Fourth Quarter

2008

Convention 2008

The Tar Heel Van

NCMA Mission Statement The mission of the North Carolina Movers Association is to provide guidance to our members concerning rates, tariffs, and rules and regulations as prescribed by the NC Utilities Commission. Most importantly we provide support for our members and sponsors so they can supply quality service to the moving and consuming public.

North Carolina Movers Association, Inc.

P O Box 61210

Raleigh, NC 27661-1210

Phone 919/554-8920

Toll Free 800/325-2114

Fax 919/556-8520

E-mail ncmovers@aol.com

Internet: www.ncmovers.org

Pam Stanley, Executive Director

In This Issue

Members on the Move 2

From the President 3

Carter Lassiter Inducted into NC Transportation Hall of Fame

5

Ray Moving presents “Dinner on the “Mayflower”

7

Two Men and A Truck in Charlotte in Christmas parades

10

Convention Coverage 12

Two Men and A Truck Wins J.D. Power & Associates Award

18

Carrie DeWitt Partello Wins Make Mine a Million $ Business

19

The 54th North Carolina Movers Association Convention was held October 23-26 at the Clarion Hotel in Greensboro. Dean Barrett was Convention Chairman. He was helped out by his committee, Todd Cummings, Patti Thomas and Nancy Bishop. President Mark Fincher presided over it all. Speakers included Greer Ducker of Edward Jones Investments, Mike Sowinski, CPA of CFO Consultants and Melanie Roach, US Olympic Weightlifter. Robert Long of DeHaven’s Transfer & Storage in Durham was awarded the 2008 Mover of the Year Award. Robert has served on the Board of Directors since 1997. Gary Battle II of Goldsboro was awarded the NCMA Scholarship. Gary is the son of Gary Battle, of Security Storage Company, and Terrie Artis. Elected to the Board of Directors were Dean Barrett of Ray Moving in Greensboro, Kathy Cox of Horne Moving Systems in Goldsboro, Todd Eberhardt of

Robert Long, 2008 Mover of the Year, with the 2007 Recipient,

Dean Ray

Two Men and A Truck in Wilmington, Todd Lamar of Armstrong Relocation in Raleigh and Neal Matthews of Steele and Vaughn Moving in Greensboro. Look inside for more coverage of the convention!

Be sure to support our Associate Members! For a full list of our Associate Members, go

to www.ncmovers.org.

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Paxton Van Lines of Charlotte was awarded the Milton M. Hill Quality Award at the recent Atlas Van Lines convention. Paxton also received the Hauling Excellence Award. SAM– Store and Move Service—is now being offered in the Raleigh area. SAM is a portable self-storage and moving container service. All American Relocation in Raleigh is the authorized dealer, selected because of their moving experience and storage capabilities. SAM can be used for short or long term storage and local and interstate relocation. SAM also offers one-way, interstate rentals, with an existing national infrastructure and dealers with extensive experience in the moving industry. It is a convenient, safe and secure alternative to rental or mini-storage and is available to more than 4,500 cities across the country.

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Amanda Murray of Two Men and A Truck in Charlotte was named their Top Sales Producer for 2008. Rachel Clay and Gillian Carter were a very close second and third. AE Worldwide of Mahwah, NJ was awarded the New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association 2008 Associate Member of the Year. Security Relocation Group in Goldsboro was awarded the Milton M. Hill Quality Award at the recent Atlas Van Lines convention. Security was also award the Hauling Agent Award and the Sales Achievement Award. Security will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in June of 2009. All American Relocation in Raleigh was named Mayflower Transit’s Agent of the Month for September 2008. Smith Dray Line and Storage Company of Candler was named United Van Lines’ Agent of the Month for September 2008. City Transfer & Storage of High Point was awarded the Milton M. Hill Quality Award at the recent Atlas Van Lines convention. City Transfer also received the Hauling Excellence Award.

