I’m one of the fortunate ones. My home is 20 miles from the nearest wild fire in Southern California. But the evidence and impact of the damage is affecting us in other ways. For example, the sky has been darkened by smoke filled air for most of 4 days now and ash is falling everywhere. No doubt our cars’ engine and cabin air filters will be useless by the time this is over.

Similarly, different parts of the country experience environmental catastrophe every year. So why not work toward building good will with customers during times like these? Here are some ideas that could help:

- In the aftermath of fires, tornados or sandstorms; provide air filter inspections and replacements at cost.

- Work with body shops and insurance companies to provide free estimates at your dealership when hail storms or floods cause massive vehicle damage.

- Consider offering special pricing for services for families impacted by disaster.

Remember to put on a neighborly attitude when your community is impacted by circumstances beyond their control. It will go a long way toward improving awarness and attitudes about our industry. And we certainly could use all the good will we can get!

Got any other ideas? Post them here.