NEWS RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Zins, CAWA Government Affairs Director
For Immediate Release Office: 916-871-0603 / Mobile: 916-871-0603

"Association holds annual legislative day and regional meetings to discuss
aftermarket and business issues with policymakers."

SACRAMENTO, March 16, 2007 - The California/Nevada Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) co-sponsored the California Aftermarket Industry Legislative Day to meet and educate legislators and regulators about the automotive aftermarket industry and to highlight important regulatory proposals impacting aftermarket businesses.

Held at the State Capitol in Sacramento on April 18th, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), co-sponsored legislative day and were joined by members and leaders of CAWA to review important legislative and regulatory proposals impacting aftermarket businesses including extending warranties on emission related parts, banning the retail sale of R134a refrigerant and mandated health care proposals to name a few.

CAWA members began the day with a legislative luncheon and were joined by Assemblyman Michael Duvall, Vice Chair of the powerful Assembly Transportation Committee as the luncheon guest and speaker. After lunch, attendees gathered at the State Capitol to hear presentations by CAWA’s legislative team including briefings about the national right to repair strategy as well as the Nevada Right to Repair Act.

CAWA members were then visited by a number of high profile political insiders who provided unique insight into workers compensation legislation, the status of AB 32 implementation including its impacts on aftermarket businesses through CARB’s proposed ban on the retail sale of automotive refrigerant R134a, and updates on the status of the many mandatory health care bills currently before the legislature.

Attendees then heard from Senator Lou Correa who provided his perspective on health care, workers compensation and the aftermarket’s fight against extended warranties and R134a sales ban. CARB Ombudsman, Kathleen Quetin capped off the round of speakers by providing her viewpoint on recent CARB actions and how CAWA and AAIA can work with her to curb future proposals by CARB that negatively impact our members and industry.

The day ended with a legislative reception where CAWA members mingled in a private one on one setting with members of the legislature.

“Providing CAWA members with access to policymakers in Sacramento through our Legislative Day at the Capitol is the cornerstone of our government affairs program,” stated Rodney K. Pierini, CAWA’s President & CEO. “It is not often that members have the opportunity to talk directly with lawmakers about issues directly impacting their business. We feel both Legislative Day at the Capitol and our regional meetings with legislators not only benefit CAWA and its members, but the entire aftermarket industry.”

In addition, CAWA sponsored an in district meeting with Assemblywoman Jean Fuller, Vice Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on April 20th at the CARQUEST Distribution Center in Bakersfield. Several CAWA members discussed improved access to career technical education (CTE) as well as their concern about the sales ban of R134a. Assemblywoman Fuller agreed to assist CAWA on both fronts.

“As a former educator and school superintendent, Assemblywoman Fuller showed her deep passion and commitment to improved career and technical education and training opportunities for our youth. We look forward to working with her to support CTE legislation,” stated Norman Plotkin, CAWA’s legislative advocate. “Assemblywoman Fuller also appeared to be genuinely concerned about CARB’s proposal to ban the retail sale of R134 a refrigerant and the potentially serious health and safety impact that will have on low and fixed income Californians, particularly those living in the central valley of California, who will likely go without air conditioning in their vehicles if this proposal is passed. CAWA is eager to work with Assemblywoman Fuller and other lawmakers to stop this proposed ban by CARB,” continued Plotkin.

Founded in 1955, the California/Nevada Automotive Wholesalers' Association is a nonprofit trade organization representing automotive jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and manufacturers serving the automotive aftermarket industry. CAWA serves the over 37,000 auto repair bays in California that repair over 70% of California’s vehicles. CAWA's mission is to provide legislative and regulatory advocacy, communications and education for our members while promoting the automotive aftermarket industry.

For more information about CAWA visit www.cawa.org

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