News Archvie
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."
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Open House at
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
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
When:
Thursday, December 6, 2007
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location:
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.
Jan. 3