Member Updates on COVID-19

04.22.2020: Encouraging Member Updates

Over the last several weeks, we have asked you to adjust to new processes, engage in new ways with our clients and put safety at the forefront of everything that we do. It has been no surprise to see how each of you has risen to the challenge and embraced change in a way that only Park Place Members could.

We have seen incredible processes rolled out across our dealerships to efficiently take temperatures, monitor onsite staff following CDC guidelines and do it all while limiting interruption in your roles. These new business practices and the steps you’ve taken have made our clients feel safer and allow us to continue to do what we do best.

Lexus Grapevine and many of the dealerships are continuing to engage positively on social media, outlining the safety measures that we are taking and positioning us as an essential business that is available to support our clients in a way that they feel most comfortable (in-dealership or at home).

Motorcars Arlington participated in the #DontRushChallenge and showed how they’re putting cleanliness at the forefront of their processes, all while having fun!

Thank you for continuing to be a bright spot for one another and our clients!

As we continue to focus the organization on creating efficiencies to meet our business objectives we know that some of our best ideas come from our members. We encourage you to be open and communicate any ideas you have with your manager on how we can create further efficiencies and to control costs as we move forward. 

Should you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to your departmental leader, GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com with any suggestions or concerns.

We will keep you up-to-date in future communications based on changes in our business conditions. 

 

04.17.2020: Member Safety 

Dear Park Place Members,

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and flexibility as we continue to adapt to our new normal. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our processes and procedures and have greatly appreciated the feedback that you all have provided to us. 

We are committed to a healthy environment and in an effort to keep everyone safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 we are implementing new safety protocols. Below you will find updates that will be implemented at the corporate office and at the dealerships by your Safety Task Force which is working hand in hand with your GM and the Leadership Team.

Procedural Safety Updates:
We have attached the new safety procedures and protocols that will stay in place until further notice. When you come to work there will be two noticeable changes that will be implemented. Masks must be worn while on our premises and we will begin taking the temperatures of all members.

Masks: Effective Saturday, April 18th

A Park Place requirement is that you must wear a safety mask while on-premises. We have secured enough masks for our Dallas County dealerships to meet the county requirements for Saturday. Our vendor management team will have masks available for all other members early part of next week. Your assigned Safety Leader will provide masks as you report to work.

Temperature: Effective Monday, April 20th

As you arrive at work please report to the assigned Safety Leader. The safety member will:

  • Utilize a Non-contact Infrared Thermometer on the forehead from 2-5 inches away
  • If the temperature is above 99.6 degrees you will be required to go home
  • If the temperature is below 99.6 degrees you will be asked a series of questions before you to proceed to work

Further direction will be provided by your GM or Leadership regarding your assigned safety leader at your location and instructions on where you should report upon arrival. Please be patient with us and your local safety task force as we work through details of this plan!

We appreciate the positive way in which you have embraced so much change and ask for your assistance to be accountable to yourselves and others in order to reinforce these health and safety processes.

Should you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to Departmental Leader, GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com with any suggestions or concerns.

We will keep you up-to-date in future communications based on changes in our business conditions. 

04.14.2020 Member Resources

Over the last several weeks, we have experienced something that none of us could have imagined or anticipated, yet each day, we’re forging ahead together. We want to thank you for your diligence in following the CDC guidelines and procedures that have been outlined. We are proud of the focus our members have displayed in servicing our clients and heartened by the continued show of support you have for each other and for the community.

We acknowledge and understand that there is a lot of uncertainty and concern present in each of your lives surrounding COVID-19. It is impacting each of us differently and we want to remind you of all of the available Employee Assistance Programs we offer to help guide you through this time. 

Employee Assistance Program

At no cost to you, Park Place provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Aetna Resources for Living. This service connects you with mental health and counseling services. Whether you are interested in work/life resources, mental health assistance, or legal and financial advice, the EAP service can connect you and members of your household with a variety of professionals. With just one phone call, at any hour of the day or night, you have access to helpful resources.

