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It’s time to connect “Want to grab a drink after work?” is a question that would be foreign to many of our younger members. There was a time, back in the old days, when socializing was a very important part of your job as you made contacts outside your company and fostered long-standing relationships with them. This most often led to important connections, future business, and definitely more self-confidence when talking about yourself or your work.
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View OnlineSubscribe | Media Kit   Sep 17, 2024

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Member alert!

We’re so good that some “wannabe” us.   After several inquiries in the past week, CAM has posted the following as a consumer alert.  There are many outfits using similar logos and names to reputable businesses in order to confuse the public.  

Important Notice


The Canadian Moving Association is NOT the Canadian Association of Movers and it is not affiliated with the Canadian Association of Movers in any way.  Please do your due diligence if considering hiring any company that displays this logo.  As always, we recommend that you do your research to make sure that the company is a legitimate and lawful mover before proceeding.

President's Message

It’s time to connect

“Want to grab a drink after work?” is a question that would be foreign to many of our younger members.  There was a time, back in the old days, when socializing was a very important part of your job as you made contacts outside your company and fostered long-standing relationships with them.  This most often led to important connections, future business, and definitely more self-confidence when talking about yourself or your work. 

As with everything else, the pandemic changed our business environment.  Many of our work relationships disappeared as people became more isolated by retiring, changing jobs, or working at home while focussing on their family and close friends, rather than their huge work network.  Business groups couldn’t meet in person for years, and then people just didn’t bother pencilling in an event because they’d rather connect for 30 minutes on Zoom.


Technology can claim its fair share of the blame, as needs required everyone to go virtual.  In such a short time, business became so fast and furious, and expectations of communication are now instant, quick, and short.  How do you get to know someone that way? 


What if you could take some time and slow things down and have a conversation with people in a relaxed setting where you could find out personal things that you can relate to, like dealing with kids, a great vacation spot, complaining about the Blue Jays inconsistent pitching or who you will be rooting for when hockey starts up again?


CAM offers that.


The absolute top comments each year at our conference relate to connecting with fellow movers.  How refreshing to just hang out and chat about anything and everything.  Yes, there’s always business, because unless your family is in the business, those at home can’t really commiserate with you regarding the trials and tribulations you may experience in a season.  At CAM golf, or the CAM conference, trust me, you’ll find lots of folks who can!


I believe face to face is so important in business relationships.  When you widen your net of reliable work partners, you set yourself up for success.  You can’t always rely on your immediate network to help you out, and to be able to quickly connect with those you have met and know you can trust can be critical, especially if you’re in a bind.


The older you get, the more you value these friendships.  The CAM conference is the only event where you can meet allies and agent partners, independent movers, new and upcoming folks in our industry, and a wide assortment of suppliers and key community partners.  Yes, there will be valuable presentations and discussion (there always is), but don’t forget the importance of connecting.


Can’t come for the whole conference?  Consider hanging out with us at our first-ever Tailgate Party on Sunday, November 17th as we cheer on our favourite Grey Cup team, play some games, get a sneak peek at our exhibitor’s tables and eat our way through munchies prepared by Grey Cup 2023’s Chef.  It’s a great chance to meet other movers and our supplier members.

This Thursday – Registration Still Open!

Is Cross-Border Moving Right For My Company?

You started out local and are now going across provincial lines. Piece of cake right? So you think you know enough to do cross-border moving? It isn’t the same.


In the third of our series discussing growth opportunities, CAM2024 conference presenter Peter McCullough will go over some of the finer points of providing relocation services to and from the United States.

Date:  Thursday, September 19, 2024 1:00 PM (ET)
Cost:  FREE!

In One Month – October 18th

Book Your Hotel Room Now – 75% sold!

Yes, even Taylor Swift is affecting our conference.  She'll be in Toronto from November 14-23 and hotel rooms will be at a premium, especially the Toronto airport hotels that are less expensive than in the city.  CAM has a block of rooms reserved for the conference from November 15-20 and will not be able to book any additional rooms once our contracted number been reached.  

