CAWA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 scholarship awards. CAWA provided $10,750 in scholarships this year to 10 individuals. “Once again, CAWA is proud to assist these young people in pursuing their education and careers in the auto care industry”, said Rodney Pierini, President and CEO, in announcing the awards. For the list of awardees, see the enclosed press release here.

On Tuesday, June 1, the California state assembly voted 77-1 in support of AB 471 (Low, D-Silicon Valley) and moved the CAWA sponsored legislation over to the state senate for review and consideration.

In summary, AB 471:

AB 471 is also co-authored by Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Ripon). The legislation moved out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, as well as the Assembly Appropriations Committee without opposition and amidst strong support from both republicans and democrats, prior to successfully moving off the assembly floor. The legislation will be heard by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development regarding policy issues prior to moving to the Senate Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. After a full vote by the Senate on the floor of their house, the bill would move to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. The legislature adjourns on September 10, 2021, and the Governor will have until October 10, 2021 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

In addition to sponsor CAWA – Representing the Automotive Parts Industry, AB471 is co-sponsored by Auto Care Association, Automotive Service Councils of California, Automotive Oil Change Association, California Automotive Business Coalition, California Autobody Association, Automotive Service Association, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, California Tire Dealers Association, and the Independent Automotive Professionals Association.

The meetings will take place on June 24 and 25, 2021. Committee sessions, business meetings, networking events and guest speakers on contemporary automotive issues will make presentations. Reception and dinner will take place at the San Diego Zoo so attendees can visit with the various wildlife species while networking with their industry colleagues.

There will also be a YANG Regional Meet-Up in conjunction with the leadership meetings and, keeping with CAWA’s continued support of YANG, all their members can register for the complete event free of charge.

Presentations at the general session on Friday, June 25th will include:

For more information on the event, contact programs@cawa.org or to register for the event, click here.

Experts foresee some conflicts in offices between vaccinated and unvaccinated workers. An April survey by Monmouth University found 21% of Americans don't plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine. For employers, that means there’s a good chance at least one vaccine holdout will be on their staffs. It’s a scenario experts say can cause tension and anxiety within a business, and it’s just the latest in a series of high-stakes vaccine situations employers are facing as they return to the office.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a proposal to expand California’s small business relief grants to $4 billion, representing the largest small business grant program in the country. The expansion is part of the Governor’s “California Comeback Plan,” a $100 billion COVID-19 economic recovery plan that addresses some of the state’s most challenging issues, such as drought infrastructure, public education and homelessness. The plan also proposes a number of investments and strategies focused on helping businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. See additional details here. Source: Our Friends at the California Chamber of Commerce

The 2021 Nevada Legislative Session saw several challenges that made this session particularly difficult, especially at the beginning. With the building being completely shut down to all but essential staff and elected officials, all meetings and hearings were done virtually via video or phone. Unlike past sessions when lobbyists could grab a legislator out of committee or ride up in the elevator and have a quick update meeting, we had to resort to more texting, emailing and Zooms. It wasn’t until mid-April that the legislative building opened up partially to a finite number of lobbyists per day, and even then all who entered had to have an appointment while being either vaccinated or undergo a rapid COVID-19 test.

The legislature, with many of the incoming freshman representing a more staunchly progressive policy ideology than had been present in previous legislatures, tackled many significant policy issues this session, including: renewable energy, a public option for health care, right-to-return in the hospitality industry, and repeal of the death penalty.

Additionally, the State Supreme Court issued a ruling on a case brought before the court following the 2019 legislative session regarding bills that require a constitutional 2/3 majority vote. There will be at least one special session between now and early fall pertaining to redistricting. There’s been chatter about an additional session to allocate federal rescue dollars, but due to amendment language inserted in several authorization bills that basically says, “To the extent funding is available...”, this might not be necessary.

Special sessions are required to be called by the Governor who sets the agenda. The only time the legislators can call themselves into session is with a 2/3 majority, which the Democrats do not have. For questions regarding the session, contact CAWA’s Legislative Advocate in Nevada: Gabriele McGregor of The Ferraro Group at 205.765.5679 or gabriele@theferrarogroup.com.

Check member benefit hr 360 for posting requirements.

If you’ve read past sales articles of mine, you know I talk a lot about the two major keys to sales success: lots of the right activity and great sales skills. That said, while a lack of activity is the biggest killer of sales success, a lack of great sales skills isn’t the second biggest killer. The second biggest killer is more subtle. In fact, it’s so subtle that most salespeople go through their whole sales careers and never figure this one out and, as a result, never become the salesperson they could be. The Second Biggest Killer of Sales is (click here). Source: John Chapin

CAWA Arizona Health Trust provides high quality, affordable employee benefits programs to employers in the automotive industry, headquartered in Arizona.

As a member of CAWA, groups may choose from several medical plan options underwritten by BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona. Ancillary benefits include mandatory $15K Life/AD&D through The Standard Insurance Company, dental coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona and vision coverage through VSP.

Participating groups must have a minimum of 2 employees enrolled in the plan. Another member benefit.

To personally request a quote or by your current broker contact the team at DiMartino Associates:

Phone: 206-623-2430

CAWA Quotes: cawaquotes@dimarinc.com

General Information: cawa@dimarinc.com

All Employee Benefit plan companies must be dues-paying members of CAWA. Please view and complete the CAWA Membership Application.