Tuesday, September 26, 2017

September 26, 2017



Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections
Automotive Distribution Network


If You Manufacture Batteries or Sell them to Consumers - Pay Attention to These Requirements

Retailers, manufacturers, and importers who sell lead-acid batteries in California are required to file their lead-acid battery fee return(s) electronically with the Board of Equalization (BOE). The lead-acid battery fee returns are separate from other returns or reports you may need to file with the BOE. You must file a return even if no amount is owed. For more information click on this link, https://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/lead-acid_battery_fees.html. Keeping you compliant with new laws and regulations, as a CAWA member benefit. Call or email Gary Conover, our legislative advocate with your questions. He can be reached at gary@garyconover.com or 916.233.9655.   Another member benefit.


CAWA Annual Membership Dinner October 29, 2017 at Caesars Palace - Pompeian Ballroom

Enjoy a fun filled evening with auto care industry colleagues as we install new officers, celebrate our successes, listen to our keynote speaker Ted Wise former Co-President and COO of O'Reilly Auto Parts and support CAWA Memorial Scholarship Fund with a live auction. Thanks to the generosity and exclusive sponsorship of Motorcar Parts of America, all proceeds from the event go to the Association's scholarship fund. A must do to start off Industry Week!  

Keynote Speaker: Ted Wise- Former Co-President and COO of O'Reilly Auto Parts  

Ted WiseA native of Springfield Missouri, Ted attended Missouri State University. Following, he went to work at O'Reilly Automotive in a store as a delivery driver which developed into 45 year career. As a Store Manager, he opened the company's first retail / wholesale store and was later promoted to be the company's first District Manager responsible for developing O'Reilly's dual market business strategy. In 1984, he became the company's first Vice President in charge of Store Operations, promoted to executive Vice President of Operations and Sales, and in 1999 was promoted to Co-President over all functions of Store Operation, Sales, Advertising/Marketing, and Real Estate/ Expansion. In 2005, he assumed the role of Co-President and COO at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Activity within the industry includes; Dean of Store Operations at AWDA University, AWDA University Founders Award 1996, AWDA Board and Chairman in 2000, Northwood University Education Award 2001, AWDA Memorial Scholarship Award 2001, Coalition for Auto Equality (CARE) Director 2001-2015 / Chairman 2005-2015.On personal note, Ted has been married for 47 years, has 3 sons, and 7 grandchildren. Now retired, he spends time at home with family, enjoyed playing more golf, fishing and travel.

To register click here


AACF Helps Aftermarket Victims of Historic Hurricanes

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is taking immediate action to expand urgent storm response efforts for aftermarket families in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Harvey. "We are deeply grateful for other organizations that have generously donated, arranged fund drives and matching gifts campaigns like CAWAAuto Care Association,Mighty Auto PartsXL PartsCustom Automotive NetworkEngine Performance WarehouseThe ShopStandard Motor ProductsRace Winning Brands and others (including SEMAMEMANational Pronto and Automotive Parts Services Group)," said Joel Ayres, Executive Director. According to AACF President, Bob Hirsch, "We understand that many are still without power and basic supplies, so we've also launched a simple application on our website to make it easier for families to apply and receive help using a mobile device." AACF has recently allocated $250,000 from its reserve funds to address the needs of families in storm-affected areas in addition to donations received, as historic hurricane events and flooding continue in many areas of the country. As noted - CAWA, like other auto care industry associations, has contributed funds to the AACF to help support their efforts. For more information, click here.


New Regulation for Small Containers of Automotive Refrigerant - Use and Sale

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted a regulation to reduce refrigerant emissions from the do-it-yourself servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners (MVAC) such as those in cars and pickup trucks. This regulation became law in the state of California on January 1, 2010 and was further amended on April 13, 2017. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the amended regulation: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hfc-mac/hfcdiy/references/fact-sheets/Amendment-Advisory-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf. For more information or questions, see our California based legislative advocate, Gary Conover, at 916.233.9655 or gary@garyconover.comAnother member benefit.


