A tremendous victory by CAWA that protects distributors and retailers financially in the commerce of batteries. The bill ( here) introduced on behalf of CAWA, eliminates the cap on the refundable deposit that a retailer can charge a consumer purchasing a new lead acid battery. The current $15 cap is replaced by allowing the market to establish the rate of the refundable deposit, thereby protecting retailers from the impacts of future increases in the manufacturer deposits on lead acid batteries. The law will become effective 90 days after the legislature adjourns. For more details contact our Arizona based legislative advocate, Stuart Goodman at [email protected] or 602.277.0911. Another member benefit!

CAWA, the Auto Care Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) testified before the California Senate Judiciary Committee, warning legislators about the impact of vehicle telematics on the auto care industry and consumers. The hearing was intended to provide additional information to legislators regarding issues related to the continued growth of telematics on late-model vehicles. The organizations told the committee that, "While the advent of telematics on late-model vehicles has the potential to provide significant benefits to consumers regarding how their vehicle is serviced, it also has the potential to unnecessarily distort the market, providing extensive control to the vehicle manufacturer on where and how car owners obtain repairs, ultimately disrupting the current competitive landscape for vehicle repair to the detriment of small business and consumers." The organizations called for vehicle manufacturers to provide more transparency and control to consumers when it comes to the data produced and transmitted by the vehicle. They further urged the car companies to work with third parties to develop a system that permits data from embedded telematics systems to be shared with responsible entities upon consent from the vehicle owner. To view the testimony that was given, click here. For more information, contact CAWA's legislative advocate in California, Gary Conover at [email protected] or 916.233.9655. Another member benefit!

If so, planning an event in your business during the month of April can be an effective way to encourage car maintenance and to promote your company to the motoring public. For guides and ideas click here.

Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske alerts Nevada businesses of the new scam impacting employers and payroll companies. The IRS has announced that ID thieves are now sending an email to the human resources person within a company and pretending to be the CEO or another executive. In the email, they ask the HR employee to send them the W-2s for the company's employees. However, the information is NOT going to the company CEO, it's going to an identity thief who then uses the names and social security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns. For more information on the warning signs of Identity Theft related to the IRS visit www.irs.gov or click here.

 

CAWA participated in the Levin's Auto Supply and National Performance Warehouse Companies customer shows this month. We appreciate the invitation from owners Larry Pacey and Doug Stanley to participate in the events. Participation allows CAWA the opportunity to see many members and friends during the shows. Should your company have a similar event, CAWA would like to participate. Simply email or call our President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at [email protected] or 800.332.2292, ext. 1.

 

A thirty page legislative bill ( see enclosed here) has been introduced by Assembly Member Garcia (D-58) which would destroy the current system of recycling lead acid batteries in the State. CAWA, Auto Care Association and CARE oppose the bill for the following reasons: 

(1) the current system of recycling of batteries is 98%-99% effective so why mess with it? What are you (legislators) trying to fix? We are opposed to changing the current system of battery recycling; 

(2) we oppose the tax in the bill; 

(3) we oppose the notion of taking back a battery to anyone that sells a battery to get a deposit fee refund. 

CAWA and representatives from auto care retailing and distribution met with Assembly Member Garcia's office to express our opposition to the bill. CAWA is also asking for a legislative counsel's opinion --- because the governor's office has concluded that cap and trade funds cannot be used for the purpose of cleaning up emissions drifts referred to in the bill. CAWA wants to confirm or take issue with that position through a legislative counsel's opinion. 

Lastly, CAWA is also working and coordinating with the Battery Council International (BCI) the organization that represents battery manufacturers. For more information, contact CAWA's California based legislative advocate, Gary Conover at 916.233.9655 or [email protected].
 

The Association created a Political Action Committee (PAC) in California and Nevada. 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, ext. 1 or [email protected].

CAWA will be participating in the "Cars, Careers & Celebrities Expo" in Phoenix Arizona on Saturday April 23rd. The Association will be promoting its scholarship program and industry specific job board at the event. The day is being sponsored by I-CAR Phoenix Committee, ASA of Arizona and the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The sponsors expect 300 area high school and college collision and mechanical students at the Expo. For more information on the event, contact [email protected] (623.640.2550).

Automotive Aftermarket Specialists in Accounting and Business Services " Wyman & Little, Inc. provides me with monthly financial statements and financial guidelines that help me in day to day business decisions as well as setting future goals. It's like having a financial consultant on staff" ... Scott Nassif, a Napa Auto Parts / Past Chair CAWA Board of Directors. 

For more information regarding how they can assist you in yearend taxation, financial planning and to improve margins and ultimately profits, see the enclosure ( view).