MAY 7, 2008


IN THIS ISSUE

  DEALER NEWS & INFORMATION

     - Automotive News at a Glance


  LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

     - Under the Gold Dome

     - Time is Running Out

       for State Legislators

     - Bridge Bill Crumbles

     - Ethanol Part of Food Crisis,
       
Says Durbin


  REGULATORY & LEGAL UPDATES

     - Four-Year Emission Exempt Stickers -
       
Reminder of Requirements


UPCOMING SEMINARS

     - NEXT WEEK: Section 125

       Cafeteria Plans

     - Designated Risk Management

       Seminar Returns to Colorado


  CALENDAR OF EVENTS
     - Upcoming Events


  DEALER MILESTONES,
     HIGHLIGHTS & TRANSITIONS

     - Let Us Know About YOUR
       
Accomplishments!

 


     ARCHIVES

      
CLICK HERE for Open Road
       e-newsletter archives.

       CLICK HERE for 2008 Regulatory
       & Legal Articles
from the Open
       Road e-newsletter.

       CLICK HERE for 2007 Regulatory
       & Legal Articles
from the Open
       Road e-newsletter.

       CLICK HERE for Bulletin archives.

       CLICK HERE for Colorado Auto  
       Outlook
archives.

       CLICK HERE for Denver Auto
       Outlook
archives.


     ONLINE REGISTRATION

        CLICK HERE to register online
        for various CADA seminars & events.


     MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES

        CLICK HERE for details on the
        Speaker and Educational              
        Resources
.

        CLICK HERE for a list of current    
        Endorsed Vendors/Programs
.

        CLICK HERE for a list of current    
        Allied Members
.

        CLICK HERE for an order form for   
        CADA forms
.



www.nada.org
 

     CLICK HERE for NADA
Regulatory Affairs information
.


     STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

        CLICK HERE for the Auto Industry 
        Division
of the Colorado Dept.
        of Revenue.

        CLICK HERE for the Title and   
        Registration section
of the
        Colorado Dept. of Revenue,
        Motor Vehicles Division.

        CLICK HERE for the Colorado
        Department of Labor &
        Employment
website.




Visit us at www.cadaonline.org.


CADA Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.


      CADA STAFF

President
Tim Jackson
tim.jackson@cadaonline.org
303.282.1448

Vice President
Tammi McCoy
tammi.mccoy@cadaonline.org
303.282.1449  

Vice President -
Public Policy & Communications
Nancy J. Burke
nancy.burke@cadaonline.org
303.457.5115  

Bond Coordinator
Linda Toteve
linda.toteve@cadaonline.org
303.457.5122

F&I Resource Center -
Manager
Chad Julius
chad.julius@cadaonline.org
303.457.5119 

Insurance Services -
Account Manager
Deb Lay
dlay@cadaonline.org
303.282.1453

Insurance Services -
Account Manager
Bob Kogel
bobkogel@cadaonline.org
303.282.1457 

Executive Assistant/Member
Resources Coordinator
Lauren Stadler
lauren.stadler@cadaonline.org
303.457.5123

Services Coordinator
George Billings
george.billings@cadaonline.org 303.457.5117


If you have questions
or suggestions
regarding this
e-newsletter, please
contact Nancy Burke at nancy.burke@cadaonline.org

CLICK HERE or scroll to the bottom
of this page if you want to be
added or removed from our list.


  

Need Acrobat Reader
to view linked
documents? 
CLICK HERE for a FREE
download from Adobe.


     ENDORSED VENDOR/PROGRAMS

        CLICK HERE for a list of current    
        Endorsed Vendors/Programs
.
        Click on any of the logos below to
        to go directly to a vendor's webpage.


REYNOLDS AND REYNOLDS


Merchant Services

 

 

 

 


If you have trouble viewing any of the links or documents in this e-newsletter,
please CLICK HERE to access the web-based version.




AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AT A GLANCE

Listed here are several articles pertaining to the auto industry that appeared recently in newspapers and other media outlets across the nation.

  • Liberal groups, Bruce join forces
    Durango Herald, May 2
    Lawmakers who want to make it harder to amend Colorado's Constitution have done the impossible: They brought Rep. Douglas Bruce together with some of the Capitol's top liberal lobbying groups.

