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- Category: Industry News
L to R: CGTRG Founders Jack Nissim, Mo Garkani, and Mark Stewart
Founders Mo Garkani of The COTS Group and industry veterans Jack Nissim, and Mark Stewart are excited to introduce the California Ground Transportation Regulatory Group (CGTRG), a new non-profit organization dedicated to advancing California's chauffeured ground transportation sector.
The CGTRG serves as a central hub, uniting California's regulatory agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission, California Highway Patrol, and California regional airports, with state legislators, chauffeured transportation companies, industry leaders, and experts. Through focused advocacy and education, CGTRG is committed to addressing the diverse needs and challenges of the industry, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change.
Collectively, Garkani, Nissim, and Stewart bring over 100 years of industry expertise. Both Garkani and Stewart have served as president of the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA), while Nissim has dedicated over 15 years as GCLA treasurer and an executive board member. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have helped shape and elevate the industry.
The CGTRG founders look forward to your support and involvement as the California transportation industry embarks on this important journey together. For more details, reach out to them at 657.279.8180 or email info@cgtrg.org.
Visit cgtrg.org for more information.
[08.23.24]
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- Category: Industry News
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its most recent report, Small Business Problems and Priorities, which is a nationwide survey of small business owners (nearly 2,900 in 2024) assessing the impact of 75 key data points. The survey has been published every four years since 1982, the most recent of which was published at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
According to the report summary: “The purpose of this publication is to offer a better understanding of which issues are most critical and of least importance for small business owners. This report will help state and federal lawmakers prioritize pro-small business legislation in the years ahead.”
Of the top concerns, “Cost of Health Insurance” has reigned as the number one issue since 1986. Rounding out the top 10 include “Cost of Supplies/Inventories,” “Uncertainty of Government Actions.” “Federal Taxes on Business Income,” “Locating Qualified Employees,” “Cost of Natural Gas, Propane, Gasoline, Diesel, Fuel Oil,” “Unreasonable Government Regulations,” “Uncertainty over Government Actions,” “State Taxes on Business Income,” and “Electricity Costs (rates).”
Regarding the federal tax burden, of concern is the Small Business Deduction that is set to expire in 2025 and could result in a costly tax hike on small businesses. As such, the organization has been lobbying Congress for the so-called Main Street Certainty Act, which would make the 20 percent tax cut permanent. Click here for more information or to sign the petition.
“Interest Rates” was the biggest mover on this report, shuffling up to the 13th spot this year from the 56th in 2020. The near-zero interest rates of 2020 have been increased numerous times in the past four years to a 23-year high in an attempt to curb rapidly rising inflation, although Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has hinted that rates may drop as soon as September as inflation is seemingly under control.
NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade
“For the last four years, small business owners have struggled with historic inflation, tax pressures at all levels of government, and uncertainty of what’s going to happen next,” wrote NFIB Research Center Executive Director of the Holly Wade in the report. “This survey helps the public understand the issues affecting the small business sector. Small businesses employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, and this publication makes clear where lawmakers should focus their attention to strengthen Main Street and every community in which they operate. Despite the headwinds and economic challenges, small business owners are working hard to create new jobs and grow their businesses, but the threat of rising costs, taxes, and uncertainty gives Main Street pause.”
To download the full report, click here.
Visit nfib.com for more information.
[08.20.24]
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- Category: Industry News
J.J. Keller, a leader in safety and compliance, has expanded its VideoProtects Fleet Camera System to offer three unique platforms for AI-enhanced dash cam technology. The VideoProtects Fleet Camera System, which provides actionable safety intelligence based on video of drivers and road events, integrates with J.J. Keller’s Encompass platform, the MyGeotab platform, and now as a standalone platform.
“This expansion gives fleets the freedom to choose a VideoProtects solution that’s part of a robust back-office platform, or the new standalone option focused solely on identifying and addressing risky driving events,” says Associate Director of Product Management Jason Hartwig. “Regardless of which platform fleets choose or what type of fleet they operate, our safety-centered technology empowers users to recognize hazards like driver fatigue, tailgating, forward collision warnings and other dangerous behaviors, then assign it a score based on risk level. VideoProtects also leverages G-sensors built into the camera hardware to monitor ‘trigger’ events, such as harsh braking, harsh cornering, and collisions without the need for a telematics device. When potentially dangerous events occur, the system can even alert drivers via in-cab audible warnings and send video footage combined with event data to fleet managers so they can provide immediate and targeted driver coaching.”
The VideoProtects Fleet Camera System comes with either a driver- or dual-facing dash cam, video review and scoring feature, driver coaching workflow, live stream video, event history log, and video recall capabilities.
“At J.J. Keller, we’re dedicated to keeping highways and workplaces safe. This growing family of dash cams now gives fleets greater choice in selecting the option that works best for them to significantly improve driver safety while reducing risk,” says Hartwig.
Visit videoprotects.com for more information.
[08.20.24]