As we close out 2019 and move into the new decade of the 2020’s, we can only imagine what the next 10 years will bring. We reflect on the decade that is closing and appreciate all that has changed in a short 10 years. While we have seen challenges and stresses at an ever-increasing pace, we also continue to see opportunities. There is no future in lamenting for days gone by, they have passed, and we must live today and make our plans for tomorrow. The opportunity to improve the position of ourselves, our family, company, community, nation, and world starts with us!

It continues to be my position that the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) has much to be thankful for and can take pride in our accomplishments. We are a generous and hard-working group that continues to set a very high bar for our industry in both advocacy and charity. We know that we must continue to work hard to ensure that our steps continue forward down the pathway that leads to maintaining a successful Association. We are grateful for our leadership, past and present, and know that we have laid the foundation that will allow the next generation of CMSA leadership to successfully navigate whatever challenges arise.

On the list of CMSA charitable activities is our industry leading Scholarship program, the industry flagship program. Providing opportunities for both academic and vocational scholarships, our program has awarded over $1,100,000 to young people from within the CMSA family. At our 2020 convention in Kauai, we are scheduled to award another $51,000 and have awarded at least $50,000 every year since 2003. The success of this program continues to rely on the significant volunteer effort of the presidents and membership of our Association’s 12 chapters.

Special Olympics is a program that is near and dear to many in our Association. Hopefully you’ve been present at a convention awards luncheon and witnessed a Special Olympics Ambassador thanking our members for our continued support. As a result of member generosity, CMSA provides an annual financial contribution, currently $5,000 to the program. Of even greater value, CMSA member companies provide Special Olympics with storage of event materials and even moving when needed.

Our Chairman’s Choice charity has become another successful charity opportunity for the Association. This year, Chairman Thomas McCarthy has selected the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) as his charity in honor of his mother. CMSA will donate $5,000 in support of the Chairman’s Charity. Members, as in previous years, have started to send the Association additional contributions. The total amount will be awarded to a representative of the charity at the upcoming convention.

CMSA and its members also support Move for Hunger. As of December 1, 2019, CMSA member companies, currently 69 participating companies, have, donated over $17,000 and have facilitated food donations of 1,289,952 lbs providing 1,074,960 meals.

On behalf of the CMSA staff (Renee, Gale, and Debbie), my family and I, we wish you a joyous holiday season shared with those you hold dear and all the best in the year ahead!

December 2019 - CMSA Communicator