GCLA EXPO Coming August 30-31, 2021
Exclusive 2022 SUPER BOWL SUCCESS PLANNING – Breakfast of Champions Panel Announcement
Things are getting exciting here on the pacific coast. The U.S. Open, which generates nearly $200 million over the course of 14 days, will debut at San Diego’s Torrey Pine Golf in early August. At this point, the total daily count for spectators is at 12,000 but by August the PGA believes that they will be allowed to have more than 60% capacity.
The Super Bowl, a one-day event but for chauffeured transportation spans a full week, generates about $100 million for the local community. But this event, unlike any other live sporting event, is massive in terms of attendance and Los Angeles holds the record for the largest Super Bowls in the history of football. Coming off a state shut down like no other, next year’s Super Bowl hosted in Southern California is going to be (H)Yooj!
How big? So big that we don’t have enough transportation inventory to handle the demand. Even with 40 million residents and more than 3,000 active CPUC license holders in the state, California will need a lot of help from the rest of the country to service the Super Bowl.
It’s a tangled process and the reason the GCLA is getting involved. We will be training and mentoring operators within our membership with exclusive information so that our people succeed in cashing in on the Super Bowl next year. For those of you that want our help, you’re in luck. Becoming a member of the GCLA is $6.25 per month. Just sign up on www.gcla.org as a first step.
Be on the look out for information about our EXPO that includes 2 days of networking, education and 30,000 s.f. of exhibits – mostly outside and against the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at LA county’s famous Redondo Beach. www.gcla.expo is under way. Attending this session will insure you actually MAKE money…great money. There’s a lot that can go wrong during these insanely busy events and we will cover it all so you avoid disaster. You’ll hear from veterans and experts at Super Bowl logistics, from the NFL and from our state enforcement agencies.
Get ready to RUMBLE!
One for the History Books – The GCLA Live Spring Conference Is a Huge Success
It’s a wrap folks! The spring conference, held this past Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, was the “it” place to be for every serious-minded transportation professional from around the state of California and beyond and boy did it pack a punch!
The event was the first business convention to be held in California, which is a state that is still largely shut down and where the hospitality and travel industry has been the hardest hit in the U.S. I’d like to recognize the fearless leadership of Mo Garkani, owner of The COTS Group and the GCLA president. He was the primary influencer to making this event happy. Mark Stewart, principal of Ground Logistics International (GLi) and the Event Program Chair created the session content which included experts from the meetings and convention industry, the luxury and bespoke wedding industry, incentive travel and tourism world. On behalf of the GCLA, I’d like to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to those experts who generously shared their advice (and precious time) in the spirit of helping the GCLA membership:
o Lisa Meller, owner of Meller Performance Events Group
o Alisa Walsh, president of EventWorks, Inc.
o Lee Palmer Turner, president-elect of the Los Angeles GBTA/Travel Manager for MGM Studios
o Victoria Zindell, owner of Luxury Ventures Travel
o Katie Webb Brundige, owner of InterTwined Events
o John Ehlenfeldt, Director of MPI/Executive VP of Visit Huntington Beach
In addition, our experts including Gregg Cook, GCLA Lobbyist, Matt Daus, managing partner at Wendels-Marx/president of the International Transportation Regulators Association along with the Electric Vehicle leadership team at Cadillac including Mark Leddy, Brad Beauchamp and James Hunter joined us for the State of the Industry presentation, hosted by ‘yours truly.’
Our sponsors are the ONLY reason we were able to put on this event. We only charged GCLA members $50 to attend and we made this decision based on the hardship we know everyone is enduring due to the pandemic. The rest of the event costs were totally funded by donations, so we wish to congratulate those fine companies and encourage our members to BUY from those who support YOU!
Cadillac – Leading the way with luxury vehicles (All Electric is on the way!)
Chosen Payments – Experts in Credit Card Processing, Check Processing, Financial Services
Amerifuel – All-in-one fuel management programs and discount solutions
Century Business Solutions – Experts in Credit Card Processing and Payment Integrations including EBiz.
Motor City GMC – NEW GCLA PARTNER! 4th largest GM dealership in the country, based in Bakersfield – ships to your door!
Limos 4 – The GCLA Zurich/European Transportation Partner who keeps us connected to the world.
BMW – Luxury Executive/All New Fleet Incentive Program
Ecko Transportation – San Francisco-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA board director
Motev – Los Angeles-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA board director
KLS Worldwide – Los Angeles-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA board director
Windels/Marx - #1 Transportation Law Firm in the U.S.
