October 4, 2016

Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections

Malcolm Sissmore of Delphi to Keynote CAWA's Annual Gala During Industry Week

Malcolm Sissmore of Delphi Products & Service Solutions will keynote CAWA's 2016 Gala Dinner to "kick -off" Industry Week in Las Vegas. The gala will be held at Caesar's Palace on Sunday evening October 30, 2016. All proceeds from the event, which is exclusively sponsored by Motorcar Parts of America, will benefit the CAWA Memorial Scholarship Fund (which promotes quality and high standards through education within the auto care industry). To register for the event click here.

Telematics - The Sought After Data from the Vehicle - Do You Know the Latest Statistics?

Access to embedded vehicle telematics is a significant issue for the independent auto care industry. Telematics could be either a very real threat to the industry or a tremendous competitive business opportunity. Recently, the Auto Care Association conducted research regarding telematics in preparation for educating consumers, industry members and policy-makers. See the enclosure ( here) to understand the findings of this most important research. Telematics Increased E-tailing in Auto Parts Channel Presents Distribution Challenges Electronic retailing, or e-tailing, is the fastest growing trend in the automotive aftermarket, according to the Auto Care Association. The shift to e-tailing in the automotive aftermarket will grow at about 17 percent a year during the next 20 years, from a $6 billion market in 2014. Given those numbers, auto parts e-tailing should reach $13 billion in 2019 and $24 billion in 2024. See more information regarding e-tailing in Richard McKeon's blog ( here). CAWA Has a New Insurance Partner in Arizona and Nevada CAWA is proud to announce a new insurance partner in Arizona and Nevada. Reliable Risk Management will actively partner with CAWA by providing exclusive insurance solutions to our members. As your independent broker their team works for you, not the insurance company. Through their current involvement in the auto care industry on a local and national level, they stay current with changes relevant to CAWA Members. For more information on Reliable Risk Management see the enclosure ( here). Another member benefit.  Employers Should Have Reasonable Suspicion for Drug Testing Workers "Can I drug test my employee who is acting strangely and not answering questions correctly? His behavior is very suspicious."  Every California employer can require pre-employment drug testing as one of the last steps in the hiring process. Once someone is an employee, however, he/she has a higher expectation of privacy. See the enclosed article ( here) from our colleagues at the California Chamber of Commerce.  Recall, too, as a CAWA member you can receive up to ½ hour a month of FREE legal consultation on matters such as this. See www.cawa.org for the attorney in your state.  Another member benefit.   Governor Signs Battery Bill - CAWA Will Keep You Informed of Your Responsibilities as a Battery Manufacturer - Retailer - Distributor AB 2153 ( here) represents a collaborative effort to codify an extremely effective recycling program for lead acid batteries and also enact a method to fund the clean-up of the communities around a former lead acid battery recycling facility in the Los Angeles area, which is in Assemblymember Garcia's district. CAWA, along with the Auto Care Association, Battery Council International and Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) joined efforts to ensure the legislation addressed the lead contamination problem while not disrupting the current existing successful battery recycling system or imposing fees on the retail industry.   "The final bill signed by the Governor represents a working compromise which addresses the environmental issues of concern as well protect the current lead acid battery recycling system between retailers and consumers, which boast over a 98% success rate", according to Rodney Pierini, CAWA President & CEO.  