GCLA - Year in Review
"Never Doubt That A Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens Can Change the World; Indeed, It's the Only Thing That Ever Has.”
—Margaret Mead
This was a very busy and very exciting week here at the Greater California Livery Association. The board of directors met Tuesday for nearly three hours to hammer out strategies ranging from Prop 22 to ending the year with a face-to-face meeting for our entire membership.
Here’s an update that I know you’ll find enlightening:
On Government Assistance: The HEROS Act was revised to $2.2 trillion. Democratic lawmakers introduced the measure on Monday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. It is unlikely to pass before the November 3 election. Operators wanting information on the PPP loan forgiveness program must first apply for that at https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application.
On the Financial Fitness of the GCLA: The association hit a yearly low in reserves this past July only to rebound thanks to new members, a surge in sponsorships and a $8,500 grant from the National Limousine Association.
On Industry Recover Efforts: The GCLA endorsed the SafeCleanRide sanitation training, testing and certification program. This project was 5 months in the making and we feel strongly that it will play a vital role in business recovery for the state of California and beyond. Go to the www.GCLA.org for more information.
On Board Seats: Our association election efforts for board seats kicks off next week. If you are interested in running for the board and/or participating on committees please reach out to me at sara@gcla.org. I have applications ready to email you right away. The deadline for board applications is closed of business on Monday, October 26th.
On Legislative Work: Vote NO on Prop 22 is our #1 focus. We have retained the Marketing/PR firm of Curtis Gabriel to handle social media strategies. We are part of the www.NOonCAPROP22.com coalition. As of now, the No’s are essentially tied with the Yes’s with 25% of likely voters’ undecided. We set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to support the Coalition, who’s set to raise $10 million. Our industry is expected to do our part to support the NO efforts so if you haven’t given yet, please do so! The Coalition is not expecting a huge check from us, they know we are suffering. Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the cause. https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/gcla-campaign-vote-no-on-prop-221.
Watch your inbox! Coming this weekend in a GCLA – TV exclusive interview with Assembly person Lorena Gonzalez, the author of AB 5 and champion of the Vote No initiative. This program is facilitated by Mo Garkani, GCLA president along with Mark Stewart, GCLA Legislative Chair. Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez unpacks the details of this landmark legislation. It is a must see!
On Uniting Our Membership in a Face-to-Face Event: The discussion with the board on whether or not to plan for a 1-2 event that includes business strategy meetings, a state of the industry, awards event and a holiday dinner was met with mixed feelings. Many of us are craving the comradery and human interaction that live events afford us. Some directors are concerned about the optics in light of so much pain and suffering this year. We have dates on hold at the Portofino Hotel and Conference Center, Redondo Beach on December 14-15 just in case but we need a consensus. Directors are reaching out to members by email to get feedback. Feel free to contact me as well and let us know if this is something you want to see happen this year.
In close, I must say how proud I am to be a part of such a fighting and spirited group. This industry represents the best of the true American Entrepreneur. These are extremely difficult times for the travel and hospitality industry but still we forge ahead. We are constantly thinking about ways to get mobility “unstuck” and our efforts are paying off…slowly BUT surely. It is an awesome thing to see backyard competitors who are coming together to support one another in the most unselfish of ways. Together we are better and remember, we are In this to WIN this!
Stay strong!
—Sara Eastwood-Richardson