Hope this edition of The Tar Heel Van finds everyone in the true Christmas spirit. Has everyone been on the new website? I think it is great. We continue to fine tune it everyday so it will do all we want. I want to thank everyone involved in this very important project for all their hard work. We continue to work with the Commission on important issues that involve all of us. As most you know, we are still waiting on them for some docket answers. I know it has been slow for all us the past few months, but maybe the new year will turn things around. I hope so. I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a most blessed and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas to all.

God bless,

Mark

NCMA Board of Directors

President Mark Fincher

President—Mark Fincher, Weathers Moving & Distribution, Fayetteville, NC

Vice-President—Alan Burgin, Sells Service, Statesville, NC

Secretary/Treasurer—Tom Hunnicutt, Jr., Gasperson Transfer & Storage, Asheville, NC 2009 Directors: Dean Barrett, Ray Moving, Greensboro, NC; Todd Cummings, Todd’s Easy Moves, Winston-Salem, NC; Robert Long, DeHaven’s Transfer & Storage, Durham, NC; Will Pleasants, Charlotte Van & Storage, Charlotte, NC 2010 Directors: Grant Cunningham, Security Storage Company of Raleigh, Raleigh, NC: Vicky Filley, Fidelity Moving & Storage, Fayetteville, NC; Don Reid, Easy Movers, Pineville, NC; Tripp Moore, Two Men and Truck of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 2011 Directors: Kathy Cox, Horne Moving Systems, Goldsboro, NC; Todd Eberhardt, Two Men and A Truck of Wilmington, Wilmington, NC; Todd Lamar, Armstrong Relocation, Raleigh, NC; Neal Matthews, Steele and Vaughn Moving, Greensboro, NC

From the President

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NCMA Board of Directors Seated: Will Pleasants, Charlotte Van & Storage; Kathy Cox, Horne Moving Systems; Vicky Filley, Fidelity Moving & Storage; Mark Fincher, Weathers Moving & Distribution; Todd Cummings, Todd’s Easy Moves;

Grant Cunningham, Security Storage Company of Raleigh; Tom Hunnicutt, Jr.; Gasperson Transfer Standing: Don Reid, Easy Movers; Tripp Moore, Two Men and A Truck of Charlotte; Robert Long, DeHaven’s

Transfer; Dean Barrett, Ray Moving; Alan Burgin, Sells Service; John Potts, All American Relocation; Neal Matthews, Steele & Vaughn Moving; Todd Eberhardt, Two Men and A Truck of Wilmington

(Not pictured: Todd Lamar , Armstrong Relocation)

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Carter Lassiter Inducted into NC Transportation Hall of Fame

Carter C. Lassiter, of City Transfer and Storage in High Point, was inducted into the NC Transportation Hall of Fame at their 2008 Induction and Award Ceremony held on October 7, 2008 at the High Point Country Club. Mr. Lassiter successfully led the growth of City Transportation and Storage, which was started by his father I.M. Lassiter in 1908 with a wagon and at team of mules and horses. Centered near the railroad tracks in High Point, the company hauled freight that ranged from railroad passengers’ luggage to dirt. The business continued to grow, always emphasizing customer service. The company was later modernized by exchanged the horse-drawn wagon for a truck, which arrived by rail. It was High Point’s first truck. Working with his father, Carter and his brother Mac Lassiter expanded the company into new directions. By the 1950s, their service went from local moving to long-distance relocations. In 1961, the company, now under Carter’s sole control, moved to its present location on Redding Drive in High Point. Services were expanded to include commercial storage, corporate relocation and crane work. Carter’s wife Doris served as corporate secretary. Their four sons began learning the business as youngsters, cleaning and sweeping warehouse floors. Carter was named Mover of the NC Movers Association in 1988 and he received the James T. Dorman Distinguished Service Award in 1997. In 1988, City Transfer & Storage became one of the agents that own Atlas Van Lines. They expanded to Winston-Salem in 1994 and to Fayetteville in 2007. Today, three of Carter’s sons comprise the executive management team and they continue to expand the family business that has been known for excellence in customer for 100 years. Carter’s four sons accepted the award on his behalf. The award was presented by Carol Stahl, Director Transportation Rates Division of the NC Utilities Commission Public Staff.

