Is it really only June? Seems like so much has transpired in what has been a very short period. Movers are continuing to serve their customers and communities, having been deemed an Essential Service, they have adapted to working in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (See photo montage in this issue.) Many of us have learned how to navigate video chat platforms to have virtual face-to-face engagement with coworkers and colleagues as well as family and friends. The United States Department of Defense has awarded the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC), changing the program from a broad group of bidders to a single entity. The decision was almost immediately protested by two of the finalists who were not successful in the initial award. The protest process filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) may extend until the end of summer. Once the GAO comes to a decision, it may or may not be the end of the challenge. One or both protesting parties might elevate the claim to the US Court of Federal Claims, which could result in an expensive and protracted process.

The California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) continues to be actively advocating for the benefit of our industry and their customers. Our efforts with our regulators have been well received, while our legislative efforts have been more challenging. Recently, AMSA has shared some advocacy software with us, allowing our messages to be shared more easily and broadly with legislators. Hopefully when you see our call to action you open the link. All that is required is for you to fill in your name, address and push send, the AI associated with the software identifies and emails CMSA’s letter to your state assembly member and senator. If you did not take action on our recent request related to AB 1850 (AB 5 clean-up bill) please look through your emails, or call our office and we’ll resend, and take action today.

On the preceding page, Chairman Chipman has done an excellent job of addressing the impact of the Pandemic on the moving industry. He speaks about how moving companies are currently impacted and what the future may hold. We have always been a service industry and those who remain successful will adapt to the needs and desires of our customers. In addition to the health issues and concerns related to COVID 19, we are entering a period of renewed social activism that has been painful for some and challenging for others. Social issues have been and will continue to be opportunities for conversation and hopefully understanding between people. Only with understanding and care for our fellow man can we have lasting and effective change. Having been a mover in the field more than a few years ago, I had the chance to work with all different groups of people. My memories are of a meritocracy among movers, those who could do the work were respected and valued members of a team regardless of their race or creed. In challenging times, we need to be even more mindful of sharing kindness, as well as that spirit that brought many into, or at least kept us in this business. Movers are the kind of people who come into a challenging and frequently chaotic environment, tell people it is going to be ok and then keep their word!

June 2020 - CMSA Communicator