The Association’s annual dinner gala, once again sponsored exclusively by Motorcar Parts of America, will be held at the Venetian Hotel on Sunday night October 30, 2022. The event “kicks-off” Industry Week in Las Vegas. This is the primary event that raises money for CAWA’s scholarship programs and starts the week off with entertainment, an auction and recognition of the Association’s leadership. Click here for registration materials.

“Thank you so much for the tool certificate and scholarship. I purchased an extremely nice tool set that will be a huge help since most mechanics have to supply their own tools. I used the scholarship money to help with my tuition payment here at Wyotech. Again I really appreciate your support ”. 

The new rule says that by 2035 all new cars and light trucks sold in California will be zero emission vehicles. This is a big move, one that’s been called everything from bold to brash to audacious to insulting. After all, this past summer’s crazy-hot heat revealed vulnerabilities in California’s power grid, which, to put it nicely, is overwhelmed as-is. But whether you think the rule makes much sense doesn’t matter – what does matter is what it means for us today and tomorrow. So, let’s break this rule apart and discuss three takeaways for EVs, both in California and beyond. See further discussion here. Source: The Buzz - AMN

“In my long and “storied” career in the Automotive Aftermarket I have had the distinct pleasure and honor to be associated with many hundreds of Industry Professionals. One of the most rewarding affiliations I have had has been with the CAWA organization. In my 4 decades of affiliation, I have witnessed CAWA evolve from a traditional Distributor-Jobber Association in California to a Leader within the Automotive Aftermarket with membership and industry efforts that now include additional markets and organizations. Membership now includes companies and associations in Nevada, Arizona and other states around the Country in every level of manufacturing, distribution, legislation, academics, and other associated service areas of the industry.

From my “Lifetime” Auto Aftermarket experience, if you or your company has any portion of your livelihood reliant to the Auto Aftermarket, you need to review the CAWA website and membership roster. CAWA IS the affiliation you and your organization need to be a part if you want to be “in the know” of the current state of the industry! CAWA gives you the opportunity to do both while networking with, the movers and shakers of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry”.  

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. - John F. Kennedy.

~Gary Mercer, Continental Automotive Systems

Employers in Madera County, Modoc County, and Siskiyou County directly affected by the Fork Fire, Barnes Fire, and Mountain Fire may request up to a two month extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension may be granted under section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code. A written request for extension must be received within two months from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Visit the Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers page for more information.

If you have any questions, contact our Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.

This scholarship program supports educational opportunities for you, your family, employees and those interested in a career in the auto care industry. Applying is easy! The online application process allows students interested in auto care industry careers to submit one application each year online at automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for several scholarships. Preference will be given to those seeking a college level, vocational or technical program pursuing a degree, accreditation or certificate in the auto care industry. A candidate’s permanent residence must be located in the states of California, Nevada or Arizona. Scholarships will be awarded in June, 2023. The applicant with the highest ranking each year will receive the Mort Schwartz Scholarship Award. DEADLINE: March 31, 2023. APPLY HERE!

Should you and/or your employees be affected by these natural disasters, such as hurricane Ian, you should know that the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (www.aacfi.org) has funds to support aftermarket associates in these catastrophic events. Application for natural disaster assistance here. For those interested in donating to AACF you can contribute here.

With storage, logistics and distribution facilities strained to the limit today, managers are looking to cost effectively optimize operations without leasing more space or expanding the buildings with new construction. Read More. Source: Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Bill Hanvey was kind enough to provide the following testimonial regarding the relationship between CAWA and the Auto Care Association: 

“The automotive aftermarket is facing amplified threats on many fronts from vehicle technology, access to data, to supply chain issues and the need for a common voice to represent our $400B+ industry has never been more apparent. CAWA and the Auto Care Association have always had a collaborative relationship to address those issues and we view our partnership as essential for the success of the industry. CAWA provides a critical voice to its members at the state level where many of our national initiatives originate and it is a pleasure to work with Rodney and his team to ensure the success of our respective members”.   

~Bill Hanvey, President & CEO, Auto Care Association

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 and enhancing your health insurance benefits! Another member benefit.

Good employees are hard to find and even harder to keep. Providing quality health insurance is good for employee retention, morale and it’s the right thing to do. Now you can do that at an even better cost. CAWA’s Association Health Plans are less expensive and offer richer health benefits than a traditional Small Group health plan. If you think your insurance premium costs are high or that you don’t have access to the right doctors, it’s time to explore other options. See more here and call 877.737.0184 for details. Another member benefit.