Carter C. Lassiter

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Ray Moving and Storage in Greensboro presented “Dinner on the Mayflower” at Southwest Elementary School in Clemmons on November 24. The school sets up tables on the truck and serves dinner to the students on the truck. The students got in the spirit by dressing up as Indians and having Thanksgiving dinner.

The Tar Heel Van

Tip from the NC Highway Patrol: Putting your C number on the BACK of your truck

is a good idea. It might save you from being stopped, by readily identifying you from behind as

being a LEGAL mover. The Utilities Commission is not requiring this at this time, but it can’t hurt you

and may very well help you! Make sure your number reads NCUC# C-xxxx.

A mover got stopped for just having C-xxxx!

Welcome to our New Members!

VIP Transport Services

Chapel Hill, NC

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Starck Van Lines

Burgettsville, PA

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Two Men and A Truck of Charlotte recently participated in the Christmas parades in Rock Hill and Fort Mill on December 5 and 6. Manager Jeff Carter marched in the parades with their mascot, Truckie, and a decorated. Truckie, as usual, attracted a crowd and some folks just wouldn’t let go!

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AMSA News AMSA announces the opening of their online Career Center, a new resource to help connect employers and job seekers in the moving and storage industry. Those looking for work may search job openings by category or by state/province, save them for later review, and post a resume (confidentially, if desired) for employers to see. Although anyone can visit the center and browse, job seekers who register may have vacancies that meet their criteria automatically e-mailed to them daily. Employers, who post jobs for a small fee, may also set up a daily e-mail alert of candidates who meet their specific needs; and to stand out among other firms, they have the option to become a “featured employer” through such listing enhancements as a banner, a unique company profile page and highlighted search results. The goal of the Career Center is not only to help bring qualified individuals into the moving and storage industry, but to also provide information about employment opportunities in the field and training and/or certification needed. “Visitors can now get details on possible career paths and the skills they’d need for them,” according to AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. “AMSA has brought it all together—from job listings to the training to move ahead in our industry.” Employers can visit http://careers.promover.org to find special offers and pricing during the Career Center’s launch.

AMSA’s 2009 Annual Education Conference & Expo will be held February 8-11, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas. For more information and a complete schedule of events, go to www.promover.org.

ProMover will be rolling out January 1, 2009. The ProMover was designed to give consumers a way to differentiate between reputable, professional movers and con artists just out to make a quick buck. The foundation of this program is a simple concept: establish an easily-recognizable logo that stands for a set of basic, honest business principles —a design that, at a glance, will

give customers the confidence and comfort knowing that they and

their cherished belongings aren’t being taken for a ride.

AMSA has tightened their standards for membership for the

ProMover program. All members must agree to abide by the AMSA

Code of Ethics and an eleven-point list of best practices covering

consumer rights.

All AMSA members will be ProMovers. This new program will help

to promote ethical principles for our industry.

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Gary Battle II, 2008 NCMA Scholarship winner, is shown being congratulated for winning by Don Reid, Scholarship Committee Chairman. Gary is the son of Gary Battle and Terrie Artis of Goldsboro. Gary Sr. is a driver for Security Storage Company in Goldsboro, where Gary II has also worked during the summer. Gary is currently attending Appalachian State University, where he is majoring in majoring in graphic design, with a goal of creating educational video games. Gary graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in June 2008 with a 3.49 GPA. The NCMA Scholarship is for $1,000 and is renewable up to three times, provided the recipient has a GPA of greater than 2.5. All employees, spouses, children and grandchildren of the NCMA are eligible for the NCMA Scholarship.

New NCMA Board members: Todd Eberhardt of Two Men and A Truck of Wilmington, Kathy Cox of Horne Moving Systems in Goldsboro, Neal Matthews of Steele and Vaughn Moving in Greensboro, and Dean Barrett of Ray Moving in Greensboro. Also elected to the Board, but not pictured, is Todd Lamar of Armstrong Relocation in Raleigh.

