NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 18, 2007

NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 18, 2007Voting Opens for 
2007 ASA Board ElectionsBEDFORD, TX (Jan. 3, 2007) - Elections for the 2007 Automotive Service Association (ASA) national board of directors are open through Feb. 28, 2007. All regular members of ASA have the opportunity to cast their votes for candidates by calling (800) 868-3272 or visiting a secure voting site accessed from ASA's Web site. Whether voting by phone or via the Internet, ASA members will need their member number plus a three-digit security code to vote. The voting line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Candidate bios and audio campaign messages are available at the ASA Web site.  Two general director positions are up for election this year, and all regular members in good standing with ASA are eligible to cast their vote for the two positions of ASA general director. Official candidates for the general director positions include: * Jerry F. Burns, AAM (incumbent), Automotive Impressions Inc., Rio Rancho, NM. * John Cochrane, Cochrane Automotive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. * Marco A. Grossi, Collision Craftsmen of Michigan in Macomb, MI. * Diane K. Rodenhouse, Rodenhouse Body Shop Inc., Grand Rapids, MI.(Source: ASA)SHRM: FMLA Implementation Rules Need Clarification and ImprovementALEXANDRIA, VA (Dec. 1, 2006) -The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced its support of the U.S. Department of Labor's announced plans to seek information on the current rules governing the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). An official Request for Information (RFI) on the FMLA's regulations was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 1. SHRM maintains that it has helped document concerns about the FMLA's uneven implementation. SHRM says contradictory opinion letters, federal court rules and regulatory advice have contributed to growing concern about the integrity of the act's benefits. Additionally, the Supreme Court invalidated some of the FMLA's regulations in its March 2002 Ragsdale v. Wolverine World Wide Inc. decision, thereby adding to the confusion about what the act provides and requires.  The RFI will allow employers, employees and all interested parties to share additional information with DOL about how current regulations are affecting implementation of the FMLA. On behalf of its more than 210,000 members across the country, SHRM urged the DOL to clarify and improve the FMLA's regulations.  "We hope this Request for Information leads to real action and real improvements," says Susan Meisinger, president and chief executive officer for SHRM. "Employers, employees and HR professionals need - and deserve - swift and definitive solutions to the problems that have plagued the act's leave protections." For more information on the U.S. Department of Labor request for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, visit the SHRM Government Affairs Web page.(Source: SHRM) MAP: Do the UICS Need Changes?BETHESDA, MD - The Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) is asking members, "Are you satisfied with the MAP Uniform Inspection & Communication Standards (UICS) as they are written? Are there adjustments to the MAP UICS that you've wanted to make?" MAP says now is the time to provide input for changes. The UICS are published on even-numbered years and updated on odd-numbered years. In 2007, MAP plans to add new components and systems, as well as updating existing entries. Members can provide their input at the association's Web site by entering the "Give Us Some Feedback" section or by e-mailing Tim Tierney.(Source: MAP)DCX VIN-Specific Recalls Now Available Through CarfaxCENTREVILLE, VA (Jan. 11, 2007) - The Chrysler Group and Carfax announced that open recall information for all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles is now available through Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Dealers can quickly find out whether open recalls exist for any of these vehicles they take in on trade or purchase wholesale. Making this information readily available helps Carfax-subscribing dealers increase their revenue. "Carfax Vehicle History Reports help our dealer customers make more money," says Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "Along with service records and Carfax One Owner cars, adding open recall information from the Chrysler Group is another way we can positively impact the dealer's bottom line." With the addition of the Chrysler Group, Carfax says it now receives VIN-specific open recall data from 18 manufacturers.(Source: Carfax)Vote For Your 
Favorite Hometown Hero

IRVINE, CA (Jan. 4, 2007) - Once again, "helping others" made it on to the Top 10 New Year's resolutions lists of millions of Americans. If you have it on your list, here's an easy way to cross it off: Help someone already helping others by voting for your favorite Volvo For Life Awards nominee in the nation's largest annual search for and celebration of everyday heroes. Nearly 400,000 votes have been cast so far, making for a tight race nationwide - so your vote counts. But hurry; the poll to elect the nation's greatest hometown heroes closes Feb. 4, 2007.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 10, 2007) - Each January, businesses bear responsibility for preparing W-2s and other tax-related employer tasks. This is an especially challenging duty for small businesses with fewer resources than larger businesses. Self-employed business owners also face their final estimated tax payment in January.