March 1st will be the culmination of my twentieth year as president of the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA). When I took on this challenge, our Association looked somewhat different. I was fortunate to begin my term in calm waters, which allowed me to get my sea legs. But, as I have said, when we install a new chairman, whether in calm waters or rough seas, CMSA leadership answers the call.
The calm seas didn’t last very long, as the Great Recession (2007-2009) quickly changed the landscape for movers. What preceded 2007 had, at least for me, been a boom time for moving, starting with the Northridge earthquake in January 1994 and continuing until after I was settled in my new career at CMSA in early 2006. By 2007, I had a number of calls from colleagues stating that I was either the smartest or the luckiest guy in the moving business for knowing when to get out. The truth is that I never got out and have the stress-related issues and gray to prove it.
We have seen several boom and bust periods over the years, and there will be more in the future. My takeaways are to remain optimistic, be as diversified as possible, and always work hard.
We have navigated a once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic, playing a crucial role in assuring that movers were listed as Essential Service Providers. This was a huge deal that allowed movers to thrive in an environment where many industries struggled. CMSA’s letter on this allowed members as far away as New York to continue to operate.
On the regulatory front, our unique engagement with both the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and, later (2017), the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) has resulted in the opportunity to navigate what otherwise would have been a very difficult environment. From the MAX 4 tariff simplification, rate adjustments, to the unbelievably successful transition from one regulator to another, are just the headlines in a very successful regulatory advocacy. Our legislative successes have also been significant.
I have had the privilege of working with twenty-two CMSA Boards under twenty different chairmen, two served twice, only one of which was consecutively, the result of COVID-19. Leadership, starting with Chair Jill Longo and continuing up to our current chair, Jeanette Homan, so much for the “old boys network,” as a rare malcontent might disparagingly remark, has served our Association well.
In support of our Association, I have served on industry and regulatory boards, including AMSA, ATA MSC, BHGS Advisory Council, IAM, MSI, and NCMA.
Thanks to several CMSA members who specialize in US Military moving and Association partners like IAM, we have been actively involved in military moving policy fromSDDC through the Joint Task Force. Serving as the voice of the Agent, the boots at the curb.
Our annual conventions, scholarships, and charity programs continue to serve our membership and the industry at large.
The last twenty years have had both good and challenging years for our industry, and the future, while unclear, will hold more of the same.
There are so many people to acknowledge and thank that it would fill an entire Communicator. To all who have served, Chapter, Committee, and Board, thank you on behalf of the entire membership. To the CMSA staff who, over the years, have gone above and beyond to support the membership and the Association, thank you! There are also many who have provided personal support and guidance, and I am beyond grateful. I hope that I continue to earn your support as we move forward.
CMSA has accomplished much to be proud of over the last 20 years. The future is bright as long as you continue to be engaged with the Association; our combined efforts will continue to make CMSA the shining light on the hill for movers in California and around the country.