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Automotive Distribution Network
  
January 4, 2018 Week In Connections

If You or Your Employees have Suffered Damage in the California Wildfires - There is Assistance
If any CAWA members have been impacted by the fires in California, the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) may assist. See the application for assistance here. If you meet their requirements, AACF can get you immediate financial assistance through their natural disaster program. You can also call AACF at 772-286-5500.
AACF

Employers in Santa Barbara County Directly Affected by the Thomas Fire - Read Here
Employers in Santa Barbara County directly affected by the Thomas fire, may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. This extension may be granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC). A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Visit the Emergency and Disaster Assistance for Employers page for more information. If you have any questions, contact the Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.


Cal/OSHA Issues Advisory on Respiratory Protection for Harmful Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
N95 Mask
Cal/OSHA is advising employers affected by the wildfires that they must protect their workers if the working conditions include harmful exposure to wildfire smoke. When outdoor workers are exposed to air quality that is designated "Unhealthy", "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous" by local air quality management districts, employers are required to provide filtering respirators such as masks labeled N95 and certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These masks filter at least 95 percent of airborne particles but do not protect against gases or vapors. Frequently asked questions about N95 masks for employers and workers are available online ( here). The masks are available at the following County Emergency Operation Centers. Please refer to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Wildfires webpage for updates.


New Restrictions for Selling R-134a to Commence this Month - Be Aware!
If your company sells or distributes this refrigerant, see this link from our partner, the Auto Care Association on requirements that took effect on January 1st. If you have any questions, contact our California based legislative advocate, Gary Conover, at [email protected] or 916.233.9655. Another member benefit.

Here is What CAWA Has Done for You and Your Business Lately!
See the enclosed 2017 annual report (here) that highlights CAWA's accomplishments and successes during the year. Should you have any questions regarding the report, contact our President & CEO, Rodney Pierini at [email protected] or 800.332.2292, ext. 1201. Another member benefit.

Do Your Employee Medical Files Meet Federal ADA Privacy Requirements?
See the enclosed explanatory article (here) and recall you have ½ hour each month of FREE legal counsel as a member of CAWA. See www.cawa.org for the attorney in your state. Another member benefit.   Source: The Business Journals

e-Bay Partners with Openbay to Expand Automotive Parts Sales to Aftermarket Industry
Openbay Openbay announced it has partnered with eBay Motors to provide the availability of millions of searchable automotive parts and accessories for its online marketplace for auto repair and service. Powered by eBay Motors, businesses can research, source and acquire automotive parts directly through the Openbay dashboard. This selection features a wide spectrum of value including genuine OEM automotive parts, white label parts, national brand aftermarket parts, remanufactured and used parts, as well as hard-to-find parts that are no longer manufactured. See here for more details. Source: aftermarketNews


CAWA's Educational Forum is Next Month in Napa
General session (tentative) topics of interest are:
  • "How to Improve Communications Between the Repair Shop and Parts Counter" 
  • "Warranty Rights-What You and Your Customers Should Know"  
  • "Technology-What Parts Companies and Repair Shops Need To Consider in Adapting Now and into the Future"  
  • "Update on the Auto Care Legislative Agenda in the 115th Congress" 

See the registration materials (here) or email [email protected] for further information. Another member benefit.


Start the Year Off Right with an Exclusive Dental Program Through CAWA
Using the leverage and buying power of the Association, we are able to offer businesses three (3) excellent benefit levels and choices from a national A++ carrier. See the enclosed details ( here) of what's available to you as a CAWA member. Contact our partner, Mat Nabity at 916.286.0918, to discuss the appropriate plan for you and your business. Another member benefit.
CAWA Dental Program  

2017 Dues Non Deductibility Statement
For federal income tax purposes, CAWA dues may be deductible as a business expense but not as a charitable contribution. CAWA estimates that 48% of your dues for 2017 are not deductible as a business expense because they are attributable to lobbying as is in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 6033. Contributions to the Political Action Fund are not deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense for federal income tax purposes. For more information, consult with your accountant or tax attorney.
 

Remember Why You are a Member of CAWA
Click on this link or the image below to be reminded:

CAWA Video

Thanks for your support and all the best in 2018.

CAWA wishes you a Happy New Year and the "Best in Business in 2018"
Happy New Year
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