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ePortal Newsletter: Dec. 21, 2022

December 22, 2022

In this Issue:

Looking Forward to 2023
Top Five News Stories You Might Have Missed
Relive Your IAM Annual Meeting Experience
IAMTrusted Moving Company
Florida AG shuts down ‘massive moving scam’ by Gold Standard
The IAM Leadership Training Program
Croatia to join Schengen and Eurozone next month
U.S. Federal Reserve Sees Further Interest Rate Hikes In 2023, Here’s What Could Change That
IAM Holiday Schedule
Upcoming Industry Events
IAM Membership Updates

Looking Forward to 2023

IAM Staff met last week to focus on our 2023 goals and objectives, keeping in mind our mission and strategic plan. While there were several goals identified, I want to share a few with you so members are aware of what IAM is doing for your company.

The IAM Trusted Moving Company (ITMC) designation is key to achieving IAM’s mission and strategic plan. Building on the IAMX Validation Program and IAM Learning, this designation is yet another step forward in IAM’s strategy to advance the professionalism of our industry. We are excited about this designation and invite you to learn more about it. There is no fee to become an IAM Trusted Moving Company in 2023 if you sign up before Dec. 31, so act now!

A good association is a member-driven one. That’s why IAM is focusing on how we enhance all processes connected with engaging members to volunteer and lead the Association. Creating meaningful opportunities and coaching volunteers effectively to maximize our impact is key to achieving this goal.

Of course, IAM is also looking ahead to bringing members back together in Toronto, Canada from October 9 – 12. We received helpful feedback from our conference in Atlanta and we are already busy planning out what will be an amazing event next year.

Happy Holidays and See You in 2023!

Charles White

President

Relive Your IAM Annual Meeting Experience

This conference retrospective video is our way to say, “Thanks for the memories!”

Photo Gallery Available Now
We are also excited to share with you all of the professional photos we took during the Annual Meeting. Pictures from the expo hall, learning sessions, and social events, as well as casual shots from the full four days, are all included for you to scroll through and enjoy. This photo gallery is provided by the company through which IAM contracted our photography for the conference; IAM does not receive proceeds from sales.

IAMTrusted Moving Company

Professionalism Assured, Built on Collaboration and Trust.

Did you miss the IAMTrusted Moving Company webinar this week? Watch it now to learn about this transformational initiative! Next, sign up on IAM Learning.

IAM will host two more online sessions in January on the IAM Trusting Moving Company designation.

Find the session that works best in your timezone and join us.

See the Early Adopters who Already Set Themselves Apart

Florida AG shuts down ‘massive moving scam’ by Gold Standard

To illustrate why an IAM Trusted Moving Company designation could be beneficial in the future, here is yet another story about rogue operators passing themselves off as legitimate movers. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the end of a “massive moving scam” by Gold Standard Moving and Storage. According to court records provided by state officials, the company is accused of violating state and federal law “since at least 2019.”

The court records describe actions taken by 10 companies and three individuals, who face allegations of operating “a number of moving brokerage companies” and marketing themselves to customers as movers, when instead “they are mere brokers that do not conduct moves.”

Are you a leader? Or do you aspire to be one? Whatever your current role, you can benefit from the IAM Leadership Training Program.

50 spots are available now through June 30, 2023. Learners have until December 31, 2023 to complete the coursework. Don’t miss out on this new opportunity. Read more and register today through IAM Learning.

Croatia to join Schengen and Eurozone next month

By entering Schengen on Jan. 1, Croatia joins 26 other EU and EEA members comprised of countries which have abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Also effective Jan. 1, the official currency in Croatia will become the euro.

Portal Magazine

In every issue of the Portal, we invite our authors to share their experiences, success stories, learning experiences, and vision with others in the moving and forwarding industry. In addition to our regular columns, feature articles for each issue are united by a central theme.

Submit your story today for the upcoming edition of the Portal Magazine. Contact Portal Editor Will Kohudic if you have any questions or want to send him your article.

