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Magna, DuPont to Co-Host Women of Inforum@CES Networking Reception to Connect Women in Tech
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7 Members of LA-Based Fraud Ring Sentenced for Multimillion-Dollar COVID-19 Relief Scheme
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New California Laws Will Affect Auto Repairers in 2022
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Steakhouse Owner Busted for Classic Car COVID Fraud
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Navy Working to Ease Supply-Chain Shortage in LA County
Western News
Local news stories affecting the auto body industry in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska and Wyoming
Allstate Phases Out Your Choice Auto Program in California
Allstate Insurance has agreed to stop selling "Your Choice Auto" (YCA) insurance program in California, in response to a challenge brought by the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog. The company has stopped issuing new YCA policies, and will completely phase out the approximately 150,000 existing YCA policies in California by November 2011.
Consumer Watchdog said the program is "deceptive and overpriced," asserting that under the YCA program, Allstate charged drivers up to 15 percent higher-than-normal premiums with the promise that future tickets or accidents would not be used to increase premiums. The consumer action group said an investigation it conducted found that the purported benefits were not worth the premium being charged. According to the consumer group, Allstate was:
1. Violating California's good driver discount law;
2. Unfairly discriminating against drivers despite their good driving record;
3. Selling a deceptive product; and
4. Encouraging irresponsible driving.
Inland Empire CAA Chapter Warns About EEEC Area Inspections
Please see attached flier for meeting information.
CAA Inland Empire Chapter Meeting-January 27, 2011, 6:00pm, The Royal Cut Restaurant in Ontario.
EEEC is stepping up unannounced auto body inspections this year, this meeting will cover what you need to know about these inspections and explain typical violations.
To sign up for this meeting or for more information please contact Cindy Shillito at radiatorgirl.socal.rr.com or 714-944-4028.
CLICK HERE for meeting flier.
PPG Spring MVP Conference Offers "Journey to Excellence"
Dedicated to providing collision shop managers and owners with the best in innovative support services and information, PPG will host an MVP Business Solutions Conference at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, California, March 27 – 29. Focusing on the theme “Journey to Excellence,” the conference will present prominent speakers, enlightening seminars and interactive workshops to give participants opportunities to tap into new ideas and strategies to enhance their continuous business improvement efforts.
“PPG continues to bring cutting edge support and vital programs to its customers in every way possible,” said Randy Dewing, senior manager, MVP Business Solutions. “Success for collision centers in this economy depends on keeping your organization heading in the right direction and accelerating performance from the bottom to the top. This MVP conference is geared toward helping owners and managers realize exceptional positive results—real results that will improve performance and keep our customers on the leading edge of process and business improvement. Our speakers—experts in their fields—will show how an organization can keep moving ahead and stepping up its performance through a number of approaches and techniques.”
AIA Western Region Announces New VP
The American Insurance Association (AIA) has announced that Marjorie Berte has joined the association as its new vice president for the Western Region.
Berte's career includes experience in both the public and private sectors, most recently with the state of California, where she has served since 2007 as undersecretary for the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH). In this capacity, she coordinated oversight of 18 departments and programs with a total budget of $18 billion while working directly on issues such as transportation, public safety, economic development, and financial services regulation.
CAWA Appoints Ralph Barr to Manufacturers' Advisory Council
The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers Association’s (CAWA) has appointed Ralph Barr to its Manufacturers' Advisory Council (MAC). Barr will be representing United Components, Inc. from his office in San Marcos, California.
Barr was appointed by Chair of the Board, Tim Gerrity of General Auto Parts of Oakland, California. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Barr back into the leadership of CAWA and look forward to his participation and contributions to the Association and the industry we represent out west”, said Chair Gerrity following the appointment.
“Mr. Barr had previously served on the MAC and Board of Directors in the late 1990’s and we are pleased that he, once again, has stepped forward in volunteer service to the Association” said Gerrity.
