“What are the benefits of CMSA membership and what value is there to being a member?”

This is one of the most frequently asked question of the CMSA and its members. At first glance this seems to be an easy question to answer. Most members could list items such as:

• The CMSA monthly publication "The Communicator"

• A listing in the superb CMSA Member Directory

• A listing on the CMSA Website Directory

• Networking opportunities such as Chapter Meeting

• The Annual CMSA Convention

• Local Chapter Events

Some members could even list other benefits such as:

• Flyer inserts and advertising in the "The Communicator"

• CMSA's Scholarship Program

• CMSA's Political Action Committee

• Strong legislative representation both at the State and Federal level

While all of the above are great benefits, any combination of which certainly demonstrates the value of being a member in good standing, there are many other benefits that are not so apparent. For example:

The CMSA has a professional staff devoted to you, the membership. Every day, the staff answers dozens of phone calls from people seeking information about the moving industry and any number of other types of information.

When asked to recommend a mover, the staff recommends only members of the CMSA. These are now potential customers for you. How many customers do you have because the CMSA staff referred that customer to you? Would you have that customer if you were not a CMSA member? What is the value of this service to you?

How many of you attend your local CMSA Chapter Meetings? Did you know that there is usually a guest speaker providing information on timely, relevant topics? Speakers have included local, state, and federal government representatives, Van Line representatives, industry leaders, and consumer advocates. What is the value of this service to you?

Every week letters are signed by the CMSA President and sent to legislators supporting or opposing legislation that impacts your business. Most of the legislation affects every business regardless of size, revenue, or number of employees. Alone, one voice and the voice of the CMSA Board have little affect on legislation. By combining our voice with the more than 600 member companies representing thousands of employees, however, our collective voices are heard.

Add our voices to those of other business advocates such as California's Chambers of Commerce and the voice of business rings loud and clear. There have been many legislative actions that have been passed or vetoed because of the CMSA's legislative efforts. All of those efforts are in your best interest and have a direct impact on your bottom line. What is the value of this service to you?

Truth be told, as is the case with most things, the value you derive from CMSA membership is directly proportional to your involvement. The more you put into the CMSA, the more value you will derive. The CMSA encourages you to contact a Board Member, a member of the Staff, or a CMSA member company and each will be happy to discuss the benefits and value of CMSA membership with you. Better yet, stop by the CMSA office or a local chapter meeting and see for yourself.

Perhaps the greatest benefit to CMSA membership is the value you add to your community. The strength of your community is derived from the involvement of its residents and businesses that are located within the community. It takes all of us working together to develop the kind of vital cohesive, compassionate, and dynamic community that we all want to be a part of.

In addition to the benefits directly derived from the CMSA, the CMSA is proud to provide these benefits that are provided by leading companies and are exclusive to members of the CMSA:

Hertz offers CMSA members special year-round discounts on your daily, weekly, weekend and monthly rentals for business or pleasure; traveling in the U.S. or worldwide. Your CMSA Hertz CDP#, listed below, is the key!  Call (800) 654-2200 or visit the Hertz website at http://www.hertz.com when making your reservation.  Then present your Hertz Member Discount Card at the time of rental.  It's that easy! Offer your staff a chance to save too!  Share the Hertz benefit with your employees.   Place Hertz discount cards/coupons in employee paychecks as a benefit, lunch/break-0rooms, on the company bulletin boards, or through Human Resources or Employee Benefits Guide. To take advantage of this program and to receive your discount cards, contact the CMSA at (714) 236-2060 or (800) 672-1415 - Toll free. Hertz CDP ID# 320372

Please consider all of these things as you are making your decision on becoming a member or renewing your membership. As always, thank you for your membership, support, contributions, and involvement in your California Moving and Storage Association..

For more information about the CMSA, or to become a member, call
(714) 236-2060 or (800) 672-1415