Professionals in Automotive Service Since 1940

ASCCA President, Dave Kusa welcomed fellow leaders, members, and partners to the March 2025 Team Weekend on Saturday, March 15^th, in Sacramento CA. A special welcome was extended to Brad Reich, Chapter 24 President, attending his first Team Weekend. In addition to those that attended in-person, several attendees participated via Zoom. If you couldn’t join us, here is a recap of the Team Weekend events.

Government Affairs Committee

Jack Molodanof provided a legislative update noting that 2,300 bills have been introduced, and highlighted the following:

• SB 615, concerning Electric Vehicle Batteries was introduced. This bill, among other things, requires that automotive repair dealers who remove electric batteries for repair, remanufacturing, or recycling must ensure that the battery is disposed of properly, adhering to requirements specified in the legislation.

• AB 1331, regarding Workplace Surveillance was introduced. This bill would limit the use of workplace surveillance tools by employers. Employers would be prohibited from monitoring or surveilling workers in private, off-duty areas, as specified, and require workplace surveillance tools to be disabled during off-duty hours.

• SB 310, addressing Failure to Pay Wages (Penalties) was introduced. Existing law allows wage claim penalties to either be recovered by an employee as a statutory penalty or by the Labor Commissioner as a civil penalty, as prescribed. This bill would also permit the penalty to be recovered through an independent civil action, as specified.

Other legislation reviewed by Jack Molodanof address Smog Check (Exemption) and Insurance Warranty (Catalytic Converter). He also provided updates on regulations from California Energy Commission, Bureau of Automatic Repair, and the BAR Citation & Fine program.

The Committee also discussed the status of two competing pieces of federal legislation addressing Right to Repair. A task force has been formed to develop ASCCA’s position and priorities on this issue.

ASCCA members are reminded to watch for updates on these and

other important matters from Jack Molodanof on TeamTalk, in

the monthly newsletter, and in email blasts!

Education, Training and Information (ETI) Committee

The ETI Committee’s meeting was focused on the review of submissions for the 2025 Annual Training Conference. As of the date of the meeting, ASCCA had received eleven (11) submissions for the Technical Tract and forty-nine (49) addressing Business Management.

The Committee discussed other options and speakers that could be beneficial to the technicians. The deadline for the class submissions was extended to March 21^st in order to increase the options for the Technical Tract.

Additional discussions focused on securing exhibitors that will appeal to the technicians as well as the possibility of hosting a tool truck.

Watch for more information about the 2025 Annual Training Conference,

September 12-14, in Burlingame, CA! Information can be found on the

ASCCA website, and the opening of registration will be announced soon!

Membership Committee

Angi Roberts, Chair of the Membership Committee, provided a report on the activities of the Committee. These include:

• Hosting Friday night receptions for Team Weekend attendees

• Sponsoring Webinars on topics such as the 401k program offered through ASCCA members

• Providing a forum for interested members to hear from the Conference planner, ETI Committee Chair, Speakers and other leaders on the upcoming event in Burlingame

Angi Roberts then led the attendees on a Scavenger Hunt, providing a reminder of the information and resources contained on the ASCCA website and social medial channels. This proved to be a very fun way for everyone to explore!

Council of Representatives

Speaker of the Council Julio Campos called the meeting to order.He welcomed representatives from Chapters 5, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 42, and 48.

Chapters 18, 1940, 26, and 99… you were missed!

Nathan Perrine, Executive Director of the Car Care Council, provided an overview of the Cool Air Rebate program. This Program connects eligible consumers with certified repair shops to diagnose and repair leaking air conditioning systems in their vehicles. Participating shops will receive direct payment for diagnostic and repair shops (within program guidelines). Each Chapter Representative was presented with flyers about the program to take back to their members.

The ASCCA Membership Committee will host a webinar on this program on Thursday, April 3^rd starting at 5:45pm. Watch for more information!

Glen Dailey, Armstrong & Associates announced that Preferred Insurance has developed a Workers Compensation Insurance program for ASCCA members only. More information will soon be provided, and a webinar will be scheduled.

State Farm is coming back to California, but at a 22% premium. G. Dailey expressed his belief that other insurance companies will follow State Farm’s lead and provide products in California.

He concluded by reminding the Chapters that he and Mat Nabity of Coremark are looking to visit with Chapters across the state about insurance, in particular the needs of shop owners.

Dave Kusa, coach with the Act Group, announced their partnership with ASCCA. ACT has coached and trained automotive facility owners, managers, and service advisors alike for over 20 years.

Throughout the remainder of the COR meeting, the Representatives discussed:

• The All-Chapter, All-Leader meetings hosted by the Membership Committee. Chapter leaders are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. Topics include an idea swap, preparing for year-end 2025, and preparing for 2026. They also discussed the strength of working with other Chapters to hold joint meetings.

• Using their specific Chapter Logo when preparing flyers announcing speakers and details of their meetings. Any Chapter who is need of assistance in the development of a logo, please contact the State office.

Board of Directors

On Sunday morning, the Board of Directors met at the AMG offices, across the street from the Embassy Hotel. President Kusa called the meeting to order at 9am. 

During its meeting, the Board:

• Approve a budget augmentation of $500 to help cover the cost of copying testing materials for the upcoming SkillsUSA competition in Ontario, CA. An additional $500 was approved for use by the Membership Committee for awards associated with a soon-to-be announced contest.

• Approve the updated Chapter Affiliation Agreement that now includes an evergreen clause rather than terminating every two years. This updated agreement will be sent to each of the Chapters for execution.

• Learned that the lease on the ASCCA-owned building has been fully signed, and no new repairs have been necessary

• Received a report from Immediate Past President Chesnin that the Nominating Committee is being formed. More information will be shared with the Board following the April Council of Representatives meeting.

In closing, President Kusa thanked everyone who attended in person and on Zoom.

He expressed his desire to see many of the members at the 2025 Annual Training Conference in September.