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Automotive Distribution Network
  
February 26, 2019 Week In Connections

Newly Appointed Members of CAWA's Board of Directors
CAWA Chair of the Board, Dan Hanson, Jr. of Hanson Distributing Company, has appointed two industry associates to the Association's Board of Directors. When Chair Hanson announced these appointments he commented: "these two individuals will add value to CAWA and by virtue of their positions in the industry, will assist the Association in achieving its goals as a relevant and viable automotive aftermarket industry organization". "We know and appreciate the contributions these auto care industry associates will make to the future successes of CAWA and the industry we serve", he continued. 

The appointees are: 
  • George Hritz of the California Automotive Teachers, and 
  • Heather Williamson of CARQUEST 

See the complete press release here.


The CAWA Manufacturers' Advisory Council (MAC) Re-elected Jeanette Lorenzo of NAME, Inc to Chair and Bob Leone of ADVICS as its Vice-Chair for the 2019 Year
Both have served and contributed several years to the Association's MAC. The MAC was formed to be an advisory body and provide a perspective to the Association from the manufacturing segment of the auto care industry. Their mission is to provide a manufacturer's perspective, knowledge and insight to assist CAWA in accomplishing its goals. The Association values the advice and counsel of the MAC and supports its operation as an integral part of CAWA.

Their next meeting will be in June in Santa Barbara (Goleta), California and industry representatives are invited to sit in and participate. For further information, contact programs@cawa.org or call 800.332.2292.

CAWA Can Provide You FREE Training on New Sexual Harassment Training Requirements for 2019
Stop Harassment
If you have five or more employees - no matter where they are located - California's expanded harassment prevention training requirement applies to your business. Mandatory training now includes all California employees and not just supervisors. Everyone must be trained during the 2019 calendar year to comply with the January 1, 2020, deadline. 

CAWA and its partner, CoreMark Insurance can provide you the required internet based training at no cost to you. For details, contact Mat Nabity at 916.835.1676 or mnabity@coremarkins.com. Another member benefit.

A Guide for California Based Automotive Repair Dealers - Share with Your Commercial Customers
This guide is intended to assist automotive repair dealers comply with the Automotive Repair Act and related laws and regulations. It provides valuable information on documentation requirements and other legal obligations relating to automotive repair transactions, such as:
  • Keeping the customer informed. 
  • Providing estimates and invoices to the customer. 
  • Performing only the repairs authorized by the customer. 
  • Maintaining a record of all repairs performed and parts supplied.  

CA BAR Remember, automotive repair dealers have a responsibility and an obligation to comply with the Automotive Repair Act and related laws and regulations. This guide is for quick-reference purposes only and is not all-inclusive. Statutory and regulatory references are included to help automotive repair dealers identify, understand, and comply with the requirements. To review the Automotive Repair Act and related laws and regulations, visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) website at www.bar.ca.gov. See more details here.


The Automotive Aftermarket is a Significant Industry in Many Ways
See what our national partner, Bill Hanvey President & CEO of the Auto Care Association, says about the automotive aftermarket's presence in America. As an example, we're a $392 billion industry that is expected to reach $433 billion by 2021 with 4.6 million workers! See this link for some fascinating details: https://lnkd.in/gGcKVYV.

California Labor Commissioner's Office Reminds Employers that Valid Workers' Compensation Insurance is Required
The California Labor Commissioner's Office reminds employers they must maintain valid workers' compensation insurance coverage for all workers, including part time employees. If the Labor Commissioner's Office finds an employer does not have valid coverage for its workers, it can cite the employer $1,500 per employee not covered by valid workers' compensation insurance, and issue a stop order prohibiting work until valid insurance is acquired. The employer may be required to pay employees' lost wages during the work stoppage. Violation of the stop order could result in additional penalties up to $10,000 and misdemeanor charges. 

For more information, click here. For your workers compensation insurance needs see CAWA's business partner Glen Dailey of Armstrong & Associates. Glen can be reached at: gdailey@armstrongprofessional.com or 916.690.6425.

Workers Comp

Can I Choose to Post Photos of my Employees on my Company's Website and Social Media Page? Do I Need Each Employee's Consent First? What if an Employee Refuses?
Posting online
Posting photos of your employees on the internet can raise serious privacy concerns in California. Some employees may be happy to see their smiling faces online, but others may object for a number of reasons. An employee who has been the victim of stalking or who has a restraining order may not want others to know where he/she works. Another may be a private person who is not comfortable having his/her photo online. Other employees who don't like the way they look in photos simply may not wish to have their picture made public. Regardless of the reason, posting photos online without the employee's permission may be illegal (see here for details). 

Recall, as a member, you have ½ hour FREE legal consultation monthly with a CAWA attorney to consult with for issues such as this one. See www.cawa.org for the attorney in your state. Source: our friends at the California Chamber of Commerce

Automotive Refrigerants in Small Containers: Retailer Requirements for 2019 - What you need to know!
REMINDER: In California, the deadline for the annual reporting for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is March 1, 2019 for calendar year 2018. See the enclosed alert ( here) for further requirements and information. For CAWA assistance contact our Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Zins at jenniferzins@gmail.com or 916-871-0603.

Need a New Merchant Account - Take a Look Here for $$$$ Savings
Jump start 2019 with Superior Financial Systems! Their cost-savings merchant account program for businesses in the automotive industry is time tested and proven to save your business money when it comes to accepting credit cards. We have been working side by side with automotive merchants for over ten years - let our experience and knowledge work to your benefit. Kicking the new year off with a bang, they now offer a choice of signing bonuses for new merchants, worth up to $500! See here for details and contact Todd Lazar with questions at 888.737.7762 or todd@SFSprocessing.com. Another member benefit.
Superior Financial Systems
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