For those of you who may be unaware, the CGDA pays a yearly fee to monitor the Legislative Session at the State of Connecticut General Assembly.  We monitor for any proposed changes in state laws that can affect glass dealers in Connecticut.  Well, this year our monitoring paid off.  In May, it was brought to the CGDA Board of Directors attention that the CT anti-steering statute, which impacts the auto glass repair and replacement shops, was being targeted.  There was an amendment being proposed to completely remove just the auto glass repair and replacement work from the Anti-Steering statute.  Knowing full well that the elimination of one sentence in this legislation would be detrimental to the independent auto glass shops, the CGDA Board voted to lobby against this change, and in doing so, successfully kept the legislation from being changed.  Starting October 1, 2009, the law will continue to read: “(b) No insurance company doing business in this state. or agent, or adjuster for such company shall (1) require any insured to use a specific person for the provision of automobile physical damage repairs, automobile glass replacement, glass repair service or glass products…”. CGDA needs the continued support of its members so the association can continue to lobby this and other important issue that impact our industry.

I would also like to thank all of the sponsors and participants in our Annual Sal Vece Memorial Golf Tournament.  Due to a family commitment, I was unable to attend myself this year, however, based on the feedback from those that were there, it was a fun day.  I would also like to thank our Executive Directors, Valerie and Allyson, for always making sure our events run smoothly.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer!

Jennifer Russell-Vanasse

President

CGDA