Association Manager Report – May

It is hard to believe that spring is almost over and summer is almost here.  The first half of 2009 has been eventful for CALSAGA – between our legislative efforts to our PR & Advocacy Week in Sacramento earlier this month, there has rarely been a dull moment.   We have also just finished the much-anticipated new industry marketing brochure and we are in the final review process with our 2009 Membership Directory.  

On the legislative front, we still are fighting for meal period reform for our industry to protect our companies from frivolous lawsuits.   As before, this fight has been filled with some victories and some setbacks.  One of our sponsored bills, Senate Bill 665, was put on hold as part of an ongoing debate over whether certain industries should be granted relief, as opposed to all California employers.  This bill was further tangled in discussions about requiring employees to be part of a collective bargaining agreement to take advantage of the reform.   On the positive front, our companion bill in the State Assembly, AB 1235 was voted out of Assembly Labor Committee on May 13 and is moving forward.  It is expected that the debate over meal period reform could get tied into larger discussions of how to make the state more business-friendly during on-going state budget negotiations as well. 

The other key legislation we are monitoring is SB 741, which would require proprietary employers to register with BSIS.  The bill is sponsored by the Schwarzenegger Administration and strongly supported by CALSAGA.  This legislation was voted off the Senate Floor on May 14 on a 34-3 vote.  The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration.   CALSAGA applauds the Governor’s Office and the Department of Consumers Affairs for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with all interested parties as the bill moves along. 

CALSAGA has also had several meetings this month with vendors regarding new association/vendor partnerships aimed at providing members access to superior products and services.  There will be more on that in the coming weeks so stay tuned. 

We are also busy putting together the program for the 2009 Annual Conference at the Aqua Caliente Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.  Members can anticipate many more details of the conference in late June.  We’ll be trying some new things at the conference this year, including more breakout sessions.  This should only enhance an already successful yearly event. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call our office anytime.  We know times are difficult with the economy and appreciate your continued support of our organization.  If there is a way we can help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Best,

Jeff Flint, Association Manager