AWDA Conference: ACA President Bill Hanvey addresses attendees at luncheon
Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey took the stage at the AWDA luncheon on Monday, Nov. 4, to give an update on Right to Repair. As reported by Ratchet+Wrench on Sept. 22, HR 906, or the REPAIR Act, was not considered for a critical vote, which presented a setback in the right to repair’s fight on a federal level.
“Unfortunately, politics got in the way of progress on our bill, and now we do what we do best. We re-huddle, we determine a new game strategy, we pick up the ball, and we win the damn game,” Hanvey said. “And I'll be honest, I was crushed when I learned that our bill didn’t meet the committee vote.”
He reinforced that he has never felt more proud of how the automotive aftermarket responded. “You are the only reason that we got as far as we did, and I want to reaffirm the fact that your voice was heard,” he said.
Hanvey said the organization has tremendous political capital and awareness on Capitol Hill, and when the new Congress is seated, the fight will continue.
“We are going to resume our quest to preserve consumer choice when it comes to vehicle repair and maintenance,” he said. “You're going to be hearing a lot from me, and we need to turn up the volume in D.C. with the collective voice of our 5 million employees.”
Hanvey applauded the effort people in the industry have made in taking time to write letters to their congressional representatives, hosting those representatives at their businesses, participating in the legislative process, and embracing Right to Repair campaigns.
“I know that all of you have paid jobs, but this is an obligation not only as a member of the auto care community but as a citizen of the United States,” Hanvey said.
He added that while he recognized and celebrated the work of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation's newest trustees, who support the industry through education and scholarships for young men and women interested in a career in the industry, there was more work to be done together to help bring in more technicians. Hanvey said a new ACA workforce development initiative, which is active in several states, will help meet this continuing need by developing and enhancing apprenticeship programs for all technicians.
“Technician recruitment has been an issue, at least since I walked in the door, and it's only going to get worse as time progresses,” Hanvey said.
He added that ACA seeks to enhance financial aid federally for young men and women considering a career in the industry. “The fact that a person who is considering a technical career is not eligible for a Pell Grant simply astounds me,” he added. “It's time to take a different approach to ensure that our workforce demands are in place for a brighter future.”
