Late February included CMSA’s annual legislative day in Sacramento. All in attendance found the event educational and enjoyable. Our legislative advocates, Matt Robinson and Lizzie Guansona, of Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer and Lange, did a great job of setting up relevant appointments, both at their office and a state legislative conference room, with regulators, legislators, and staff who already understood who we were and what was important to our industry. Our current legislative issues (listed on page 7 of this issue) were well-received on a bipartisan basis. After our visit, we have sent out 2 letters: One in support of SB 1064 (Dahle) Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program – biennial testing, and the other in opposition to AB 1777 (Garcia) Air pollution – indirect sources.
Our position paper on Marijuana, with the goal of Refined Testing Methods and the establishment of Standards for Intoxication, not only resonated with legislators of both parties but has been added to the radar of both the International Association of Movers (IAM) and the American Trucking Association Moving and Storage Council (ATA MSC). On the federal side, we are hoping to get our positions in front of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. Far from a fringe issue, with Marijuana as legal as alcohol in 24 states and allowed for medicinal uses (liberal application) in 40 of the 50 states.
We are busy at work on the 108th annual CMSA Convention. If you haven’t registered and booked your hotel room, you should do so today. We have just added a general session speaker who should be of value to all CMSA members. CMSA member Ben Julianel at Navigators Advisory Group will speak on Succession Planning. Even if this isn’t currently on your radar, you will want to listen to his discussion about what he calls the Exit Fire Drill that addresses what if something happens and your company needs to change leadership suddenly. He will also speak about valuing your business for sale. A worthwhile exercise even for those with no intention of selling.
CMSA works hard to keep convention costs reasonable and provide the best possible value for our membership. We can all take pride in what CMSA continues to accomplish, which is possible because of your support. Be sure that you are a part of CMSA’s 108th annual convention.