The Chairman's Corner

By Robert Fraser
April/May 2017

Where'd the time go?

It doesn't seem right that our internal clocks are wound backwards. Didn't it seem that our earliest school years just dragged on and on? That it took forever to get that driver's license and again to turn 21? As most of us started our families and careers, the time certainly seemed to speed up. Watching our children grow and our jobs expand, we all look back later and say, "Where'd the time go?" Wouldn't it be so much better if our internal clock slowed down as we got older instead of speeding up? Wouldn't it be better if our clocks were wound the other way?

As I embarked on the path this year as your Chairman of the Board, numerous past CMSA Chairs told me to be sure to enjoy every moment of the journey. It's hard to believe that my term is just about over. Where'd the time go?

I'd like to thank all of our chapter presidents for all of their efforts and contributions to our Association. More specifically, I'd like to thank them for hosting those amazing dinner meetings as I toured our chapters throughout the state. I had a blast at each and every one of them. Good food, good people and good times. I'd like to thank all of the companies that I visited along the way. I've always been amazed by the size and diversity of California geographically, culturally and economically. After driving through your cities, touring your facilities meeting with all of the owners, managers and personnel of your companies, I really had no idea. Even though most of us in this industry abide by the same rules and regulations, use the same paperwork and equipment, and pack and load our trucks the same way, I'm impressed by how each of our companies has its own work cultures and personalities. Thank you again for the generosity and enthusiasm that you all showed me along the way.

I want to thank our CMSA President Steve Weitekamp for everything. Steve has got to be one of the hardest working presidents of any association in the world. He's got such a passion and wealth of knowledge about our industry that's truly incomparable. I had a great time traveling the state getting to know him and developing what I'm sure will be a lifelong friendship.

Lastly, I'd like to thank the CMSA Board of Directors and all of the membership for allowing me the privilege to serve as the 98th Chairman. It has been an experience that I will never forget. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought "maybe I should get involved" to not hesitate. The personal growth and friendships developed with your involvement is unbelievable.

Although I'm closing in on the finish line, I still have more to do and see. By the time you read this, I will have attended our legislation day at the state Capitol with some of you. We will have met with CARB representatives, CHP officers, CPUC staff and several legislators. We all know that there will be many changes in our industry over the next few years. How those changes will impact all of our businesses will be shared at our 99th CMSA Convention in Rancho Mirage in a few short weeks. I can't wait to see you there!

I ran across this quote from Aristotle that I wanted to write as my last line in my Chairman's Corner. I have no idea what it means, but it sure sounds appropriate (and I will ponder it forever):

"Time is not composed of indivisible nows any more than any other magnitude is composed of indivisibles..."
- Aristotle

April/May 2017 - CMSA Communicator