Day at the Capitol a Great Success

The CIOMA Government Relations Committee is your watchdog, evaluating new legislation and determining which bills warrant CIOMA’s attention, support or opposition, but this is only one component of the  job. Grassroots advocacy is essential in our efforts to sponsor change in legislation that beneficially affects our industry. 

This two-day event kicked-off on Tuesday, April 7 at The Citizen Hotel by holding a Government Relations Committee Meeting. This meeting served as a forum for members to learn about CIOMA’s legislative and regulatory issues and included a discussion establishing our top priorities for the coming year. 

       Photo credit to the O&A Marketing News                    to all registrants. This meeting was open to all 

                                                                          registrants.

Following the GR Committee Meeting, CIOMA hosted a Welcoming Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction where members had the opportunity to place bids on an attractive array of quality, member-supplied items, with proceeds going to CIOMA’s Political Action Committee. Attendees also got to participate in the Member Dinner and Legislative Awards presentation, recognizing key legislators and staff members who have engaged in significant contributions assisting the survival of this industry sector.  The award recipients are as follows:

The following day, on April 8, 2015, more than 40 CIOMA members walked the halls of the State Capitol and visited legislative offices, meeting with legislators and key staff to have their voices heard and to foster awareness about our industry and issues.  This annual event is viewed by many participants as among the most rewarding of CIOMA’s advocacy efforts.

Day at the Capitol provides participants the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, meet with legislators and staff face-to-face, and have a direct impact in the process.  This is also an excellent opportunity to forge relationships with legislators which can provide long-lasting benefits beyond this single day. Many members plan to have or have had follow-up meetings with their legislator in their district.

The day began with CIOMA members networking during a breakfast buffet at the Citizen Hotel.  Legislative Advocate Deb Mattos of Mattos & Associates provided an overview of the legislative process and the current political environment.  Brook Taylor, Deputy Director in Communications and Tyson Eckerle, Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Project Manager, both from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development provided an overview of Go-Biz’s programs and spoke specifically about opportunities and potential partnerships between their office and our association.  Jay McKeeman, CIOMA’s Vice President of Government Relations & Communications introduced this year’s advocacy issues, talking points and tips for navigating the Capitol.  Then it was off to walk the halls of the Capitol for meetings with legislators and their staff. 

During lunch, members gathered together at Chops Steakhouse for a brief lunch presentation from WSPA President Catherine Reheis-Boyd.  Upon conclusion of the meetings, participants assembled back at the Citizen Hotel for a debriefing of the day’s events.

During this unique event, attendees gained insights into the legislative process and had the opportunity to meet with California's decision makers and staff from their own legislative districts while offering themselves as a resource for legislators seeking to understand the needs and concerns of our industry.

If you were unable to attend this year's event, be sure to make your voice heard at the State Capitol next year by participating in Day at the Capitol 2016 on March 16, 2016.