By Andrew Brady

We just wrapped up our California Delivery Association‘s 2011 Convention and Exhibition, held July 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, California. Despite the bleak economy, we had more attendees and exhibitors than last year. Some of this could be attributed to the recently upgraded CDA website, www.cadelivery.org, that allowed people to find us more easily and then register online for the event, or perhaps it is an indicator that the economy is finally improving. The CDA would like to thank all of the sponsors, but especially CXT Software, who once again stepped up as the major event sponsor, making the whole event possible.

The festivities kicked off with the race to determine ―California‘s Fastest Courier‖ sponsored by Avalon Risk Management, at the K- 1 Speed facility in Irvine. In the past there have been two prizes available, the ―California Cup‖ for fastest courier, and the ―Lyndon Edmonson Award‖ for the fastest non-courier racer. This year‘s attendance was such that we could not fit all of the cars on the track at the same time, so for the first time the two classes had their own separate races. The groups were intermingled for the opening practice and qualifying heats, so everybody got to race against (and crash into) each other at some point, but for the final round, each group was gridded separately.

In the Vendor/Exhibitor class first time attendee and new CDA member Paul Cowie representing the law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, triumphed after a long hard fought battle with Brian Murphy representing Heffernan Insurance Group, who would finish a close second for the second time two years in a row. In a bizarre show of sportsmanship and camaraderie they intentionally crashed into each other immediately after finishing in a frenzy of high fives, back slaps, and handshakes. Kevin Ricciotti representing Avalon Risk Management took the third and final spot on the podium. In addition to the Lyndon Edmonson trophy provided by Avalon Risk Management all three received handsome trophies courtesy of K-1 Speed.

In the chase for the California Cup, reigning champion, and outgoing CDA President Andrew Brady was viciously taken out on the first lap in what could only have been a concerted effort from all the other racers. As this clearly demonstrates how competitors can work together to solve a common problem, something Mr. Brady preached ad nauseum during his term as President, he must have been very pleased.

With Brady spun out and left facing the wrong way on the track, Central Courier‘s Nkosi Kumalo out of Ventura, and Mo Aabas from Modern Express in Oakland, started duking it out for the Fastest Courier honors. For sixteen laps they went at it tooth and nail with Aabas trailing Kumalo, unable to pass, as they stretched out a significant lead over the rest of the pack. Brady, having gotten himself turned around and back in the race, charged hard from last place, laid down some of the fastest laps of the day, finally catching up to the leaders as they approached the finish line. Aabas and Kumalo, unaware that Brady was gaining on them, tried taking each other out on the home stretch losing valuable speed.

The top three finished all together and had to wait for the K-1 Speed staff to sort out the photo finish. In the end Modern Express‘s Mo Aabas would be crowned California‘s Fastest Courier, Followed by Central Courier‘s Nkosi Kumalo with B.A.D.A.S.S. President, Andrew Brady, in third. With trophies awarded and podium celebrations out of the way it was back to the Hyatt for the opening reception.

All of the action at this year‘s convention took place in the ―Garden Pavillion‖, a large permanent tent in a tropical setting surrounded by enormous birds of paradise plants. The exhibitors were quite pleased that everything happened in this one space with their booths arranged around the perimeter, for constant and unfettered access to all of the attendees all of the time.

The real action kicked off at 9:00 AM sharp Saturday morning which a brilliant presentation from keynote speaker Rick Mc Clelland. Rick shared many valuable lessons he has learned over his many years in the business, focusing primarily on ways we can pinpoint and increase profitability while reducing and avoiding losses, as well as to improve teamwork and loyalty within our own specific corporate culture. In addition to inspiring his audience Rick also provided the attendees with valuable tools and practices they will be able to use every day in making their companies more successful. Many attendees commented that this presentation alone was worth the price of admission. In the week since the convention the CDA offices have been swamped with requests for copies of Rick‘s presentation. (The presentation will be available to all CDA members on the website, www.cadelivery.org, by the time this article goes to press.)