CAWA is an automotive aftermarket trade association, which represents auto parts jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives in California, Nevada and Arizona. The Association provides education, legislative, regulatory and business support to the industry and its membership. It is one of the largest trade associations of its kind in the United States and recognized as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry.
For more information please visit www.cawa.org.
South Coast Air Quality Notice Regarding Gas Meters for Spray Booths
Linda Holcomb with the CAA Pasadena/Foothill Chapter sent this notice from the SCAQMD:
More...
California OKs Pay-as-You-Drive Auto Insurance Policies
Drivers who voluntarily drive fewer miles could get lower auto insurance rates under a “pay-as-you-drive” insurance program approved December 2 by the California Department of Insurance according to reports made by Insurance Journal.
The Automobile Club of Southern California and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance are the first approved to offer this kind of coverage.
“The voluntary pay-as-you-drive initiative … will allow insurers to offer plans based on more accurate mileage, so that people who choose to drive less will pay less for auto insurance,” says state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.
Toby Chess Asks for Your Contribution for Toys for Marine Families
With one week to go before California Collision Repairers present at least $20,000 worth of toys to the Marine families at Camp Pendleton, Toby is asking the collision community to dig a little deeper.
Says Toby:
- Hey Everyone: We are taking the toys to the Marines of the 11th Batallion stationed at Camp Pendleton on December 20th, 2010 and you are all invited to go. To date, your generosity has purchased $18,450.00 of toys (over a 100 new bikes). I was hoping for $20,000.00 and still a week to go. Thanks to the 72 shops (to date) who participated in the toy drive. A special thanks to Craig Olivera (Kent Automotive), Dick Valentine (Van Tuyl Automotive Group), Steve Morris (Holmes Body Shops) and Tom Williamson (Marina Autobody).
If you want to participate, just reply by e-mail to tcspeedster@yahoo.com
You guys were a great help. Semper Fi
Herb Lieberman from LKQ SoCal and Keystone sent the following response and a check for $1500:
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Good evening Toby,Thanks for your note on The Toys for the Marines. I just talked with Todd Hanson and Bob Simcox ofLKQ SoCal and Keystone. We would like to make up the shortfall to insure you meet your goal for the Toys for the children of the Marines.We appreciate the hard work you have done and that of the Collision Repairers for this fine effort and to put you over the top is our pleasure. Being able to join our Collision repair friends in showing our support for the Families of our Service men and women is an honor.Please advise where the $1500.00 check should go and to who it should be made out to.Herb LiebermanLKQ Corporation
December 15 is Most Dangerous Day for California Drivers
More Californians crash their cars on December 15 than any other day of the year, according to an Allstate Insurance Company review of its California auto insurance claims over the past four years. The number of accident claims on December 15 jumps 23 percent compared to the daily average during the rest of the year.
"This spike in crashes could be related to weather, holiday shopping, travel or other distractions," says Robert Feldman, Allstate agency owner in metro Los Angeles. "What's important for drivers is that we stay focused while at the wheel whether on the highway or in the driveway—on December 15 and every day of the year."
CAA East Bay Hosts Toys for Tots Truck Customizing Competition
The California Autobody Association’s East Bay chapter hosted its signature 13th annual Toys for Tots Model Truck Customizing Competition on Nov. 16 at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA.
More than 300 CAA members and friends attended the dinner, raffle, and truck competition, which raised money for Toys for Tots and Bridge Intervention Services. The latter is an organization that was established in 1999 to address the growing need for effective intervention with at-risk youth who are experiencing the negative cycle of current destructive youth culture.
“The purpose of the agency is to create ‘Bridges of Opportunity’ to youth, their families and the community,” Kathy Mello, owner of T.G.I.F. Body Shop in Fremont said. “Through collaboration with individuals, local businesses, professionals, and various agencies, the program seeks to provide a channel of innovative networks which will enhance the overall intervention process.”