EAP benefit includes:

  • Six face-to-face visits per issue with a licensed professional
  • Confidential services (not shared with your employer)
  • Information and educational tools for mental health assistance and access to a variety of resources via phone or online:
  • Phone: 800.492.4357
  • Website: resourcesforliving.com

Other Benefit Programs

In addition to EAP, Park Place also has partnerships with other providers that may be able to provide assistance with financial or medical needs at this time.

 

Financial Guidance – Stonebridge Group Financial Advisors:

  • Contacts: Cary Tucker 972-612-2906 or Rob Frey 972-612-2907

 

Teledoc – If you enrolled in one of the UMR Medical plans, you will have access to telemedicine through Teladoc.

  • Telemedicine allows you 24/7/365 access to U.S. board-certified doctors through the convenience of phone or video consultants. Teladoc doctors can treat and write prescriptions for many non-emergency medical conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, allergies, respiratory infections, sinus problems and more.
  • To access Teladoc, go to teladoc.com , download the Teladoc app or call 800-835-2362.

As always, please reach out to your departmental leader, GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com with any suggestions or concerns.

We are so thankful for each of you and the positive way in which you’ve risen to the challenges in these unprecedented times.

We will keep you up-to-date in future communications based on changes in our business conditions.  

04.08.2020 Reminders for our Members

We want to remind everyone to closely follow the safety measures and guidelines that have been defined by the CDC that we support to keep you safe in the workplace.

These measures are important to us to ensure the well-being of you, your families and our clients. Please help us by continuing to do your part to meet these requirements of social distancing and to support the defined county regulations outlined by local authorities.

A few of our guidelines are outlined below and additional precautions are being taken at each individual dealership. 

    1.    All employees must take their temperature at their residence before going to an Essential Retailer. If a member has a temperature above 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit, then they need to contact their manager immediately and are prohibited from going to work and must remain at their residence

    2.    Continue to meet social distancing requirements (6 feet between people at all times) and eliminate physical contact with our guests.

    3.    All Members are required to follow the 12-point sanitation process for all in-house services and pick-up and delivery when engaging with client and loaner vehicles

    4.    Members need to be conscious of the CDC guidelines that state there is a 10 person limit in any communal space.

    5.    Help us monitor for increased levels of sanitation throughout the dealerships and corporate office for both client and Member facing areas.

We understand that the public’s transportation needs, whether to commute to work, pick up groceries, fill a prescription or take a loved one in for medical care are just part of what makes us an essential business. Accordingly, we have defined processes that meet with local authorities guidelines for pick up & delivery. Remember clients must make an appointment by phone or on-line for the purchase of a vehicle. In addition, clients can also make an appointment for the repair of their vehicle with a pick-up & delivery option.

As always, please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner at HRHelp@parkplace.com with any suggestions or concerns.

We will keep you up-to-date with future communications based on changes in our business conditions. For now, let’s unite and make the most of each and every day!

03.27.2020 The Week in Review

This last week has provided challenges for all of us. Our members have proven to be resilient and nimble in adjusting to these unprecedented times.

We are constantly monitoring for updates on business changes to ensure we remain in line with expectations for essential business operation requirements. As an essential business, we understand our responsibility to do our part to make sure individuals and families have access to transportation for their necessary services and needs.

Leadership remains committed to the health and welfare of all of our members.  We are adhering to the county and CDC guidelines and have increased our levels of sanitation throughout the dealerships and corporate office. It is very important that everyone is following Social Distancing in all areas of the dealership as this remains of top importance to us. We continue to encourage you to help us make sure we are all adhering to these guidelines and our Park Place procedures.

As always, please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com with any suggestions or concerns.

As a reminder, all business updates are being added to our internal blog post here: Park Place Member Safety Updates 

We will keep you up-to-date in future communications based on changes in our business conditions.

We appreciate the attitude and display of grit during these times of rapid change!

03.25.2020: 

Dear Team Members,

We are humbled by the dedication and exemplary attitudes of service we have seen from our members supporting each other and taking exceptional care of our clients.

