CAWA provided $14,500 in scholarships this year to fourteen 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. Details and the full press release identifying the recipients can be found here. Another member benefit.

Effective January 1, 2019, California employers with 5 or more employees (including those located out of state) are required to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees before January 1, 2020. The minimum count of "5" employees includes seasonal and temporary hires as well as independent contractors.

That's 2 hours of sexual harassment prevention training to California supervisors (and to out-of-state supervisors of California employees), and 1 hour of such training to nonsupervisory employees in California. Training must take place within 6 months of hire or promotion and every 2 years thereafter. To comply with the January 1, 2020 deadline, all employees must be trained during the 2019 calendar year.

Recall, training is FREE to CAWA members through our partners at CoreMark Insurance. Some organizations are charging $25 or more to conduct this training for your employees. For further information, contact Mat Nabity at [email protected] or 866.340.2247.

The Association created a Political Action Committee (PAC). A PAC allows CAWA to: (1) sponsor and oppose legislative bills to promote and protect its members and the industry it serves, and (2) award political contributions to increase the visibility and understanding of the Association and its members' issues. In short, a PAC allows an individual or business to make a greater impact in the public policy arena than if they acted alone. The PAC also educates members of the legislatures on issues and situations that matter most to the Association and its membership. Absent these efforts, elected officials might not realize the importance of our industry to their constituency or how issues they are deciding might impact both auto care businesses and their customers, the motoring public. Thus, the CAWA PAC helps strengthen our Association's voice by supporting key decision- makers who truly understand our industry and the work we do.

The political climate is constantly changing and it is important that we have resources to help look out for the best interests of our industry and member companies. Every member company and individuals within those companies has the opportunity to contribute to the PAC in support of industry and business issues.

For more information on the PAC and where the funds are spent, contact [email protected] or 800.332.2292, ext. 1201. To donate directly to the fund go to https://www.cawa.org/government-affairs.aspx

We live in a business world today, that more than ever seeks (calls-out) for true partnerships. As companies strive to be more agile, lean, quicken the market, competitive and more responsive. It is clear that we all need to develop, foster and earn the right to be viewed as a true partner. Becoming a trusted partner is indeed mutual. It is a two-way business relationship, that is the road to success. Both parties invest in the success of their partners, it can and is, a game changer. It grants us to optimize the strengths both partners have! It is working to design the future of our industry! The key is to seek like-minded partners with shared vision and passion! See more here. Source: Dr. John A Passante

The CAWA Career Center is more than just a place to post job opportunities. In fact, we offer something of far greater value than other recruitment sites. We are an engagement platform that brings you even closer to the type of talent that you are looking for. Our job board is built around an established community of state and national trade association members, students and industry professionals; creating an opportunity to network with others in the field and build an employer brand that extends beyond the job board. Visit www.cawa.org to begin your search for talent for your company. Another member benefit.