Rescheduled to Labor Day Weekend!
Join us September 1-3, 2023, on the Kern River for some fishing and camaraderie while raising funds for RSIF! The tournament runs from Spillway to Johnsondale Bridge on September 1-3. A cocktail party will be held at The Kern Lodge on September 2 from 6-7 p.m.

Officers elected to a one-year term are: Ryan Leis, president; Kathryn de Vries, vice president; Matt Wiest, treasurer; and David Dworschak, secretary. Directors elected to serve a three-year term, beginning July 2023, are Rob Dickey, Ryan Leis, David Dworschak, Andrew de Vries and Colin Grill. Elected to serve as an associate director for a three-year term: Allen Buck. Appointed to serve as an associate director for a one-year term are: Ed Galindo, Luis Torres, Don Schulz and Brad Spitzer. 

 

 

CRA’s 4th Wednesday Rental Workshop will take place via Zoom on July 26, 2023, from 2:30 - 4 p.m. 

 

Bomag will be hosting this month’s workshop, titled “Compaction," which is being presented by Jacob Nahom. Training for this FREE MEMBER BENEFIT runs an hour. Participants have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card during the raffle held at the end of the workshop.

Peer Executive Groups (PEG) has named the winners of its 2023 Top Gun Awards for Event Rental Operators.

   The Top Gun award recognizes event rental store operators who receive the PEG Pinnacle Award for Financial Excellence. The awards are given to the top 25 percent of event rental stores based on financials submitted by event operators and verified by Peer Executive Groups. This is the fifth year that PEG has named companies for this prestigious award.

   “After a record number of submissions, we would like to recognize these 13 as Event Rental Top Gun. While our Median submission was $2.8MM in sales with 17% EBITDA, our Top Gun Group measured $3.4MM in sales with 30% EBITDA. While we saw Personnel Costs rise to an all-time high of 42% of sales, Top Gun winners maintained a median of 38% – adding 4 points to their EBITDA "truly incredible results,” stated President Dan Crowley.

Covering more than 32 acres, The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking the latest industry technologies, innovations and trends.

 

Top 5 reasons to attend The Utility Expo 2023
• See, touch and experience 32+ acres of new equipment, safety products and technology.
• Network with 19,000+ industry peers from all utility sectors.
• Test-drive and compare the latest equipment before you buy or rent.
• Attend education right on the show floor to learn about the latest best practices from industry experts.
• Talk to product experts from over 900+ manufacturers and hear first-hand how to get the most out of your equipment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are having a transformative impact on workplace safety. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, companies can analyze their operations and workforce to identify risks specific to their organization, creating tailored solutions that go beyond general safety measures. Through AI and data science, 22 causal risk factors have been identified that drive 90% of workplace injuries, including ergonomics, being struck by equipment or objects, slip, trip and fall incidents, being caught in various hazards, and product damage from accidents or mishaps.

 

CRA's 2024 Rental Rally Tradeshow will again be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Show dates are January 14-17, 2024. Thank you to those exhibitors that have already signed up!

 

 

In 1961, BlueBird sold its first power rake to a small landscaping company. It was with that sale that BlueBird began providing commercial, rental and residential users with some of the most reliable turf care power equipment in the industry. That legacy continues today with new owners and a renewed vision. The “New Bluebird” has established state-of-the-art automotive based manufacturing, superior Engineering capability, upgraded products and added a host of new products. BlueBird is your complete source for lawn, garden and forestry equipment. Our mission is to supply you with the best, most durable equipment, superior customer service, and same-day part shipments.

Made in the USA Diamond Tooling. Diamond Blades, Core Bits & Diamond Cutting Equipment. Founded in 1946, DDM CONCUT (f.k.a. Dixie Diamond Manufacturing and Concut) has become the largest American-owned manufacturer of high-quality diamond tools. Their knowledgeable team provides the highest quality products and industry-leading service, and they help solve customer’s needs with an extensive range of diamond products specifically engineered for cutting concrete, asphalt, masonry, stone, tile and other materials. They are now offering the largest selection of USA made product in their 73-year history.

Engineered Party & Event Tents, Graphics & Liners. Welcome to Olympic Tent, a family-owned and operated business that has been manufacturing high-quality event tents since 1937. With over 85 years of experience in the industry, they've developed a strong reputation for excellence in design, durability and customer service, specializing in creating event tents for rental companies and consumers that are both remarkably functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their tents are made from the highest quality materials, including durable fabrics, sturdy frames, and state-of-the-art hardware. In addition to their extensive selection of tents, they also offer a range of accessories to complement your tent, including tent doors, tent liners and leg drapes. Their team of experienced professionals can help you create a customized event package that fits your specific needs, whether it's a wedding, corporate event or festival.

Case Construction ( Sonsray Machinery). Sonsray’s divisions are spread across two separate industries: Construction Industry, Refrigerated Transport Industry. Sonsray supports the construction, transportation, and agriculture industries by providing world-class equipment and impeccable customer service. They empower their hard-working partners to find success. From equipment sales, to rentals, to quality maintenance they help your business thrive. They are committed to their employees and the customers who make our business possible.

MTA Distributors is dedicated to equipping you with the tools you need to grow and be successful. MTA Distributors is America's largest rental equipment distributor. They supply rental companies with the finest lawn and garden, safety, light construction, and special event equipment available. They also train existing and startup companies for entry into the rental industry.

Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, recently issued the following statement in response to proposed language in AB 102 that will bring back the Industrial Welfare Commission:
"Special interests continue to use legislation and statewide initiatives to fundamentally disrupt the employer/employee relationship in the private sector. From AB 5, which was the culmination of a decades-long attempt to destroy the independent contractor model, to AB 257, the FAST Act that was rightfully referended by the business community, special interest unions continue to jeopardize workers, jobs, and small businesses throughout the state. AB 102 is the latest attempt by special interests to circumvent voters and create an unaccountable bureaucracy to set wages and working conditions that gives them new power at the expense of investment and job growth in the state. This new Industrial Welfare Commission will have unchecked authority and no accountability to target certain industries at the behest of special interests, destroying jobs and businesses in its wake. We join the broad business community in strongly opposing this latest legislative scheme.” 

   “The statewide business community remains steadfast in our commitment to creating job opportunities and improving the diversity of our businesses across all sectors. California thrives because of the diversity in our population, the diversity of our workforce, and the diversity of our economy. While today's ruling may seem narrow, only affecting the education sector, we are concerned that it could threaten the business community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives by creating future barriers in building a diverse and qualified workforce, especially for C-suite and executive level positions.   

   “As part of our ongoing commitment, we will work to educate employers about the Supreme Court’s decision and how we can ensure that our employees and their families continue to know they are an integral part of our businesses and our communities.”

California’s Tech and Venture Capital salvage state’s ranking, bringing it to 25th
In CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business” ranking, California’s ranking reflects the reality of our economy, which is led by our tech industry and venture capital dollars but bogged down by our ongoing cost of living crisis, high taxes, and unfriendly business policies.  
   “California’s competitiveness, our ability to attract and retain businesses, as well as to provide employees with an affordable qualify of life, continue to show clear warning signs thanks to our ongoing cost-of-living crisis,” said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable. “This ranking is an annual reminder of the state’s precarious future and economic solvency. Just like the state budget, our business climate relies almost exclusively on the highly volatile Bay Area’s tech region to grow or attract business.” 
   According to the survey, California received an “F” in cost of living and business friendliness, which directly reflect the impact of the policies that are being passed by state and local government.  In addition, the state economy received a “D+” and our cost of doing business scored a “D.” The only categories in which California excelled were access to capital and technology and innovation, where we scored an “A+” for each. 

In addition to the recent record-busting $310 billion dollar budget, the legislature is also advancing a $15 billion “Climate Bond” to appear on the ballot sometime in 2024. This “climate bond” should be viewed with a great deal of skepticism by California voters for several reasons.

   First, why is a bond – any bond – necessary? Despite a drop off in state tax collections, California continues to produce massive amounts of tax revenue from the highest-in-the-nation income tax rate, highest state sales tax rate and highest gas tax. Taking on further debt makes little sense.

California voters may soon have to decide whether to enshrine a “right to housing” in the state constitution.  Assembly Constitutional Amendment 10 provides, in its entirety:

   “The state hereby recognizes the fundamental human right to adequate housing for everyone in California. It is the shared obligation of state and local jurisdictions to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, on a non-discriminatory and equitable basis, with a view to progressively achieve the full realization of the right, by all appropriate means, including the adoption and amendment of legislative measures, to the maximum of available resources.”

