2008 CALSAGA Annual Conference is an overwhelming success

Thank you to all the sponsors, vendors and attendees that made the 2008 CALSAGA Annual Conference an overwhelming success!  The conference attracted Private Patrol Operators and industry experts from across the state to discuss the most relevant issues facing the security industry.  Also, attendees had access to nearly 20 vendors offering superior products and services specific to the security industry.

On Wednesday, November 5, CALSAGA kicked off the Annual Conference with a day of golf at the Links at Bodega Harbour in beautiful Bodega Bay.  For those of you who played, you know how stunning some of those views were with the Pacific Ocean as our backdrop.  Brad Antonioni from Trans West Security and Gary Paparizos from Advance each took home a prize, for low gross and low net, respectively.  There were also prizes given to closest to the pin and longest drive. 

The actual program portion of the conference began on Thursday, November 6.  Outgoing CALSAGA President Mark Miller opened the conference with a recap of the remarkable progress the Association has achieved in recent years, and reminded members to never give up on a focus of professionalizing the industry.  Miller thanked those Board members that served during his tenure and remarked that CALSAGA’s success would not have been possible without their support and commitment.

Some of the highlights on day one of the conference include, Assemblyman Ted Gaines who briefed attendees on the latest from Sacramento, California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet who spoke candidly on California’s labor environment and BSIS Chief Paul Johnson.  As many of you know, Chief Johnson is retiring effective December 1, 2008, so CALSAGA presented him with a plaque honoring his over 30 years of service to the State, and in appreciation for his commitment to working with our industry.   

CALSAGA was also fortunate to have Gary Kuty from Kuty & Associates speak on marketing principles, Laura Innes from Simpson, Garrity & Innes on meal and rest period and Barry Bradley from Bradley & Gmelich on how to minimize your exposure on wage and hour class claims.  Day one sponsor, Bruce Monteith from Elizabeth Souther Insurance also gave a presentation. 

On the evening of day one of the conference, CALSAGA held its 4th Annual Security Officer Memorial Fund Reception.  Every year, this event is a success and this year was no different.  Our preliminary estimation is that over $7,000 was raised!  Thank you to our sponsor, TWIW Insurance Services and especially Gus Kontopuls from Elite Show Services, who donated a myriad of amazing auction items. 

On Day two of the conference, CALSAGA heard from Steve Amitay, lobbyist for the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO), all the way out from Washington D.C. to discuss private security from the federal level.  CALSAGA lobbyist Kelly Jensen followed Amitay and briefed attendees on our effort to secure meal and rest period relief and a training requirement for proprietary security officers.

Rob Lapsley, Vice President of Public Affairs for the California Chamber of Commerce was also on hand to give his perspective on how the November election would play into California politics.  He also gave some perspective on who might run for California Governor in 2010.  Our lunch speaker, Tony Quinn capped off the conference with his always entertaining view of politics.

Before the conclusion of the conference, the CALSAGA Board of Directors and its members also recognized Mark Miller with a plaque for this three year tenure as President.  While he will no longer be serving in this capacity, Miller will still be active in CALSAGA as Immediate Past President and will involved in important committee activity. 

CALSAGA President Elect, Roy Rahn closed the conference by thanking members who voted for him and promised that he would do everything possible to build on recent successes and ensure that CALSAGA and the security industry continues to move forward.

For those attendees who forgot to fill out the conference survey and still want to provide us feedback, click here.  Please fax us your completed survey at (916) 930-0702.  The 2009 CALSAGA Annual Conference will be on November 4-6, 2009 at the Aqua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, so mark your calendar now.  Gordon Graham, who was a conference favorite in 2006, is already confirmed to speak!