Rhyne Competition Engines in Gary, IN built this 1969 AMC AMX engine (covered in Engine Builder Magazine) with the help of the AERA Engine Professional Rewards program. Photo Credit: Engine Builder Magazine
AERA Engine Professional Rewards adds to the bottom line for manufacturers & suppliers while increasing shop profit margins. How does it work? Kingsport, TN: Attention all engine builders, machine shops, installers, rebuilders, and performance shops… Did you know the Engine Professional Rewards (EPR) program presented by AERA Engine Builders Association was specifically crafted to improve your bottom line? And it’s free to join! For nearly 24 years, Contingency Connection(CC) Racer Rewards has been a tried and proven weekly, grassroots race-marketing program, keeping it simple by putting sponsors where they need to be “at the track with their customers.” And just like the Racer Rewards program, “Engine Professional Rewards cuts through the clutter of other marketing programs by directly connecting manufacturers with shops” said Jackie Ressa, President of Contingency Connection. Originally a small, in-house engine builder program with just 200 shops associated with Contingency Connection’s network of tracks and series; the Engine Professional Rewards program has expanded tenfold with the AERA Engine Builders Association joining as title sponsor and adding their network of 3,000 professional shops to the mix. AERA is worldwide with members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. And it’s all so simple--it’s genius. Engine Professional Rewards offers FREE monetary product discounts and valuable tech information to participating shops; while at the same time increasing sales and exposure for suppliers and manufacturers by connecting them to high-volume, end-user shops. Every registered shop and AERA member in the USA and Canada receives a direct mail EPR BOOK featuring over $2,500 of manufacturer discount coupons and rewards at no cost to the shop! Plus, three lucky shops will receive GRAND PRIZE packages. Rhyne Competition Engines in Gary, Indiana is just one of many shops cashing in on the benefits of Engine Professional Rewards. “We truly love the program and usually end up with only a few pages left in our seasonal coupon book,” said Mike McKinney, general manager of Rhyne Competition Engines. Last year, a unique challenge hit their shop floor when a customer came in with his 1969 AMX. The car came with its original AMC 390 V8 block, but not much more. With a little help from the EPR program, the custom 525-horsepower 442ci stroker build came together flawlessly—another testimony to the shop’s great work and sterling reputation. Rhyne Competition redeemed a coupon for a set of JE piston rings with the purchase of a set of pistons, boosting their margin. Best yet, the build gained some high-powered notoriety. “JE and Engine Builder magazine actually did articles on this unusual build,” said McKinney.
You can read the Engine Builder article here. Engine Professional Rewards program is one of the most important resources used by many engine builders and machine shops across the country. “As an engine builder, receiving the book is like someone sending you a pocket full of cash with the large amount of savings you get from it. We love the Melling, AFR, Edelbrock, Russell, coupons in particular; but this book has also opened our eyes to products we wouldn’t have previously thought to try.” Manufacturers are weighing in on the program as well, “Edelbrock is extremely grateful to be a part of the Contingency Connection year after year,” says Troy Hooker of Edelbrock. “Racer Rewards and AERA Engine Professional Rewards allows a company to reach customers you may not have known otherwise. They continue to add benefits to their program and increase the ROI for sponsors who join.” AERA is the preeminent technical resource and industry voice for engine builders, remanufacturers, machine shops, OEM’s, suppliers and service providers worldwide. Jim Rickoff, President of AERA stated, “AERA is proud to continue our long-term partnership with Contingency Connection as title sponsor of the AERA Engine Professional Rewards Program. This program not only offers our manufacturers and suppliers a direct connection to large volume shops; it also offers AERA member shops great added value and discounts with no added fees.” Shops interested in jump-starting savings through the EPR program can enroll directly on Contingency Connection’s website or by being a member of the AERA Engine Builders Association. Other benefits of joining the program include monthly e-blasts, tech tips, social media support, videos, sweepstakes promotions, manufacturer links and website links. For More information about Contingency Connection Racer Rewards & Engine Professional Rewards programs visit www.contingencyconnection.com. For More information about AERA visit www.aera.org
