Click to View as Webpage

March 2026

CARS of WI News & Updates

Our State Association for Professionals in the Automotive Industry

Introducing Enviro-Nav: New DNR Tool Helps Businesses Navigate Environmental Requirements

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Sustainability and Business Support Program (SBS) is excited to announce the launch of Enviro-Nav, the Environmental Responsibility Navigator. The new online tool is designed to make environmental compliance easier for businesses across the state and includes specific information for auto recyclers to understand their environmental obligations.

Enviro-Nav is a go-to, user-friendly resource that guides users through a series of questions about their business operations. No matter if the business is new or expanding or just has compliance questions, Enviro-Nav will summarize potentially applicable environmental regulations based on the users' responses.

2026 CARS Membership

If you haven't renewed your CARS of WI membership for 2026 yet, there's still time! Please reach out if you didn't receive a renewal form. I can email one out, or resend one in the mail. Reach out at annie@rockitopauto.com or call 715-322-5774. I'm even set up to take a credit card payment now, if you prefer that method.

CARS Condo Stay Winner!


Cleveland Auto was the winner of the 2026 CARs condo stay drawing. One of their employees got to spend the last week of January in the condo. Congratulations Cleveland Auto!


From the Secretary's Desk


Submitted by Annie Kauffman

Are you ready for spring yet? I know I am! March in Wisconsin always feels like a turning point. The days are getting longer, and it starts to feel like winter won’t last forever!


Lately, I’ve been thinking about leadership — not from a corporate POV, but day-to-day, boots on the ground leaders. A recent article from Auto Recycling Now talks about coaching and the role it plays in building stronger teams. It’s a good reminder that leadership isn’t just about managing production or solving problems. It’s about things like noticing what’s going well, giving credit where it’s due, and leading by example. Those small moments add up, especially in our industry where the work is hands-on and fast-moving.


I’ve also been thinking about how easy it is to get stuck in a rut. I’ve heard that once in a while, it’s good to pretend it’s your first day on the job to get fresh eyes on what you do and how you do it. This article talks about how different types of auto salvage yards practice their business and what works best for them. Maybe you’ll find something to spark your creativity and provide some inspiration! As we head into spring, it might be worth asking: What’s working well in my yard right now? And where could a small adjustment make a big difference?


Industry Article Links:



CARS of Wisconsin Board Member Vacancy


We have a recent vacancy on the CARS Board of Directors, and we’re looking for someone excited about supporting Wisconsin’s auto recycling community to join us. The board meets every other month and works on issues and concerns that affect recyclers throughout the state. This includes relevant legislation, recycling changes, compliance, and more.


If you care about the industry, enjoy working with others, and want to help shape the future of CARS, we’d love to hear from you. 

Want to give more feedback or ideas for the newsletter?

FOLLOW CARS OF WI ON FACEBOOK!

Facebook

Click the buttons below to share this newsletter on your Socials - or email it to someone

you think would enjoy it!