To see Governor Brown's support language for AB 2153 click on this link:https://www.gov.ca.gov/docs/AB_2153_Signing_Message.pdf What is CAWA's PAC and Why Do We Have One? The Association created a Political Action Committee (PAC). A PAC allows CAWA to: sponsor legislative bills to promote and protect its members and the industry it serves, as well as, award political contributions to increase the visibility and understanding of the Association and its members' issues. In short, a PAC allows an individual business to make a greater impact in the public policy arena than if they acted alone. The PAC also educates members of the legislatures on issues and situations that matter most to the Association and its membership. Absent these efforts, elected officials might not realize the importance of our industry to their constituency or how issues they are deciding might impact both auto care businesses and their customers, the motoring public. Thus, the CAWA PAC helps strengthen our Association's voice by supporting key decision-makers who truly understand our industry and the work we do. The political climate is constantly changing and it is important that we have resources to help look out for the best interests of our industry. Every member has the opportunity to contribute to the PAC when they pay their dues invoice. It's not a lot of money but it does contribute to the overall effectiveness of the PAC and sustains it into the future. For more information on the PAC and where the funds go, contact Rodney Pierini, President & CEO at 800.332.2292 or admin@cawa.org. Dealer Bay Bounceback - A Reality? Vehicle Dealers were the fastest growing light vehicle repair outlet group in the U.S. from 2000 through 2007. Dealers added $4 billion in product volume through their service bays over that eight-year span and were on course to replace Service Stations and Garages as the largest light vehicle repair outlet group. However, all that changed abruptly as the Great Recession of 2008 stormed in, triggering a catastrophic service bay sales decline for Dealers that was unprecedented in the car and light truck repair market. Vehicle Dealer bay business bottomed in 2012, down more than $3 billion in product sales from just five years earlier. But all that is now behind them, and in the past four years Vehicle Dealers have reversed their fortunes in the car and light truck repair market. Read more here: http://www.ireporthub.com/cawa/post5.html.Source: The Lang Aftermarket iReport   Is Selling Changing? What Do You Think? While the internet, social media, and advances in technology have altered some of the peripheral aspects of selling, the foundational principles and keys that lead to sales success have remained the same. For example, 99.9% of the time failure in sales is due to a lack of activity. In other words, not making enough calls. Now that we have the internet, some sales reps spend hours looking up background information on prospects before they call them. This is a mistake. Look up the information a prospect would reasonable expect you to have, but don't spend hours being perfect. Just look up some quick information and make the call. For more on selling ideas, see the enclosed article ( here) by John Chapin. Can You Fire Someone Because They're Not a Good 'Fit' for Your Culture? Most employers understand that they may not terminate someone for being a member of a protected class (or otherwise having protection under the law). But in states where at-will employment is the law of the land (all states except Montana), any other reason is fair game. Theoretically, then, an employee who isn't getting along with his or her coworkers (and who has no contractual promise of employment) could be fired for a lack of chemistry. However, one recent case reminds employers that they must consider both the company's actual reason for termination and also what could appear to be the reason for firing an employee. Read more here. Source: Katie Loehrke What's New in Credit Card Processing that You Should Know? The last couple years have brought about a lot of changes within the merchant services industry, from new security measures to new methods of payment, and everything in between. Click here a brief run-down of the more notable changes and updates. Feel free to call our partner, Todd Lazar at 888.737.7762 for more information on processing credit cards. Another member benefit.   "CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"