First Class Customs – the Premiere Coach Builder + Sprinter Upfitter
Beau Wine Tours – Northern California-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA board director
Best-VIP – Orange County-based Luxury Transportation Provider
MCI – Motor Coach Industries sells new and used buses; manufactured in the U.S. with offices in CA.
Davey Coach – Shuttle buses; recently acquired Nations Bus and now officing in Los Angeles.
TIB Insurance Brokers – Insurance brokerage firm specializing in commercial transportation.
Norton Medical Industries – Drug testing for employees in transportation
D.W. Ferguson & Associates – Insurance for business covering the Western United States
The COTS Group – Los Angeles-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA President
Avalon Transportation – Los Angeles-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA board director
Ground Logistics International – Orange County-based Luxury Transportation Provider, GCLA director
The LMC Group -
In close, I would like to offer a very special shout out to Chris Weiss, principal of Chauffeured Driven Media for making the huge trek across the country to spend the day with the GCLA members and help bolster our event and fundraiser. I thank our board of directors who presented at the event and to those special people who played host to our attendees. In particular, Mo Garkani, Robert Gaskill, Tom Buck, Adrian Davis, Chris Hundley, Alex Darbahani, Maurice Brewster, Harry Dhillon, Jack Nissim, Mark Stewart, Steven Wolfson and Sarah McKee.
And last but certainly not least, thanks to Tammy Carlisle owner of Action Limousine of Atlanta for spearheading our Volunteer Team and the Fundraising Committee. Tammy is one of the most gracious people in this industry and is the epitome of “service with a smile.” She went beyond the call of duty for all of us. A special hug got out to all who came to the event. I trust you got your money’s worth since the take home value was over the top. We can’t wait for the September EXPO coming to the Portofino Hotel and Conference Center and are already hitting it hard on the planning front!
Here is What You Will Learn at the GCLA Spring Conference
With less than 2 weeks to go, 75% of the conference seats have been reserved. Many more operators are waiting to make sure their schedules permit the time away from businesses to attend. That said, we expect a full house at the FIRST business conference in the travel industry to be hosted LIVE in the state of California since the onset of Covid restrictions 365 days ago.
If you’re trying to weigh out your time and money investment, here is what your payoff is for attending:
1. A one-hour State of the Industry that will detail where the industry stands today and what is happening in real time in all areas of transportation.
2. Incentive / Business travel update on the return of our bread-and-butter revenue stream.
3. Meetings, conventions and live events “come-back” details from top experts.
4. Electric vehicles – a very interesting look into the not-too-distant future of luxury vehicles in California.
5. Luxury and Retail travel trends (including tours) – leisure and luxury travel is up this year so it’s time to chase that side of the business. Experts will tell you how to cash in.
6. Airport status in California – how Covid changes at airports from San Diego to SFO are affecting ground transportation, plus, we will cover what’s happening at small airports and private FOBs.
7. Weddings in California this year – a full report on how Covid has impacted wedding trends. There’s very good news for transportation professionals.
8. Insurance update – a detailed status of California transportation insurance and answers to your most pressing questions. You will also be able to talk one on one with our two insurance sponsors for more personalized questions.
9. Legislation – an update on all pertinent issues impacting ground transportation, presented by the GCLA lobbyist and attorney.
If you are not in the state of California, but farming out jobs to operators who reside in the state, your presence is necessary and we hope you come. California is the nation’s bellwether state on many levels, especially when it comes to travel and tourism trends.
Here is how your register:
www.gcla.show
www.gcla.org – click EVENTS tab
Email us at sara@gcla.org
Call us at 213-349-0190
Time to Call on the Wedding Professionals!
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get your marketing plans penciled out for how your company can benefit from the abundance of weddings on the books this season.
Here’s a few easy tips you can do right now via EMAIL MARKETING:
1. Research wedding professionals – go to https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/wedding-planners/california 2. Craft a PERSONALIZED letter based on things you picked up in your research of each wedding professional and do the same for wedding venues. When you look up a wedding planner you will see a section called ABOUT THIS VENDOR and below their business overview you will find DETAILS and all the way at the bottom are REVIEWS. In these sections you will find opportunity to find a connection.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Dear {first name},
Your amazing reviews on the Knot caught my eye. {CUSTOMIZE HERE} Your glowing reports on your attention to detail along with your expanded service options (looks like you nurture your clients from the minute they get engaged) inspired me to reach out to you today. My company looks for strategic partners like yours. My luxury transportation company is {name}. We are a white glove service provider who also agonizes over every detail for all of our clients. I am interested in speaking with you about a strategic partnership that works for both of us. Please let me know the best time and day to talk and how you prefer to handle business introductions.
