The meeting was held at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Standish, Michigan.

Bill Byers called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m.

Ronald Pickle, an employee from Ward Eaton, Inc. from Traverse City, was killed on August 12, 2008 in the line of duty. A car backed over Mr. Pickle while he was working on a car. He was caught under the car, and suffocated.

The DVD "Dressed for Success" was played. It emphasized the differences between ANSI 1, 2, and 3. On November 24, 2008, ANSI 3 will be required by law on all federally funded roads with a speed limit of over 55 mph. ANSI 2 will be enforced at 50 mph and below.

The differences between retro reflective and reflective were discussed. The pants with the stripes are class E and they do not qualify, but they are a good idea. It is suggested that the ANSI 3 garments be 4 or 5 part tear-away.

The idea of using the buying power of the Association to purchase large quantities of merchandise was discussed. As Association members, we should use the TowPartners.

The Association would like ideas from members that would help to make these meeting more educational and informational. If anyone has an idea please contact a Board member. We are currently working on setting up a seminar in which Bill Kerns and Dennis Brewer would do a cost analysis for tow companies, and Bill Byers is working on a seminar featuring hybrid vehicles.

David Jerome indicated that there is legislation pending to make Michigan a smoke-free work state.

There is a problem with the fees some members are charging for their services. Members are encouraged to assess the prices for their services to make sure they are fair to their tow company and the customer. If they do not, the state may take steps to ensure pricing fairness by mandating the fees that can be charged for services. This has already happened in Monroe.

The Ohio Towing Association has contacted the Michigan Towing Association with the proposal of doing a tow show together. If there is enough interest, Bill Byers and Ken Farley will go to a meeting to find out what is all involved in sponsoring this event. All members are encouraged to let a Board member know what their thoughts are on this project.

A member of the Association inquired about the possibility of the Association helping him fight the rotation with the State Police. David Jerome explained to him that the Association has already taken up this problem with the State Police, and they said they will deal with it on a case by case basis. This now makes it a private matter, and any other further action must be taken by the member himself.

An amount of $404.00 was collected for the raffle, and $202.00 of this money will be donated to the lobbyist committee.

Any members with have a problem or concern are encouraged to contact any Board member with them so that they may be put on the next meeting’s agenda and addressed.