Richard Willis
President
Willis Moving & Storage, Inc.
Lubbock, TX

As an annual tradition that began in 1988, established by Vice Chairman Mike Craddock, the Heritage Award is a vehicle with which the association honors deserving members who have made significant contributions to the moving industry. The presentation, once called the Southwest Warehouse and Transfer Association Outstanding Member Award, is now titled the Heritage Award and has become a symbol of those leaders who form the backbone of the moving and storage profession; giving selflessly to the industry, community and association.

 

The selection of each recipient is made by the Heritage Award Committee and is announced each year during the SMA Annual Conference. This distinguished honor has been given to O.D. Shackelford, Mac McKinney, Carl Stoune, Charlie Nichols, W. Scott Clark, James B. Herndon, Jack Conlee, David Zalkovsky, Jim French, Mike Craddock, Jim Alexander, Bill Andis, George Gilbert, Konrad Gwaltney, Wayne Cotton, Paul Miller, Audrey Fogel, Bob Adams, Larry Huff Carl Browning, Dorothy Brooks and Terry Arnold.

 

This year, we recognize one of our leaders who is a dedicated public servant in the SMA family and in the industry in Texas. The 2010 Heritage Award recipient is Richard Willis, owner of Willis Moving and Storage in Lubbock.

 

Richard was born in Fort Sumner, New Mexico on March 21, 1941, to proud parents John, affectionately called Ox, and Rosebud.

 

He and his little sister Karen were raised to know the true meaning of hard work and the importance of a good education. Their family would spend summers in Las Vegas while Ox and Rosebud completed their education at Highlands University.

 

That determination was instilled in Richard from an early age and he went on to utilize that knowledge throughout his high school and college career.

 

At Fort Sumner High School, Richard was involved in many athletics. He has always maintained that the discipline necessary to excel in athletics has benefited him in life and in business.

 

Possibly he learned that finishing the job is more important than starting it from his basketball team's quest for a state championship. They were undeniably the most talented team in the area, but forgot to respect one of the playoff teams and were defeated. Interestingly, Richard held the shot put record in the state of New Mexico for more than 20 years.

 

In 1959, Tech Tech University offered Richard a scholarship. He played football for Tech, graduating in 1963 but also played in 1964. His job was to make a hole through which Donny Anderson, one of Tech's All Americans, could run. Tech fans will remember that name.

 

In 1966, duty called and Richard answered. He completed his reserves basic training and then went back to work for Field’s and Company plumbing, moving from Lubbock to Amarillo for a sales position.

 

On March 11, 1968, Richard and Janie were married and the next year they bought in as partners to Bankers Union Warehouse moving company – taking their home base from Amarillo back to Lubbock. They originally represented Greyhound Van Lines and then Bekins Van Lines.

 

1969 also brought the birth of their first child Rick. Rick started in the moving business at the age of four, going to work with dad on Saturdays. He actually missed his first day of first grade because he was in a truck with Richard! They spent many summers traveling the country together.

 

The Willis family continued to expand and sisters Brandi and Shana followed in 1972 and 1974. Brandi learned to pack when she was 15 and worked at the company every summer until college. And Shana started helping in the office during the summers at age 15 as well.

 

By 1976 the Willis' had bought out the other partners in the moving company and incorporated in 1979, becoming agents for Mayflower. There were many firsts for the Willis' in the business. In 1973 they had their first nearly new trailer and 1981 saw their first computer! Always forward thinking and ahead of the game.

 

Throughout the years, Richard has been an asset to SMA and to our national affiliate AMSA. In 1986, Richard served as chairman of SMA and has also represented the association as its voting member to AMSA. He has worked tirelessly with the Railroad Commission on behalf of movers across the state.

 

Not only is Richard involved with the industry, but also with the community. Willis Moving and Storage annually commits trucks for the local food bank and dehydration plant fundraisers and distributes food to other cities. They also assisted a charity called Father's House when they needed help with accepting and delivering the supplies to build and furnish their facility.

