CAWA Holds an In-district Virtual Meeting with Representative Barragan’s Office to Discuss the Repair Act

CAWA along with the Auto Care Association conducted the meeting to focus on one issue, the Repair Act. Association members, Michael Kitching of GB Remanufacturing and Young Suhr, Jr. of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse, whose businesses are in the Representative’s district in southern California, told their story and the impact the Repair Act would have on their business, the Industry, the economy and the consuming public. CAWA thanks these members for taking time out of their business day to participate in the meeting. More in-district meetings are planned and if you have an interest in participating, contact CAWA’s Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at 916.871.0603 or jenniferzins@gmail.com.

Court Rejects State of Arizona’s Novel Legal Theory that Creates Uncertainty for Businesses

The State of Arizona has been trying to advance a novel and troubling concept through a recent “test case”: holding corporate leaders personally liable when their company violates the law, even if they did not participate, know about, or approve of the underlying actions. This idea, known as the “responsible corporate officer doctrine,” is a judge-made theory of liability similar to piercing the corporate veil. Adopting this doctrine would upend traditional legal protections and create uncertainty for business leaders across the state. See complete discussion here. Source: Our Friends at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce

Secrets To Success: What Profitable Businesses Do Differently

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, a growing number of small business owners are on a search for the elusive secret to business success. This pursuit is not just about surviving in a competitive landscape but thriving, as you seek innovative strategies, tools, and insights that can propel your business to the next level. With information and advice in abundance, knowing what the most effective practices are becomes a critical challenge. It makes mastering the business game a real puzzle. The real secret sauce to business success? It's all about getting your money matters right and ensuring your business is making more money than it spends. It sounds pretty straightforward, but this is the game changer that can set you apart. When you've got a handle on your finances and your business is in the green, you're not just surviving; you're ready to take on the world. See more discussion here. Source: Forbes

Container Traders Anticipate Rise in Disruptions and Increase in Container Prices

In the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collision, supply chain professionals are anticipating price hikes, as indicated by a significant rise in sentiment for container price increases released by Container xChange. A rebound of freight volumes into the United States this year, coupled with the bridge incident and the ongoing challenges in the Red Sea as well as the Panama Canal, are expected to strain key U.S. ports in the short term. This is expected to lead to increased congestion, additional logistical and operational complexities, and short to mid-term price increases. See key takeaways here. Source: Cold Chain Insights – Food Logistics

The Increasing Disappearance of State Safety Inspections

Texas is the latest state to forego required safety inspections. What does that mean for shops and their customers? Of the millions of drivers in the state of Texas, each one has had to have their vehicles inspected by a certified inspection station. Beginning in 2025, however, Texan drivers will stop paying for inspections and instead be charged that money for registration fees. The elimination of required safety inspections not only impacts road safety but the operations of repair shops across the state. With Texas being far from the only state to do away with annual safety inspections, Thomas Eanes, general manager of Veteran Auto Repair in Wichita Falls, Texas, discusses what repair shops can do in the face of this change. See more discussion here. Source: RATCHET+WRENCH

Many Steps to Consider When Hiring Out-of-State Remote Worker

I run a business in California and would like to hire someone from a different state to work remotely. What, if any, additional steps should I take when hiring an out-of-state remote employee? See the discussion here. Source: Our Friends at the California Chamber of Commerce

Do Not Let this Opportunity Go By - High School Automotive Teacher Scholarships – Apply Now

CAWA’s scholarship program is called The Motorcar Parts of America – Selwyn Joffe Scholarship Award Program - Awards for Automotive High School Teachers. The oftentimes forgotten individuals in educating and training students in preparation for automotive careers is the high school automotive teacher. Whether it’s their use of personal funds to keep their programs going or their need for certification to keep their instructor and program status, CAWA wants to assist them in achieving success.

The Association has established a scholarship program to help these teachers in several ways, including financially. CAWA represents manufacturers, distributors and retailers that could supply these high school automotive teachers with products, tools and other resources for classroom use to assist them in providing relevant, up to date and quality education and training for their students. Access to industry training being conducted by CAWA members could be made available to the automotive high school teachers for their own knowledge and development.

Teachers who are interested in applying for a scholarship should complete an application for consideration, found here (PDF) or fill out the online form here or request an application from programs@cawa.org. NEXT DEADLINE: May 31, 2024