We’ve just passed the midpoint of 2023, and yes it has gone by very quickly. The first half of the year has been challenging for many movers and those of us who serve the moving and storage industry. Most household goods movers have seen what one might call a peak-a-boo peak season, with more than a few starts and stops. Some military movers have seen a better year to date but are very concerned about a future that has yet to show any clarity with respect to pricing or distribution. A frequent question from members is whether others are in the same boat, and while there are always outliers who do better or worse than the average, a lot of movers are looking for more and are hopeful that the remainder of the summer and the months ahead will see an uptick in business.

How we deal with the challenges we face determines our success and happiness. I could write several pages on diversification, which while important, is something that we all have been seeing a lot about in industry publications. We know that we have warehouses, office and sales staff, trucks, and manpower. These are all valuable assets that can be used for things other than the traditional household goods move. But, what many of us don’t think about enough is the concept of Positivity v. Negativity. In this case, I am thinking about what I consider the path to YES! For many of us, particularly in challenging times, it is far easier to be negative and to think and say, “that it isn’t possible” or “others don’t understand.” I see and hear it even from people I like, and work to support and help.

Chairman Chabot’s column speaks to the value of our Association from the perspective of relationships, and I agree that it is extremely valuable. I have seen it work time and again, yet some speak negatively about the social aspects of the CMSA. They say they don’t have time for chapter meetings, fundraisers, or conventions, sometimes with backhanded compliments about all the fun we’re having. Take a moment to look at the three pages in this issue of happy and proud young people from within our Association who were awarded CMSA scholarships at our recent convention thanks to the hard work of our chapter leadership’s fundraising efforts! I could say a lot, but the point of this column is to be positive and supportive.

As such it is my belief that we better serve when we choose the path of positivity, not because it is easier, but because it is the path that will lead us to success and maybe even more importantly—happiness.

July 2023 - CMSA Communicator