Convention 2008 Coverage

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The Cunningham Family

Convention Pictures

The Reid Family

Paula & John Potts Pat & Dick Rudig, rt.

Colt & Ryder Burgin

The Battle Family

Susan Sain & Scott Lassiter

Grimsley High School Army JROTC Honor

Guard (above)

Patti Thomas & Anne Horne (below)

Dean Barrett & Darrell Horne

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Melanie Roach Melanie Roach was our featured speaker for the Saturday morning General Business Session. Melanie was a member of the 2008 US Olympic Weightlifting Team, though you would never know it to look at her. She’s 5’1” and 119 pounds. Melanie overcame personal adversity to make the 2008 team. Right before the 2000 Olympics trials, Melanie suffered a back injury that ended her career. She moved on—opened a gymnastics studio and started a family with her husband, Dan, a member of the Washington State House of Representatives. In 2005, Melanie decided she wanted to pursue her dream of Olympic competition again. She had back surgery and started training again. Melanie is able to clean/jerk twice her body weight. In 2007, she won a bronze medal athe Pan American Games. At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Melanie placed sixth overall, while setting a new American record. Melanie’s middle son, Drew was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2. Melanie is very involved with Autism Speaks. After her inspiring talk, she signed autographed pictures for a donation to Autism Speaks. The NCMA donated $300 to Autism Speaks in Melanie’s name. Melanie proved to us all that it’s never too late to live your dreams!

Melanie with Todd Eberhardt

Pictured with Melanie, clockwise from above, Mark Tongue & Dorothy Timma of Gateways International, Jason Bryant of Alliance Relocation, Vicky Filley of Fidelity Moving & Storage, Patrick Rolfe of IGC Software, William Gaskins of Fidelity Moving & Storage and President Mark Fincher of Weathers Moving & Distribution.

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NCMA Golf Tournament

Special Thanks to Bobby Hyman & Dick Macon of Pinehurst Insurance and George Smith of Craft Insurance for holding fundraisers for the NCMA

Scholarship Fund at the NCMA Golf Tournament.! The golfers also purchased

mulligans and red tees with the proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund. Over $1700 was raised for the Scholarship Fund at the golf tournament and from the $200 fuel card raffle. Thanks to all who

participated!!

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Toney Senator of Compusource Flip Von Blond of Dawson Coleman, John Bilton of The Quarles Group and Mike Baker of Vanliner Insurance

Dan Garvey of United Brokerage

Convention Sponsors

Deb Aldridge of Roberts & Dennis Insurance

Jim Hatton of Moving Made Easy

Charlie Cook of Victory Packaging

Doug Robinson of Wheaton Van Lines and Dave Jensen of Starck Van Lines

Cody Jones of Triple-T Parts & Equipment and Jason Sheets of Aegis Insurance Services

Cathy Deal & Greer Ducker of Edward Jones Investments

Pictured left: George Smith & Slade Lewis of Craft Insurance

Pictured right: Terry Moffitt of TransAdvantage

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J.D. Power and Associate Reports: Two Men and A Truck Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Full-Service Moving Companies

Two Men and a Truck ranks highest in satisfaction among customers using full-service moving companies, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Full-Service Moving Company Customer Satisfaction Study released. The study, now in its second year, is based on evaluation from consumers in the United States who used a full-service moving company to move their household goods during the past 12 months. Customer satisfaction with full-service moving companies

