SLADA Welcomes New Board Members and New President

The votes are in! SLADA would like to congratulate Skip Weber and John Londoff, Jr. as the new members of its Board of Directors for 2009-2010. Mr. Weber is very excited about getting involved in the betterment of his industry in the eye of the consumer. Mr. Londoff has served on SLADA's board before and will bring his experience back to help guide this organization, along with the other eight members. SLADA would also like to welcome Craig Suntrup as the new President of the Board of Directors. Click here to see a full list of the 2009-2010 SLADA Board of Directors.

Take Advantage of Exclusive Low Prices on Valvoline Lubricants and Chemicals

SLADA and Valvoline have just launched a partnership to bring SLADA members Valvoline-brand lubricants and chemicals at low prices available only to them. With Valvoline's vast array of products, and marketing and training programs, you can't go wrong. Click here or call 314-822-0333 today for more details.

Your Vehicle Has Full Coverage. Shouldn't You?

SLADA has partnered with Unum to offer its members and their employees a voluntary benefits program designed specifically for auto dealers and their employees. Click here for more information.

Need Low Cost Credit Reporting or Compliance Solutions?

SLADA is proud to announce its new partnership with 700Credit to offer all members credit reporting and compliance solutions at an exclusive low cost. Click here for more information.

Stimulus Mandates Temporary Relief on COBRA Premiums

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides temporary, taxpayer-funded, premium relief for people otherwise eligible to continue an employer's health plan coverage under the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 - known as COBRA. As of Feb. 17, 2009, the ARRA creates a temporary program of premium relief for Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs). AEIs are those who become COBRA eligible between Sept. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009. AEIs who elect continuation coverage may receive a 65% plan continuation premium discount. In other words, where employers normally require such individuals to pay 100% of COBRA plan premiums, AEIs may only be required to pay 35% under this temporary program. The Department of Labor (DOL) will issue a new model notice form by March 19, 2009. NADA suggests that dealers use that form to issue the new required notice to AEIs. For more information and details on what to do, click here.

Employee Free Choice Act Threatens Workplace Democracy

Organized labor's top legislative priority is the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), designed to make it easier for unions to organize workers. The major provision of the bill is known as "card check," which would fundamentally change labor law by making union organization as simple as circulating a petition. National labor policy must preserve procedural safeguards to protect the rights of both employers and employees. Click here to read more about this piece of legislation and what you can do oppose this effort.

SLADA Hosts "Major Changes Under Way - Why You Need to Pay Attention to the New FMLA Regulations and the ADA Amendments Act" Seminar

On March 18th, SLADA teamed up with Compli and Fisher & Phillips, LLP for a luncheon on the new requirements for FMLA and ADA compliance. These requirements, effective as of January 2009, bring major change for most employers, requiring almost all human resource professionals, managers and business owners to adopt new policies and procedures in dealing with such items as accommodation requests. The new requirements will also greatly impact the defense of employment litigation claims. To learn what has changed, the risks and penalties involved with non compliance and what you should be doing, click to view both of the full presentations: Labor and Employment Changes for Dealers and How to Improve Your Compliance Initiatives. Also, be sure to look for Compli's upcoming complimentary webinar on the Employee Free Choice Act, which will take place on April 22nd. For more information please visit: http://www.compli.com/news/

President's Proposed Budget Increases Taxes for Higher Income Individuals

President Obama previewed his proposed 2010 budget on February 26, 2009, and it presents large tax increases on joint taxpayers earning more than $250,000 (more than $200,000 for singles). Some of these tax changes are projected for 2010, while others will not take hold until 2011. "The overall direction of the budget suggests that high-income earners should consider accelerating gain transactions and other income recognition into 2009, ahead of these increases," says Andy Biebl, tax principal with LarsonAllen. Click here to read the full story.

St. Louis Auto Outlook

The St. Louis Auto Outlook is filled with valuable, objective information on the metro area's new retail automotive market that can't be found anywhere else. The St. Louis Auto Outlook tracks monthly vehicle registrations in the greater St. Louis metro area. Click here to see the latest monthly report.

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