Mike Ross reports: "In Arizona last week, the NCA held an owners meeting that was attended by 17 people, representing over a dozen of the state's 40 + cabarets. The meeting was highlighted by them organizing, raising money, and taking positions on what was initially 2 bills, but by the end of the meeting had turned into 3, as the Arizona Senate amended S 1532 the night before.
"'I agree with most of what Mike has said, and urge you to unite and organize,' Attorney and lobbyist Michael DiCavalcante, said. 'We need to organize and fight back as a team.'
"During the meeting, we also heard from lobbyist Mike Williams, the 'hired gun' who is representing the industry, through Bill McCelland. Mike discussed ways we can help defeat the bills that threaten Arizona. First, all in attendance agreed to support a letter writing campaign. That will be followed up with direct legislative meetings with targeted legislative members.
"The NCA's job is two-fold, with the first being to help organize the industry to fight back, thus projecting your voice into the legislative process. The second is to either kill the bills, or to suggest amendments that will make the bills less harmful to our industry.
"We're creating an information package that will be delivered to legislators. When needed, the packets will educate legislators about the industry, and provide them with amendments that we believe will address their concerns.
"At the meeting, the NCA organized a nucleus into what is tentatively called the Arizona Cabaret Association. We also raised over $15,000 in cash and pledges."
