The President's Column

by Steve Weitekamp

April 2014

Summer season 2014 in the moving business is almost upon us and most are anticipating a very busy period that hopefully will be financially rewarding as well. April is also the end of one CMSA leadership and chapter year and the beginning of another. The plans for our upcoming convention are in place and there is still time for you to join your fellow members in a program that will provide educational sessions as well as events that celebrate CMSA leadership and the successes of the Association over the past year.

Chairman PJ Welch wrote in his column of how quickly his year of service has passed, and I echo his sentiment. A year of travel, around the state to visit the 12 CMSA chapters, and working towards the common goal of constant improvement for the Association has fomented a strong respect and friendship. His steady and calm demeanor has had a positive impact and his broad knowledge of military moving from both the TSP and Agent perspectives has been invaluable to the board and me. It is difficult to imagine a more qualified individual to pass through the chairs over the last three years. PJ’s military moving expertise was beneficial to our membership in the development and implantation of activity that addressed the changes to the DOD program.  We have seen military business become an increasing percentage of the total moving volume over the last several years. PJ’s leadership success was broader than just ensuring that we took positive steps in regards to DOD business, his tenure in the chairs saw many positive steps for the Association. Thank you PJ for your service and I know that you will continue to play a significant role in the success of your Association as you join the ranks of the elite club of CMSA’s Former Chairmen.

At this year’s Chairman’s Ball, Chairman Welch will hand over the ceremonial gavel, engraved with the name and year of every Chairman since 1949, to incoming Chairman Jay Casey. Jay has served as board member for several years as well as service as Association Secretary/Treasurer and Vice Chairman. Like all incoming Chairmen I know that Jay is prepared to meet the challenges lay ahead, some are known and some are yet to be uncovered.  Each year is unique and as past Chairman have frequently stated you put quite a bit into the job but the takeaway is far greater. All who have accepted the responsibility have stepped up and met the challenges. We wish Chairman Casey well as his year as Chairman begins.