Warmly,
{your name; your title; your company} 3.Edit and proof before hitting the SEND button! I get a lot of business emails. If they are grammatically wonky, I tend to form a negative impression of the company and hit delete.
4. Subject lines are the single more important part of your success rate. If you can’t get a wedding planner to read your email, it’s DOA. The first 4 words are your make-or-break on email Subject lines. There must be something compelling, flattering, intriguing, authentic or beneficial.
EXAMPLES:
a) Loved your Knot review b) Your company caught my eye c) We have lots in common d) Wedding success depends on the dependable e) Lightening the load for you, I can help 5. Make sure, too, that you are ready for wedding planners to respond to you. Have a professional Power Point pitch deck created with no more than 10 slides. It’s the best way to quickly move through your company without overwhelming. These easy tips will work and I am excited to hear from you so please keep me posted on your progress!
We Move California Live
For starters, the event is happening. It’s firmly set for Tuesday, March 30 at the Huntington Beach Hyatt Resort. We can thank (I guess) the recall momentum of Governor Gavin Newsom for ensuring that we can finally bring you a live gathering. In case you’re not following the state news these days, the needed signatures for the recall were obtained this week, meaning a vote is almost certainly going to take place this spring. Even though it’s broadly believed that he will survive the recall, Governor Newsom is getting the message loud and clear that residents have had it with the arbitrary lock downs and mixed messages that he, himself, has not adhered to. After his approval rating plummeted to below 40 percent last month, Newsom immediately opened up outdoor dining. Now he’s tackling school openings. Each week, Californians are being given back their freedoms while the state is working on overdrive to get the vaccine distributions out – ASAP. It’s time for us to get out there, meet with local businesses and sell transportation services!
The “We Move California Live” conference is a 1-day event, set in a TedTalks format. The speakers are experts in areas that matter to you including – weddings and special events, meetings and hotel events, tours and retail travel, luxury travel and business travel. I am also providing you with a state of the industry that is data-driven information to help navigate these coming months. A final note is our closing session, hosted by GCLA president Mo Garkani and our legislative committee chair Mark Stewart. This session addresses the GCLA members’ Top Concerns which include the life past Prop 22, government financial help, insurance and the fleet crisis that everyone is facing.
There will be time for networking and brainstorming. We will have chat groups that are able to be out by the pool and in the amazing courtyard spaces throughout the venue gardens.
Even though we are still tweaking the program, I urge you to sign up now. As of today, we can only host 200 people (the number may increase but don’t take that risk). The event is $50 for members. The bulk of the event is being subsidized by our generous sponsors. I’ll be sure to make noise about all of them in the coming weeks. We are just days away from launching our new website so make note: www.gcla.show will be live soon!
Are We Actually Hosting a LIVE Conference? That Would Be a YES.
For real. The stage is set. The program has been developed. Cadillac has stepped up to be our Official Sponsor host. Let’s pray that California will continue to roll back restrictions so we are ALLOWED to gather. It appears that will be the case since events in California have resumed their bookings.
The GCLA Spring Conference is coming. It has a theme: We Move California – LIVE! The sessions will focus on regaining lost business in all areas of transportation from luxury to business travel to retail, shuttles and charter and we’ll bring you the people with the intel to present you the facts.
Here’s the skinny:
The GCLA Spring Conference will be hosted at the Orange County Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach on Tuesday, March 30th, 2020. Here is a video that pretty much says it all with respect to the location:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijayct82WmE
This event is CAPPED at 200 people so we will have to prioritize attendance the only way we know how, on a first-come, first served basis. We do have a registration form created for you so sign up now: https://www.gcla.org/we-move-california-live.
We wish to thank our official sponsor, Cadillac. For without their support, we would not have the means to make this live event happen, thus we would continue to be cut off from seeing you in person – a very depressing thought.
Looking ahead, we are also launching the GCLA Expo which is a larger version of our spring conference to include an exhibit area for suppliers as well as an expanded 2-day conference complete with all the networking trappings you’ve come to expect at industry shows. For all of this we are creating a brand-new event website to be up and running in the next week. In the meantime, please make note of it: www.gcla.show.
