One of the most helpful sessions took place Friday afternoon. The MCAA hosted its "8 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Courier Business" with numerous members giving their advice to some of the common questions pertaining to expansion, warehousing, government communication and trucking.
MCAA President Chris MacKrell began the seminar with his topic, "When to expand your courier business." His main focus included employees and their importance to expansion. He also looked at technology, communication and the almighty revenue.
Priority Express' Rob Johnstone took the next session that emphasized warehousing as another source of revenue. He said space is available for this type of expansion and many landlords are willing to negotiate on rent, making the process easier than expected. Couriers must simply have the work to accommodate a warehousing expansion.
The middle of the session featured Charles Chiusano of Avant giving his take on government communications and their effect on courier operations. He urged attendees to get involved at the local and state levels, so officials begin to notice couriers on their radar. It may only take a meeting or hosting an event, but Chiusano said it is easy to create an awareness of the business for government officials.
Several other presentations were made during the "8 Things..." session, additional coverage will be included in the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Bit Later On...
After the lesson in Human Resources by Mel Kleiman, the MCAA took a look at business metrics. With the help of Rick McClellend, courier professionals were given in-depth information about the tough job of reviewing and reading business metrics.
It takes a keen eye to look at your own business and see where items that are key indicators on how efficient operations are.
McClellend gave his extended presentation on the topic with an array of slides and specific examples. He said the key is reading into your operations with the help of others.
More on this presentation later.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
It takes a keen eye to look at your own business and see where items that are key indicators on how efficient operations are.
McClellend gave his extended presentation on the topic with an array of slides and specific examples. He said the key is reading into your operations with the help of others.
More on this presentation later.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Advanced Hiring and Firing
Early Friday morning, Mel Kleiman, CSP and president of Humetrics, gave his keynote address on the tough decisions of human resources professionals. The presentation, entitled "Hire Tough, Manage Easy," proved to be beneficial to the entire audience dealing with "turkeys" and "eagles."
Using a visual demonstration, employing the help of two appropriate Beanie Babies, Kleiman detailed the specifics of the interview and hiring process. Of course everyone knows how to conduct an interview, Kleiman said, but few know how to do it right.
For example, employers usually outline the duties for the position before they even let the interviewee speak. As a result, the individual applying for the job only tells the HR rep what they want to hear. It might sound like a simple process, but many business owners conduct it incorrectly.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Using a visual demonstration, employing the help of two appropriate Beanie Babies, Kleiman detailed the specifics of the interview and hiring process. Of course everyone knows how to conduct an interview, Kleiman said, but few know how to do it right.
For example, employers usually outline the duties for the position before they even let the interviewee speak. As a result, the individual applying for the job only tells the HR rep what they want to hear. It might sound like a simple process, but many business owners conduct it incorrectly.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5 Minutes with Chris MacKrell
Just minutes after being officially sworn in as the President of MCAA, Chris MacKrell, of Custom Courier, sat down for a short interview. He spoke of the MCAA's health going into 2011, predictions about future concerns and developments in Washington, D.C.
Courier Magazine: Can you give your assessment, so far, of the 23rd Annual MCAA Convention.
Chris MacKrell: The convention is going very well. Attendance is just shy of 400, which is a little bit up from last year. We have a very strong education process focused on KPI's (key performance indicators) and the industry is changing fairly significantly. The focus is on teaching and informing people on what professionals need to watch out for on a day-to-day basis to make sure their business is going strong. A key cornerstone (of the convention) happened earlier this afternoon with the Courier Round tables. Folks from around the industry were invited to sit around a table and share their ideas about what they are doing.
Courier Magazine: Talk about the health and stability of the MCAA.
MacKrell: The MCAA is very, very strong. Even though our revenue is at the highest level that it has been (opposed to recent years) we have a substantial amount of money in the bank to support us in the event of any type of hard time. We have a very strong, seasoned board and the membership has stayed consistent over the years. The organization continues to be strong and it has a big upside looking forward. We're going to be re-energizing the industry from a couple of perspectives to bring people in going forward. We were successful when we merged with the NTLA (National Transportation and Logistics Association) and that consolidated the industry a little bit more, but we are working with other associations for the common good for the industry.
Courier Magazine: What is a big issue that you and the MCAA will have to deal with in the coming year?
MacKrell: Two big issues that I see over the next two years are the continued efforts to defend the rights of the industry so business owners can use the models they choose at both the federal and state level. I've been involved in that (process) for the past seven years as a member of the government affairs committee. So you'll really see that come to a head.
The other challenge is working with industry participants as the industry changes. Banking has gone on the wayside with Check 21 and home delivery is becoming even more important. More and more companies are doing that. As a result, it's going to change the shape of the industry.
For the entire transcript of the interview, check out the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Courier Magazine: Can you give your assessment, so far, of the 23rd Annual MCAA Convention.
Chris MacKrell: The convention is going very well. Attendance is just shy of 400, which is a little bit up from last year. We have a very strong education process focused on KPI's (key performance indicators) and the industry is changing fairly significantly. The focus is on teaching and informing people on what professionals need to watch out for on a day-to-day basis to make sure their business is going strong. A key cornerstone (of the convention) happened earlier this afternoon with the Courier Round tables. Folks from around the industry were invited to sit around a table and share their ideas about what they are doing.
Courier Magazine: Talk about the health and stability of the MCAA.
MacKrell: The MCAA is very, very strong. Even though our revenue is at the highest level that it has been (opposed to recent years) we have a substantial amount of money in the bank to support us in the event of any type of hard time. We have a very strong, seasoned board and the membership has stayed consistent over the years. The organization continues to be strong and it has a big upside looking forward. We're going to be re-energizing the industry from a couple of perspectives to bring people in going forward. We were successful when we merged with the NTLA (National Transportation and Logistics Association) and that consolidated the industry a little bit more, but we are working with other associations for the common good for the industry.
Courier Magazine: What is a big issue that you and the MCAA will have to deal with in the coming year?
MacKrell: Two big issues that I see over the next two years are the continued efforts to defend the rights of the industry so business owners can use the models they choose at both the federal and state level. I've been involved in that (process) for the past seven years as a member of the government affairs committee. So you'll really see that come to a head.
The other challenge is working with industry participants as the industry changes. Banking has gone on the wayside with Check 21 and home delivery is becoming even more important. More and more companies are doing that. As a result, it's going to change the shape of the industry.
For the entire transcript of the interview, check out the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Courier Roundtables
There was more than a little bit of knowledge being spread about in the conference room this afternoon. Attendees were invited to share their experience and develop solutions with their peers at the popular round table session.
I was able to sit in on a number of tables which discussed many important topics pertaining to the industry. Here are just a few:
-sales and marketing strategies
-how to improve sales
-importance of technology
-how to reduce costs
-driver etiquette and training
In addition to the content, I making a number of contacts...something that should be the basis of every round table session.
I'll have more on the session in my story in Courier Magazine.
Also, check back later for an exclusive interview with MCAA President-Elect Chris MacKrell or Custom Courier.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
I was able to sit in on a number of tables which discussed many important topics pertaining to the industry. Here are just a few:
-sales and marketing strategies
-how to improve sales
-importance of technology
-how to reduce costs
-driver etiquette and training
In addition to the content, I making a number of contacts...something that should be the basis of every round table session.
I'll have more on the session in my story in Courier Magazine.
Also, check back later for an exclusive interview with MCAA President-Elect Chris MacKrell or Custom Courier.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Moses Inspires Attendees
I'm sure many others who were listening to Mark Moses speak today will have a different perspective of their business when they return to work. Moses spent his time as the keynote speaker telling the audience about his rocky journey to the top, epic crash and back up again.
Moses detailed how he started several businesses and developed them into top performers in the industry. This Ironman-competing, business professional talked about his twisted journey between his personal life and the business side of things.
His world came crashing down when his son, Mason, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Needless to say, Moses' powerful speech earned the attention of everyone in the room.
We'll have more on Moses and his presentation in the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Moses detailed how he started several businesses and developed them into top performers in the industry. This Ironman-competing, business professional talked about his twisted journey between his personal life and the business side of things.
His world came crashing down when his son, Mason, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Needless to say, Moses' powerful speech earned the attention of everyone in the room.
We'll have more on Moses and his presentation in the July-August issue of Courier Magazine.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
MCAA Business Meeting
After a short introduction, MCAA President Mike Gualtieri gave a review of 2009 and a forecast of what's to come.
He said the association remains financially solid and predicted the membership will incur an increase over the next year. After announcing membership revenues around $400,000, Gualtieri said his association is in good shape heading into 2011. Also during the state of the association portion of the meeting, he said more emphasis will be placed on state associations in the coming months. With legislation in the works that could potentially harm courier companies regarding the classification of independant contractors, many same-day delivery professionals are banding together to create advocacy groups at the state and federal levels.
Rob Hulteng, an attorney with Littler Mendelson, took the stage to explain the current culture of litigation for independent contractors and employee drivers. He spoke of numerous cases around the country in which rulings differed by the location of the courier company. Hulteng said Texas and California have become favorable locales while Massachusetts and other areas of New England have not.
Possibly the biggest announcement of the meeting came during Datatrac's Garland Duvall speech. He announced a partnership between SCI, Datatrac and Courier Board that would allow independent contractors to expand their business. Starting June 1, the move will put Datatrac software in the devices of SCI while coordinating with Courier Board to maximize scheduling and minimize costs. More information on the announcement will be released later during the convention.
And of course, we will post it here when it becomes available.
