I hope that you were pleasantly surprised to see our promotion of CMSA’s 103rd annual Convention at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, in Rancho Mirage, CA. If you are anything like me, and the numerous members I have spoken with, you long for the opportunity to once again gather with your California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) friends and colleagues. We look forward to the chance to share critical industry information, network with fellow movers and associate members, and have a good time with friends old and new. We know that it is only December and that COVID 19 continues to be a tremendous challenge for our businesses and our country, but we choose to be optimistic that a brighter day is on the horizon and we will be able to gather again, hopefully in May of 2021. If we are unable to conduct a safe and compliant convention on the scheduled date, we will cancel and refund registration fees.

Over the last several weeks we have been communicating with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) on the adjustments to the Maximum Rate Tariff 4 2021. The good news is that the Bureau has worked hard to get us a draft for review in a timely fashion. We are pleased with their efforts and intend to post the 2021 MAX 4 on our website and email a link to all members as soon as it is finalized, hopefully the first working day of 2021. Be on the lookout and be sure to replace all current copies with the new 2021 Tariff.

Even though we have dedicated a significant amount of this issue to the passing of former CMSA President Doug Hill, my column would not be complete without taking a moment to reflect on his impact on the CMSA, its membership, and me. Perhaps I am uniquely qualified. I definitely was not his closest or oldest friend, though I have heard from them and was honored to host a Zoom virtual wake, where several spoke of their dear friend. What I am is someone who considered him a mentor and a friend from the perspective of a member, an Association officer and Chairman, and finally as a colleague who succeeded someone who continuously raised the bar for our Association. I am grateful for all he did at each stage of my career and I will miss him. If one of the true successes of a life is to have a positive impact on those with whom you come in contact, Doug was truly a success. As he would say, whatever you want to achieve, “you gotta wanna.”

December 2020 - CMSA Communicator