As you can see, the GCLA is growing in its optimism and there’s good reason. In the month of January, the GCLA renewed 70 percent of its 2020 membership PLUS we are welcoming 32 FIRST TIME MEMBERS. How is this possible when mobility is at a mandated halt and operators are in dire shape? It’s because our constituents know that we have to fight our way back to a robust economy and save our industry. We need each other more than ever. We need strong leadership and we need a plan. And, most of all, our people need to know someone has their back. Our job is just beginning for 2021 but we are pointed in the right direction and cannot wait to see your shining faces this spring.
Stay Strong. We are in this to win this!
Urgent Message Regarding Federal Loans and Grants - Time Sensitive
Dear Colleagues,
Today, I am going to keep this message short and to the point since time is of the essence. This week is your only window of opportunity to apply for the new PPP2 program. The applications are processed on a first-come, first served basis and when the money is gone, it’s gone.
In the spirit of time, I’ve researched the best tutorials for you to watch and came up with the one below that will take you through the entire application for sole proprietors, independent contractors and partnerships. Review this as soon as possible and get going on the application if you haven’t already:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRNKKSpPDaw
Also, hidden way down on the SBA website regarding the EIDL, there is a $10,000 grant program (free money). Some caveats to receiving this money apply so watch this video to find out if you are eligible. The amount of money in this grant program is $40 million and will pay out mid-February which is double that of the grant program from last June so don’t shirk this off! This link is extremely helpful to know exactly what’s entailed so watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xbjas5xwUI
For Greater California Livery Association members only – our office hours are 9am - 5pm, PST. My team and I have actually applied for relief on behalf of the GCLA and know the ins and outs too. If you need personal assistance, you should call our offices immediately or email us at www.sara@gcla.org and set up an appointment for one of us to help you. Our office number is (213) 349-0190.
If you are not a GCLA member, you need to join now. Our annual dues are $75 – that is $6.25 per month, or the cost of a Starbucks coffee and donut! The benefits to belonging to the GCLA extend out to offerings like this, a personal help desk, and go far deeper. Just go to our website and see what’s cook’n. www.gcla.org
We encourage members from all states and all countries to become members to connect with us. The state of California represents the 6th largest economy in the world with over than 165 Billionaires and more than 1 million Millionaires. The state is the Mecca of tech and entertainment. It also attracts more than 300 million visitors a year who vacation here. This is where the major networking opportunities abound. Come one, come all – you are welcomed here. We are enjoying an explosion of growth in our community and we’re only in month ONE of the New Year.
Our motto is real: We are in this to win this and so we shall!
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
Executive Director, GCLA
The New Year, A Renewed Sense of Hope
My son came home from college for the winter break and needed a job. Luckily there was a short-term vacancy at my office for him – a paid internship as it so happens. (smile)
Alec’s first task was to contact 150 or so members as part of an outreach program. We’ve sent lots of emails about changes to our billing program at the GCLA over the past few months to let everyone know we are now on a fiscal calendar and the $75 annual dues are paid at the beginning of the year. Also, thanks to the generosity of two GCLA board directors, Patrick O’Brien and Jeff Brodsly, we have a new Membership Grant program that covers a year’s worth of dues for any member that plans to stay in this fight but is in financial need of help. On that note, Alec spent the last five days calling on members expecting to get an earful due to the terrible Covid-19 situation we are in. Instead, aside from a few exasperated operators (understandably so) my son was met with warmth and appreciation and hope! 71 operators renewed with the GCLA from Alec’s outreach efforts. And, our offices learned a lot about what’s happening on the frontlines. That intel will help us prioritize our tasks. Some stories were heartbreaking while others were inspirational. All in all, people were lovely and gracious. We have the best people in the transportation world here in California, and beyond.
While many other associations suspended operations this past year, the GCLA invested in its organization and accomplished so much for the betterment of things to come. We are ready. We have all new committees that will get to work for you starting with onboarding meetings set for early next week. Your new leadership is now posted on www.GCLA.org We encourage anyone who wants to become part of the back-to-business efforts we are putting in place, reach out to me directly at sara@gcla.org
Other news; I sent out personal emails to all members about a state grant program that is FREE money for you. The application deadline was January 8th but it’s been extended to the 13th due to all the glitches on the system. Watch your inbox for more on that – we have people here that can help you apply.
