Marianne Finney presented the award to incoming WSATI President Gary Labb. 

Randy turned over the leadership of WSATI to the current board and presented the new board members with their name badges.  Phil Macklin is the new Sergeant-at-
Arms, Treasurer is Dave Randolph, Secretary is Lou Koven, Vice-President is Bill Lovold, and the new President is Gary Labb. 

Gary thanked Randy and spoke about the future of WSATI.  Gary also introduced Richard Knapp as Legal Council for WSATI.  Gary also acknowledged WSATI Past-Presidents in attendance at the January meeting.  Gary spoke about our next year’s conference and the possibility of POST Accreditation for those attending the conference.  Gary reminded everyone that all the news of WSATI and other law enforcement links are available at the WSATI website, www.wsati.org.  He mentioned that the website and email systems are the easiest way to stay abreast of WSATI updates. Gary mentioned the future WSATI meeting dates and locations including the seminar in Lake Tahoe in October.  Gary requested that everyone sign-in, so that Carol Vannater can update the WSATI membership roster. 

Gary introduced the first guest speaker; Kelvin Johnson is the President of “Disk Lock USA”. Kelvin spoke about his product which when affixed to a vehicle’s steering wheel helps reduce auto theft and showed a video about his product. Gary thanked Kelvin and presented him with a small gift from the WSATI board. 

Gary then introduced our second speaker, Ed Castaldi from American Honda, Research and Development.  Ed spoke about the strides Honda is making in helping to reduce the thefts of the vehicles it manufactures. Ed mentioned that Honda’s relationship with law enforcement and insurance companies plays a big role in improving their product.  Ed presented a Power Point presentation and spoke about how Hondas are stolen and the current security strategies being implemented by Honda.  Gary thanked and presented Ed with a gift from WSATI.

Gary also mentioned that Dennis Lessiak, NICB would like input regarding the Law Enforcement day at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ted Saraf from Lojack spoke at the meeting briefly about Lojack’s latest cities of operation and current events at the company.  Ted mentioned that some of their latest problems are Mexican stolen vehicles in the U.S.  The vehicles are not in NCIC and require special handling; he suggested that if you come in contact with a Mexican stolen vehicle and have trouble locating the stolen information contact one of Lojack’s law enforcement representatives.  Ted can be contacted at (310) 505-9817, 24/7.

Gary introduced Joan Pitts, formerly of Hertz and now the current President of the Western Chapter of IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators). Joan spoke about the upcoming five-day training seminar in Vancouver, Canada to be held July 30th through August 4th.  IAATI rebates a portion of their dues to WSATI. Joan mentioned that they are currently developing a quarterly newsletter and website for IAATI. 

Gary made a plea for volunteers and sponsors for the WSATI seminar in 2001.

Dave Randolph, 21st Century Insurance spoke of how his daughter experienced identity theft and subsequent credit card fraud.  The suspect(s) purchased approximately $3500 of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, which were delivered to an abandoned house in Rancho Cucamonga.

Gary brought up that Carol Vannater has started her own company “Three Shirts to the Wind”, AKA WSATIWear.  Carol stated that she would be providing all the shirts and accessories for WSATI members.  Gary also mentioned that all the items will be available through the Internet on our website, www.wsati.org.

Gary mentioned that he would not be using photos of WSATI Members on the website or in the newsletter if they are in sensitive or undercover assignments. He stated that if anything objectionable appeared on the website that he could change it easily.

Several nominations were received for the “Bent Screwdriver” Award.  Ultimately no one qualified to receive the award.