The President's Column

by Steve Weitekamp

March 2015

Spring is fundraiser season for CMSA with many chapters having events in support of our Scholarship Fund and Special Olympics programs. The majority of our Association’s members, Movers and Associates, understand the value and benefits of doing good for the community. We are appreciative of all the efforts of so many members to make our program events special. While these programs are a part of our core values and a source of pride for those involved, it is only a small part of our Association’s efforts and accomplishments. There is the occasional individual that states that all CMSA does is put on golf tournaments or provide scholarships; this couldn’t be further from the truth. They use this excuse to justify a lack of involvement in the only group that works daily to protect the landscape for the legal and licensed moving and storage industry. Anyone who has sat through one of our state of the industry chapter presentations, educational seminars and Conventions know that this argument lacks basis.

The California Moving and Storage Association is its membership and its staff, and represents the efforts and successes of all who have participated and volunteered their efforts over many years. Being inclusive in input and leadership from a diverse membership is one of our core values and is critical to our continued success.

Members of the CMSA Board of Directors, Government Affairs Committee, staff and legislative advocate are currently working on legislation that would have a positive impact on regulated carriers. March will see the beginning of an effort that we anticipate will address shortcomings at the California Public Utilities Commission. Our expectation is that this will be a multiyear process, but the time to begin is now.

This month also saw the release of a report on the underground economy by the Little Hoover Commission, an independent state oversight agency. By statute, the Commission is a bipartisan board composed of five public members appointed by the governor, four public members appointed by the California Legislature, two state senators and two assembly members. The report, titled “Level the Playing Field: Put California’s Underground Economy Out of Business,” couldn’t have been released at a more opportune time. This report is reviewed by critical decision-makers in California government and is a source of strong support of many of our long-term arguments related to the need for greater enforcement of unlicensed operators.

I look forward to seeing you on the road over the next two months and at our upcoming Convention in beautiful San Diego.

March 2015 - CMSA Communicator