Mr. Ken Dowler of Liqui Moly USA has been appointed to CAWA’s 2022 Manufacturers' Advisory Council (MAC) by Chair of the Board, Michael Rukov. See the complete press release here.

Also, Mr. Rod Umphreys of Total Specialties USA received Chair Rukov’s appointment to the MAC for 2022. See the complete press release here.

Then join CAWA Members in the Napa Valley for education, networking and industry business at the beautiful Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California. We will have industry experts share their insight and critical thinking on contemporary topics that affect the automotive parts industry. We will also conduct Association business through our committees and Board of Director's meetings. We hope you can join us in the beautiful Napa Valley!

Here is a preview of our general session:

Electric vehicles will change the automotive maintenance and repair industry significantly, in the not too distant future. Technicians, service centers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and other companies need to prepare.

This session begins with an overview on the future of electrification by Brian Cruickshank of Schwartz Advisors, followed by an interactive panel/audience discussion of what needs to be done to embrace this revolution of service and maintenance. Panelists include Jeff Jennings and John Martz of Volvo Cars North America, Mark Ferner of Bridgestone Retail Operations, Fran Labun of DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc. and Luis Cergueira of Total Energies. The discussion will be moderated by Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce.

See registration information here.

These companies' continued support is truly appreciated. Thank you.

As with all businesses in today’s environment, CAWA adjustments in 2021 contributed to a very productive and successful year.

Click here to see the major highlights of the year in the report to membership.

The following is a list (see here) of important government changes that will affect your business and personal tax returns starting January 1, 2022. Source: Our Friends at Wyman & Little, Inc.

On Dec. 13, 2021, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) published a modified proposal to the short-form warning regulations of California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65 or Prop. 65).

Last year, OEHHA had initially proposed amendments to its short-form warning regulations on Jan. 8, 2021, which initiated a public comment period that ran through March 29, 2021. The Dec. 13, 2021 proposed regulatory text (Proposed Amendments) respond to public comments received during the public comment period. A new public comment period for the Proposed Amendments will run from Dec. 17, 2021 to Jan. 14, 2022. The Proposed Amendments are consistent with the goals of OEHHA’s Jan. 8, 2021 proposal to require more specific information in short-form warnings and to limit the use of the safe harbor short-form warning to small products.

Indeed, the proposed regulatory text released on Dec. 13, 2021 is identical to the Jan. 8, 2021 rulemaking, with the exception of the following changes (click here). Source: Auto Care Association

Every year starts with a flurry of new laws and regulations that California employers have to contend with. And 2022 is no different as the California legislature had a busy year and the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in more activity. The end result is another round of new laws that employers need to stay on top of so they don’t run afoul of them. With no further ado, here are the top regulations and laws affecting California businesses. Source: Armstrong & Associates

The Association created a Political Action Committee (PAC) which allows CAWA to 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 and member companies. Every member company and individuals within those companies has the opportunity to contribute to the PAC in support of industry and business issues.

For more information on the PAC and where the funds are spent, contact admin@cawa.org or 800.332.2292. Recall, too, that CAWA will be holding a PAC wine tasting fundraiser at the February Leadership Meeting in Napa on February 9, 2022. Contact programs@cawa.org for further information.

Beginning on January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

58.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from the rate for 2021,

18 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, up 2 cents from the rate for 2021, and

14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021.

For federal income tax purposes, CAWA dues may be deductible as a business expense but not as a charitable contribution. CAWA estimates that 41% of your dues for 2022 are not deductible as a business expense because they are attributable to lobbying as in accordance with the 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.

The automotive industry has rallied in 2021, growing year over year despite the COVID-challenged economy. Now automotive businesses can enhance their health plan benefits for their valued employees with the CAWA Arizona Health Trust (CAWA) Association Health Plan through Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona (BCBSAZ). For more details, click here. You could be saving your company many insurance premium dollars! Another member benefit.