The Chairman's Corner

By Alan Freese

November 2018

Good day to all. Having just come back from our Fall Board Meeting, I wanted to share how important it is to recognize what our board of directors do for the CMSA. Let me start by saying that first and foremost, our board is all volunteer. With the exception of a room paid (Fall Board only) and a few meals sponsored by kind folks like CDS, Champion Risk, Vanliner Insurance Co., Paul Hanson Partners and Victory Packaging, that’s as deep as the compensation gets. Our board is comprised of all types of movers, big and small from corporate to mom-and-pop operations. We don’t all share the same views on all items all of the time, but we have been able to navigate (I feel) for the common good of the moving industry. Being a board member takes a certain sense of appreciation of the moving industry and the ability to work toward common goals amongst many times your competitors. That’s what’s different about the CMSA, although we are competitors, there’s a respect between all to work together and to be proactive on many major issues versus reactive. I don’t know of any other trade association, pound for pound, in the State of California that has the punch the CMSA can pack.

In the upcoming months, our board members will be reaching out to members to ask for support and attendance for our upcoming convention. One of the main items discussed at the board meeting was to try and bring people and companies back into the convention that have either not attended at all or have been away for some time. For those that regularly attend, you know and understand the value of the convention and all it offers. The vendors, the van lines, the associate members and the business opportunities are all there. I have to admit I used to be one of those guys that didn’t see the value in the convention, basically had my head buried in the sand. Now, I regret that lost time of not attending as I have seen and lived the business opportunities, vendor relationships, mover relationships, van line / carrier relationships and the local agent relationships that would not be possible had I not attended the CMSA convention. I feel there is a tremendous amount of value to being a member of the CMSA. For me, the more active I have been, the more I have learned or had the ability to learn. When your board member reaches out to you, give them a few minutes of your time and really listen to what they have to say. They have your best interest at heart and want to see all of us succeed. Effort does often equal results in the moving world.

In closing, I would like to add that I have been to four chapter meetings so far and have found it incredible with all the warmth and courtesy extended by all chapters. From the members, the chapter presidents, the board members and the associate members, it’s been a great experience. Please keep in mind my Chairman’s Choice Charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Center. We have a go fund me page set up. Here’s the link: https://www.gofundme.com/cmsa-chairmans-choice. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and I look forward to seeing you soon at a chapter meeting near you.

Cheers, Alan.

November 2018 - CMSA Communicator