Such was the case yesterday when FADA Chairman Michael Holley brought former FADA Chairmen Ralph Ghioto III, and William Douglas,Tampa Auto Dealers President Robert McElheny and FADA Board member Tom Castriota to Tallahassee to testify for our franchise bill.  These FADA members were immediately recognized by members of the Senate committee.  Senator Jim Sebesta gave an early indication of their vote when he asked Ralph to say hello to his dad! 

You can't imagine the impact of having these dealers in the committee room.  The manufacturers were loaded with lobbying talent, as they have hired the best firms in town, but this was no match for these dealers.  Other dealers like Ken Marks, Jim Myers, Ed Williamson, Bill Cramer, and many more made key calls to their members before this meeting.

The result was a 5-1 vote in favor of SB 1814!

That's the good news!  The bad news is we are running out of time for committee meetings and this bill has four more committee stops!  We need every dealer making calls to his/her House members urging the House members to vote for HB 1037 on the floor this week and next.  The last stop in the House committees is today at 1:45 pm and then it goes to the floor. 

FADA members need to call their Senators and ask them to request an expedited hearing on SB 1814.  If we cannot bypass some committee stops, our bill is dead.

Members with close ties to Senate leaders like Senator King, Pruitt, Webster or Jones need to contact FADA's lobby team immediately to help us move our bill!  Attached please find the Florida legislator's contact information and talking points to assist you in your phone calls.

If you want FADA's franchise bill to pass, giving you better protections for your future, we need you to get engaged now!  Only three weeks remain!

Thanks so much to all of you who are working so hard.  Chairman Holley is giving a huge amount of personal time and money to be here fighting for you.  He deserves your help! 

Sincerely,


Ted Smith, CAE
FADA President