I would like to thank all the members who have renewed for 2011 and are continuing to be a part of TRAW. If you are a new member, welcome aboard, we look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at one of the many TRAW functions that go on throughout the year. The leadership of this organization is dedicated to the betterment of the towing industry in Washington State and we can’t do it without all of you.

In 2011 we have many legislative irons in the fire and it is crucial that the voice of TRAW is heard. For starters, we are going to make a second run at the passage of ESHB 2565 “Hailey’s Law”. To help refresh your memory, Hailey’s Law calls for the mandatory impoundment of any vehicle where the driver is arrested for DUI. In the event that the driver is also the registered owner then the vehicle will be held for 12 hours. This bill made it 90% of the way last year and we hope to finish the job in the 2011 legislative session.

RCW 46.55.025 states that anyone towing for compensation on the roadways of Washington State must meet the same standards as RTTO’s with reference to equipment and insurance. It also says, “rules adopted to follow”. We are currently working with DOL to adopt rules that would define that law and have the support of the WSP for enforceability. When enacted this would level the playing field for all those towing for hire. Towing companies not operating under these guidelines would either get into compliance or cease and desist.

As we all know that to be on the WSP rotation we as owners and our employees have to be background checked. What you may not know is that the background check only applies to RTTO’s on the WSP rotation. RTTO’s not on the rotation do not have to undergo the same background checks. We again, are working with DOL to broaden this criteria to make ALL RTTO’s subject to background checks. If accomplished this would be a huge turning point in our industry.

One thing to remember, the above mentioned items are not new regulations. We are calling for the broadened enforcement of current regulations. RTTO’s on the WSP list are the highest regulated towers in the state and that needs to change. Everyone in our industry should all have to meet the same criteria and that is our current mission.

To help with the success of our goals we have TOW PAC. TOW PAC receives donations from towers and other interested parties to help support the lawmakers who help us in our endeavors. There are many ways to donate to TOW PAC and one of the easiest is to have the TRAW home office charge your credit card once a month with a set donation amount and all amounts are accepted. When needed the funds are used to support those who support TRAW.

The TRAW also has an education program that trained over 200 people in 2010. The classes include light duty towing and recovery to super heavy duty towing and recovery. In 2010 the WSP started requiring 4 hours of documented education every 5 years per employee and the TRAW filled the need by conducting several 1 day schools all over the state to help companies get in compliance.

The TRAW decided to add a medium duty class to the curriculum in 2011. We noticed that there are a lot of towers who have medium duty trucks and there is not currently a class to address that need. The TRAW education committee created a syllabus and plans on offering it for the very first time in 2011. By monitoring the TRAW website you can stay aware of all upcoming classes in 2011 and plan accordingly.

Not only does the TRAW focus on making the industry better we also like to get together once in a while. In 2011 we have the following events;

• January 21^st and 22^nd  Winter fest in Lake Chelan
• April date TBA membership meeting and training in Tri-Cities
• August 19^th and 20^th Tow Expo Ferndale Silver Reef Hotel Casino and Spa

Winter fest in Chelan; this is the first year where we are not having a Christmas Party. We have found that having the event before Christmas was a huge load on all involved so we decided to move it to January. The businesses of Chelan are welcoming us with open arms to spend some time and money in their town. We have found the prices and availability to be better on accommodations after Christmas and that is good for us.

Membership meeting in Tri-Cities; April 2010 was the first year doing this and it was a huge success. Agencies that participated include DOL, L & I, WSP and some private businesses. They all held  45-60 minute classes and we rotated from class to class in the morning and afternoon. We hope to keep a high standard of training and learning for years to come.

Tow Expo Ferndale; The Tow Expo is the one time of the year where we get to bring our trucks and show them off in the presence of our peers. There are vendors who come from all over the country as well as participants. We also have demonstrations to show you what is new in the industry and how it works. We have competitions to see who is the best in the state and then we make them prove it. The last day there is a dinner, live auction and awards for winning competitors. Not something you want to miss. Make your reservations now at the Silver Reef Casino Hotel and Spa.