Federal money is coming. Now that our elections and the final decision has been made for our country’s president we can expect to hear more in the coming months about aid. Meanwhile, eyes on California. We are in the traditionally slowest season of the year, but spring is around the corner. I spoke to Jay Glick this morning. He’s one of the countries largest retail operators. He moved 600 weddings from 2020 to 2021 and they are NOT going to wait any longer, so he tells me. Weddings may shift to being outside (in our state that means more beach events; barn weddings; wineries and mountain places) but they will happen, with a nice bump from those that stalled out in 2020.
Stay strong and keep those positive attitudes alive. We are in this to win this and sooner or later, people will need to move again.
Looking Back with GCLA
Dear GCLA Members and Industry Colleagues:
I am writing to convey my very best wishes to all of you as we wrap up an eventful 2020 and shift our momentum into the next calendar year. The past months have been rocked with challenge, but even through the storm, noteworthy achievements have happened.
Just a few outstanding examples: the GCLA joined the fight to upend Prop 22 and stayed the course to the bitter end. Along the way, we got to know some of the most influential politicians and organizations in the state of California, thus expanding our sphere of influence and credibility. We need all the friends we can get. So, despite the Prop 22 setback (and the fight is not over), your transportation association garnered much needed clout and opened more doors of support for the challenges ahead. Another proud achievement was being able to offer our members a hygiene safety certification for frontline personnel/drivers. The www.SafeCleanRideCert.com program has been accepted by a growing number of travel organizations, insurers and trade groups. We have only scratched the surface with this program. We aim to change human behavior towards health risks through education and we’re off to a great start. This year we also created membership standards and a code of conduct that enables the GCLA to help resolve individual business disputes – something no other trade association offers. Our members have a place to go and be heard. We proudly rolled out a new digital membership directory which we are promoting to transportation buyers AND we have this fancy e-newsletter that is reaching more than 6,000 transportation professionals EVERY week!
As we ring in the New Year, the Greater California Livery Association has updated its Association Committees and we are looking for volunteers to add to our teams. We have big plans that include a new series of industry awards programs, the GCLA Academy, two live events sponsored by big brands like Cadillac. Our advocacy calendar is busy as well. There is much work to do legislatively to get our members moving again. I have the 2021 GCLA Committees Sign-Up Sheet at my desk so please send me an email to sara@gcla.org and we can go over the projects you’re most interested in.
Indeed, we have so many points of pride that there are too many to do them all justice in an end-of-the-year letter. We have many good people with helping hands that made all the difference in the world. And, to our sponsors…there’s a special place in Heaven for all of you. We thank you for shouldering the lions’ share of our overhead this year and backing our member initiatives.
If you’re on the fence about joining the GCLA, please get off and come be a part of our community for $75 for Operators and $300 for Suppliers a year. We want and need you. We don’t care where you’re from either. They say what goes in California, so goes the nation and it’s true. Out-of-state and abroad members offer different perspectives and that is so very important to us.
This is a winning association with great momentum. Get involved and help us accomplish big things together in the year to come.
With very best wishes,
GCLA Gets Personal
After 6 months of stops and starts, your association has finally made the first “house call” appointment for the industry. We Move California LIVE is a real event at a real hotel with real people and it’s really happening! Yep, we’re paying our constituents a house call to help heal the ground transportation industry.
We Move Live is slated for Tuesday, February 16th. It’s a full day of meetings that will answer your critical survival questions and concerns. The event registration is on our website – www.gcla.org. Cadillac has stepped up to be a marquee sponsor which is very exciting. And, we expect many more vendor sponsors and donors to show force. We are in this to win this and need the full cooperation of the sellers and the buyers within our ecosystem so we can get California move’n again!
The destination we selected is the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, Orange County – one of the most “small business” friendly counties in the state. Our headquarter hotel offers dining options from tacos to pizza-by-the-slice to upscale restaurants, both indoors and out. There’s several pools and tennis courts. The beach is only 100 steps away. The walking streets of Huntington that are just outside the hotel and are lined with laid-back eateries and pubs. There’s a real “Key West” vide in Huntington Beach that’s relaxed and happy which makes it the perfect place for our first gathering. Here’s a walking tour if you’re interested in checking out the beach resort town. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbVJOrj_8As
We covered all the basis for you as far as the event meetings are concerned. Our aim is to make sure you hear from experts in all aspects of travel and mobility so you know exactly what to do with our business in 2021.
