Movers' Edge

September 1, 1999

Moving Consultant's course In an effort to ensure ongoing mover education and development in Canada, CAM has been in discussions with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), the federal government agency responsible for training and education in Canada, in an attempt to establish occupational standards for moving consultants. This effort could lead to improvements in the CAM moving consultant's course. Phil O'Hara of the Computing Sciences Department of Dalhousie University is developing an on-line, Web-based course suitable for the modern Canadian mover. It is intended that this be compatible with HRDC's specs for job standards and related course development. The course should be ready for introduction to the membership at the Annual Conference in November. It is very important to note that CAM will continue to promote the American Moving & Storage Association's Certified Moving Consultant's course. This approach will give the Canadian mover access to the best available education in moving practices in North America. Golf Interest in the Annual Golf Tournament continues at a high level. Golfers are registered from across Canada, including movers, suppliers and two of the van line presidents. The tournament will be in a scramble format (best ball) at the Cardinal Golf Club in Newmarket on September 22. More information will follow by fax shortly. Register your foursomes for this popular fun event. Don't forget to bring your stories and experiences to share with your fellow movers. Don't miss it! See below for registration information. Alternatives to Scaling The Royal Bank of Canada began a pilot project in November 1998 to implement a moving program for its corporate moves. The pilot indicated to all stakeholders that the program was fair, the nominal weights were useable, it had benefits for all and it was workable. A list of approved movers, preprinted room-by-room inventory sheets and photographs of all rooms are the keys to the system. They give easily verifiable results for estimating, moving and claims. The estimate is done on the form and pictures are taken of the contents of all rooms at that time. This gives the mover an opportunity to identify any challenges that may occur. The system went into full operation in April 1999 and has worked well since then. Government of Canada The Government of Canada is currently evaluating an alternative-to-scaling system similar to the Royal Bank. They are also testing as a "dry run" a value index program that is designed to redistribute van-line business share based on the comparative quality indexes of the participants. In the value index, quality is measured by the satisfaction of the employee who has been moved, in addition to the contract compliance standards that were measured in the past. Evaluation of the dry run results will be done in October and Major Andrew Pierce will share some of these results and the methodology at CAM's conference in November. CAM's 1999 Annual Conference CAM's 1999 Annual Conference titled "Tools for 2000" will be held at the Wyndham Bristol Place Hotel in Toronto on Monday and Tuesday, November 22-23, 1999. Specific topic areas include: Alternatives-to-scaling programs Software and information technology for movers The federal government's van line contract Education and training of movers in Canada Leasing and acquisition of equipment A mini-trade show of moving products and services CAM's Annual General Meeting for 1999 The Allied Van Line agents group will hold its annual conference at the Bristol Place on November 19-20. Consumer Relations As previously reported, CAM had sent a letter to all provincial governments and the federal government to express CAM's concerns about fly-by-night operators. Governments have similar concerns to CAM but are limited in the remedies available to them. The CAM board has decided to do the following: Enter into relationships with the Better Business Bureau across Canada and provide a referral service for the public to CAM members (CAM is pursuing this already). Add tips for the consumer to the Website to inform the public (done). 1999 Annual Golf Tournament Wednesday, September 22, 1999 CAM's Annual Golf Tournament and a new format for 1999. This year it will be a "scramble" tournament, the best ball in each foursome. Come to the tournament, see your old friends and tell them about your great moving season. Tee-offs from 10:45 to 12:00, Wednesday, September 22, 1999, followed by: Hospitality hour Sports memorabilia silent auction Prizes and excitement Dinner Cardinal Golf Club North of Toronto and east of Highway 400 on Highway 9 between Jane and Keele Registration Please provide: Company name, address, city, province, postal code, phone and fax The names of those you would like in your foursome Preferred tee-off time: 10:45-11:00 11:00-11:15 11:15-11:30 11:30-11:45 11:45-12:00 Your starting times will be faxed to you. Golf tournament: 18 holes including cart, $150 per person ($160.50 including GST) Dinner only (5:30 p.m.): $70 per person ($74.90 including GST) Please make your reservation by fax to CAM at 905.513.1248, make your cheque payable to CAM and send it to CAM by September 17. Thank you.

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This page last modified on October 7, 1999