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Automotive Distribution Network
  
January 16, 2019 Week In Connections

Chair Jack Gosnell of Next Level Parts Welcomes Randy Wittig of the LKQ Corporation to the Association's Board of Directors
As a last appointment to complete his term, Chair Gosnell announced the appointment and commented, "LKQ has been a tremendous supporter of CAWA and we are pleased that their representative will join the Board of Directors". "Randy has been attending CAWA Leadership Days, participating in the meetings and we now look forward to his contributions in an Association's leadership position".

In 1981, Mr. Wittig purchased Redding Auto Center, an Auto Recycling Center, in Redding California with 7 Employees. He operated it very successfully with his wife and great staff that they trained over the years. On January 1, 1999 he sold his business to LKQ. Mr. Wittig eventually oversaw a LKQ Plant and its 250 employees until 2007. That year, he was promoted to District Manager and oversaw all facilities in Northern California and Nevada. In 2010, he was promoted to Regional Vice President and was responsible for all LKQ operations west of the Rockies. In 2015, he stepped down from that position and is currently working on special projects for LKQ. "I want to help the industry in any way I can, while sharing my extensive knowledge of anything pertaining to recycled parts, aftermarket parts and warehousing procedures and processes", commented Mr. Wittig upon his appointment.

Chair Gosnell of Next Level Parts, has Appointed Jason Caldwell of RPS Marketing to the Association's Manufacturers' Advisory Council
Similarly, before the end of his term, Chair Gosnell announced the appointment and commented, "RPS Marketing has been a longtime supporter of CAWA and we are pleased that their representative will join our Manufacturers Advisory Council". "We look forward to Jason's participation and contributions to the Association and the industry we serve, as we welcome him to CAWA's leadership".

Mr. Caldwell is beginning his 15th year with RPS Marketing where he has been working with key automotive distributors throughout California for the last 3 years to help grow their business with key suppliers and pull through sales out in the field. Prior to that he spent 12 years with RPS up in the Northwest covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana working with key automotive and hardware customers in that territory. He works not only at the WD level but also at the installer and jobber level meeting with them to talk about their business, what they are seeing from a customer standpoint, and what they see their needs are from their suppliers. In his free time, he is busy with his wife of 21 years, Lori, and their two boys. Along with that he enjoys working and restoring classic cars, spending time outdoors, and playing and watching sports.

YANG Will Meet at the Upcoming CAWA Leadership Meetings in Napa, California
The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) would like to formally invite CAWA members and other industry representatives to join them on Thursday night, January 31st in Napa California (Meritage Resort & Spa) and participate in their regional meet-up. Please join this group of young professionals in our industry from 5 pm-6pm for their meet-up and a career related presentation by Tom Seboldt, former Vice-President of Merchandise at O'Reilly Auto Parts. This is an amazing opportunity to hear Tom talk about his career path and to network with the future leaders of our industry. CAWA is sponsoring this regional meet-up. You can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/regional-meet-up-napa-valley-ca-tickets-53831229657 or directly with CAWA at https://conta.cc/2C8Zvy6. Registration is FREE for YANG members. For further information, contact programs@cawa.org.

Results of 2019 Election to the Board of Directors
BOD
All candidates were elected to the Board of Directors to begin serving January 1, 2019. The members are: Michael Antonelli of Vantage Marketing Global; Borise Cota of Akebono Corporation; Jack Hardy of Chris Kouri and Associates; Mac McLaughlin of Ramac Industries and Scott Nassif of NAPA Auto Parts - Apple Valley. 

Should you be interested in serving on the Board of Directors, contact the President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at admin@cawa.org or 800.332.2292, ext. 120.

New Tax Rules and Changes in 2019
Once again it's a new year! 2018 is already behind us. Each year will have its challenges and its opportunities for the economy and the business community. 2019 is no exception as tax laws and business models continue to change. 2018 brought in massive new tax legislation. 2019 also has new rules and changes that go into effect January 1, 2019. Enclosed ( here) is a list of some of the most important government changes that will affect your business and personal returns in the New Year. Source: Wyman & Little, Inc - Accounting & Consulting

Have Your Best Sales Year in 2019
Sales Warning: if you're looking for a short cut or easy way to your best year, you probably won't like this article. What I have to say is not what the majority of the population wants to hear. 

That said, it is what you need to hear if you what to have your best year in 2019. Two tips for having your best year ( see here). Source: John Chapin


2018 was Yet Another Productive Year for CAWA
From legislative advocacy to training to offering member benefits and value, CAWA had a very productive and successful year in 2018. Click on the image below (or here) to see the major highlights of the year.

Annual Report

New Harassment Prevention Training Requirements: What You Need to Know
A California employer's legal obligations to provide sexual harassment prevention training have expanded, thanks to the new sexual harassment training law (SB 1343). Under this new law, employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training; and it's not just supervisors that must be trained, but all employees. As of January 1, 2019, SB 1343 requires that employers with five or more employees located anywhere must provide: 
  • Two hours of sexual harassment prevention training to all supervisors; and 
  • One hour of sexual harassment prevention training to all non-supervisory employees.

See more details here. Source: California Chamber of Commerce


2018 Dues Non Deductibility Statement
For federal income tax purposes, CAWA dues may be deductible as a business expense but not as a charitable contribution. CAWA estimates that 42% of your dues for 2018 are not deductible as a business expense because they are attributable to lobbying as is in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 6033. Contributions to the Political Action Fund are not deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense for federal income tax purposes. For more information, consult with your accountant or tax attorney.

CAWA 2019 Scholarships - Apply Now Through March 31, 2019
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, see www.cawa.org or contact CAWA Member Services at programs@cawa.org. Another member benefit.
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