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 [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] and one will be provided to you. Another member benefit.

  

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 [email protected] or 916.871.0603.
 

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 [email protected] or 602.277.0911. Another member benefit.

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).

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 [email protected].  Another member benefit.
 

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

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 [email protected]. Another member benefit.