106th Annual Convention California Moving & Storage Association, Hawaii.

The California Moving and Storage Association held its 106th annual convention. The convention was successful, not because of the location, although being in Hawaii’s Big Island is hard to top. Not because of the great food, although there was great food served throughout. Not even because of the bacon, eggs, fruit, pastries and Kona coffee that the breakfasts provided to the attendees. But because the leadership and staff at the CMSA make it a priority to bring programs, committee meetings and discussions that are relevant to our current state of the industry.?

By the way, do you know that vendors and moving companies can partner with the CMSA to make a contribution to these meals, and you get your name and logo displayed? This is a great opportunity to distinguish your business and gain brand visibility.

Our associate members are class acts, always supporting our chapter when they can, and even when they don’t, I know there are other eleven chapters for them to support and visit! This is not an easy commitment, imagine traveling up and down the state September thru March as chapter events are scheduled! Times twelve!!! The exhibitors and vendors participating in the convention brought a sunny disposition to answering questions and connecting with new and existing clients. I appreciate the support of those who made the time to not only bring their banners and showcase their products and services, but all the cool swag! Watch my video till the end, some of the swag made two little ones very happy and made up for mom being away!?

I want to send my personal appreciation to Mark Hildreth and his boss Larry Levine and all of the New Haven Moving Equipment team for hosting a masterclass dinner in customer appreciation. When I tell you I was surprised and oh so impressed by the evening they had prepared, with the help of our industry friend “One Big Man One Big Truck” owner Fred Wallace, you better believe me. I learned through that gesture, how to wow your customers, and show you care for them. It truly made the entire trip memorable. No big announcement, no fluff, just great food, great conversation and a great time!?

As the convention came to its end, the new officers were installed. We said our goodbye to outgoing chairman Jesse Chabot of Golden West Moving Systems and hello again to Vince Cardinale Cardinale of Cardinale Moving & Storage. Vince served his first term as Chairman in 2008-2009 and is now stepping up to serve again. A once in a lifetime opportunity to have an encore, and we will all benefit from this man’s business experience, diverse life experiences and heart of service. It takes a different level of commitment to say yes twice, to a volunteer position that will have him traveling the 12 chapters around our beautiful state of California. I am excited for the learning opportunities this will bring to those of us who missed his first term.?

Lastly, I want to encourage you to become part of this or other trade association, one that serves your industry or interest. As with everything in life, you reap what you sow, and investing your time in serving others in your industry is a two way street. You will find your people! You will find ways to connect deeply and form personal bonds with your industry colleagues and rely on them when you need guidance, a sounding board or actual logistical support on a project.?

Nothing I can say here will express my deepest gratitude for Gale Iwashita and Steve Weitekamp , who with their small and mighty team of FOUR pulled this off! Great job on a well attended convention, with great programming, and did I say how great the Kona coffee was?!?

Mark your calendar for next year’s convention at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Stateline, NV April 22-27 2025 where our dear colleague and military moving expert Jeanette Homan will take the Chairperson seat!

P.S. Did you know, since 1994, the CMSA has given out $1.32 MILLION dollars for academic and vocation scholarships to employees, children, or grandchildren of an employee that works for a CMSA member company?