Don't be disappointed that you missed out on staying at the conference hotel or at our preferred rate of $189.00 + tax.


BOOK NOW – DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 18, 2024.


Here is the link to book your room or you can call 905-677-9900.

Chris Steer

It’s with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Christopher John Steer on August 29, 2024.  Chris, as President of his company Steer Inc., Insurance Brokers & Consultants, was a long-standing and prominent member of CAM, having joined in 2000 and continuing his membership for 17 years.  Chris was honoured with CAM’s Innovator Award in 2009.


Chris was remembered last Wednesday on September 11, 2024.


Here’s more about Chris and his life story.  Farewell, Chris.

CAM Welcomes Two New Board Members

Mike Kolberg, Chair of CAM’s Board of Directors, is pleased to announce two new additions to our Board.  “Both of these gentlemen will make strong additions to our Board and represent our membership well,” says Kolberg.  Both begin with their first Board meeting this coming Friday.

Mark Hirschi

Salmon’s Transfer, Richmond BC


Mark entered the moving industry in 2003, first working at Action Movers, then buying the company in 2008.  In June 2018, Mark became President & CEO of Salmon’s Transfer. He sits on several boards in the Vancouver area and is a member of CAM and IAM, as well as CFIB and the Richmond and Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

A year old this month, Mark started Movified, a podcast offering insights into the moving industry.  Never one to sit still, Mark also organized the first annual BC Movers’ golf tournament held in Surrey on August 11th.


Mark sat on CAM’s marketing committee and helped design our latest CAM brochure.  Mark's energy and experience in social media and marketing will definitely be an asset to our association.

Leon Johnson

Matco Moving Solutions, Edmonton AB


With over 35 years in the moving industry, Leon is the Corporate, Commercial & International Sales Manager at Matco. Very active in CAM, CERC, and IAM, Leon has attended CAM’s conferences since 2018 and has been a member of CAM’s international committee for the past six years and IAM’s core nominating board.


Leon also has his “Trusted Moving Specialist” accreditation from the International Association of Movers.

Very active in the community, Leon has been found around the table for the NWT Chamber of Commerce and currently is involved with Edmonton’s Chamber.  Leon is President of the Breakfast Club and also has been a star in the Move For Hunger program, leading Matco to win their award as the Canadian moving company that collected the most food in 2022.  


“With the constant changes and challenges, CAM has an important role to play in the future of the relocation industry in Canada,” says Johnson.  “Quality of service in the industry has always been of keen interest to me,” he continues.  “Raising the level professionalism in the industry is a goal I am partial to.”


We look forward to both Mark’s and Leon’s insights as we continue to develop programs and member services and maintain the higher standards our members and the public expect.

Conference Platinum Sponsor - NFP

CAM 2024 Annual Conference – November 17 – 19, 2024

Conference Session – Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Join us Tuesday morning, November 19th as Peter McCullough, Principal at Raven Research leads an important interactive conversation on business development.  This session will be followed by a panel discussion on planning for succession with several CAM members who are currently in the process.


As business owners we all want to grow our companies but growth for growth’s sake can be dangerous to your bottom line.  


Growth should be strategic.  Whether expansion comes from organic revenue growth through data-driven sales management; through adding new product lines to your household goods division like local, long distance, and international; entering into the white glove markets of High-Value Products, final mile delivery, or e-commerce fulfillment; expanding by merger or acquisition, or by opening net new locations across the country. 


Whatever growth path your business takes, it should have a strategic direction.

Trade Show Booths Now Available

Get your product or service in front of movers, senior van line representatives, other CAM suppliers and supporters.  Your exhibitor booth is now ready to be reserved!


To learn more about the trade show, click here

CAM2024 Sponsorship

CAM members love attending the annual conference. For almost three decades, CAM has provided an opportunity for our mover members to learn, socialize, and spend time with suppliers and friends of CAM.


CAM offers a variety of packages that fit all levels of supporters’ marketing budgets. When you register online for a sponsorship, you’ll have the option to pay immediately by credit card or be invoiced later. Or just send us an email now telling us you’re interested and we‘ll register you and send an invoice.