While there are still many unknowns surrounding the “curve” of COVID-19, we do feel encouraged that there is now a level of consistency with our amended sales and service hours across all of our dealerships and adjusted processes. Our number one goal is to continue to monitor and adhere to the guidelines of each county and the CDC for the health and safety of our members and clients. This will only help to bolster client confidence as we look to continue to support our community.

Please help us by continuing to do your part to meet CDC requirements of social distancing and to support the defined county regulations outlined by local authorities.

We appreciate your commitment and feel that in navigating these times together we have truly become stronger as an organization.

We encourage you to reach out if there are additional questions or concerns over CDC guidelines being adhered to in your area or dealership. Please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com.

We appreciate your engagement and positive feedback that you are providing us!

03.25.2020: Safety Updates

Dear Team Members,

We have been actively monitoring information from our local authorities and based on today’s updated county guidelines, Park Place Dealerships is deemed an essential business across all four counties of operation – Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Williamson County.

Sales functions have been defined as an essential business because the public truly needs the ability to acquire a vehicle for a variety of circumstances including accidents, lease maturities and a number of other situations that may arise. We are glad there is now more consistency relating to our sales business across all dealerships.

Leadership remains committed to our Park Place Family’s health, safety and well-being. We will continue to be vigilant with our efforts to keep our members safe and work spaces sanitized as we navigate this ever-changing situation. We do understand that there may be some who feel that our efforts to conduct business may be in conflict with the commitment we have to our member’s health.  We take these concerns seriously. We are working with our internal and external advisory teams on how to best navigate this situation and we are consistently and diligently adhering to the CDC risk assessment in the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic situations.

Each dealership and their leadership team is working closely with their members to follow the CDC recommended guidelines to ensure all members feel safe and comfortable in their work environment. A few of our guidelines are outlined below and additional precautions are being taken at each individual dealership. 

  1. Increased levels of sanitation throughout all high-traffic areas at the dealerships and corporate office for both client and Member facing areas.
  2. We have advised all dealership employees to suspend handshakes and physical contact with our guests.
  3. We will continue to encourage members to be conscious of how many people are in a communal area at one time (10 max) and to practice social distancing (6 feet between people at all times).  

We encourage you to reach out if there are additional questions or concerns over CDC guidelines being adhered to in your area or dealership. Please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com.

03.24.2020: Sales and Service Updates 

Thank you for continuing to display a servants’ heart during a time when our clients need us most. As County Orders evolve, we wanted to keep everyone apprised of the guidelines that we are following to make these necessary business decisions below.

Communication by County (County rules supersede City rules):

Tarrant County: Motorcars Grapevine, Motorcars Fort Worth, Motorcars Arlington, Porsche Grapevine, Lexus Grapevine, and Jaguar Land Rover DFW

Instructions: Business operating under CDC guidelines

-Showrooms are open; continue to follow CDC Social Distancing recommendations

Collin County: Lexus Plano

Instructions: Business operating under CDC guidelines

-Showrooms are open; continue to follow CDC Social Distancing recommendations

Williamson County: JLR N. Austin

Instructions: Business operating under CDC guidelines

-Showrooms are open; continue to follow CDC Social Distancing recommendations

Dallas County: Premier Collection, Volvo Dallas, Porsche Dallas, Motorcars Dallas

Instructions: Can’t finalize “sales transactions” but can perform sales-related activities from home. We are actively partnering with County Leaders to get this order reversed. Stay tuned for more details.

-Showrooms must be closed to the public with appropriate signage on the doors
-Appropriate to guide clients online – parkplace.com

Please note: Variable members that are residents of Dallas County should not report to work under any circumstances at any location (can perform work duties from home).

Additional Guidelines:

Motorcars Dallas and Porsche Dallas Variable Managers that do not live in Dallas County, can work from Motorcars Grapevine and Porsche Grapevine.

If there are additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com.

03.23.2020 – Further Updates From Leadership

It is our goal to navigate this unprecedented situation with our members at the forefront of our decision making.  

In light of all the recent announcements and despite the current market conditions, we are guaranteeing all members will be paid their normal compensation through April 4th.