    Bruce, one of the most strident anti-government politicians in the state, berated the constitutional reform plan in a 22-minute monologue Thursday in a House committee hearing. He had unusual allies - the Colorado Environmental Coalition, Colorado Common Cause and the Colorado Progressive Coalition, among others.
  • If Chrysler calls about your service, it could be the CEO
    Free Press, May 3
    It's Chrysler calling.

    The Auburn Hills automaker's top 300 executives and directors are now going to be calling, on average, one customer a day to inquire about their satisfaction under a new Customer First program unveiled this week to senior managers, according to an internal e-mail obtained by the Free Press.
  • Detroit’s woes clearer to outsiders
    The Detroit News, May 2
    "Cash is fact," says Chrysler LLC product guru Jim Press, "and profit is fiction."

    Interesting aphorism coming from a guy whose privately held company is obliged to disclose neither to the public. But in a town that for decades has measured success by the market share its automakers claim and the profits they book with accounting gimmicks -- instead of actual cash generated -- the former Toyota Motor Corp. exec has it exactly right.

  • A car with a window crank? No way!
    USA Today, May 3
    Many people contemplating an entry-level small car for the first time in a while — such as gas-price-conscious buyers trading down or parents shopping for their 2008 college grad — may be surprised at the features on today's models.

CADA forwards news articles and opinion columns of interest
through the Open Road to inform members of current events. 
These in no way reflect the views, opinions, and/or positions
of CADA or its member dealers. They are sent for
informational and educational purposes only.

 


UNDER THE GOLD DOME

Your CADA lobbyist, Nancy Burke, provides weekly updates on legislative issues relevant to the automotive industry. CLICK HERE to read about the current activities taking place on the state and federal levels.

Stay tuned next week for an overview of
the legislative session of 2008.

* * * * * * * * *

TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR STATE LEGISLATORS
Session ends next Wednesday,
but bills are still stacked high
Fort Collins Now,
May 2

Colorado lawmakers have only a few days left to finish the business of state government, which means long nights are likely ahead for the next week.

Several proposals are still wending their way through the halls of the Capitol, and at this late juncture, a few seem to face high hurdles.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

* * * * * * * * *

BRIDGE BILL CRUMBLES
Examiner.com, May 2
Republican lawmakers put the brakes on a bill that would take money from increased registration fees to fix the state's aging bridges. Democrats endorsed a plan on Wednesday that would increase vehicle-registration fees from $25 to $10 and would dip into other state funds for 122 bridges and highway repair.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

* * * * * * * * *

ETHANOL PART OF FOOD CRISIS, SAYS DURBIN
TheHill.com, April 28

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Monday that U.S. ethanol policies may be partly to blame for a global food crisis threatening to leave millions hungry.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

________________________________________________________

If you have questions on any legislative topic, please contact:



FOUR-YEAR EMISSION EXEMPT STICKERS - REMINDER OF REQUIREMENTS

From Rick Kiger, Department of Revenue (DOR),
Operations Director - Emissions Programs

The Department of Revenue, Emissions Sections has received numerous calls about the use of the four-year emissions exempt sticker for new vehicles, and if new car dealers are still required to issue them.

The answer is yes, Colorado Statute still requires any new car dealer in Colorado that sells a NEW (MSO/MCO) vehicle that is going to be registered in an emissions program area, to display an emissions exempt sticker. The emissions exempt sticker must be affixed to the vehicle at time of sale. The exempt sticker requirement applies to both gasoline and diesel vehicles.

State Statute references:
42-4-310 (1) (b) (II) (A) CRS (Gasoline)*
42-4-406 (1) (b) (II) – (A) & (B) CRS (Diesel)

The emissions gasoline program is operated in the full counties of Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Denver, and Douglas, as well as parts of Adams and Arapahoe counties**.

The emissions diesel program is operated in the full counties of Boulder, Jefferson, Broomfield, Denver, and Douglas, as well as parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer, Weld, and El Paso counties.**

Reminder for resale of cars within the four-year exemption:  Both new and used car dealers need to remember that when they are selling a vehicle that is currently on the four year exemption they do not need to provide an emissions inspection or voucher at time of sale, if more that 12 months is remaining on the exemption. If there is more than 12 months remaining on the exemption the remaining time is transferable to the new owner.

