CAM Canadian Mover, Fall 2002/Winter 2003: David Long Moves On

In the early 1990s, David had been the Executive Director of the Canadian Conference of Moving Organizations (CCMO). The relationship he had established with the moving-and-storage industry and his personal relationships with individual movers made David the ideal choice to lead the new association.

The group gave David the mandate to recruit members and set the direction for CAM. David’s prime objective was to fashion CAM into a forum in which movers could talk to each other. By December 1996, CAM had members from coast to coast in Canada and interest from suppliers and the international-moving community. He began by bringing movers of all colours together at a conference at which the industry’s bogeyman – the Prohibition Order of 1983, which had haunted the industry for over a decade – was slain. Over the next six years, David worked tirelessly for the betterment of the industry.

David established CAM’s Annual Conference as a tradition in the industry, not only for its social side, but also for the networking opportunities it provides and for the topics discussed and the ideas shared. Important issues such as insurance, taxation, moving methods, non-traditional business opportunities, insurance, government relations and economic forecasts have all been discussed.

And he introduced the industry to forums that included the federal government’s Auditor General and the Competition Bureau.

David encouraged and promoted good communication and relationships among the stakeholders in the moving industry – movers, suppliers van lines, government regulators and educators.

His tenure as President of CAM is best characterized by the things that the current and past chairmen have to say about him. In interviews with each, common themes arose. All mentioned that David is a leader bringing diverse and often fierce competitors to the table to reach a common goal. He had a clear and consistent vision for the future of the Association and how that vision would help the industry as a whole and CAM members specifically. He provided honest and useful advice and support that helped all chairmen to guide the organization. He is an optimist who brings out the best in everyone with whom he works.

And lastly, each and every chairman values his friendship, as he does theirs.

Please Note:

As of October 1, 2002, the Canadian Association of Movers’ offices will be located in Mississauga. The new address is: