Here's the press release:

‘UNITED COALITION FOR MOTOR CLUB SAFETY’ HOLDS HISTORIC MEETING

New association formed to fix the problems of motor club towing companies 

SACRAMENTO, CA, February 2012 – On January 20th, 2012 a crowd of professional, dedicated motor club towers battled bad weather and overcame geographic differences in order to band together join a new association, the United Coalition for Motor Club Safety (UCMCS).  Nearly 75 individual towing companies attended the meeting in order to express their frustration with the motor clubs that they contract with.  The new association will focus on addressing common concerns of motor club contractors. Dan Charlebois, UCMCS President and former Chair of the Contract Station Advisory Group, stated, “For far too long we have been reliant on others to create deals on our behalf and effect positive change for us motor club contractors.  The outcome has been less than desirable as of late and we need only to look in the mirror to place the blame.  By linking together we can shape a different and better future that ensures the success of our businesses, while also improving our services to motor club customers.” Membership in the United Coalition for Motor Club Safety is open only to towing and recovery companies that contract with motor clubs. The association is designed to tackle the challenges associated with providing the high level of service required by such contracts.  The new association will facilitate and encourage the safety and professionalism of towing and recovery companies contracting with motor clubs, as well as ensuring the safety of the public that they serve.  Through collective action, the association will employ legal counsel, lobbyists, and PR professionals to ensure its members’ rights are heard and defended.  In addition, with the combined purchasing power, the association can negotiate group discounts on products and services that all motor club contractors need and use.  “At first glance, changing the status quo of the motor club industry seems daunting,” said Steve Sgarlato UCMCS Vice President and current Chair of the Contract Station Advisory Group.  “It’s true that much work needs to be done, but it is doable if we trust one another and work together.  This association is just the right vehicle to do this and this is right time to do this.” At the January 20th meeting, all new members were approved, organizational bylaws and a tiered dues structure based on call volume were adopted, and board members were elected.  The Board will now determine its initial, and most effective, course of action for the association.  To learn more email staff@motorclubcoalition.org, or call Dan Charlebois at (916) 206-1919 or Steve Sgarlato at (408) 592-9460.