The conference is CAM's major source of non-dues revenue. Any level of support for CAM is welcomed, respected, and acknowledged.


For more information on the sponsorship opportunities, click here.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd.

Snowbirds Auto Connection is a family-owned and operated vehicle transport company providing reliable, door-to-door, damage-free transportation across Canada and the U.S. SAC offers a variety of services including coast-to-coast transportation, cross-border relocation and vehicle storage.


Learn More

ADVERTISE HERE


Your ad could be here! Click above for more information about this exciting opportunity.


Learn More

Brooklyn Moving Company Sales Rep Gets Two Years For $3M Scam

New York Daily News, August 29, 2024


A sales rep from a shady Brooklyn moving company will move into a prison cell after a judge sentenced him Wednesday, August 28, 2024 to two years for a cruel scheme to hold customers’ belongings hostage unless they paid illegal last-minute fees.


Andre Prince, 45, of Florida, must report to federal prison by his February 15 surrender date.


A jury in Brooklyn Federal Court convicted Prince and co-worker Kristy Mak of wire fraud conspiracy in December 2023, finding them guilty in a scheme to trick some 800 customers out of a total $3 million. Mak still awaits sentencing. 

America’s Most Wanted

The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently released its most wanted fugitives, most of whom are wanted for moving fraud.


As mentioned in the OIG release, defendants charged with transportation related crimes sometimes flee the court's jurisdiction and/or the United States rather than face prosecution or serve a sentence. When these circumstances occur, they become fugitives from justice.  


Here’s a most interesting list of movers.

The 6 Most Common Leadership Styles and How to Use Them

LinkedIn, April 8, 2024

Managers play an outsized role in shaping a company’s culture. Leadership in a management position is a balancing act between leveraging your personal strengths and adjusting to deliver what your team needs to remain positive, motivated, and productive. 


Understanding how your style of leadership impacts others can help you create the workplace culture that your team needs to thrive.


For the next few issues, CAM is going to dig into leadership styles and their effectiveness based on information we received through LinkedIn.


Part 6 - Coaching Leadership Style


Does this sound familiar? You love helping others develop new skills and reach their full potential — plus you’re a natural at giving appropriate and effective feedback. If so, you may have a coaching leadership style.


When to deploy a coaching leadership style:

1.  A new member has joined your team and is adjusting to the new workflow.

2.  Your department is implementing a new solution that will make everyone’s jobs easier — once they learn how to use it.

3.  Your team has been through an organizational restructuring and needs to understand what their new roles and responsibilities are.


Employing a coaching leadership style with your team through these changes can help them be more successful.


How today’s workforce responds: Today’s workers want to learn new skills. Coach them through adopting these new skills, but make sure you let them shine on their own when they’re ready.


Stay tuned for the recap of all the leadership styles in the next issue!

Social Media Connections


Have you liked us yet?

#ThankAMover

September 15-21, 2024 marks National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.  As we tell anyone who will listen to us, drivers who move household goods either down the street, across the country, or beyond, are “elite.” 


On a daily basis, they physically load, move, unload, and set up furniture and household goods during client deliveries.  There’s no standing around for our drivers while a warehouseman forklifts 22 pallets onto their rig.  Not in our industry!


Every day, under completey different and unexpected circumstances they act as assurers, often offering emotional support injected with humour (and yes, sarcasm in the right circumstances) to their stressed-out clients.  They do it professionally and problem-solve on the spot, keeping everyone and everything safe.


They teach their crews on the fly, work in extreme weather conditions, find time to pet the family dog and talk to the children, and after a day of diverse labour intensive activities, they head out on the highway for long hours of driving to the next spot with often only a podcast or music to keep them going.  They manage tons of paperwork and, for most, accept new ways of processing it as their world gets more digitalized.  


In this faster-paced world they stay calm, positive, and understanding (well, most of the time).


All this to say that our industry’s drivers are simply the best and we appreciate them.  They are the reason we can keep doing business.  


Without them, we’re nowhere.  So thank your drivers on our behalf.

SmartMoving

With most moving companies making a 7% net profit or less, you're not just moving houses—you're moving mountains to scale your business.  Outperform the industry with SmartMoving's profitability platform, built just for scaling moving companies.  Grow profitability and streamline sales, operations, crew management, storage, accounting, payments, and reporting—all in one place.  Get the best user experience, fastest onboarding, and access to our unmatched community of moving peers and partners.  Join thousands of moving companies that rely on SmartMoving’s top-rated, all-in-one moving software to power their business, boost profitability, and save valuable time. 


Why we are the smarter choice:

  • The most modern, easy-to-use software: We've perfected the art of developing intuitive, smooth-functioning software for anyone to use, on any device.  We have a 4.9 ease-of-use rating with 97% of users saying they would recommend us. 

  • Onboarding in weeks, not months: extensive setup and customizations required by other providers drag the onboarding process out for months.  This results in customers investing in a product they can't immediately use.  At SmartMoving, we prioritize getting you up and running quickly so you start benefiting from our platform in weeks, not months.


Get a demo today


Contact:
Erin Jacobson, Marketing Manager
T: 214-960-4130 
E: erin@smartmoving.com
A: 12720 Hillcrest Rd, Suite 980, Dallas, TX  75230  USA

Keynote Speaker – Monday, November 18, 2024

Join us Monday, November 18th as Brian Limperopulos, President of the International Association of Movers kicks off our conference.  There’s lots going on in the industry and Brian will fill us in on the latest trends and happenings in the international moving scene.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK CANADA® Under New Ownership

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (TMAAT) has been in Canada since 2005 with the opening of their first Franchise in Hamilton.  The parent at the time was Herity Capital Corporation.  The business has grown to 35 locations in Canada from Vancouver, BC to Sydney, NS. 


On July 31, 2024, the parent of TMAAT USA, Service Master Brands USA (SMB), purchased TMAAT Canada. 


Under the leadership of SMB in Canada and the US, along with the TMAAT USA home office located in Lansing, MI, the Canadian locations will continue to thrive and further grow their footprint across Canada. 

Thank You, Chuck!

On August 2, 2024, Chuck Resnick, COO for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK CANADA® stepped down as a Director at CAM after serving for six years on our Board.


It was at that time that TMAAT International and ServiceMaster brands bought the TMAAT Canadian business, and all of the franchises are now serviced out of the Michigan Support Centre in Lansing, Michigan.

With new adventures awaiting, we wish Chuck well and thank him dearly for his sixteen years in the moving industry.  We appreciate the high standards to which you held your franchisees and CAM.  All the best for your future!  We’ll miss you, Chuck!

CAM’s McGuire Packs A Punch!

GlobalMedic’s Domestic Programs Manager (Oakville, ON) and Rapid Response Team member Jon Davey recently directed a Knights of Columbus group on packaging Saskatchewan-sourced red lentils that were destined for the Windsor Essex Food Bank.  


On August 17th, 2024, CAM administrator Marian McGuire and hubby Mike helped the group package 2,480 500-gram bags, or about 1¼ tons, of lentils in 2¼ hours – a new high for the group that volunteers monthly.

GlobalMedic is a registered Canadian charity whose purpose is to relieve poverty and promote health by providing the necessities of life, including food, clean water, medical supplies and/or shelter to victims of disaster.


Well done, Marian & Mike!


(Note from Nancy:  Marian is not available as a packer, so don’t even think about it!)

Globe Moving Spreading Smiles And Hope

On August 20th, 2024, Royal LePage Prime Winnipeg hosted a charity golf tournament at Glendale Golf Country Club in support of their Shelter foundation.  Nationally, Shelter Foundation has raised $41 million to date and currently supports 200 local women’s shelters and national partners.  Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the more than 50,000 women and children who are served each year by the shelters and support programs.  


Globe Moving and Storage Winnipeg was honoured to sponsor this event and gather with the many hard-working Prime realtors in support of this great cause.  Photographed from left to right is Kayla Mistelbacher (GM), Pam Morris (Sales Consultant), Mike Gzebowski (Sales Consultant) and Colby Kiss (Director of Business Development).