After a short break to check out the exhibitors booths, it was time to take care of the business of running the CDA. Elections were held and three new members were elected to the Board of Directors. Former CDA President Donna Springer of Go-Getters in Sacramento, Mo Aabas of Modern Express in Oakland, and Jim Hobbs of Am-Tran in Hayward, joined the current board members, including Vice President Bryan Scott of Santa Rosa‘s Rapid Express, and Treasurer Michael Ealey of Streetwise Special Delivery in Gilroy, whose terms had to be re-elected to an additional term. In a CDA first, outgoing President, Andrew Brady, agreed to remain on the board of directors after handing the reigns over to incoming President Rick Chase of OnTrac. Rick will certainly have his hands full with three past presidents on the board this year (in addition to Brady and Springer, Caryl Millen from Universal Courier in Culver City also sits on the Council of Past Presidents).

John Kabateck, Executive Director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, came from Sacramento to deliver a report on government affairs and an update on pending legislation, not just in California but Washington as well. John went on to remind everyone that being involved in the political process is an essential part of running a business. He also announced that the partnership efforts between CDA and NFIB would continue as we work hand in hand to combat the strong anti-business contingent in the California Legislature.

Next on the agenda was a panel discussion on the emerging market of delivering medical marijuana. The panel consisted of William Panzer Esq., industry expert, advocate, and practicing attorney specializing in defending marijuana cases, Beth Schroeder Esq., employment law specialist and partner at the Silver and Freedman firm, and Deirdre Hudson, from Avalon Risk Management, with CDA Executive Director, Dan Bender acting as the moderator.

The ensuing discussion was lively and entertaining, the upshot of which was, ―not yet but soon;" however all present were left with a clear picture of what steps they should take in order to protect their businesses and employees from undue risk. It seems certain that marijuana will eventually be decriminalized, but surprisingly, California is lagging behind more progressive states like Colorado. Until progress towards legalization comes on the Federal level, it is unlikely that these deliveries will become a viable source of revenue for our industry.

Following a nice long lunch break with the exhibitors featuring a bistro styled menu, the program continued with Ken Arnold, from Integrity Medical Courier Training, educating attendees as to the best practices and pitfalls in regards to safety and compliance when performing deliveries involving pathogens and medical specimens. Both entertaining and educational, Ken‘s lively style and humorous anecdotes made the topic of OSHA compliance and driver training much more fun than one would expect.

Following another break for networking, CDA founding member, and second President of the association, Mike Dinardo, gave a presentation on wealth management, succession, and avoiding the pitfalls of probate court. Mike's experiences in the courier industry made his presentation focused and relevant to all those present.

The final educational segment featured Damon Ott and Rob Hulteng, attorneys from the Littler law firm who engaged in a mock debate over the pros and cons of an Independent contractor model vs. an employee model. A total change of pace from their usual fare, the breadth and variety of the arguments and rebuttals ensured that there was something of value for everyone in the audience.

After a long day of learning and networking it was finally time to kick back with some food and drink at the closing reception. Instead of the usual silent auction fundraiser, the CDA tried out a ―Chinese auction‖ which combines aspects of an auction and a raffle for what turned out to be a raucous and spirited way to reward attendees and raise nearly $4000 for the CDA‘s contingency fund. Many great prizes were donated, including an iPad2 provided by Heffernan Insurance Group. The highlight was the drawing for the 50/50 auction where one of our members was the lucky winner and took home the grand prize worth over $1,000.00.

Despite the economy, more people attended the convention this year than last, almost double the funds were raised and everybody and everyone enjoyed the program and had a good time. The CDA‘s efforts to keep the cost to attendees and exhibitors down, seems to have paid off for the association and everyone who attended. The only losers were those that did not attend, but they will get their chance next summer when the CDA convention moves to Northern California. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

The CDA would like to thank the event sponsors, without whose support this convention would not have been possible: Major event sponsor-CXT Software, Avalon Risk Management, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, OnTrac, and Gold Rush Express, and also to Harold Boyette from the Florida Messenger Association, who came all the way across the country to check out our event. Harold also addressed the convention and shared some of the FMS‘s successful ideas to promote our industry.