 

Numerous school and church events have been made possible by Richard's time, equipment and employees. He even hauled water for Katrina victims and dolls that ended up in Iraq. Richard sets a true example of community involvement and selfless giving.

 

And there is even more to Richard Willis. An avid skier, collector of antique cars and a devout fan of Texas Tech athletics, Richard's love of sports and the outdoors is contagious. Richard coached Rick on his little Dribblers team and spring breaks always held fun family outings to ski and once to Jamaica.

 

Family is forefront for the Willis'. And the moving industry has remained a large part of their children's lives as they have grown.

 

Rick is now the COO of a Firestone, Bridgestone distribution warehouse in Dallas that services the entire mid west. The Willis' oldest daughter, Brandi is a PA and clinic director for the AT&T call center in Lubbock. Their youngest, Shana, is the general manager of the moving agency in Lubbock. Another member of the family is Kelle Kapke. He is the general manager of Willis' AAA American Moving and Ab-Tex Moving in Abilene. The Willis' have also been blessed with four wonderful grandsons – Anton, Zane, Will and Cole.

 

The deep love for Red Raider Football has become quite the family affair. Richard and a local trucking company supply and maintain the trucks for Texas Tech Football and the band. As devoted fans, Janie and Richard make it a point to travel to all the Tech games.

 

Congratulations to our 2010 Heritage Award Recipient - Richard Willis! His support and unyielding dedication to the Texas moving industry and to his community are unparalleled. Richard's years of involvement in SMA and many contributions are truly admirable.

Southwest Movers Association (SMA) Executive Director John D. Esparza announced five recipients of academic scholarships provided by the Southwest Movers Association Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on education, public relations, research and community service to promote the moving industry in Texas. Annually, the foundation offers financial assistance for educational opportunities to association members, their employees and their dependents based on academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.

The recipients of the 2009-2010 Foundation Scholarships are Jessica Boden of Lubbock, Heidi Nichole Cline of Lubbock, Leticia Dominguez of Grand Prairie, Jennifer Lynn Fuller of Grand Prairie and Jacqueline Kuo of Sugar Land.

"Southwest Movers Association and the SMA Foundation are enormously proud of the bright individuals chosen to accept these academic scholarships," said Southwest Movers Association Executive Director John D. Esparza. "They have set high standards of hard work and determination in the pursuit of their scholastic goals. I am confident they will represent the moving industry and the foundation with great integrity as they continue on their academic paths."

Jessica Boden of Lubbock is a senior at Texas Tech University where she is working on a degree in marketing with a minor in mass communications. She is a 2005 graduate of Monterey High School in Lubbock. She is a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Rho Lambda National Panhellenic Recognition Society and the Texas Tech Marketing Association. Boden is also a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. She is the daughter of Greg Boden of Armstrong Moving and Storage in Lubbock.

Heidi Nichole Cline of Lubbock is a sophomore mechanical engineering major at Texas Tech University. She is a 2008 graduate of Coronado High School in Lubbock where she was a leader on the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Number Sense, Math, Calculator and Science teams. Cline was also a member of the student council, the National Honor Society and the school choir. While at Texas Tech University, Cline has been involved with the ECO Car Challenge Team and is on the Dean's List. She works part-time for Hart Moving and Storage as a bookkeeper and assistant. She is the daughter of Linda Cline with Hart Moving and Storage in Lubbock.

Leticia Dominguez of Grand Prairie attends The University of Texas at Arlington. She is a 2004 graduate of Grand Prairie High School and holds an associate's degree from Mountain View College in Dallas. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Dominguez has participated recently in several fundraising walks for the American Heart Association, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Dallas YMCA. Dominguez plans to major in kinesiology and minor in English at UT Arlington. She is employed by Berger Transfer and Storage in Dallas.

