CAM’S 2006 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GOLF TOURNAMENT

Mark your calendars. The 2006 Annual Conference is scheduled for Monday, September 18, at the Renaissance Toronto Airport Hotel and the golf tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, at Cardinal Golf Club.

The theme for the conference this year is Human Resources in the Moving Industry. We have speakers coming from government, other associations and industry to discuss what is being done to reduce the current worker shortage.

The new Canadian federal government moving contract came into effect on April 1, 2006. Representatives of the government will discuss the implementation of the new contract and progress to date.

The Director of National Sales for the Yellow Pages Group will review some of the techniques that help to make your ad stand out from the competition.

A conference flyer will be mailed to you shortly. Watch your mail for news of this exciting event.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

CAM’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday morning, September 19, just prior to the golf tournament. This will be an important event, as we will be electing new directors and setting CAM’s direction for the next several years.

NOMINATIONS FOR NEW DIRECTORS

There are several openings on CAM’s board for new directors. The board is looking for nominations and volunteers to fill director positions, to balance representation across Canada. These individuals will be placed on the election slate for approval by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.

CAM’S PRESS RELEASES

Over the last two years, CAM has been sending out press releases to Canada’s newspapers and TV and radio stations. The theme of every press release has been how to find a reputable mover and avoid being scammed.

We are getting noticed. Our last press release was sent out at the end of May. This has led to CAM providing content for newspaper stories and appearing on radio and TV. Our message is getting out.

CONSUMER REFERRALS

Reports from members indicate that members are working at and beyond capacity this summer – lots of local and long-distance moves.

We are referring many consumers to you now, but more importantly, when we get into the fall and winter, consumer referrals become more valuable and these referrals will continue.

Check out your listing on our website to make sure that it is correct. Consumers are using the site in increasing numbers to find a mover. They are also accessing the Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company that CAM developed with Industry Canada.

And, if you haven’t already done so, GET CERTIFIED. It doesn’t cost you anything more and, for some members, it is a very successful part of their sales-closing process.

JUNE CONSUMER ACTIVITY

Month	Referrals	Inquiries	Complaints	Website
	No. of moves referred to members	Consumer calls asking for validation of a mover	Consumer complaints about movers	Visits	Visitors
June/06	236	187	26	13,000	5,000

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MOVING INDUSTRY

In early June, CAM placed a permanent job ad on our website. It invites job seekers to apply to the Canadian Association of Movers for jobs and careers in the moving industry. We have been receiving applications and have referred several applicants to members in their area.