Prizes or Cash Donations to Support CAWA's 2018 Scholarship Program are Now Being Accepted

Should you or your company be interested in donating cash, raffle or auction prizes, please see the contribution form and solicitation letter from this year's Fundraising Committee Chair, David Wendt of Delphi Products & Service Solutions (here). The event that raises funds for the scholarship program will be held the Sunday night before AAPEX/SEMA in Las Vegas. For more information on how you can support scholarships given by the Association, contact our President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at admin@cawa.org or 800.332.2292, ext. 1201. To register for the annual dinner meeting where funds are raised for the scholarship fund, click (here). Another member benefit.


CAWA Holds an In-District Meeting to Promote the Delay of the HIT Tax

Our representatives, including Jack Gosnell, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Gary Conover, Legislative Advocate and Jennifer Zins, Director of Government Affairs, met with officials from California Congressman Jeff Denham's office. Our message - delay the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) on health insurance and business. Healthcare costs have risen for 95 percent of us over the past five years, and it's hard to keep up. Now there's a real possibility that Congress won't act in time to spare us from a return of the Health Insurance Tax in 2018. The HIT tax adds about $500 to the cost of providing health insurance for each employee. CAWA will continue to fight for the delay of the HIT tax. For additional information, contact our Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at Jennifer@perrycom.com or 916.871.0603. Another member benefit.
CAWA Legislative Team 


CAWA Scholarships Available - Application Process is Now Open Through March 31, 2018

Scholarships
Interested in receiving a scholarship from the Association for your employees, children, family members and others who would be welcomed into the auto care industry? Applying is easy! The online application process allows students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application each year online at www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for several scholarships. Funds for scholarships come from generous CAWA members and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. For more information, seewww.cawa.org or contact CAWA Member Services at programs@cawa.orgAnother member benefit. 


Used Vehicles Boost Dealer Bays - FYI

"New Vehicle Dealers sold more than 15 million used cars and light trucks last year, only 12% below their 2016 new vehicle unit volume. Dealers have increased their annual used vehicle sales for seven straight years." "Dealers earn substantially more profit when selling a used vehicle than they do in a typical new car and light truck transaction. The used vehicle market has become an important factor in Dealer strategies to build service bay volume." Source: Jim Lang


Workers Comp Insurance - Exclusive Discounts for CAWA Members

Workers CompSave up to 20% on your workers comp insurance this go around.

Click here 
to see how. Another member benefit.

"CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

September 12, 2017



Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections
Automotive Distribution Network
  

CAWA and the Bureau of Automotive Repair Join Forces to Educate Consumers on Their Warranty Rights
CAWA is pleased to announce a partnership with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair regarding a consumer education focus on the motoring public's warranty rights. Recall, the federal Magnusson Moss Warranty Act says a consumer will not void their manufacturers' warranty if they maintain and repair their vehicle at a facility other than the new car dealers (see the enclosure for details). 

warrantyCAWA, along with its national partners, the Auto Care Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), introduced a bill (see enclosed) to require the new car dealers, at the point of sale, to make the consumer aware of this Act while they were purchasing a new vehicle. Lack of empirical data that could show consumers were unaware of the provisions of the Act and the opposition of the new car dealers and car manufacturers precluded the bill moving forward. 

So, your legislative team turned its focus to the state regulators to assure the consumers were aware of the Act! We met last week with the Chief of the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Pat Dorais and his executive staff to brief them on the Act. They were extremely appreciative and eager to work with CAWA and other industry partners on collaborative efforts. In a follow up email, this is what Mr. Dorais said regarding our meeting: "It was our pleasure meeting with you (Jennifer), Gary, and Rodney yesterday. Thank you so much to CAWA for pushing this important consumer protection issue. It also is an important one for the automotive repair industry. We look forward to partnering with you on the outreach ideas we discussed, as well as any other initiatives that might come up in the process". 

For further information on this partnership, contact our Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at Jennifer@perrycom.com or 916.871.0603. Another member benefit.