September 13, 2016

Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections CAWA's Annual Dinner will "Kick-off" Industry Week 2016 CAWA's annual dinner will be held at Caesar's Palace hotel in Las Vegas, the Sunday night (10.30.16) before the AAPEX and SEMA shows. All proceeds from the event will go to the Association's scholarship fund.  Should you or your company want to donate prizes for the auction and raffle, see the detailshere.  Once again, Motorcar Parts of America is the event's exclusive sponsor. To register for the event, click here. For immediate information, email programs@cawa.org or call 800.332.2292. Ruby Lucero of the Bakersfield CARQUEST Distribution Center presents CAWA scholarship award Tom Bradley of Advance Auto Parts is Appointed to the CAWA Board of Directors Mr. Bradley has been in the customer service industry for 25 years including positions in the marine, consumer electronics and automotive aftermarket industries. He has been in the automotive aftermarket for a little over four years, all with Advance Auto Parts. Mr. Bradley started at Advance as a District Manager in Dover, Delaware in 2012 and was promoted to Regional Vice President for the Charlotte market in 2014. He is now the Regional Vice President for the Southwest Region covering New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. CAWA welcomes Mr. Bradley to its Board of Directors and looks forward to his participation and contributions. California Lead Acid Battery Recycling Act Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor The California Lead Acid Battery Recycling Act (AB 2153 - C. Garcia) passed both houses of the California legislature last week. The bill is now with Governor Brown, who has until September 30 to take action. AB 2153 represents a collaborative effort to codify an extremely effective recycling program for lead acid batteries and also enact a method to fund the clean-up of the communities around a former lead acid battery recycling facility in the Los Angeles area, which is in Assemblymember Garcia's district. CAWA, along with the Auto Care Association, Battery Council International and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) joined efforts to ensure the legislation addressed the lead contamination problem while not disrupting the current existing successful battery recycling system or imposing fees on the retail industry. For more information on the bill, see our California based legislative advocate, Gary Conover at gary@garyconover.com or 916.233.9655. Ivonne Forsthoefel of Vantage Marketing Global and Matt Verger of Spectra Premium have been Appointed to the CAWA Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC) Ms. Forsthoefel is Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Vantage Marketing Global Inc. with over 19 years of automotive aftermarket and automotive off-road & farm equipment OEM experience. She oversees strategic business development for international auto part manufacturers focusing on sales in the following markets: Canada, US, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Mr. Verger is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Spectra Premium, a North American leading manufacturer of heating and cooling, fuel systems and engine management products for the aftermarket and OEM. He continues his twenty year automotive aftermarket career spanning from NAPA part store driver to Spectra Premium Vice President of Sales and Marketing. CAWA welcomes these industry veterans to its leadership table and looks forward to their participation and contributions.   The Future of Auto Aftermarket Distribution May Ride on E-tailing Strategies - What Do You Think? The automotive aftermarket is at a crossroads because it remains to be seen how e-tailing will affect it. Some suppliers are unsure about their role in e-tailing because they don't want to compete with their customers. Will there be collaboration between suppliers and resellers on this important channel? See our friend Larry Silvey's take on this most important issue ( here).    In Sales and Business You Do Whatever You Have to Do to Win? What about when it comes to winning in sales and business? Is there a gray area? Is there a line somewhere that we don't cross? Or is selling in the same category as love and war where "all's fair"? See the enclosed article ( here) from John Chapin that gives thought to winning in business. Dress Codes Must Be Applied in Nondiscriminatory Manner Can I have a separate dress code for men and women? For years our company has had a separate dress code for men and women. Recently, someone questioned whether we should be making a distinction between men and women. Is this an acceptable practice? Treating men and women differently on the basis of gender may be viewed as sex discrimination and also may violate transgender identity and expression protections in California.  See the enclosed article ( here) from our friends at the California Chamber of Commerce for further details. Also, recall as a member, you can receive up to ½ hour a month in FREE legal consultation to assist you in complying with the tremendous number of laws and regulations affecting your business. See www.cawa.org for the CAWA attorney in your state. Another member benefit.   Are You Familiar with All the Programs & Services Offered Through CAWA as Member Benefits? In pursuing programs and services of value to you as a member of the Association, we wanted to make sure you were aware of those benefits. See www.cawa.org or contactprograms@cawa.org or 800.332.2292.  Rest Breaks May Not Be Combined Except in Limited Circumstances Scenario: My employees all work an 8-hour day. It's my understanding that when an employee works an 8-hour day, he or she is entitled to two 10-minute rest breaks and a 30-minute meal break. As a convenience to my staff that schedules employee breaks, I'm wondering if I can have my employees combine their two rest breaks into a single 20-minute rest break?  See the enclosed article ( here) from our friends at Cal Chamber for details and recall, as a member of CAWA, you can receive up to ½ hour per month of FREE legal consultation on questions like these. See www.cawa.org for the attorney in your state. Another member benefit.    Want to Save $$$$ on Your Workers Comp Insurance? CAWA members can receive significant dollar discounts on their workers compensation insurance and it costs you nothing to shop the Association's partner, Armstrong & Associates. See the enclosure ( here) to learn how and contact our insurance partner, Glen Dailey of Armstrong & Associates at 800.575.6891 or gdailey@armstrongprofessional.com. Another member benefit.     "CAWA - Representing the Automotive Parts Industry"

