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Calendar of Events
Team Weekend
December 7-8, 2013
Embassy Suites Sacramento Promenade
100 Capitol Mall * Sacramento, CA * 95814
P: 1-916-326-5000 * F: 1-916-236-5001
Schedule
Team Weekend
February 8-9, 2014
Embassy Suites, Sacramento
including:
2014 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Summit
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Embassy Suites, Sacramento, CA
Sponsored by ASCCA, CAWA, AAIA, CAT, and CalABC
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Small Business Health Options (SHOP) from Covered California
Jackie Miller, ASCCA Executive Director As small business owners, you may find the following information useful. Covered California's (California's Health Exchange) December 2nd press release provides information about self-enrollment for health coverage. Unlike the federal government's health exchange (developed only for those states which opted out of developing their own exchange, and which was delayed for one year), California's Exchange is currently making health coverage options available for small business owners.
If you are a sole proprietor or single-person shop, you can purchase insurance on Covered California's Individual Exchange.
In addition to the self-enrollment function, small business employers can also work with a certified insurance agent to obtain information and a quote. Armstrong & Associates, ASCCA's insurance partner, can provide assistance. Call Armstrong's toll-free number, 866.923.7767, or go online to armstrongprofessional.com/healthquote.
Per Covered California, "small businesses are not required to buy insurance for their employees. SHOP is completely voluntary, and small businesses will not be penalized for non-participation. Small businesses can enroll in a SHOP plan year round."
Note that the Exchange is experiencing higher-than-expected demand for those seeking to enroll in a health plan in order for coverage to begin on January 1, 2014. As a result, there are long wait times and website problems. Covered California is adding staff and expanding its capacity to answer calls. December 23 is the sign-up deadline to have insurance beginning in January; however, enrollment in the Exchange lasts through March 31.
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$6 Billion Settlement Reached in Visa/MasterCard Class Action Lawsuit
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York has ordered a notification program about preliminary approval of a Class Settlement among merchants, Visa, MasterCard, and other Defendants in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that merchants paid excessive fees for accepting Visa and MasterCard because of an alleged conspiracy among the Defendants.
Merchants who accepted Visa and MasterCard at any time since January 1, 2004 may be eligible for settlement funds. If you received a notice or filled out a preregistration, and did not request exclusion, you will be sent a Claim Form once they are available.
Merchants with multiple locations and/or franchise locations as well as single location merchants are encouraged to preregister. The information you provide will be used to assist the Class Administrator in the preparation of your Claim Form. Preregistration is optional and does not affect your rights under the settlement.
If the Court approves the preliminary settlement, the Court will approve a Claim Form and determine when the Claim Form needs to be sent to Class Members, as well as the deadline for Class Members to submit their Claims.
Follow this link to the official court-authorized settlement website.
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December
Member of the Month
 Zarkis Martirosian, Bud Eberwein Automotive, Fresno, CA
In his own words:
I got involved in automotive repair because my uncle owned European Motors in San Jose for many years. At age 12, the idea of being able to repair something or build something was very intriguing to me. I also wanted to some day own a business like his. I graduated with an AS degree from Fresno City College and went to work for Bud Eberwein Brake Service at age 20 in 1972. The day Bud interviewed me, I told him that one day I would buy him out. I worked for Bud for six years as a mechanic, then eight-and-a-half years managing the shop. I bought the shop from him in 1985. The business expanded and outgrew the building. Our current shop was built in 1987. I made Bud Eberwein Brake Service a full-service automotive shop in 1995. What have I gained from ASCCA membership? Besides camaraderie and the development of deep friendships, ASCCA made me realize that being a business owner is not just about turning wrenches. While running that part of a business is OK, you have to be aware too that political and regulatory affairs can destroy your business. That awareness helped me decide to get involved in our ASCCA local chapter, to help protect my interests and the interests of my fellow shop owners. I advise new ASCCA members to get involved in how the political and regulatory process works and understand how they can affect your business. Don't just depend on others to do it. Your voice is very important. Do not be intimidated by thinking you don't make a difference. Get involved in your local chapter and help build a network among your colleagues. That way, any time mechanical problems or other business issues arise, you can help each other.
ASCCA members like Zarkis are shining examples of how One Member CAN Make a Difference!
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Guess the Most Stolen Midsize Car
(per Cars.com
It's not the Honda Accord this time!
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| Thank You ASCCA Diamond Sponsors! |
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About Us
Founded in 1940, the Automotive Service Councils of California is the largest independent automotive repair organization in California. Its members represent all areas of the automotive repair industry, including mechanical, auto body, suppliers and educators.
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