Can You Require Employees to Remain on Your Premises During Rest Breaks?
The answer to this question was much simpler before the California Supreme Court's December 22, 2016 decision in Augustus v. ABM Security Systems, Inc., 2 Cal.5th 257 (2016). Before the court's ruling in Augustus, it was not uncommon for employers to have policies that required employees to remain on-site during their paid rest breaks. For further details see here. Recall, as a CAWA member you can receive up to ½ hour per month of FREE legal consultation on issues such as this one. To find the attorney in your state, visit www.cawa.orgAnother member benefit.  Source: California Chamber of Commerce
rest breaks

CAWA Well Represented on CARB's Enhanced Education Program for Small Containers of Automotive Refrigerants
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Regulation for Small Containers of Automotive Refrigerant requires manufacturers of small containers of automotive refrigerant to implement a deposit and return program to process any remaining HFC-134a in the can as well as for recycling of the metal in the can. Additionally, retailers are to collect a refundable $10 deposit, at the time of sale, from consumers for each small container of automotive refrigerant purchased. Consumers can reclaim their deposit by returning the used container with its receipt to the retailer within 90 days of purchase.  If a consumer fails to collect the $10 deposit, the retailer must transfer the unclaimed deposit to a manufacturer-managed account. The funds from this account are to be used primarily to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through enhanced consumer education, and secondarily to support other programs, projects, or measures reducing GHG emissions. 

Further information about the regulation can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hfc-mac/hfcdiy/hfcdiy.htm. See CAWA representatives (from AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Advance, Genuine Parts Company and Next Level Auto Parts) on the working group assembled by CARB to assist them "in thinking" regarding the Program ( here).

Amazon Causes Angst in the Aftermarket Parts Industry
Amazon, eBay or Alibaba have not missed noticing the multi-billion dollar parts opportunities. With vehicle parts sales through electronic channels reaching $7.5 billion last year, why have legacy channel players (fancy description of traditional distributors) continuously under-rated the Amazon effect for 20 years? Why didn't the industry better assess the Amazon threat? Here are some thoughts about that (here). Source: SearchAutoParts.com
Amazon

Prizes or Cash Donations to Support CAWA's 2018 Scholarship Program are Now Being Accepted
Scholarships
Should you or your company be interested in donating cash, raffle or auction prizes, please see the contribution form and solicitation letter from this year's Fundraising Committee Chair, David Wendt of Delphi Products & Service Solutions ( here). The event that raises funds for the scholarship program will be held the Sunday night before AAPEX/SEMA in Las Vegas.

For more information on how you can support scholarships given by the Association, contact our President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at admin@cawa.org or 800.332.2292, ext. 1201. To register for the annual dinner meeting where funds are raised for the scholarship fund, click (here). Another member benefit. 

CAWA Speaks Out: We Need Another Suspension of the Health Insurance Tax
California's small and mid-sized businesses are asking for help. Healthcare costs have risen for 95 percent of us over the past five years, and it's hard to keep up. Now there's a real possibility that Congress won't act in time to spare us from a return of the Health Insurance Tax in 2018. The "HIT" tax adds about $500 to the cost of providing health insurance for each employee. Congress suspended the tax for 2017 to give affected businesses a breather, but unfortunately, the tax will return Jan. 1. See here for details of the letter CAWA encouraged its member to send. Source: Turlock Journal

Building Your Sales Machine - A Model
The "how-to" behind building a highly-effective, competition-dominating, sales juggernaut is actually fairly simple. What isn't simple is executing the steps and sticking to the plan. The dedication and resolve necessary to start and complete the process is where the majority of people fail. That said, if you're ready to skyrocket sales in your organization, here are the steps to get it done ( here). Source: John Chapin

Salesmanship

Aftermarket Vehicles: A Key Concept
"Vehicles in all age groups do not contribute equally to aftermarket product and service volume. Although cars and light trucks 4 years of age and older represent only approximately 80% of the total light vehicle VIO (vehicles in operation), they generate a much larger share of light vehicle aftermarket products and services (not including Accessories and Tires)." 

