Michigan Auto Dealers Self Insured Fund (MADSIF) logo

HAZMAT certification classes from MADSIF

The MADSIF/CastleRock Risk Management Staff is offering the DOT Hazardous Materials Certification Training Seminar for dealership personnel. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulation requires all businesses that package, ship, handle or store hazardous materials, have at least one employee that is DOT Hazmat Certified.

Hazardous materials referred to in these regulations include thousands of items, many of which can be found in dealerships, for example flammable liquids, air bags, seat belt pretensioners, paints and adhesives. (Note: re-certification is mandatory every three years.)

This DOT Hazmat class is specifically tailored to auto dealership employees. New topics for 2018 sessions include:

  • New requirements for Small Quantity shipping
  • New requirements for Lithium Ion Batteries
  • Updated UPS & FedEx shipping
  • Updated employee training
  • Updated training materials

For more information and program dates please see the registration form.

Michigan Christmas Tree Facts

Now that winter is officially here and many families are carefully preparing for the holidays, MADA would like to show some support for a fellow state association, the Michigan Christmas Tree Association.  Consider these facts:

  • Michigan ranks third in the nation in the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying approximately 3 million fresh Christmas trees to the national market each year
  • Michigan produces and sells more than a dozen Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more varieties than any other stat
  • Our state has approximately 42,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production
  • Michigan boasts an annual farm gate value of more than $1.3 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland and other cut greens
  • For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan Christmas tree farmers plant three new trees for future harvests

 

Interested in a few more Christmas Tree facts…

  • There are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.
  • There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers.
  • North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
  • Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.
  • There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States.
  • For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.
  • There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S.; much of it preserving green space.
  • There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
  • It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years.
  • The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.
  • The most common Christmas Tree species are: balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.

 

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and your local Christmas Tree professional.

MADA membership benefits logo

Sales and use tax workshop for new car dealerships

(Jan 12, 2018: Seating is full for this program) MADA has worked with the Michigan Department of Treasury to coordinate a training session for new car dealers and staff who would like to learn the compliance requirements of sales and use tax laws with respect to vehicle sales, body shop activity, parts/service departments and the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO).

The Treasury has offered to tailor this program to those in attendance so we highly encourage you to let us know in advance what questions you have. This will allow the Treasury to come prepared to discuss the needed topics.

Workshop Schedule
Dept. of Treasury Training
Location: MADA office
1500 Kendale Blvd., East Lansing
Feb. 8, 2018 ▪ 10 am – 1 pm

Call MADA at (800) 292-1923 with questions.