CHAIRMAN'S LETTER

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS

This happens to be my final letter as your chairman and I am grateful that you are taking the time to read my comments in The Conveyor. At times, I have found the writing of these quarterly letters challenging only because there is so much to say, but I have felt the need to render my words carefully. Those that know me well are aware that I have plenty to say and have opinions on many topics. Here though, my comments are typically much more measured. However, maybe a little less so this time.

We have all faced many hurdles this year with the pandemic, and have needed to change how we manage our respective organizations. Your board has had many challenges as well, which I have shared here in previous letters. We have brought in our new CEO, Robert Dugan, and revised the dues structure. Our next strategic plan goal is to strengthen CalCIMA’s legislative and regulatory influence with a demonstrable positive impact on the members’ bottom line. Our next task is to take a leadership role in aligning industry associations to create a more effective voice. This is crucial.

The signing of SB1159 provides a pathway for employees to file a workers’ compensation claim if they have contracted COVID-19. Even more recently, the Governor signed an executive order banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. It is becoming clearer every day that a stronger legislative and regulatory influence is mandatory for our industry. This is a very high priority—not only for the survival of our industries, but for the tens of thousands of people we employ.

As for our leadership role in aligning our industries, I can assure you, Robert Dugan and staff are well ahead of schedule and alignment is beginning to take shape. In a short time, you will begin to hear and see the effects of these actions. Together, alignment with peer industries, their associations, and our efforts in our organizations and CalCIMA, we will have better legislative and regulatory influence.

Spragues’ Ready Mix is a fourth generation, family-owned business, started by my great-grandfather. The current California business climate is not what it used to be. The more recent government actions taken against our respective industries, employees, and their families (creating an anti-business state) is unconscionable. We need to continue to work together to keep building that strong voice.

Those of us on the CalCIMA Board of Directors have completed the challenges presented to us at the beginning of the year. We have a new strategic plan, a new CEO, and an overdue revamped dues structure. Having worked very closely with an amazing CalCIMA staff, over the last two-years, I could not be more confident that we are in good hands. Gary Hambly handed off a fantastic team to Robert Dugan. Our incoming Chairman, Martin Hansberger, will have a great group of directors to begin his tenure. I am excited for what is ahead of us.

As always, thank you for your membership and your participation!

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Sincerely,

Michael Toland

www.Facebook.com/CalCIMA.org

President, Spragues' Ready Mix

C alCIMA Chairman