"To understand the aftermarket and how it is changing, it is necessary to focus on what Lang Marketing defines as Aftermarket Vehicles: cars and light trucks 4 years of age and older." For more details, click hereSource: Jim Lang 

CAWA Insurance Partner - To Assist You with Employee Benefits Needs with FREE VIP Services!
Based in Sacramento, CA, CoreMark is a full service agency dedicated to keeping clients educated on potential risks and offering proactive solutions. They are your support team that you can trust to deliver excellence and value, every day of the year no matter your size business.

This custom summary applies to their Employee Benefits & HCM services (potential dollar savings to you are in parenthesis). Contact Mat Nabity at mnabity@coremarkins.com or 866.340.2247 for details.

Our Complimentary VIP Services
  * HRIS onboarding and enrollment platform (Retail: $40-$60/year per employee)
  * COBRA Administration (Retail: $20/year per employee)
  * ERISA Plan Document and Summary Plan Description (Retail: $800-$1,500/year)
  * Section 125 Plan (Retail: $150-$250/year, plus per employee fees for FSA plans)
  * IRS Form 1095 Reporting (Retail: $70-$100/year per employee)
  * Online HR Support Dashboard, Hotline and Document Generator (Retail: $1,700/year)

AAPEX 2017 to Host Technology and Telematics Forum
For the first time, AAPEX will host the Technology and Telematics Forum V5.0 to spotlight cybersecurity, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle data and OE technology. The forum is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, November 2nd, at The Venetian in Las Vegas. The forum is included in the AAPEX online attendee registration fee of $40. For more details, click here.
AAPEX

Workers Comp Insurance - Exclusive Discounts for CAWA Members
Workers CompSave up to 20% on your workers comp insurance this go around.

Click here 
to see how. Another member benefit.
"CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved 

Friday, September 1, 2017

August 29, 2017



Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections
Automotive Distribution Network
  


CAWA Annual Membership Dinner October 29, 2017 at Caesars Palace- Pompeian Ballroom

Ted Wise
Enjoy a fun filled evening with auto care industry colleagues as we install new officers, celebrate our successes, listen to our keynote speaker Ted Wise former Co-President and COO of O'Reilly Auto Parts and support CAWA Memorial Scholarship Fund with a live auction. All proceeds from the event go towards the Association's scholarship fund thanks to the exclusive sponsorship of Motorcar Parts of America. A must do to start off Industry Week!

Keynote Speaker: Ted Wise- Former Co-President and COO of O'Reilly Auto Parts.

A native of Springfield Missouri, Ted attended Missouri State University. Following, he went to work at O'Reilly Automotive in a store as a delivery driver which developed into 45 year career. As a Store Manager, he opened the company's first retail / wholesale store and was later promoted to be the company's first District Manager responsible for developing O'Reilly's dual market business strategy. In 1984, he became the company's first Vice President in charge of Store Operations, promoted to executive Vice President of Operations and Sales, and in 1999 was promoted to Co-President over all functions of Store Operation, Sales, Advertising/Marketing, and Real Estate/ Expansion. In 2005, he assumed the role of Co-President and COO at O'Reilly Auto Parts. Activity within the industry includes; Dean of Store Operations at AWDA University, AWDA University Founders Award 1996, AWDA Board and Chairman in 2000, Northwood University Education Award 2001, AWDA Memorial Scholarship Award 2001, Coalition for Auto Equality (CARE) Director 2001-2015 / Chairman 2005-2015.On personal note, Ted has been married for 47 years, has 3 sons, and 7 grandchildren. Now retired, he spends time at home with family, enjoyed playing more golf, fishing and travel.

To register click here.


Initial Sales Effort Through a Long-Term Relationship - Some Thoughts

Mr. Chapin, sales consultant, has oftentimes been asked about client retention. It is something he has been very successful at over the years. Here is how he did it from the initial sale all the way through the entire long-term relationship ( click here).  Source: John Chapin


CAWA is Watching this Potential Property Tax Proposal - The "Split Role"

It was once viewed as politically untouchable, but now there are efforts to change Prop. 13, the landmark tax legislation passed by California voters in 1978. A grassroots group of labor and other so-called progressive groups has collected more than 85,800 signatures, both online and door-to-door, with the aim of moving legislators to close Prop. 13's commercial and industrial property "loophole." 

