Spring is an active time for your Association and, more than likely, your local chapter as well. In addition to its regular workload, our office is preparing for the upcoming CMSA Convention in Santa Barbara (May 14 to 19 at the Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort). This event is on pace to be one of our largest and will continue the CMSA’s mission of showcasing important information in a format that is both educational and entertaining. We are already sold out of hotel rooms at two locations and are working to ensure that all who wish to attend this important event find a room at a good value; so if you haven’t committed yet, call our office today and be a part of your Convention.

At the local chapters, fundraisers and meetings are in full swing. Each event has a significant amount of promotion which occasionally leads someone, who isn’t following closely, to conclude that all Chapter “A” does is: play golf, bocce, bowl or barbecue. While this couldn’t be further from the truth, what is true is that CMSA chapter fundraisers are far and away the primary engine that drives our industry-envied scholarship program as well as our generous contributions to the Special Olympics. Due to the extensive efforts and generosity of the organizers, sponsors and participants in our chapter events, CMSA has awarded an industry-leading $688,000 in educational and vocational scholarships to young people within our Association and will award another $53,000 at our upcoming Convention in May. We will also present our annual $5,000 contribution to the Special Olympics at the same time. Additionally, these fundraising events are another great opportunity for members to network with their fellow industry professionals.

As I have mentioned during recent chapter visits, 2013 is the year of implementation when it comes to our engagement with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Chairman Hosea mentioned that we recently met with CPUC SED Director Brigadier General Jack Hagan and were pleased to receive agreement on the establishment of a CMSA/CPUC working group to prepare for the July 1 electronic document deadline. Additionally, the General agreed with our request for quarterly meetings between CMSA and CPUC staff. Chairman Hosea, CMSA Legal Counsel Mark Hegarty and I also had the opportunity to meet with newly appointed acting SED Deputy Director Raffy Stepanian as well as speak with SED enforcement supervisors Brian Kahrs and Adrianne Johnson. We are hopeful that our engagement with the management team at the CPUC will result in greater understanding of the issues and challenges of the permitted carrier, and the development of a cooperative spirit that will benefit regulators, permitted carriers and the moving public.

I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming CMSA Convention in Santa Barbara! Our Chairman’s Reception and Dinner is just one of the terrific events planned, and a great occasion to celebration CMSA leadership, thanking outgoing Chairman Rick Hosea for all that he has accomplished and looking forward to another great year under the stewardship of incoming Chairman PJ Welch. If you haven’t registered yet, it isn’t too late, but don’t wait. We have already sold out in two hotels. Please call our office to get information on hotel availability.