The MCAA Business Meeting came to an end with the induction of Bill "Mr. Courier" Goodman into the Courier Hall of Fame. After serving the industry for more than 60 years, Presenter Gil Carpel introduced Goodman to the audience.
"I hope I'll be a worthy member of the Hall of Fame," Goodman told the crowd after a standing ovation. "And I'm not giving up...I'll see you guys next year."
More to come.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
He said the association remains financially solid and predicted the membership will incur an increase over the next year. After announcing membership revenues around $400,000, Gualtieri said his association is in good shape heading into 2011. Also during the state of the association portion of the meeting, he said more emphasis will be placed on state associations in the coming months. With legislation in the works that could potentially harm courier companies regarding the classification of independant contractors, many same-day delivery professionals are banding together to create advocacy groups at the state and federal levels.
Rob Hulteng, an attorney with Littler Mendelson, took the stage to explain the current culture of litigation for independent contractors and employee drivers. He spoke of numerous cases around the country in which rulings differed by the location of the courier company. Hulteng said Texas and California have become favorable locales while Massachusetts and other areas of New England have not.
Possibly the biggest announcement of the meeting came during Datatrac's Garland Duvall speech. He announced a partnership between SCI, Datatrac and Courier Board that would allow independent contractors to expand their business. Starting June 1, the move will put Datatrac software in the devices of SCI while coordinating with Courier Board to maximize scheduling and minimize costs. More information on the announcement will be released later during the convention.
And of course, we will post it here when it becomes available.
The MCAA Business Meeting came to an end with the induction of Bill "Mr. Courier" Goodman into the Courier Hall of Fame. After serving the industry for more than 60 years, Presenter Gil Carpel introduced Goodman to the audience.
"I hope I'll be a worthy member of the Hall of Fame," Goodman told the crowd after a standing ovation. "And I'm not giving up...I'll see you guys next year."
More to come.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Off and Running
The exhibit hall was full of action tonight as the Messenger Courier Association of America hosted the welcome reception. More than 200 courier professionals filled the main hall at the Red Rock Resort and Casino.
Approximately 50 exhibitors occupied booths and many more courier professionals mingled around the area looking to network within the industry. However, the real action takes place tomorrow with the opening event, the MCAA annual business meeting at 9 p.m.
The entire Thursday schedule is packed with other informative seminars, including the keynote speech by Mark Moses. He will deliver his speech "Leading In Turbulent Times."
We'll see you back here tomorrow. Have a great night.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Approximately 50 exhibitors occupied booths and many more courier professionals mingled around the area looking to network within the industry. However, the real action takes place tomorrow with the opening event, the MCAA annual business meeting at 9 p.m.
The entire Thursday schedule is packed with other informative seminars, including the keynote speech by Mark Moses. He will deliver his speech "Leading In Turbulent Times."
We'll see you back here tomorrow. Have a great night.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
A Buzz...
After arriving at the Red Rock Resort and Casino, I can certainly notice a buzz in the air. There are more than a few courier professionals mingling in the hotel lobby.
The site of this year's MCAA Convention is certainly spectacular. You can't go wrong with either side of the building to stay in. On one, you can see the magnificent vista of Mt. Charleston in the distance, while the other screams excitement with the bright lights of the strip.
The pool deck surrounded by palm trees isn't a bad sight as well.
It's certainly shaping up to be a great weekend.
Stay tuned for more later tonight.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
The site of this year's MCAA Convention is certainly spectacular. You can't go wrong with either side of the building to stay in. On one, you can see the magnificent vista of Mt. Charleston in the distance, while the other screams excitement with the bright lights of the strip.
The pool deck surrounded by palm trees isn't a bad sight as well.
It's certainly shaping up to be a great weekend.
Stay tuned for more later tonight.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Monday, May 10, 2010
Are you packed?
We're only a few days away from MCAA in fabulous Las Vegas!
Stay glued to this blog for updates and recaps of the each day's events. Make sure you don't miss a thing this year. Even though you may be a bit distracted by the sights and sounds of Las Vegas, Courier Magazine will be there to fill you in on what you might have missed.
I think I can hear the slots now...
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Stay glued to this blog for updates and recaps of the each day's events. Make sure you don't miss a thing this year. Even though you may be a bit distracted by the sights and sounds of Las Vegas, Courier Magazine will be there to fill you in on what you might have missed.
I think I can hear the slots now...
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Your home for MCAA Convention coverage
Can't make it to Las Vegas for this year's MCAA Annual Convention? Don't worry Courier Magazine has got you covered!
Remeber to visit this official blog of Courier Magazine for real-time updates, breaking news, interesting features and much more.
We'll be documenting the entire event and we hope you are along for the ride.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
Remeber to visit this official blog of Courier Magazine for real-time updates, breaking news, interesting features and much more.
We'll be documenting the entire event and we hope you are along for the ride.
Vincent Brennan
Assistant Editor
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