We have left meal times open for spontaneous meet ups and networking (and to allow you to control your budget). There is plenty of time to “talk” and all the GCLA leadership will be on hand for those needing emotional encouragement, support, a good story or a laugh.
The event is restricted to only a few hundred attendees and we expect to fully sell out so don’t delay. Registration for current operator members is $50. Vendor members are expected to make an association donation or buy a sponsorship to attend. We have something available at all price points but this is a non-profit organization and we need financial help to bring forth events like this so inquiry with me at sara@gcla.org.
Blessings to you and your families during this season of giving. We simply cannot wait to see your shining faces soon!
What’s the News for December?
As the bulk of the United States hunkers down for cold days ahead, the state of California offers some of the best weather options and attractions in the world during winter season. For this reason, our state is doing its best to deter sun-seeking vacationers from coming here for fear of aggravating the Covid-19 spikes. There were 279 million tourists who traveled to California in 2019. Add that to the already crowded state by nearly 40 million residents and its easy to see why our government is concerned with potential problems. It’s 2021 we are waiting for and there are very positive signs ahead. For one, our political situation is sorting itself out. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, we can all agree that politics leveled a hefty blow to our livelihood this year as we were basically suspended in time with respect to more relief and policy changes. We have a vaccine that has been touted as the linchpin for the Covid-19 massive recovery. We may be forever changed in the way we approach sanitation health risks, but like the Flu shot, the Covid-19 vaccine is a major breakthrough and will allow us to get moving again.
I will continue to extol the merits of www.safecleanridecert.com. This is a 1-hour training program that covers hygiene safety, endorsed by the GCLA. It includes a knowledge test that requires an 80% pass rate in order to be certificated. SCR meets the CDC and CAL/OSHA requirements for healthy working environments. It will be an invaluable risk management cogent evidence tool should your workers or clients make claims against you or your company. It satisfies the Duty-of-Care peace of mind that corporations are looking for when considering transportation contracts. And, it is a proactive response to a very serious crisis which will be seen favorably by all.
On GCLA specifics, here are some important updates that have recently transpired:
*OurWe MOVE California - LIVE,sponsored by Cadillac and SoCal Penske has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 16th. All event details will be on gcla.org next week. This will be our first in-person meeting since December 2019 and we have quite a conference prepared!
*We have elected our new board of directors and are pleased to welcome back Selim Aslim, director-at-large, Darren Croasdale/San Diego, Mark Stewart/Orange County, Robert Gaskill/Los Angeles, Don Mahnke and Tom Buck/Northern Cal seats. New to our board is Alex Darbahani/Los Angeles and Alaric Sales, McCoy Auto/vendor seat. Congratulations to all!* We have launched the Pat O’Brien Grant Program. Mr. O’Brien, who serves as council board of director to the GCLA has pledged $5,000 towards this newly formed member benefit, created to help current members who wish to renew their membership but are suffering a financial hardship. Contact our offices directly for details. Sara@gcla.org
Hoping everyone had a nice Thanksgiving break. Stay optimistic – we are in this to win this!
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
GCLA Updates
Over the course of the past 2 months I have been advising you that your association would be hosting a live event in December. Last week, after securing an official sponsorship from Cadillac and SoCal Penske, we were 100% set to go with a program that we believe our members are desperate for, a face-to-face program that brings together all the key players in luxury and business travel, tourism, meetings and events, hospitality and ground transportation. The event, coined “We Move California” was set for December 15th at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach.
Unfortunately, Governor Newsome announced new state restrictions effective immediately that made things impossible for us. So, sadly we report that we are postponing the GCLA December event to January. In it’s place we will host another Town Hall meeting that addresses important topics to hopefully include Prop 22 and next steps.
Two weeks ago, our association cobbled together a Town Hall (with one week to spare), hosted by Selim Aslam from MIB in San Diego and Harry Dhillon of Ecko in San Jose. Thirty-five percent of our current membership registered for the Zoom call, and all of those people showed up for the event. That tells us that there is a real need to have dialogue with our people beyond our e-newsletter. So, communicate we shall.
We are winding down on our board elections. There are two seats that have competition, Los Angeles and the Northern California regions. Please cast your vote by next Tuesday, November 24th. If you did not receive a ballot in the mail by now, call us immediately at (213) 349-0190. All voting ends at 5:00pm next Tuesday.
On membership renewals, please note that the GCLA has moved to “annualized billing” so that we can operate on a fiscal budget and run your organization in a more organized fashion. You will be receiving renewals this month. The GCLA board voted last month to keep membership dues to $75 for operations and $300 for suppliers. We have held these prices this low for the last two years. In your renewal notices, you will receive a stakeholder’s report from me that outlines all the activities of your GCLA this year and the macro-level outlook for 2021. You’ll also receive a membership satisfaction survey via email. We need to know how we are performing for you. We don’t want to guess at what you value most in this community, we want you to tell us.
In close, next Thursday and Friday our staff will be celebrating Thanksgiving so our newsletter will come out a day early. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I want you all to know who much my team and I love serving you. We appreciate your faith in us as we lead the way forward – upward and onward. This year was tough but alas, we are tough. History changed within our country and our world in a blink and the worst of burdens were laid upon us. My first month on this job was March 2020, a month I will never forget. I am ever grateful for such a wonderful board of directors and a fabulous person in Mo Garkani, your GCLA president to represent. I am hopeful you can find thanks in your lives and are able to reflect on at least one thing positive during this sacred time in our country’s heritage.
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
GCLA Hosts First Town Hall on the Subject of Insurance in Today’s COVID-19 State
This past Tuesday, our association held a ZOOM Town Hall to a PACKED crowd. Selim Aslan, GCLA board of director and owner of MIB in San Diego and Harry Dhillon, GCLA VP and owner of Ecko Worldwide were duel moderators.
The big question of, “What is the state of affairs in CA regarding for-hire transportation regarding changes brought on by the Covid-19 crisis?” was the cornerstone issue. It was addressed by Ken Bruno, the California Public Utilities Commission Program Manager for Transportation Enforcement and Don Wise, Licensing Supervisor for the CPUC. Mark Freeark with TIB Insurance got deep into insurance challenges we all face and Patrick O’Brien, attorney at O’Brien Law and GCLA board of director weighed in on legalities and workers comp issues. Also, Ashley Richmond joined us from AK&A Labs to address drug testing.
Selim asked a great question of the panel to start the session off. “What can we do to improve our relationship with all of you in the spirit of working together while we strive to get through these tough times?” Mark Freeark spoke on behalf of the panel and said the answer is, consistent and clear communication. Staff changes, remote challenges, and new rule have upended our world and what this panel wanted us to know is that they only win if we do. We are in uncharted waters but they are on our side and stand ready to help us.
The question of why insurance costs are rising was also addressed. Transportation insurance has grown to be so costly for insurers they are pulling out of the market. Why? Because litigation expenses have supersized over the last decade and reform laws are needed. For instance, what was a minor accident 10 years ago with a payout of say, $20,000 to $50,000, now settles for $1 million or worse. Even if an operator has a perfect incident record, their premium must help subsidize those humungous claim settlements - which irks a lot of people. In the state of California, the panel noted that only two primary insurance companies – Lancer and Philadelphia are left. Atlas was an example of an insurer that jumped into the transportation market only to file for bankruptcy. Northland Insurance pulled out of the state last month.
The group tackled the idea of the GCLA creating an insurance captive only to determine the costs were too high and the risks too great. The best thing we can do is work together on collective purchasing – meaning group buys on safety equipment that helps lower insurance costs such as vehicle cameras.
Ken and Don from the CPUC helped to clarify confusion about requirements involving Transportation Charter Permits. They also touched on the TNC matter regarding Prop 22 by stating it was too early to know how or what enforcement policies will change. That subject is unfolding. The GCLA was tasked with spearheading a task force to address all things involving the new outcome to which our legislative team has already met on. Stay tuned.
Sara Eastwood-Richardson
Prop 22 Gets A Yes, So What’s the Plan?
California voters want their Ubers. The YES to Prop 22 won by 58% which means the people sided with Uber and Lyft declaring the company drivers are indeed independent contractors.
Now the question is, what does that look like for the TNCs and what does this all mean to chauffeured transportation?
There’s a lot to unpack here. If the TNC drivers are forced to play by the California rules for Independent Contractors, drivers will be met with a new reality.
First, they are now officially business owners who must have a tax registration certificate with a tax ID number. As independent contractors, drivers will also be responsible for self-employment taxes. Depending on the county, they may need a business license and an operating permit. Also, they will be on their own to pay for all the costs of doing business including airport fees, which can be as high as $5 per ride, their vehicles, fuel, maintenance, their phone (or other operating systems), garage fees if any, tolls and parking. Traditionally, independent contractors in California have the rights to decide when and where they work, set their own fees and have multiple clients. We know drivers are using a multitude of platforms that deliver trips but a very good question here is, will Uber and Lyft drivers exercise their right to set their own fees now that they are truly independent contractors? It could get very interesting.
However, despite having greater autonomy, independent contractors don’t enjoy the same rights under California law as employees. They can be fired far more easily and aren’t entitled to overtime pay or even the minimum wage. They may be required to work long, unbroken hours without extra compensation. They are ineligible for unemployment insurance and they are not protected from federal and state antidiscrimination laws. Other benefits like retirement and health benefits, FICA tax payments and Workers’ Compensation insurance are the sole responsibility of the contractor.
How is the GCLA dealing with this ruling? Cautiously. Prop 22 was backed by the DNC, and many close allies to the GCLA in our state Capital and government. We must take care to meet with them to better understand how to communicate with you. Action steps are in the works.
In close, this week we determined that a live meeting with all of our constituents is a must. We have committed to offering a 1-day State-of-the-Industry program on Tuesday, December 15. Due to Covid19 restrictions we will host this meeting in Orange County to be able to hold the event inside. Mark your calendars and reserve that date. Details will be released early next week.
Sara Eastwood Richardson
The Home Stretch Is “Finally” Here…
This week I attended the International Association of Transportation Regulators virtual conference. I learned a great deal – especially about what the GCLA is doing well. Our association is on the right side of the VOTE NO on Prop 22 campaign. I sat through a session facilitated by Edward Escobar, head of the Alliance for Independent Workers and truly appreciated hearing the different perspectives and why Ubers business model is truly so damaging. I realize it’s odd to be sitting at the table with regulators and unions, but hey, we’re on the same page with this issue and I am proud that we’ve been able to come together in the fight for fair business practices. They may come from the labor side, while we come from the owner’s perspective but we are working together for the common good and that is forward motion.
Prop 22 is in a dead heat right now. Uber, Lyft and Instacart have spent $200 million against our Alliances’ $10 million ad spend. It’s the David and Goliath story to be sure. And, just 5 days in front of the election we are tied. It is anyone’s win. So, what does that mean? It is ALL about voter turnout. If you want a better tomorrow, to reclaim lost market share to the TNCs, and if your care about fair pricing than you MUST GET OUT THE VOTE. Let me repeat, if you want a better tomorrow, you have less than 5 days to become an activist. It does not matter your party; it only matters in the state of California that you vote NO on Prop 22. If you are not spreading the word, if you are not bringing along your friends and family and their friends and family then guess what? We may lose. Do your part and sound off! No regrets!
The other take away from the IATR conference is that www.SafeCleanRidecert.com is ahead of its time and right on the money. This is a hygiene safety certification for frontline employees that will absolutely save your butt in case of legal action taken against your company should you have to defend yourself in a liability suit. I attended session after session with experts who reinforced the importance of training and moreover having proof that your company is taking all the right precautions. The GCLA was quick to endorse SCR and for all the right reasons. California is a state with 40 million residents. Governor Newsome is hyper-focused on Covid 19 and its impact. SafeCleanRidecert.com is enthusiastically lauded in all transportation verticals. Moving people is what we do and there can be no chances taken – now or into the future. Join the smartest companies in the business and get your drivers certified.
We are doing what we can to get through these tough days and praying that the election changes the protectory for 2021. GCLA has been working extremely hard for California livery companies in an effort to ease your burdens. There are a few stand out people that need to take a bow…Mark Stewart (CLI), GCLA legislative chair, is your guy when it comes to Prop 22. He volunteers around the clock and handles all the Vote No marketing. I’m afraid to ask him how many FREE hours he’s accumulated but its in the hundreds, just in the last few months. He is flanked by David Kinney (API) also on the legislative committee. Mo Garkani (C.O.T.S.), the GCLA president also must be recognized. He is on the phone day in and day out fighting for California. When he’s not on a virtual call, he is at the airports working on behalf of all of you or serving literally every committee we have!
This next week is so important. We need everyone to push the Vote NO on Prop 22. Get loud and proud. Let’s GO GCLA!
—Sara Eastwood Richardson