PAC Event Raises Over $10,000 for ECA Political Activities

More than 150 ECA members and their families attended a "Day at the Races" on St. Patrick's Day, March 17 at Santa Anita Race Track. The event raised over $10,000 for the ECA's Political Action Committee, according to PAC Chairman Ken Coate (Inland Surety Bonds & Insurance Services). The day- long event featured horse racing, children's activities, a lunch buffet, and opportunity drawing. Proceeds will help with the association's political and legislative endeavors. "We are happy that so many ECA members supported this event. It was a great way to have fun and raise money for the PAC at the same time," said Coate. Guests at the event spent the day socializing with fellow ECA members, walking around the Santa Anita racing complex, and comparing notes on which horses to bet on. The atmosphere was light and fun, just what the volunteers on the PAC committee wanted, according to Coate.

ECA PAC supporter Elco Miramontes (l) with ECA PAC member Joe Valverde at the Santa Anita event.

"Our committee decided that we didn't want to have another sit-down dinner this year and judging by the level of support, a lot of ECA members were happy to have a chance to do something different, too," said Coate.

ECA President Cynthia Miramontes attended the event with 15 members of her family, and said they all had a great time. "It seemed like a fun way to raise a little extra money for the PAC, which I believe is one of the most important activities of our association," said Miramontes. "PAC funds have allowed us to support the public officials that believe in the ECA and support what our members do." ECA Legislative Advocate Phil Vermeulen, who also sponsored the event, said that having a well-funded PAC is crucial to the industry. "Our PAC gives us an identity and political clout in Sacramento to get our issues heard by members of the legislature," said Vermeulen. "We need to make certain that ECA's views are 'on the table' when bills come up that could negatively impact our industry and PAC funds help us achieve that goal." For more information on the ECA's PAC and legislative activities, please contact the ECA office at 562-861-0929.

ECA PAC Chairman Ken Coate (l) and ECA Legislative Advocate Phil Vermuelen discuss their odds with a good luck charm at Santa Anita.

Special thanks to the following companies for their support of this year's PAC fund-raiser. Kentucky Derby Sponsors Alcorn Fence Company Contractors & Developers Bonding DANGELO Company Toomey Industries Trench Plate Rental Company Trench Shoring Company Preakness Sponsor Superior Gunite Belmont Stakes Sponsor Andrade & Associates Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Ayala Boring Company Commercial Surety Bond Agency Crosby Insurance, Inc. Inland Surety Bonds & Insurance Services John T. Malloy, Inc. Mladen Buntich Const. Co. Inc. Moore Stephen Wurth Frazer & Torbet, LLP Ossman Project Management Pascal & Ludwig Constructors Philip M. Vermeulen Governmental Relations

ECA guests survey the track under sunny skies during the ECA PAC's St. Patrick's Day at the Races fundraiser.

ECA Executive Director Richard Paine and wife Donna at the races.