The Chairman's Corner

By Former CMSA Chairman PJ Welch (2013-2014)

October 2021

Editor's Note: With CMSA Chairman John Chipman Jr. serving as chair for two years, CMSA has scheduled several guest columnists to replace half of his Chairman's Columns. We thank Chairman Chipman and look forward to his column next month.

Greetings. Like all of you, I am more than a little wiped out after this summer season – a season that does not want to end. As the dust begins to settle, I am trying to figure out what I have learned over the past two summers. The pandemic may have dominated the headlines, but a quick review of the 2020-2021 Communicators is an eye opener to the issues affecting our industry. An industry slowed down by shelter-in-place orders and military stop movements has been overwhelmed by a booming housing market and a lack of qualified labor. Changes in government regulations are never ending and the latest COVID surge are reminders that our businesses will always face external challenges. We are fortunate to have an association where we can come together as friends and competitors to discuss our issues and with great leadership, create positive change.

Huge thanks to all CMSA chapter presidents and board members. Nothing like asking your local chapter members to kick into the pot after the fundraiser has been canceled when everyone is applying for a PPP loan and wondering if their furloughed employees will come back. Huge thanks to the two guys at the top, Chairman John Chipman Jr. and President Steve Weitekamp. John, great to see you at the Twin Counties meeting. While ZOOM has come in handy, there is nothing better that meeting face to face, drinks in hand, sharing stories and industry updates. The best part of being CMSA Chairman is traveling the state and meeting with movers and associate members. Two years is a big ask and I am truly thankful that you’ve shared your experience and talents. Steve, I have been fortunate to serve on the board for many years and was the CMSA Chairman from 2013-2014. I have watched as you created positive change to CARB regulations, successfully transitioned our industry from the CPUC to the DCA and have made the CMSA a valued partner with the military as they transition to single source contract. 

I cannot mention chapter events without admitting that I missed the Northern Region Chapter’s Women on the Move event. However, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing women. Thanks to Carol, Becky, Destiny, Laurie and Mom for covering the phones, setting up paperwork and getting invoices sent. Thanks to Andrea and Desiree for stepping up to fill a huge void, setting up the books and keeping the local operation running smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to Mariah, Sam, Sumeria and Mattie for becoming crew leads and providing the best levels of customer service. Without a doubt, these women have become leaders in my organization. Nothing better than watching the guys lose an after-work water balloon fight. I have never been happier as a mover.

Lastly, we all have at least one right-hand woman or man in our organization. These individuals become key for their talents, but “right-hand” because of the friendships created. I lost my right-hand man, Gordon, early in September. It’s not every day that you lose a best friend. We worked side by side for almost 30 years and his passing has made me step back and consider what is really important to me. A great summer season can only be followed by a great off season. Time to make sure you are taking care of yourself and those you are close to; next season will be here sooner than you think.

October 2021- CMSA Communicator