1. Association News

2. Government Affairs

3. ALA Conference

I am pleased to advise you that the 14-month Transition Plan we put into place last November continues to move forward in an effective and positive fashion.

New staff members are moving into their roles and are already productive.

Every day I applaud the Board's decision to name Eric Jacobson as my replacement next January. He is a great choice, and he is ready.

Government Affairs

Preparing New Staff to be Effective when Working with Regulatory Agencies

We have begun a series of telephone discussions with the key staff at regulatory agencies we work with so I can introduce them to our new VP of Government Affairs, Michael Weems.

We have spoken with several key officials in Washington D.C., and the California Energy Commission.

Fred Fennell, the chair of our Canadian Government Affairs Committee has identified the appropriate staff members at Natural Resources Canada for us, and we will reach out to them later this week.

It is our view that these calls will be helpful in both identifying Michael as the new contact at ALA, and will make his first meetings to discuss issues both easier and more productive.

Congressional Recess - Your Opportunity to Urge Your Senators/Representatives to Act

The Congress is on recess until 8 Sept. That means they're in their home states/congressional districts and will be conducting listening sessions. I encourage you to attend and speak out on the need to pass a Bill that would require internet sellers to charge and remit sales taxes.

The "Marketplace Fairness Act" has passed the Senate, but we need action and supportive votes in the House of Representatives.

Again, I urge you to take time and press your Representatives to take action to:

1st - Move the Bill to a vote in the House

2nd - Pledge to vote for it

The action, if passed, would be positive and strengthen our showrooms.

The Annual Conference begins 1 month from today and it's clear we'll enjoy a large attendance. As of this morning, 14 Aug., 548 have already registered.

I look forward to seeing you there.