August 23, 2016

Thank You to Our Sponsor of This Edition of CAWA Connections CAWA Announces Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. will be the Exclusive Sponsor of their 2016 Gala Dinner Once Again Held in conjunction with the annual AWDA, AAPEX and SEMA trade shows in Las Vegas, the annual gala event is the highlight of the year for the Association, and is dedicated to raising funds for the Association's scholarship programs. The gala will be held at Caesar's Palace on Sunday evening October 30, 2016. Additional information about the event is available by contacting programs@cawa.org or 800.332.2292 ext. 6.  "Motorcar Parts of America is committed to the auto care industry and we are honored to once again sponsor this year's gala as MPA's focus is aligned with CAWA's direction in supporting students and our future leaders," said Selwyn Joffe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Motorcar Parts of America. "Education of the next generation of technicians and automotive professionals is important to the future of the automotive industry both in California and across the United States."  All proceeds from the event will benefit the CAWA Memorial Scholarship Fund which promotes quality and high standards through education within the auto care industry. David Finley of NAPA Auto and Truck Parts Sparks Nevada presents CAWA scholarship award. Chris Rice NAPA Distribution Center Phoenix presents CAWA scholarship award. Garrison Keller of Parts Authority Metro LLC, is Appointed to the Association's Board of Directors Mr. Keller graduated from California State University Long Beach majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in constitutional law. He worked for the California Senate for two years before accepting a management position in business. He has spent the past 20 years in planning positions with a leasing company, financial planning firm, a law firm, his own consulting firm, and with Metropolitan Automotive Warehouse. In Mr. Keller's current position with Parts Authority, he serves as the Strategic Operations Manager handling projects from insurances, to fleet needs, to setting up new locations for warehousing and distribution. He is a single dad with two amazing sons; Dylan 11, and Jacob 18. They enjoy surfing, snowboarding, golfing, camping, fishing, and trap shooting.  Should you be interested in a CAWA leadership position, please contact our President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at 800.332.2292, ext. 1 or admin@cawa.org. CAWA has Firms to Refer You to for Employee Classification Audits The Association wants to be of service to you. With the overtime rule changes soon to be upon you ( see the enclosed article here), CAWA has gathered a list of firms that do employee classification audits to assure you are in compliance with the new rules.  If interested in seeing the CAWA referral list, email admin@cawa.org and one will be provided to you. Another member benefit. Make Sure You Comply When Selling Automotive Refrigerant Products The primary regulatory burden falls on manufacturers; however, those who sell automotive refrigerant products to consumers who recharge motor vehicle air conditioning systems must also comply. Penalties may be assessed for any violation of this regulation pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 38580. Each day during any portion of which a violation occurs is a separate offense. This regulation, fact sheets, executive orders for the certified products, and report forms are available here. Also, for further details see this reference.  Should you have questions, contact our Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at Jennifer@perrycom.com or 916.871.0603.   Arizona Members Recall - Effective this Month Lead Acid Battery Deposits Change - Thanks to CAWA! Beginning on August 6 of this month, retailers in Arizona are no longer limited to the amount they can charge consumers for a refundable deposit on the purchase of a new lead acid battery. With the passage of HB 2132, sponsored by CAWA and enacted during the 2016 legislative session, the previous $15 cap has been eliminated and replaced with the authority that allows retailers to charge a deposit on a new lead acid battery that reflects a market-based approach.  As before, the deposit is fully refundable upon the return of a used lead acid battery within 45 days from the date of purchase of the new battery. Under the new law, market prices will determine the amount of the fully refundable deposit charged to consumers by retailers. The intent of the law is to protect retailers from being financially penalized in the transactions involving the sale of batteries. The legislation maintained the broader public policy focus of keeping used lead acid batteries out of the landfill.  For further information contact CAWA's Legislative Advocate in Phoenix, Stuart Goodman at sgoodman@goodmanschwartz.com or 602.277.0911. Another member benefit.  More Requirements on Employers - Be Prepared! Beginning January 1, 2017, employers with 10 or more employees are required to electronically submit employment tax returns, wage reports, and payroll tax deposits to the EDD. All remaining employers will be subject to this requirement beginning January 1, 2018. For more information, visit: E-file and E-pay Mandate for Employers (Assembly Bill 1245). How Your Staff Can Save 20-40% on Health Services and Childcare! One of the most underused employee benefits available is the "cafeteria" plan - which can benefit both the employer and the employee. These plans allow workers to withhold a portion of their pre-tax salary to cover certain medical or child-care expenses. Because these benefits are free from federal and state income taxes, their taxable income is reduced, which increases their take-home pay. For more detailed information, see the enclosed article ( here) and contact Mat Nabity, CAWA's insurance partner, for specifics to your situation. He can be reached at 866.340.2247 or mnabity@coremarkins.com.  Another member benefit.   What Leadership Needs to Know about Sales In the leadership role you probably already get that sales is the primary key to massive success and prosperity. As you know, the most successful companies sell better and more than everyone else. Starbucks doesn't have the best coffee, they've simply sold an enormous number of people on doing business with them. That said, to ensure colossal success for your company, here are the sales facts you want to ensure your company is living by. Source: John Chapin  Want to Save $$$$ on Your Workers Comp Insurance? CAWA members can receive significant dollar discounts on their workers compensation insurance and it costs you nothing to shop the Association's partner, Armstrong & Associates. See the enclosure ( here) to learn how and contact our insurance partner, Glen Dailey of Armstrong & Associates at 800.575.6891 or gdailey@armstrongprofessional.com. Another member benefit.