|
 |
|
March 2025 President’s Column
President's Comments
By: Steve Weitekamp |
We are a little more than a month away from the CMSA convention at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Resort in beautiful Lake Tahoe. I have not missed a CMSA convention since I started attending in 1987. During that entire time, I served as a chapter officer, a member of the board of directors, a board officer, and finally, as association president. Our Association’s convention has always been one of the highlights of my year and a not-to-be-missed event. Regardless of the location and the frequently changing economic environment that impacts our industry, it is difficult to envision that the value of participating in our annual event does not exceed potential obstacles related to our busy schedules.
The value of our association far exceeds membership dues, even if you never attend a meeting or convention. This includes but is not limited to, the information provided in our monthly newsletter and periodic emails and our successful lobbying on California-based laws and regulations shepherded in part by our lobbyist firm, Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer and Lange (SYASL). Additional benefits include access to an extensive list of fellow mover members and industry suppliers from around the state and the country. Association staff, with substantial industry knowledge and relationships with regulators, are ready and able to assist with questions and issues. When needed, referrals to member lawyers who understand transportation law and the nuances of the moving and storage industry.
Still, I cannot understate how much is gained by attending our conventions. All attendees are welcome to participate in the committee meetings and general sessions where invaluable industry information is discussed and shared. It’s great to be a part of our always-popular exhibitors' reception, where industry suppliers share new ideas and ways to make your business more profitable in a casual and fun environment. Our two luncheons are also popular events. On Friday, our lobbyist, SYASL partner Matt Robinson, will have an update on California politics and what we can expect in the year ahead. Our Saturday awards luncheon highlights how unique our Association really is. In addition to recognizing the service of chapter presidents and retiring board members, we celebrate the charity our hard-working members value, our unparalleled scholarship program for college undergraduates and vocational students will present awards and our contributions to Special Olympics and St. Jude’s, this year’s Chairman’s Choice Charity. Saturday afternoon, we will conduct the annual military breakout meeting. This year, particularly, this will be an event not to be missed. Things appear to be changing rapidly, which could impact all movers. Our convention ends Saturday night with our chairman’s reception and dinner event. It will be a celebration of leadership where current Chairman Vince Cardinale passes the gavel to our 2025-26 Chair, Jeanette Homan. You do not want to miss this event.
I strongly encourage you to attend the 107th annual CMSA convention in Lake Tahoe next month. In addition to everything previously listed, you will have the opportunity to establish relationships with movers outside of your area and may even make a real friend. Do not procrastinate; sign up today, and be sure to book your room at Bally’s under our great group rate before it expires.
|