New car dealers can purchase exempt stickers from either the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association or directly from the Department of Revenue, Emission Program, at 303-205-5603

TO PURCHASE:  Contact Lauren Stadler at 303.457.5123 or e-mail lauren.stadler@cadaonline.org to purchase from CADA. 

Also note that Larimer, Weld, and El Paso counties were removed from the gasoline program area in 2007, but they are still included under the diesel program. See the Oct. 24, 2007 Open Road article for other information and links on emissions

* Statute refers to a “certification of emissions compliance without inspection” [this is the “emissions sticker”] per DOR staff

** For more detail on counties with only parts of the county covered, CLICK HERE to review those statutes.

________________________________________________________

If you have questions on any legal or regulatory topic, please contact:

DISCLAIMER: CADA is not authorized to dispense legal advice.
The information contained in this weekly email is intended to provide important updates and reminders regarding statutes, litigation, and regulations. CADA always advises that dealers should consult legal counsel on the specifics of any laws or regulations to ensure proper compliance.



SECTION 125 CAFETERIA PLANS:
Maximizing tax savings and compliance review

SEMINAR TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK...
BE SURE TO REGISTER SOON!

If you currently have a Section 125 plan...
...Are you maximizing your tax savings?
...Could your cafeteria plan survive an IRS audit and is your plan compliant?

If you do not already have a Section 125 plan...
...You could add to your current benefit package at no additional cost!

Tax savings opportunities are substantial under IRS Tax code Section 125—but you must also keep up with changes in the regulations and requirements. To review the latest information on cafeteria plans, American Fidelity will be conducting a two-hour session covering what every company should know about Section 125 Cafeteria Plans:

  • Advantages (and disadvantages) of having a Cafeteria Plan along with types of plans
  • Legal requirements for setting up and maintaining a Cafeteria Plan
    • Is your plan document current in all respects and on file for IRS review?
    • Is your health insurer listed correctly in your plan document?
    • What are the eligibility rules for employee participation?
    • Have all participating employees made annual elections in writing and are these elections kept on file?
    • What is your corporate tax status and do you understand who can participate in your Section 125 Plan?
  • What the IRS will review in an IRS audit
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
    • Options such as grace periods, over the counter meds, debit cards, etc.
    • How amounts are calculated, qualified expenses, forfeitures, and using Health FSA’s to limit risk



CLICK HERE for more information
and the registration flyer.


Presented By KARLA BOLINGER, assistant vice president of American Fidelity 

Karla Bolinger has worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years. She earned her CFC designation and is a member of the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), which was established to create and maintain the most favorable legislative, regulatory and public opinion environment for defined contribution plans, 401(k) plans, cafeteria plans, and other elective compensation plans. American Fidelity is a national leader in providing Section 125 administrative services to employers since 1979 and has over 8,000 Section 125 accounts nationwide. They are the CADA-endorsed Section 125 administrative service provider.

Presented by CADA-endorsed
provider American Fidelity

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Grand Junction

NEXT WEEK! Wednesday,
May 14
Noon to 2 p.m.
lunch included

Double Tree Hotel
743 Horizon Drive,
Grand Junction, 81506
970.241.8888
CLICK HERE to register online.

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Denver

NEXT WEEK! Thursday,
May 15
7:30 to
9:30 a.m.
breakfast included

William D. Barrow Building,
CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver
CLICK HERE to register online.

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Colorado Springs

NEXT WEEK! Thursday,
May 15
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
lunch included
Antlers Hilton Hotel,
4 South Cascade Ave.,
Colorado Springs, 80903 719.955.5600
*Colorado Springs dealers should register with CSADA, Ann Winslow, 719.473.1465

* * * * * * * * *

DESIGNATED RISK MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
RETURNS TO COLORADO
Unique Opportunity Presented By
CADA-Endorsed Provider

  • Local opportunity to attend this comprehensive
    risk management seminar
  • Condensed one-day session of a 2 ½-day seminar
    typically held only at Federated headquarters

CADA, in conjunction with Federated, will be hosting a Designated Risk Management Seminar. This comprehensive seminar will be limited to twenty dealers, each of whom, after providing the requisite information, will be provided with comprehensive and customized materials at the seminar in April 2007. 