Jennifer Lynn Fuller of Grand Prairie is a sophomore at San Antonio College in San Antonio, Texas. She is a 2008 graduate of Grand Prairie High School and completed her first year of college at Cisco Junior College. She plans to major in criminal justice/homeland security. While in high school she received the Superior Medal Award for Artwork and was First Team All District in softball. Her father, Eugene "Rusty" Fuller, is with Berger Transfer and Storage in Fort Worth.

Jacqueline Kuo of Sugar Land is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin. She is a 2007 graduate of William P. Clements High School. Kuo is majoring in business finance and serves as the internal vice president of the Asian Business Students Association. She is also a violinist in the University Orchestra. Her father, Mike "Fu-Ming" Kuo, is president of Southwest Moving and Delivery Co.

Terry Arnold
President
Corpus Christi Transfer Co.
Corpus Christi, TX

Contact your congressman & voice your opposition to this bill! This is labor’s top agenda item this Congress. TMTA and SMA are strongly opposed to this harmful legislation and recently voiced our views to Congressional leaders during our Call on Washington. However, more needs to be done. Our Texas representatives need to hear from you, the voters who put them in office. It is imperative that you contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators today and ask them to oppose this legislation. EFCA would offer union organizers a significantly easier road to success in signing up workers. These card check campaigns also do not include important protections provided for in law and the act would waive secret ballot elections. As demonstrated countless times in actual organizing campaigns, card checks are often accompanied by stories of union coercion, intimidation and abuse. The legislation would institute a mandatory binding arbitration provision whereby a government bureaucrat would impose a nonnegotiable first contract for two years.

THE SMA MAX 3B TARIFF ISSUED OCTOBER 17, 2008 BECOMES EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2008 AND CANCELS IN FULL, SMA MAX 3A TARIFF ORIGINALLY ISSUED EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2000.

To order your copy of the Max 3B tariff, complete the form below and return with your check or credit card. Tariff purchasers will be entered into the SMA database to receive, via email, updates to the tariff in pdf format, as issued, at no additional charge.

Click Here to Download Order Form

You must be a member of Southwest Movers Association. For membership information call 1-800-759-2305 and speak with Dorothy Brooks.

Texas has become a Performance Registration Information System Management (PRISM) compliant jurisdiction in regards to the state's apportion registration requirements. To find out more about PRISM, how PRISM affects Texas apportion registration and what is needed to register, Click Here
The most important reference is on the last page, entry number 8.

AUSTIN - Southwest Movers Association (SMA) Executive Director John D. Esparza today announced six recipients of academic scholarships provided by the Southwest Movers Association Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on education, public relations, research and community service to promote the moving industry in Texas. Annually, the foundation offers financial assistance for educational opportunities to association members, their employees and their dependents based on academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.

The recipients of the 2008-2009 Foundation Scholarships are Jessica Boden of Lubbock, Heidi Nichole Cline of Lubbock, Jessica Ann Cooper of Dallas, Leticia Dominguez of Grand Prairie, Kirby Kimber of Dallas and Rubenangel Zamora of Del Rio.

"We are exceedingly proud of these six scholars for the hard work and determination that they have shown in the pursuit of their academic goals," said Southwest Movers Association Executive Director John D. Esparza. "The Southwest Movers Association and SMA Foundation members feel tremendously fortunate to assist these students in their quest for educational excellence. We are confident in their ability to do great things for their communities and at their respective universities."

For the full story click here
SMAScholarshiprecipients2008.pdf

Southwest Movers Association Saddened by Passing of Member

AUSTIN- Southwest Movers Association (SMA) was saddened by the loss of member Dan Dase who died Saturday in a tragic helicopter crash. A young friend of the Dase family, Caleb Hays, was also killed in the crash.

Dan was a true friend, a favorite among his clients and colleagues alike. His sudden departure is heartbreaking to all our members and he will be terribly missed.

We continue to pray for Dede and their son Daniel, and the entire Dase family and Hays family during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements are listed below.

The Associated Press released the following article:
CROWLEY, Texas -- A man and a 9-year-old boy died Saturday when the helicopter they were in crashed on ranchland owned by Fort Worth billionaire philanthropist Ed Bass, authorities said.
Officials identified the man as 52-year-old Fort Worth insurance agent Daniel Dase and the child as Caleb Hays of Olivette, Mo., a St. Louis suburb.

Officials said there wasn't any indication the two were related to the Bass family.

The two-seat helicopter went down in a grassy field in good weather, indicating there weren't any "external factors" that led to the crash near Crowley, a suburb south of Fort Worth, said Terry Grisham, a Tarrant County Sheriff's Department spokesman.
No one on the ground was injured.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will try to determine the cause of the crash.

"Witnesses said they heard a popping noise overhead and heard the impact," Grisham said.

Bass couldn't be reached for comment.

Arrangements for Dan Dase

VISITATION:
Thursday Night, January 3, 2008, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Thomsen's Harveson Cole Funeral Home, 702 8th Ave.
Fort Worth, TX

SERVICES:
Friday, January 4, 2008, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, at noon
1206 Throckmorton St.
Fort Worth, TX

BURIAL:
Greenwood Cemetery, North University Drive
Fort Worth, TX

MEMORIALS TO:
SMA Foundation
700 East 11th St.
Austin, TX 78701
Or
Angel Flight Center
Chapter of Air Charity Network
4300 Westgrove Road
Addison, TX 75001

TEXAS MOTOR TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2007

CONTACT: Glenna Bruun - TMTA 512/478-2541 /glenna@tmta.com

Statement from Texas Motor Transportation Association President on the Passing of Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson


AUSTIN - Texas Motor Transportation Association President and CEO John D. Esparza today released a statement on the passing of Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson.

"Ric Williamson was a modern day Texas trailblazer. From his service in the House of Representatives to the many accomplishments during his time on the Transportation Commission, he stood as the epitome of a genuine public servant," Esparza said. "As an industry, we were proud to have had the opportunity to work with him."

"What I admired most about him personally went far above his tremendous knowledge and keen abilities in the realm of public policy, but rather, the passion he had for his family. We pray that in time they may find peace in his passing. We will all celebrate his life for many years to come."
###

Open House at Texas Moving Co. Inc. Headquarters

RICHARDSON - Linda Bauer Darr, president and CEO of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), will visit Texas Thursday to tour the Richardson facilities of Texas Moving Co. Inc., and speak with members of the industry. The open house will showcase the products and services offered by Texas Moving Co. Inc., a full service moving and storage company.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with Ms. Darr and meet representatives from the Southwest Movers Association who will be on hand to answer questions about the Texas moving industry and the state association.

The American Moving and Storage Association is the national trade association representing the nation’s moving and storage companies. AMSA has 3,700 members, including more than 300 international members, and offers programs and activities that promote consumer protection, professional development, safety, and operational efficiency.

The Southwest Movers Association, which is a member of AMSA, represents more than 350 moving companies and vendors operating in Texas and across the nation, and recently launched a new consumer Web site: www.mytexasmover.com.

When:

Thursday, December 6, 2007

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:

Texas Moving Company Inc.

908 N. Bowser Rd.

Richardson , Texas 75081

Buying a new home is one of the most significant purchasing decisions a person will make in a lifetime and a homebuyer takes dozens of factors into account before signing a contract. Unfortunately, moving into that new residence often involves much less consideration and preparation than the purchase, which may result in a negative experience with unforeseen expenses, unmet expectations, and damaged or lost goods. In an effort to better educate and prepare families for all facets of the moving process, the Southwest Movers Association has launched a new Web site, www.mytexasmover.com, filled with consumer-friendly tips to ensure a smooth transition.

“The industry has seen the need for these advancements for some time,” said Ed Marx, Southwest Movers Association Chairman and president of New World Van Lines, Houston. “With the increase in use and popularity of the Internet, the incidents of consumers being scammed or conned has followed suit. We must protect our industry, and our greatest tool is an educated consumer.”

The innovative site contains a sampling of helpful features including Moving 101, a step-by-step guide through the various stages of a move; Find A Mover, a comprehensive listing of all movers and vendors nearest to your existing residence; and a special Helping Kids Move section. Also included are how-to tips, check lists, insurance coverage needs, and sample proposals and contracts so that families can manage the process and feel at ease through their moving experience.

“Whether moving into a new home or office, our goal is to empower consumers with a wealth of information and resources so they know exactly what to expect and how best to prepare for this significant process,” said John Esparza, executive director of Southwest Movers Association. “Not only do we focus on consumers, but also on the moving companies and vendors who serve them. We are working to create a consistent body of knowledge that can be taught through training courses and hands-on instruction that is fundamental to helping all companies uphold the highest industry standards.”

Ensuring that movers are adhering to guidelines and best practices required by the Texas Department of Transportation and the association is essential to creating a favorable moving experience for consumers. For this reason, the Southwest Movers Association has remodeled its headquarters to include a Simulated Move Environment where members will gain access to a convenient mock home setting for the continued training and education of their employees. The facility will also become part of the curriculum for MOVE U, a university-type training program used by the association to provide introductory and ongoing instruction.

MOVE U has a curriculum designed specifically for the moving industry that includes comprehensive classroom training programs for movers, loaders, packers, drivers and supervisors. The program utilizes videos, training manuals and hands-on instruction to enable moving company employees to problem solve and demonstrate proper techniques.

Founded in 1917, the Southwest Movers Association is dedicated to enhancing the performance and profitability of moving companies, promoting a safe, reliable and ethical moving industry, and advocating sound public policies that benefit consumers of moving services and the moving public. Based in Austin, the association serves nearly 400 moving companies and vendors that operate in Texas and across the nation. For additional information, visit www.SouthwestMovers.org.

At the SMA Summer Committee and Board meetings July 10-12 at Horseshoe Bay, TxDOT's Joe Barnard told those movers and associate members in attendance that TxDOT's interpretation of the new household goods law promoted by SMA would eliminate the difference in Type A and Type B Movers. Barnard provided a handout with all of TxDOT's intepretation. It included:

TxDOT Staff Proposed Implementation HB 2702

-Effective immediately the department will no longer accept Type B applications. New applicants must file a regular motor carrier application.

-The department will give the Type B movers several months to convert to a regular household goods registration before seeking any violations or revoking Type B registrations.

-MCD is working on a notice to go out within the next 30 days.

-The department will prosecute old law for old hauls (before June 1, 2005).

New Requirements:

-All movers will now have to register vehicles with a gross weight of less than 26,000 lbs. and pay the $10 per truck per year fee. (TRC 643.052(3))

-Current Type B movers will now have to file and maintain auto liability insurance in the amount of 20/40/15 until rules adopted. Insurance requirements in rules do not cover vehicles under 26,000 lbs. This will require the payment of a $100 insurance filing fee. (TRC 643.103)

-Type A movers operating vehicles to move household goods under 26,000 lbs. will have to maintain auto liability insurance on those vehicles in amount of 20/40/15 until rules adopted.

-Type B movers will have to file and maintain cargo insurance. This will require the payment of a $100 insurance filing fee. (TRC 643.103)

-Insurance forms required: Forms E, H & I. The department will not accept Form E-2's.

-The Department will no longer accept Form J's or Letter of Credit for insurance. We will cancel the current LOC's we have on file during the conversion. We will come up with procedures for returning the current LOC's we have on file (30 carriers) at a later date.

-Type B movers will now have to maintain workers compensation when required by TRC 643.106.

-Type B movers will now have to file a tariff of rates and charges (643.153(d)). The deadline for the mover to file tariffs will be 90 days of after receiving the notice. Public Assistance will immediately start informing the movers about filing tariffs.

-Type B movers will have to keep a cab card in each vehicle they operate. (TRC 643.059)

TxDOT will now have to conduct a rulemaking to finalize their recommendations. That rulemaking process will begin in the 30-60 days. SMA will be involved in the process and will keep members updated.