The President's Column

by Steve Weitekamp

August 2016

CMSA is blessed to have regular infusion of new participants actively engaged in our Association, be it new members companies or new staff of longstanding members. A recent phone call was a reminder that a review of our current government affairs policy might serve more than a few. Sometimes, with years of involvement in industry issues we speak in shorthand expecting all to have the relevant background available to understand the code.

First, it is imperative to understand the value of a trade association to the industry that it serves. CMSA is the only voice, representing more than one company, for legal and permitted movers in California. We are actively engaged with legislators and regulators with the help of many (Staff, Attorney, Lobbyist, Advisors, Association Officers and members both Mover and Associate) to ensure that the voice of our industry is heard and considered.

Who we are starts with our Mission Statement:

The California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the CPUC-permitted carriers and related industries of the state of California. CMSA provides member moving companies with the tools they need to operate legally and responsibly in the industry, including many educational industry forums, newsletters, regular meetings and other programs. The Association assists consumers in making educated choices in the selection of a moving company. By choosing a CMSA member moving company, consumers will benefit by selecting a legal and qualified mover that will provide excellent service for their moving needs.

As we look forward with expectation of legislative changes that will result in possible regulatory changes, the Association Board of Directors reaffirmed several long held Core Values:

1. We see value in remaining a regulated industry with enforcement of regulations with particular emphasis on illegal operators (those who do damage to the moving public, the regulated carriers and the taxpayers of California). We support a Tariff; the MAX 4 is valuable as a set of Standards and Measures and its price benchmarking is valuable. (This being said, we have always worked for simplification of the tariff with our efforts being the only reason that the number of territories and regions were reduced. Our recent efforts also resulted in the opportunity for carriers to present and retain any and all documents in an electronic format.)

2. We support our membership in business diversification beyond regulated household goods moving. Including, but not limited to: Military, Office and Industrial, Record Storage, and Government contracts (State and Local).

3. Associate Members are CMSA members and their concerns and issues are important.

Core Values are an important touchstone when engaged in a rapidly evolving period of change. Upcoming columns will address the Association's regulatory goals and efforts.

August 2016 - CMSA Communicator