   If you’re wondering what this proposed constitutional right would actually accomplish, you’re not alone. Previous “right to housing” proposals have either failed to pass or been vetoed by Governor Newsom for lack of specificity.

   At its most superficial level, if the law merely states that everyone should have a roof over their head, there’s little debate over that self-evident proposition. But the real question is whether this somehow creates an enforceable obligation for government to provide housing to all who want it. In other words, would this amendment create a “private right of action,” a question which lawyers frequently confront when interpreting statutes or constitutional amendments.

   The short analysis of ACA 10 prepared by the Legislative Counsel merely observes that “the California Constitution [already] enumerates various personal rights, including the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.” But is this “right to housing” the same as the historical rights with which we are so familiar?

In a recent article in the Press-Telegram eJournal, Jon Coupal, president of Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, reports that the lack of fraud detection and prevention technology within the USDA’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has led to losses of billions of dollars. SNAP boasts an annual budget of $127 billion, and if estimates suggesting that 20% of this amount is lost to fraud are anywhere close to being accurate, it means $33.4 billion is lost every year. 

    A small group of criminals in Detroit managed to pilfer the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits of nearly 8,000 impoverished California families who were shocked when they discovered their EBT cards had been drained. The criminals stealing access to EBT cards run the gamut from low-level organized criminal gangs in Michigan to criminal syndicates as far-flung as Romania journeying to California, specifically to exploit the gaping security flaws in the SNAP program.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 11 (“ACA 11”), introduced by California Democratic lawmakers, was pulled off the agenda of a recent hearing in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. ACA 11 proposes to abolish the State Board of Equalization (“BOE”) and reassign its responsibilities to other state tax agencies effective January 1, 2026.

    The BOE is a constitutionally established elected body that has served the people of California for more than 140 years. The BOE plays a critical role in the oversight of the state’s property tax system, which is one of the largest revenue sources in the state.

    The BOE is composed of five members: four members, who are each elected by voters within one of the state’s four equalization districts, and the state controller, who is elected by voters in a statewide election. As an elected body, the BOE is directly responsible to the people of California. Under ACA 11, the BOE’s responsibilities would be transferred to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (“CDTFA”) and the Office of Tax Appeals (“OTA”), which are controlled by political appointees. As a result, concerns have been raised that such a transfer of duties could reduce transparency, accountability, and fairness in California’s property tax system.

    The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) was informed that the proposed constitutional amendment was pulled from the agenda, and Jon Coupal, president of HJTA, responded with thanks for HJTA members who called their representatives.

    Coupal thanked members, stating, "HJTA members rang the phones in the Capitol and your representatives listened. We were notified that ACA 11, the proposed constitutional amendment that aims to kill off California’s elected tax board and put unelected bureaucrats in charge of property tax administration, was pulled from the hearing's agenda.

    "We’re still watching closely, of course. ACA 11 could be revived at any time. But you have sent a strong message that taxpayers are paying attention to this issue – and that we strongly oppose any plan to abolish our elected tax board.

    "Thank you for your effort, and thank you for your support of your Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. We greatly appreciate you!"

Sept. 13, 2023 – West Sacramento, CA

Vintage Territory Meeting hosted by Made in The Shade More...

 

Sept. 26-28, 2023 – Louisville, KY
The Utility Expo More…

 

September 28-30, 2023 – Kalispell, MT
Northwest Rental Conference, More…

 

Oct. 16, 2023 – Oak View, CA
Tri-County Territory Meeting hosted by Greg Rents More…

 

Nov. 2, 2023 – Corona, CA
Pre-Golf Yard Territory Meeting hosted by MTA More…

 

Nov. 3, 2023 – Corona, CA
CRA 8th Annual Golf Tournament More…

 

Nov. 6-9, 2023 – Atlantic City, NJ
MATRA – The Tent Show  More…

 

Jan. 14-17, 2024 – Las Vegas, NV
CRA Rental Rally Tradeshow  More...

This month, we asked members about employee performance reviews. If you have additional ideas for surveys for CRA members, please email CRA at info@calrental.org. 

Robert Pederson from A Tool Shed in Santa Cruz is the winner of the July Survey Raffle. Congratulations Robert!