The Globe team offered smiles, cold beverages, and a chance to win Jet’s tickets to keep everyone hydrated and engaged.  The questions asked were that of genuine curiosity and sparked fun and mutually informative conversations.  We hope to grow lasting relationships through these interactions and continue to help sponsor more events in the future.

Hansen’s – Presenting Sponsor of #CAMGolf

Our Customers, Our People, Our Trucks


At Hansen's, we're committed to ensuring your vehicle transport needs are met with the utmost efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.


Some of you currently rely on third-party brokers or platforms to facilitate your vehicle shipments, but we believe there's a better way, and that is dealing directly with us. 


Here's why you should be working directly with Hansen's: 


1.    Financial Savings: By dealing directly with us, you can bypass commission fees that third-party platforms charge, which means more savings for the same high-quality service.  We’ve also recently reduced prices on select long-distance lanes. If you haven’t reached out to Hansen’s for a quote lately, this is a great time to do so!
2.    Simplified Communication: Direct communication eliminates the risk of information being lost in translation. You'll have direct access to our team who are dedicated to ensuring clear and prompt messaging every step of the way.
3.    Faster Service: Avoid delays associated with coordinating through multiple parties. When you work directly with us, we streamline the entire process, ensuring your vehicle gets to its destination on time.
4.    Tailored Solutions: Every customer is unique, and we understand that completely. Dealing directly with us allows us to tailor our services to meet your specific requirements and preferences.
5.    Peace of Mind: Knowing that your vehicle transport is handled directly by experts who prioritize your satisfaction gives you peace of mind throughout the entire process. 


Give us a call today and experience the difference working directly with the experts makes! Remember, we're here to provide you with a seamless experience from start to finish, and we have the infrastructure in place from coast to coast to do it!


For details call 888-420-8888 or email sales@lhf.com.

Stored Lithium Batteries Partially Responsible For Massive Container Ship Fire

China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has reiterated warnings about transporting hazardous cargoes properly in the wake of the blast on the YM Mobility box ship docked at Ningbo, an accident captured on video August 9, 2024 that made headlines around the world.


Remarkably no one was injured in the explosion onboard the 6,589 teu ship owned by Yang Ming.  Videos showed a large amount of smoke coming from the ship followed by a huge blast which started a fire and scattered debris with one container seen flying some 200 m in the air (pictured).  The container responsible for the explosion was loaded with hazardous materials, including lithium batteries.

The 6 Most Common Leadership Styles and How to Use Them

LinkedIn, April 8, 2024

Managers play an outsized role in shaping a company’s culture. Leadership in a management position is a balancing act between leveraging your personal strengths and adjusting to deliver what your team needs to remain positive, motivated, and productive. 


Understanding how your style of leadership impacts others can help you create the workplace culture that your team needs to thrive.


For the next few issues, CAM is going to dig into leadership styles and their effectiveness based on information we received through LinkedIn.


Part 5 - Pacesetting Leadership Style


If you’re a natural guide, this could be your leadership style. You have a clear view of the full path to success and understand what it takes for your team to be successful day-to-day. 


When to deploy a pacesetting leadership style: Your team is launching a new project with a whole new slate of daily tasks. Managing with a pacesetting leadership style will help your team stay on track and avoid mistakes.


How today’s workforce responds: Today’s workforce is eager to learn and grow, so allowing them to take on new challenges while under the guidance of a trusted manager can be empowering and important to their well-being. Remember: The pace car doesn’t stay on the track for the whole race. Eventually, you need to take a leadership approach that’s more delegative. In other words, step back and let your team go full-throttle on their own — or you’ll just be holding them back.


Stay tuned for part 6 in the next issue!

Legal Disclaimer

The Canadian Association of Movers and/or any of its staff or members cannot and will not accept any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information and details given in this newsletter which information has been obtained or given in good faith.

www.mover.net | cam_national@mover.net | Media Kit

Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)

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