Check out the latest edition looking back on the IAM Annual Meeting & Expo.

U.S. Federal Reserve Sees Further Interest Rate Hikes In 2023, Here’s What Could Change That

At the December 2022 interest rate announcement, U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell struck a hawkish tone on the dangers of entrenched inflation. Rates increased 0.5 percentage-points with more hikes likely when the Fed announces rates again on February 1 and March 22, 2023.

However, inflation has fallen over recent CPI reports, so what would make the Fed change course and lower rates? The answer according to Powell’s press conference on December 14: 2022 more subdued wage growth, paired with additional evidence that inflation really is beaten.

IAM Holiday Schedule

With the upcoming winter holidays, IAM will be closed from Dec. 23 through Jan. 2. We will return to the office on Jan. 3. We wish all our members and partners a wonderful holiday season.

IAM Country Guides

IAM’s Country Guides provide customs information for more than 170 countries and territories around the world.

Upcoming Industry Events

Is your calendar up to date? See IAM's Events Calendar to stay abreast of the various conferences and industry meetings. Want to add an event? Contact IAM's Carl Weaver.

IAM Membership Updates

Member News

Antonio Gil, Sr. retires and steps away from the Hall of Honor Selection Committee

IAM would like to thank Antonio Gil, Sr. from Mudanzas Clara del Rey S.L. for his years of service on the Hall of Honor Selection Committee. The Hall of Honor was established in 2008 to pay tribute to those Industry leaders whose careers reflect exceptional and distinguished service to their companies or the Association, or who have worked to elevate the Industry as a whole. IAM’s President Chuck White remarked that, “We are grateful for Antonio’s time and commitment to help us identify those distinguished individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Honor. Antonio’s industry knowledge and input into the selection process have been invaluable. We will miss his sense of humor at our meetings. On behalf of IAM and the Hall of Honor Selection Committee, we wish Antonio a happy retirement.” Learn more about the Hall of Honor and submit a nomination for 2023.

DABs – Leaders in Their Communities

This piece, submitted by Brittany Brooks, originally ran in the most recent DAB Digest.

As the holiday season quickly approaches, we challenge all DAB agencies to establish a goal of partnering with one local non-profit organization within your local community. Charitable giving can give your business a sense of purpose beyond just making profits. Not only will ‘giving’ strengthen your connection to your community, but these selfless donations will build morale for both you and your employees.

From the DN Van Lines LinkedIn page:

"Jordan started at DN Van lines on 3/9/2021 as just a brand new mover with no experience of any kind in the moving business. Jordan quickly and eagerly moved his way up as one of the best movers in our Jax facility. He quickly became foreman and did that with pride. He is by far the best at doing paperwork. His wrapping on international jobs is second to none."

Linda Rovekamp has been appointed COO. As of January 1, 2023, she will be responsible for the day-to-day management of De Haan relocation in the Netherlands, reporting to our CEO Wouter Hijzen.

The appointment is a recognition of her qualities, knowledge and international experience in the moving industry. Since the end of 2018, Linda, together with her team, has been enthusiastically managing national, European and international household moves within De Haan relocation as Global Manager Household Moves.

Aires Awarded Juan Peralta Ecology Award for Outstanding Achievements and Contributions in Sustaining and Protecting the Environment by PAIMA

Aires is pleased to announce that the company has earned the 2022 Juan Peralta Ecology Award for Outstanding Achievements and Contributions in Sustaining and Protecting the Environment from the Pan American International Movers Association (PAIMA). This is the fourth time Aires has earned this recognition from PAIMA.

“Aires is honored and excited to receive PAIMA’s Juan Peralta Ecology Award for the fourth time,” said Laura May Carmack, Aires’ Manager, Corporate Compliance & Quality. “This recognition reflects the commitment of Aires and our worldwide partner network toward reduced environmental impacts for a clean and green relocation.”