The Make It Fair Coalition has been pushing for the so-called "split roll" Prop. 13 reform, as they cite proposed budget cuts that may threaten vital services, including health care, parks and environmental oversight. Supporters argue that by assessing commercial and industrial properties at their current market value - and keeping Prop.13's lower residential property taxes intact - state and local governments could raise upwards of $9 billion. 

This coalition urges lawmakers to "assess commercial and industrial property at fair market value and close commercial property tax loopholes,'' while protecting homeowners and renters from changes, and providing "tax relief for small businesses." 

Among the endorsers of Prop. 13 reform are: League of Women Voters, California Teachers' Association, SEIU, California Labor Federation, California Nurses Association and California Calls. To date, the governor has expressed no real interest in getting into this fight, but polls show public opinion has changed over the last decade on "split roll." Has it changed enough? 

Stay tuned. For details, see our California-based legislative advocate, Gary Conover at gary@garyconover.com or 916.233.9655. 


CAWA is Working with the Stop the HIT Coalition, Advocating Against the Health Insurance Tax, or HIT Tax

The HIT was a sales tax passed as part of the ACA/Obamacare. It directly raises the cost of health insurance premiums for small business owners, employees who receive their coverage through work, the self-employed/individual operators, Medicare Advantage seniors, and Medicaid managed care enrollees. The best way to think of this tax is as a sales tax on the private health insurance plans purchased by most Americans who either don't get their coverage through a public program or through a self-insured entity such as a labor union or large, major corporation. See the enclosure (here) for further details and know your Association is battling for you. Another member benefit.


Want to Know More About the NAFTA Negotiations?

Click on the graphic below and listen to the experts as presented by the Auto Care Association at their recent webinar.

NAFTA


Prop 65 is a California Law that Gives Consumers and Their Attorneys the Ability to Sue Businesses

Prop 65Those that do not include warning labels on products containing chemicals associated with cancer and birth defects. The law has spawned a predatory trial-lawyer industry focused on using the law to net large settlements. The only companies safe from the reach of Prop 65 are those not producing or selling merchandise in California. Otherwise, if you are a multi-state retailer, distributor or manufacturer whose products end up in California, Prop 65 can be costly if you are not prepared. The following article (here) reviews the law and provides some compliance recommendations. Source: SEMA News



CAWA Scholarships Available - Application Process is Now Open Through March 31, 2018

Interested in receiving a scholarship from the Association for your employees, children, family members and others who would be welcomed into the auto care industry? Applying is easy! The online application process allows students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application each year online at www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for several scholarships. For more information, see www.cawa.org or contact CAWA Member Services at programs@cawa.orgAnother member benefit.

Scholarship award
Member Kenny Ho of Intex Auto Parts presents a scholarship award
Members Jim Hubka (l) & Jack Hubka (r) of Completes Plus present a scholarship award




Workers Comp Insurance - Exclusive Discounts for CAWA Members

Save up to 20% on your workers comp insurance this go around. Click here
to see how. Another member benefit. 


New Lower Pricing on CAWA's Industry Job Board

The CAWA Careers Industry Job Board now features new lower pricing, starting as low as $75 per listing, for jobs posted throughout a broad industry network. By visiting here, hiring managers will find new job posting rates, starting at $75 for technician positions and $105 for a single 30-day post. Multiple posting packages are available and internship postings continue to be available at no charge. Each posting made on the CAWA Industry Job Board is automatically posted on multiple industry job board sites, enabling employers to see all candidates in one network. The CAWA Industry Job Board network includes the following organizations: 
  • Auto Care Association 
  • Automotive Service Association (ASA) 
  • CAWA- Representing the Automotive Parts Industry 
  • Custom Automotive Network (CAN, formerly PWA) 
  • National Independent Automotive Dealer Association (NIADA)
  • Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 
  • Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
For more information, contact programs@cawa.org or call 800.332.2292. Another member benefit.
CAWA Job Board  

"CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved