THURSDAY
THURSDAY
Feb 15
Bright and early the next morning , the Association ’ s Business Meeting kicked off . Outgoing president Jason Burns welcomed the group with these remarks : “ We ’ ve got a jampacked day and a half of really valuable content coming up . I encourage you to continue to foster these relationships you make here . That ’ s what makes this association special . CLDA is Vitamin C for your business that will add health and vitality to your company . The next few days are investments that you can take back to your organizations to really sustain yourself and affect your bottom line .”
He introduced the first-time attendees to the group , encouraging them to reach out to others at the conference and asked the veterans to reach out to them . He characterized the CLDA as being all about community and urged all to lean into that idea .
Burns also recognized the conference ’ s sponsors , noting that the FMF couldn ’ t happen without them . Those sponsors included : World Parcel Alliance , Openforce , CUI Agency , Risk Strategies , SCI , Key Software Systems , Smith Ellers , PLLC , Dispatch Science , Avant Underwriters , Bettermile , 24 / 7 Enterprises , Scopelitis , and Pillow Logistics .
This was Burns ’ final conference as CLDA President . As he passed the torch to incoming president Joel Pinsky , he said , “ I just want to thank those who
served with me for last two years . When I took over the association from Steve Howard , we were on the heels of COVID . We were still dealing with the hangover from the pandemic . We asked the board to take on some pretty tough tasks , including bringing on the new Association Management Company , RGI .” Burns gave special thanks to outgoing board members Steve Howard , Kelly Picard and Charlie Wolfe as well as recognizing the numerous past presidents and past board members of the association who were the conference .
He expressed gratitude for all the volunteers who make the association what it is , including board members , past presidents and gave a special shoutout to FMF Conference Chair Tom Jowers and the committee members who planned the conference . Burns also recognized the shippers who were part of the conference , reminding participants of their chance to go one-on-one with them at the Shipper Round Tables later that afternoon .
He introduced the incoming president Joel Pinsky who responded with , “ I hope to be as good a leader as you have been , Jason . It ’ s been a pleasure to work under you for the last two years as President-elect . Your passion for the CLDA is just unbelievable . I appreciate everything you ’ ve done .” In honor of Burns ’ dedication to the association ( and his passion for sports ), Pinsky presented him with a football , signed by the board .
Pinsky ’ s opening remarks acknowledged those who had gone before him and talked about his goals of his two-year presidency . “ The networking and
“ This was a fantastic few days filled with networking , educational sessions , relationship building and developing new friendships along the way .”
DISPATCH SCIENCE - STEPHEN NESBITT
40 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I spring 2024