The holidays have begun and I am ready! I spent the weekend pulling out the Christmas decorations from storage (one of the advantages of having a warehouse), decorating the tree, and risked life and limb hanging lights on my house. We also continued our tradition of a company breakfast, where I cooked and served the food. A thoughtful gesture! Furthermore, I attended the Los Angeles-Orange County joint holiday meeting, where we donated gifts to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

This is a very busy time of year, and it is easy to get caught up with the parties and last-minute shopping, but it is also a good time to reflect back on all that we are thankful for. On a personal note, one of my family members had a bit of a health scare so I am thankful for my health and my family’s health. I am lucky to have such a wonderful wife, great kids and great friends. As for business, I am thankful for the people I get to work with, the customers we are fortunate to work with, and being a member of the CMSA. I am also thankful that Blue Chip has been able to serve our community for almost 50 years.

The holiday season is also a chance to give back to our local communities. As an organization, the CMSA does so much more than advocate and protect the interests of the moving industry. As a member of the CMSA, you are part of an organization that gives back all year. Each chapter puts a ton of effort into fundraising just to give back to its community. Local chapters organize golf tournaments, bocce ball tournaments, crab feeds, bowling tournaments, day at the races, tour of the Reagan Library, toys for Children’s Hospital, filling trailers and containers with food and toys for the needy. The list goes on and on.

The collective fundraising effort allows the CMSA to team up with the Special Olympics and deserving college students. The Special Olympics considers the CMSA a valued partner because of our membership’s generosity. When the Special Olympics needs storage space or funds to send athletes to compete, the CMSA membership steps up year after year. Each year, the CMSA gives 25 scholarships to deserving college students totaling $51,000. Since the scholarship’s inception in 1994, the CMSA has given $638,000!!

By attending the local chapter meetings, attending special training sessions, attending the fundraisers you are giving back. You are part of helping athletes fulfill their dreams of competing in the Special Olympics. You are part of sending 25 young adults to college. When you reflect back on all that is done for others, you will be proud and thankful to be part of our industry and CMSA.

I hope you and your families have a safe and Happy Holidays. Get ready for 2012...should be fun.