WHEN:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 17
(breakfast & lunch included)
*Due to customized materials, registration deadline is May 10*

WHERE: William D. Barrow Building, CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver
WHO: Risk Managers (or whoever is designated with that responsibility)

Presented by CADA-endorsed
provider Federated Insurance

CLICK HERE for a registration form and more details.
CLICK HERE
to register online for this event.
CLICK HERE
for a seminar re-cap and testimonials from other CADA members who attended last year’s session (look under “Dealer News”).


TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR ANY CADA
SEMINAR OR EVENT, PLEASE VISIT:

www.cadaonline.org/registration
Event Description
Date/Time
Location

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Grand Junction

NEXT WEEK!Wednesday,
May 14
Noon to 2 p.m.
lunch included

Double Tree Hotel
743 Horizon Drive,
Grand Junction, CO  81506
970.241.8888
CLICK HERE for a registration flyer. CLICK HERE to register online.

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Denver

NEXT WEEK!Thursday,
May 15
7:30 to
9:30 a.m.
breakfast included

William D. Barrow Building,
CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver
CLICK HERE for a registration flyer. CLICK HERE to register online.

Section 125/Flexible Spending Accounts presented by Karla Bolinger, American Fidelity Assurance Company
Colorado Springs

NEXT WEEK!Thursday,
May 15
11:30 a.m. to
2 p.m.
lunch included

Antlers Hilton Hotel,
4 South Cascade Ave.,
Colorado Springs,  80903 719.955.5600
*Colorado Springs dealers should register with CSADA, Ann Winslow, 719.473.1465

Risk Management Seminar presented by Federated Insurance

*Due to customized
materials, registration deadline is May 10

Tuesday,
June 17
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
breakfast and lunch included

William D. Barrow Building,
CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver
CLICK HERE for a registration form and more details. CLICK HERE to register online for this event.

CADA Workers Compensation Program
– Quarterly Safety Committee Meeting

June 18

More details coming soon!

William D. Barrow Building,
CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver
CLICK HERE for more information on the CADA workers' compensation program.
ATAE (Automotive Trade Association Executives) Service Directors Meetings July 20-23 St. Julien Hotel, Boulder, CO
CLICK HERE for a registration form. Contact Tammi McCoy for more information or if you are interested in sponsorship information.

New Red Flags Rules and Privacy/Safeguards Re-cap presented by Rob Cohen, Auto Advisory Services
Grand Junction

Monday,
Aug. 11
Times to be determined
lunch Included

Double Tree Hotel
743 Horizon Drive,
Grand Junction, CO 81506
970.241.8888

New Red Flags Rules and Privacy/Safeguards Re-cap presented by Rob Cohen, Auto Advisory Services
Denver

Tuesday,
Aug. 12
Times to be determined
breakfast Included

William D. Barrow Building,
CADA Offices
290 East Speer Blvd., Denver

New Red Flags Rules and Privacy/Safeguards Re-cap presented by Rob Cohen, Auto Advisory Services
Colorado Springs

Tuesday,  
Aug. 12
Times to be determined
lunch Included

Antlers Hilton Hotel,
4 South Cascade Ave.,
Colorado Springs, 80903 719.955.5600
*Colorado Springs dealers should register with CSADA, Ann Winslow, 719.473.1465

Colorado Dealer Management & Leadership Summit

Wednesday,
Aug. 13
8 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.

Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows
CADA Annual Member Golf Event Monday,
Sept. 8
Columbine Country Club
17 Fairway Lane
Columbine Valley, 80123



LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Have you or anyone else at your dealership won an award recently? Have you or your dealership provided any outstanding community service? We want to recognize such accomplishments. Please send us a brief write-up of the award or event along with any other information to milestones@cadaonline.org.  Also include your contact information for further follow-up.

 


If you want to be added to our mailing list, please CLICK HERE.

 

 
Colorado Automobile Dealers Association
 290 East Speer Boulevard Denver, CO  80203
 Telephone:  303.831.1722  |  Facsimile: 303.831.4205
 www.cadaonline.org