic interruption.”

Most aftermarket industry facilities remain open under the “essential business” designation, and more than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from a company site, as a large number of production, technical, logistical, and retail positions can only be done at a jobsite. 

The survey also found that most business owners maintain a positive outlook, with 87% indicating that they are “impacted short-term but will get through it.” The strength of the industry is depicted by the 82 percent of employees who continue working from at a jobsite or from home, and by the nearly 2,000 companies that have signed up to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show. 

"The aftermarket industry and our members remain positive, and are looking forward to opening back up in the months ahead and participating in a SEMA Show that will play a key role in launching a successful 2021," said Kersting. "Now more than ever our priority for SEMA is clear: assuring the health, safety, and business continuity for our members, partners, employees, and the overall industry community."

To further assist businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, SEMA has created a dedicated webpage, www.sema.org/coronavirus, that includes up-to-date  information about how each state defines “essential” businesses, SBA (Small Business Administration) emergency loans, paid sick and family leave, unemployment benefits, and more. As developments unfold, SEMA will continue to monitor and collect information and provide updates to the site.

"It is at times like these that the power of a collective can be most beneficial," said Kersting. "I’m optimistic that by working together, we will continue to persevere and thrive."

For the latest updates and resources available for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $44.6 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.  

The Multi-Patent Pending A.I.R. Solo™ (Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator) is the World's First Wearable Ultraviolet Germicidal Face Mask That is Designed to be Worn Under Any Common Face Masks; it Neutralizes Live Viruses Such as COVID-19, and Other Pathogens, Bacterium, or Biomatter Attached to the Contaminated Fabric Mask Surface

METAIRIE, LA, June 17, 2020 – After its exceptional recent debut, Oracle Lighting, an innovator in LED lighting solutions, is now taking orders for its latest innovation: The A.I.R. Solo™ (Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator). The wearable UVGI face mask is designed to be worn under common face masks in order to protect both users and those around them, killing live viruses such as Coronavirus, pathogens, bacterium, or other microorganisms attached to the fabric’s surface.

“We are all familiar with the CDC statement ‘Your mask protects me; my mask protects you’,” said Troy Organo, co-inventor of the product. “The A.I.R. Solo provides protection against viruses for both the user and others. High-risk individuals cannot simply rely on others to respect their health safety. The Solo provides benefits to the user while also sanitizing outgoing air to protect others. While this product is beneficial for high-risk individuals, it is for anyone going into a higher-risk environment such as public transportation, flying, or even for simply going to the grocery store.”

Ideal for both consumers and professionals alike, the A.I.R. Solo is the extra layer of protection that can help mitigate exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses as the country begins to re-open. The A.I.R. Solo has been designed and engineered in the USA and will begin shipping in July 2020 with a special pre-order introductory price of only $99.95 USD.

“N95 masks have been the go-to PPE for preventing exposure to COVID-19, but these only filter 95 percent of particulate,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of product development. “Consumers need better assurance to be confident that they will not be exposed. A.I.R. Solo is your personal virus protector by neutralizing that remaining five percent not filtered by an N95 mask while sanitizing the contaminated mask at the same time.” 

This device also benefits those who wear cloth face coverings, according to Hartenstein. “Studies have shown that respiratory pathogens on the outer surface of cloth masks can actually result in self-contamination, which is exactly what they are intended to prevent,” he said. “Because of this, we see the unique UV irradiation benefits of A.I.R. Solo as the best sanitization scenario for helping to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses.”

Existing personal air filtration masks are designed to prevent inhalation of viruses by trapping the particles from the incoming air in the cloth material worn on the face. However, they are not designed to disinfect or neutralize these particles. Because of this, the masks can become saturated with live viruses, pathogens, bacterium, or other microorganisms attached to the fabric surfaces. Because the cloth mask becomes contaminated with use, washing a cloth mask is recommended by health officials. Unfortunately, most consumer-grade laundry detergents do not contain disinfectant; in fact, studies show that pathogens can actually be spread in the wash and can contaminate other laundry in the load.

A.I.R. Solo is worn under any common face mask and utilizes a patent-pending system to sanitize the air while simultaneously neutralizing contaminants trapped in the cloth face mask by means of short-wave ultraviolet light exposure. The ultraviolet light source is produced via UV LEDs which are integrated into the device. The spectrum of ultraviolet light is separated into various ranges, with shortest-wavelength referred to as UV-C which is considered “germicidal UV”.

“A.I.R. Solo is composed of a small cover made of an anti-microbial silicone which is worn on the face and attached with straps similar to a traditional face mask,” Hartenstein continued. “The user wears a traditional face mask (cloth mask, surgical mask, N95, etc.) over the device. A small rechargeable battery pack powers the device and can be manually turned on and off by the user. In addition to the anti-germicidal LEDs, the device also contains UV-A LEDs which provide a wider light spectrum and visible light. The visible UV-A LED functions as an indicator that the device is on and working but provides minimal anti-microbial benefits.”

Wavelengths between 200-300 nanometers, such as the UV-C LEDs integrated into the

A.I.R. Solo provide the most effective germicidal function. This is because the wavelength of UV-C irradiation utilizes photons to inactivate the virus which prevents the cell from replicating and infecting the body if inhaled. The A.I.R. Solo’s UV-C LED emitters are integrated into the airflow partition of the device which is designed to scrub the air and sterilize the cloth mask simultaneously.

Research has shown effectiveness of UV-C LEDs against Coronavirus. A recent study by Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. (SETi) has demonstrated 99.9 percent effectiveness against COVID-19 and determined that COVID becomes even more sterile when placed closer to the UV-C source. The A.I.R. Solois designed to channel the incoming air within 5mm of the UV-C source providing increased effectiveness and sterilization. 

Is it safe?

For years hospitals and labs have used ultraviolet light for disinfection and medical sanitation against viruses. Commonly known as “Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation,” UVGI is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA in a manner which renders the cells inactive and unable to perform cellular functions. Testing has shown that no measurable amount of UV-C light is directed towards the user wearing the device.

“UV-C light has been used in many applications such as the purification of drinking water for decades,” said Hartenstein. “While UV-C is part of the normal spectrum of sunlight, it is invisible and can cause sunburn with direct skin exposure. This was taken into account when developing the A.I.R. Solo, and the UV light is outward and away from the user to prevent any direct skin exposure. Testing has shown that no measurable amount of UV-C light is directed towards the user wearing the device.”

Additional A.I.R. Device models are scheduled to be released in 2021.

For more information on the A.I.R. Solo, please visit www.theairdevice.com, www.theairdevice.com/media-kit, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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