I hope that you had the opportunity to enjoy some, much needed and deserved, rest and relaxation on Labor Day. The holiday is the unofficial end of summer and a time to celebrate a critical element of our nation's success: the labor of our people. The moving and storage industry understands labor and the need to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved with the process of a successful move during the long and warm days and nights of the summer season.

The California Moving and Storage Association, not unlike the industry we represent, is a service business. Quality people dedicated to their work are what make a moving company or a trade association special and we are grateful to have a small, but mighty team that helps us to shine. CMSA manager Renee Hifumi and staffer Gale Iwashita wear many hats in support of our Association and its membership, and execute daily tasks and major projects in a professional and creative manner. In August, we were pleased to welcome Brianna Wahlstrom back to our team as an independent contractor. Brianna's contract will focus on our monthly newsletter as well as website updates and modifications.

The end of summer also marks the beginning of another Association year, and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming chapter meetings and events. Chapter President and leadership orientation meetings were recently held in both Northern California and Southern California in Cerritos. Special thanks to Chipman Relocation & Logistics in Sacramento for once again making their conference room available to us for our northern orientation. Our orientations are always a worthwhile and successful event; again, it is all about the people.

CMSA has always benefited since the beginning from quality volunteer leadership from the chapter level to the Chairman of the Board. At the meeting, chapter representatives participated in a half-day review of current CMSA business and shared best practices related to preparing and leading a chapter meeting and/or event. As a reader of this publication, you are well aware that a lot is happening in our industry. Your Association leadership would encourage you to be regularly involved with CMSA chapter and statewide events. Our people make the CMSA a special organization. And together, we will continue to have a positive impact on the challenges that lie ahead.

September 2016 - CMSA Communicator