is measured across five factors: insurance/valuation coverage; loadings and unloading service; packing services; shipping estimate process; and transportation of belongings. Two Men and a Truck ranks highest with a score of 809 on a 1,000 point scale. Following closely in the rankings are Graebel Van Lines (808) and North American Van Lines (807). “Customers who used Two Men and a Truck, Graebel Van Lines, or North American Van Lines all report very high levels of satisfaction with their moving,” said Michael Drago, director of real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and associates. “However, it is Two Men and a Truck’s consistently strong performance across all aspects of the move that primarily contribute to their top ranking. Graebel Van Lines and North American Van Lines also represent solid options for customers looking for a positive moving experience. The study finds that many customers cite the availability of the moving company to execute the move within a desired timeframe and the price originally quoted by the moving company as important considerations in selecting a moving company. However, customer satisfaction is driven by the quality of the service provided, including the ability to deliver a customer’s belongings on time and without damage or loss. The 2008 Full-Service Moving Company Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from nearly 3,000 customers who used a full-service moving company in the past 12 months. The study was fielded between April and July 2008.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Existing Members…Please reach out to your fellow movers who are not members and request they support the NCMA by becoming a member and joining our organization. Prospective Members…Please consider making an investment in your company and your industry by joining the NCMA. Please consider supporting the organization that is working to rid the market place of illegal movers who take business from law abiding movers. Contact Pam Stanley @ ncmovers@aol.com or 800.325.2114 to receive an application.

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Carrie DeWitt Partello Wins Make Mine A Million $ Business

Business growth program, Make Mine A Million $ Business selected Carrie DeWitt Partello of East Coast Moving, LLC as one of the ten awardees from the Charlotte, NC event on October 7. The exciting event featured female entrepreneurs from North and South Carolina who competed for business development packages that include money, marketing, mentoring and technology assistance to help their businesses grow into million-dollar enterprises. The event also included educational and network opportunities, in addition to keynote speeches by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Count Me In Founder, Nell Merlino. Described as a cross between

“The Apprentice” and “American Idol,” the competition provided twenty finalists the opportunity to present their business in a 3 minutes “elevator pitch” to a panel of business experts and a live audience. Ten winners were chosen by the audience and judges who collaborate on the selection process. Carrie has grown in experience and recognition in her industry since 2003 when she opened the doors of East Coast Moving, LLC. She serves as the General Manager maintaining a daily work schedule and then some. As an interactive manager, she can often be found on-site working along side her crews. Mrs. Partello is a newly recognized member of the National Association of Professional Women; a former recipient of the Business Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 and most recently voted 2008 People’s Choice for Best Moving Company in Brunswick County, NC. She stays community active thru participation with the annual Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, Hope Harbor Home, Inc. fund raising events, Catholic Charities and the local Boys and Girls Home. Carrie is a member of the Workforce Development Committee of Brunswick Community College and a member in good standing of the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, and the NC Movers Association. Carrie will receive an extensive awards package with the following benefits that will help their businesses break through the million dollar barrier: • Inspiration, community, financing and mentoring from a “dream” team of coaches and business

experts from Count Me In. • Platinum Business Cash Rebate Credit Card from American Express OPEN, a financial health

analysis, and promotion in OPEN marketing and media campaigns.

• Discounts from FedEx select shipping and office and print services.

• A Dell shopping spree worth $1000. The Make Mine A Million $ Business program was created to help post-start up, women-owned businesses grow to one million dollars in annual revenue. Since the inception, the program has hosted 19 competitions in cities around the country and grown into a nationwide movement. The program has garnered support from organizations who are all joining hands in order to make an impact in women’s lives and strengthening the US economy. The list of sponsors include American Express OPEN, Cisco, FedEx, Jet Blue, and Dell, who provide an array of products & services that serve as invaluable tools for growth.

Upcoming Industry January 15 Tariff Training Seminar

Huntersville, NC

January 24 NCMA Board of Directors

Crabtree Marriott

Raleigh, NC

February 8-11 AMSA Annual Educational Conference/Expo

Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion

Dallas, TX

February 19 Tariff Training Seminar

Raleigh

March 19 Tariff Training Seminar

Triad

April 18 NCMA Board of Directors

July 11 NCMA Board of Directors

Asheville, NC

September 12 NCMA Board of Directors

Wilmington, NC

November 5-8 NCMA 55th Annual Convention

Charlotte, NC

North Carolina Movers Association, Inc. P O Box 61210

Raleigh, NC 27661-1210

Phone: 800-325-2114 Fax: 919-556-8520

Phone: 919-554-8920 E-mail: ncmovers@aol.com

We’re on the web!

www.ncmovers.org

NC Movers Association