  • Salaried members at the dealerships and corporate will be paid based on their normal compensation
  • Hourly members will be paid based on your normal schedule of up to 40 hours for the hours worked through April 4th
  • Commissioned members will be provided an additional 5 days PTO on top of the PTO days announced last Friday in order to fulfill our commitment to compensate through April 4th

Business Updates

Following the recent city, county & state announcements, we will continue serving our community as an essential business while making operational adjustments. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our members and clients adhering to the new business guidelines that align with supporting transportation needs.

Effective, March 24th all Service hours will be changed to 8am to 5pm and clients will be able to communicate with our Sales teams during the hours of 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday or by appointment. Clients can access www.parkplace.com 24/7 to browse inventory to begin their purchase, set an appointment or view our service offerings during this time.

  • Store leadership will manage and set member schedules based on the needs of the business 

We appreciate the attitude and ingenuity of our members in making sure that everything continues to work smoothly during these times of rapid change. We are working to solve these challenges together and grateful to have such a committed team, if there are additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your GM, HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com.

03.23.2020 Update From Leadership

Dear Park Place Family,

 We understand these are difficult times for our members and families. We appreciate all of your efforts and endless hours of dedication during stressful and emotionally challenging circumstances.

There have been a lot of announcements in the last 24 hours and we are working through what that means for the business, our Members and how it impacts our daily operations.

 We appreciate your patience and commitment as we navigate these new guidelines from the CDC and as we are provided information from the state and local authorities. We will have further communications and next steps this afternoon.

Leadership team 

03.20.2020 Member Employment Update

We are evaluating all the needs of our business on a daily basis, which includes assessing each and every role that contributes to our organization.

Unlike other businesses throughout the community and country who are cutting hours and performing a series of layoffs, we are maintaining our current staffing and hours of operations at this time.

Beginning Monday, the company is committed to depositing an additional 5 days of PTO for the following commission-based positions (excluding active guarantees): SEMs, ASMs, Estimators, Flagging Members.

This allows members to use PTO to supplement normal income levels during this time if they wish to do so, they may also use it at a later date.

We are dedicated to protecting our current members and have implemented a hiring freeze, meaning no external candidates will be hired until further notice. 

Member Insurance Update:

Some of our members enrolled in Asbury benefits over the past several weeks and we have received questions regarding benefit coverage.  In some cases, you may have received new insurance cards or other notices in the mail.  Asbury benefits will not be effective until we close the transaction.  In the meantime, all members who have enrolled with the Park Place benefits will continue to have access to those benefits until further notice.  If you have specific questions regarding your benefits, please contact your HR Business Partner or HRHelp@parkplace.com.

We, the leadership team, have been extremely grateful for the level of engagement and commitment that we have seen from our members as they have been supporting our clients, going above and beyond and exemplifying our core values. Members have gone out of their way to put clients at ease, provide assistance whenever needed and think outside of the box to continue to our day to day operations. This includes a significant amount of outreach from our Business Development Center and Technology Partners.

Here is an example of such service: Pick-up and delivery

We will follow-up on Monday with any business changes as this situation continues to unfold. Please send any additional questions to HRHelp@parkplace.com.

03.19.2020 Members at Work Update

We are actively monitoring events relating to COVID-19. Governor Abbott’s declaration this afternoon has provided clarity for specific businesses and actions that need to be taken for the control of the virus. 

Members at work response:

The leadership at Park Place is monitoring the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how best to manage through this pandemic multiple times throughout the day. We are doing everything we can to make the health and safety of our members the highest priority.  We are evaluating each scenario based on the CDC’s risk assessment tool and allowing that to guide us in the direction of that member’s next steps. Whether that means a member’s situation dictates for the member to stay at home or comparable setting or if there is no restriction on movement.  Please rest assured that in every case where the CDC has recommended a member stay at home Park Place has adhered to that recommendation.  As of March 19th, 2020 at 3 p.m., we are thankful to report that we are NOT aware of any confirmed cases specifically impacting a Park Place member.

There have been multiple questions regarding compensation when faced with COVID-19. These questions are personal in nature and will be addressed individually with Human Resources. Please email HRhelp@parkplace.com with your individual concerns.

We have also received questions regarding the sanitization process of Client Vehicles & Loan Cars. Park Place Dealerships recognizes that COVID-19 is affecting our clients’ and members’ day-to-day lives. To that end, we want to share processes that have been developed to keep our members safe. Park Place is taking extreme safety measures when it comes to sanitation. 

Members can expect the following precautions to be taken with every pick-up and delivery appointment for a client’s vehicle and loaner vehicle:

  • Member must wear latex gloves
  • Spray a liberal amount of dis-infecting cleaner into a micro-fiber rag
  • Wipe driver’s door handle thoroughly and then open driver’s door and wipe down interior door handle, switches, and armrest
  • Spray additional disinfecting cleaner into a micro-fiber rag and wipe down the steering wheel, center console climate control, console screens, switches, center console lid, and gear-shift selector
  • Exit vehicle and spray additional disinfecting cleaner into a micro-fiber rag
  • Wipe down driver’s side rear door exterior handle, interior handle, switches and armrest
  • FOR SUV ONLY, wipe down rear tailgate exterior release handle
  • Wipe down passenger’s side rear door exterior handle, interior handle, switches, and armrest
  • Wipe down passenger’s side front door exterior handle, interior handle, switches, and armrest
  • Mark driver’s front window with a checkmark to indicate sanitization process complete
  • Keys will be sanitized prior to handing them over to your possession

Please Note:  Prior to a service appointment being scheduled, the client will be asked: 1) Have you recently traveled outside of the United States or to a hot-zone state? 2) Have you recently been around anyone with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms? 3) Are you currently experiencing any flu-like symptoms?

We are so grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented situation together. We encourage you to continue to raise your questions to your Leadership team using HRHelp@parkplace.com. We will continue providing updates as frequently as possible to keep you informed on the daily changes that are being made.

03.19.2020: Reminder about “Path To Purchase” Digital Retailing Tool

Park Place’s Path to Purchase option allows clients to browse new and pre-owned inventory and shop online from the comfort of your own home. It’s as easy as – select a vehicle, personalize payment, value your trade, apply for credit and then finally, they can choose their delivery option.

If you receive any questions on purchase options, guide them to start their Path to Purchase online on ParkPlace.com 

And if you have any questions on how to utilize this tool to facilitate an excellent purchase experience, please contact your Manager or Director for further direction or tips.

03.18.2020:  “Letter from Leadership” 

Park Place Dealerships is closely monitoring the spread of the virus while working with our internal and external advisory teams on how to best navigate this situation. We are adhering to the advice of Federal/Local government authorities, health officials, and the Center for Disease Control daily in regards to their protocol for the automotive industry.

Key Priorities:

  1. All questions, comments and/or concerns can be sent to HRHelp@parkplace.com. This will provide an immediate and consistent response to all Members.
  2. Increased levels of sanitation throughout all high-traffic areas at the dealerships and corporate office for both client and Member facing areas.
  3. We have advised all dealership employees to suspend handshakes and physical contact with our guests.
  4. We will continue to encourage members to be conscious of how many people are in a communal area at one time (10 max) and to practice social distancing (6 feet between people at all times).

Our management team is meeting daily to monitor the events surrounding COVID-19 to ensure the safety and security of our members, clients, and dealership partners. Our members remain our highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this challenging situation.

03.18.2020 – Complimentary Car Wash is Temporarily Closed

The safety and well-being of our clients and members is our top priority.

In response to the growing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), complimentary car washes are temporarily unavailable at all participating Park Place Dealerships, effective immediately.

Our Park Place Dealerships are open and will continue supporting your service needs. Car washes will be provided to clients with a scheduled service appointment during this time.

03.16.2020: Official Statement on COVID-19 (Click to Read)

Includes preliminary precautions around client and loaner vehicles, beverage and food in-dealership, greetings, sanitation, and member health. Click here for the full letter.

Reference the below chart for  details on ways you can assist in stopping the spread of germs while at the workplace: