Upcoming Events

Never miss a thing!!

Keep up to date with what's going on at NWACA. Check out our Calendar of Events.

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Hastily Passed Tax will Haunt WA Lawmakers

By The Seattle Times editorial board

Nine days — that’s how long Democratic lawmakers in Olympia took to pass a sweeping expansion of sales taxes, estimated to impact more than 90,000 businesses in Washington. Hurrying to approve a multipronged tax on many services was a reckless way to craft foundational economic policy.

The tax, expected to raise almost $2.7 billion over the next four years, takes effect Wednesday.

Already, fallout from its rushed passage has caused widespread confusion among the companies expected to pay it and has generated a challenge in court over whether it’s legal. 

Most notably, the tax — part of the largest tax package ever approved by the Legislature — will reverberate throughout the state’s economy, ultimately putting a dent in the wallets of all Washingtonians. The new taxes cover a broad range of business services, including information technology, security, temporary staffing and more.

Ruling Democrats bemoaned a runaway budget this past session, one they said required a bevy of tax increases. But this obfuscated the truth: State tax revenues had been increasing, just not enough to cover all their spending priorities. So they solved this political quandary with taxes whose deep economic impacts many lawmakers failed to consider. 

The result isn’t pennies across the economy. They are broad hacks into many small businesses’ bottom lines. Take DigBI Consulting, an IT company of 15 employees based in Sammamish. The company’s prices just went up 10% overnight, amounting to about $10,000 apiece for many customers, according to Lee Derks, the company’s founder and CEO.

NWACA Gives Back

Northwest Auto Care Alliance and iTAC are proud to team up with Cars Helping Charities to make a lasting impact through vehicle donations.

When you donate your car, truck, or other vehicle, your tax-deductible contribution directly supports the iTAC Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program, helping us train and mentor the next generation of skilled automotive professionals.

This partnership makes it easier than ever to turn an unused vehicle into an investment in the future of our industry. Simply scan the QR code to learn more and start the donation process today!

This Holiday Season, Share the Magic of Christmas

NWACA is honored to partner with our Pierce County and Sno-King South chapters to make sure no child wakes up on Christmas morning without the joy of a gift to open and the feeling of being cared for.

Through Kid’s First in Pierce County, Santa will hand-deliver gifts to children at the Multi-Cultural Center in Tacoma, creating smiles, laughter, and holiday magic for kids who might otherwise go without.

In Sno-King, your kindness supports Stephanie’s Lifeline, reaching families who are struggling and reminding them that they are not alone, that their community stands with them.

Every donation is more than a toy or a gift. It is a moment of hope, a spark of joy, and a memory a child will carry forever.

Please open your heart this season and help us make Christmas brighter. Together we can change a child’s holiday, one gift at a time.

NWACA News

Boost Your Skills with Trusted Training Resources



Whether you're looking for hands-on technical training or proven shop management strategies, NWACA provides the resources you need to succeed. Explore fresh content, gain practical insights, and take your professional development to the next level—all in one place.

ATE Reno 2025

It's Almost Here!!

Register Now!!!



October 25th, 2025 - Reno, NV

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

407 N Virginia St,

Reno, NV 89501

Holiday Cheer, Time of Year! December 4th, 2025

Please mark your calendars for the Annual NWACA Joint Chapter Christmas Party!!!

The Fabulous Fifties Hall

455 St Helens Ave,

Tacoma, WA 98402

Bring a gift to exchange $25.00 or less.

More details to come!

Mark your Calendars for the NWACA Semi-Annual Winter Retreat & Leadership Conference!

• Registration Opens October 2025
• Special Guest Speaker Greg Marchand from ShopPros
• Fun Event - COMING SOON!
• Families Welcome

The 2026 Semi-Annual Winter Retreat & Leadership Conference - January 29th - February 1st, 2026, Icicle Village, Leavenworth, WA

NWACA Pet Corner

At NWACA, we know our pets are part of the family too! Whether they’re hanging out at the shop, curled up at home, or adventuring outdoors, our furry friends bring us joy, laughter, and a lot of love.

Each month we’ll feature a member’s pet in the Pet Corner, so send us your favorite photos and a little story about your four-legged companion. From wagging tails to purring sidekicks, we can’t wait to share the animals that brighten your days.

Because at NWACA, it’s not just about cars, it’s about community, family, and yes, even our pets.

West Richland Auto Repair

We're super excited to have Taquito Nugget Hutchinson featured as the NWACA October Pet of the Month!

Taquito is a 4-year-old toy poodle that goes almost everywhere with Christie and Jamie Hutchinson from West Richland Auto Repair. He loves going to ATE (helping out at registration) and the retreats, where he gets to see all his friends.

Taquito has two jobs at the West Richland Auto Repair, the first and most important job of the day (according to him) is to secure the premises of any wayward cats in the bullpen. 

His second job is to inform us if anybody comes into the shop. He loves to greet everyone! 

His favorite toy is his teddy bear that he's had since he was a puppy, but his favorite person and best friend is, Jamie.

The best part of owning our own shop is that we can have him with us all the time, and the customers love seeing him.

Keep NWACA Pet Corner Going Strong!!! Send us your shop side kicks!

NWACA Members News

Graham Auto Repair Launches Brakes for Breasts

Throughout the month of October, NWACA member Graham Auto Repair is once again joining the fight against breast cancer with its annual Brakes for Breasts fundraiser. From October 1–31, 2025, customers who schedule a qualifying brake service will receive free premium-quality brake pads, paying only for labor and any additional parts, while Graham Auto Repair donates 10% of every brake service to support breast cancer research.

This is more than just a service special; it’s a chance to make a real impact. Last year, Graham Auto Repair proudly contributed $4,180.56 to the cause. This year, they’ve set their sights even higher with a goal of $5,000.

Rising Health Insurance Renewals: Explore a Smarter Level-Funded Plan Option

As renewal season approaches, many business owners are finding themselves faced with double-digit premium increases from traditional health insurance carriers. These rising costs make it increasingly difficult to provide competitive benefits while maintaining control over expenses.

NWACA New Members

NWACA New Associate Members

NWACA Shop of the Month

How long has your shop been in business?

• Over 30 years

How long have you been with NWACA?

• January 2015

What is your specialty?

• Specialize in Automotive Repair, AC, and Diagnostics

How long has your shop been in business?

• Since 1988

How long have you been with NWACA?

• June 2023

What is your specialty?

• Collision Repair

How long has your shop been in business?

• Since 1987

How long have you been with NWACA?

• May 2017

What is your specialty?

• Tires & Automotive Repair, lignments

Do you want your Auto, Collision or Tire shop

featured in our next Dateline?

Collision News

October 2025 Collision Corner

By Micah Strom

• Total Losses Continuing to Climb

• Wesco Group LLC

• U.S Department of Labor

Intriguing Tire Facts

Space Shuttles Also Have Wheels and Tires



Space shuttles have tires the same size as an 18-wheeler but with different characteristics. They are designed to support up to 14,000 pounds at a speed rating of 290 mph.

To avoid losing air pressure at high altitudes, the space shuttle tires are filled with nitrogen because it is an inert gas that is less likely to react with other substances.

Tire Dealer News

ATD to Distribute Giti Tire Products



American Tire Distributors and Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. have formed an agreement that will see ATD distribute Giti and GT Radial brand tires across its network.

KUMHO’s New Road Venture RT Delivers Outstanding Performance



KUMHO’s new Road Venture RT tire gives consumers the freedom to go anywhere, anytime by combining strong, rugged terrain traction and enhanced off-road durability with great on-road comfort. The Road Venture RT provides dealers and distributors with a premium product to confidently address the demands of the fastest-growing category in the light...

Washington Retail News

New IRS guidance creates significant tax liability on paid leave premiums & benefits

In February 2025, the IRS released long-awaited guidance on the federal tax treatment of state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. The ruling carries major implications for Washington, Oregon,…

Garage Guru's Tech Tip

Garage Guru's Tech Tip is a monthly feature in our Dateline newsletter, offering expert advice, maintenance tips, and industry insights to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Stay informed with practical, easy-to-follow guidance from seasoned professionals in every issue!

Spanish Tech Tip - Click Here

Want to Stay in the Loop?

Stay up to date with the latest NWACA events! Our team sends out a weekly Upcoming NWACA Events newsletter every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. Get the inside scoop on Chapter Meetings, iTAC events, fun gatherings, and training sessions.

To subscribe, just send us an email—we’d love to have you on board!

Federated Insurance is offering our Members Free access to their webinars. Stay up to date on all that is happening.

We would love to feature you in our Dateline!!

Do you have an important event, a shop expansion, a fantastic employee, or a new addition to your family, please send it our way.

We want to know!



Please check regularly on our website (www.nwautocare.org) 

and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/northwestaca) for updates.

Contact Information for Northwest Auto Care Alliance

Brenda Jorgenson, Executive Director - (253) 653-2334 - brenda@nwautocare.org

JoAnna Sohnrey, Project Coordinator - (253) 676-9222- joanna@nwautocare.org

John (JT) Tenney, Membership & Meeting Coordinator - (253) 676-9222 - info@nwautocare.org

Pamela Meyer, Membership Support Specialist - (208) 964-1605 pamela@nwautocare.org

Danica Hickok, Part-time Bookkeeper - (253) 676-9222 - admin@nwautocare.org

Robert Stickroth, iTAC Coordinator - (253) 606-4822 - iTAC@nwautocare.org

NWACA Board of Directors:

Kandie Jennings-Molloy, President- Contact Kandie

Mark Simons, Immediate Past President - Contact Mark

Mike Hall, President Elect- Contact Mike

Todd Ainsworth, Treasurer- Contact Todd

Micah Strom, Secretary & Collision Chair- Contact Micah

Lucas Filley, Mechanical Chair- Contact Lucas

Dan DeBusk, Associate Chair- Contact Dan

Ed Tuck III, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ed

Ryan Weld, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ryan

Richie del Puerto, Education Chair - Contact Richie

Northwest Auto Care Alliance | (253) 67-NWACA (253-676-9222) | Website