Alabama Arizona - Self Storage Association Globe

AlabamaGreetings from theboard of directors ofthe Alabama SelfStorage Association. We trust thateveryone is seeing the fruit of a busyspring season for everyone associatedwith the self storage industry inthe great state of Alabama. We wouldlike to welcome the following newmembers to our association: ValSaravia of Skyvest Acquisitions inAustin, Texas and Jarrod Hart ofZippy Shell in Birmingham, Alabama.As we anticipate proposing lienlaw changes in the 2013 legislativesessions, we will be beginning acapital campaign to raise funds forlobbying support. As a board, wefeel that our best chance of seeing ourproposed changes passed is throughhiring a reputable local lobbyist. Wehave formed a legislative committeeand the committee will be interviewingpotential lobbyists in thecoming months. Preliminary indicationsare that it will cost between$30,000 and $40,000. We realize thatthis seems like a significant amount.However if every member contributed$200 this year we would be overhalf way to our goal. $200 is not asignificant amount and it is far lessthan the cost of the average auction.If these changes are passed, the $200investment pays substantial dividendsin the amount of money eachfacility saves under the new lien lawif passed. Soon you will be receivinginformation in the mail furtherdetailing the changes, along withinformation on how to contribute tothis capital campaign.We have several open spots formembers to join the board of directorsthis year. If you are interestedin becoming a board member, go toour website at www.alabamassa.org and click on the members-onlytab. After you have put in the currentusername and password there willbe a link to download a documentoutlining eligibility requirementsand a brief questionnaire that willneed to be turned into Brent Fieldsfor review and consideration fromthe full membership of the board ofdirectors.Our annual Spring Luncheon isnext month. We will be returningto Mobile this year and you shouldbe receiving in the mail a reminderthat will contain vital registrationinformation and other details. Themeeting will be held at Felix’s FishCamp Grill on Battleship Parkway.You can register on our website atwww.alabamassa.org.As we continue to grow as an organizationwe would like to remindeveryone that we value your input.We always look to our membersto give us new ideas and to makerecommendations and suggestionson how we can better assist and serveyou. If you do have any comments,ideas, or suggestions please sendthem to Brent Fields at brent.fields@docupak.com. Your suggestions andcomments will go directly to theAssociation board of directors forconsideration.If you have not joined the AlabamaSelf Storage Association we wantyou as a member of our team. Jointoday and take advantage of allof the wonderful benefits for ourmembers including affordablemembership, advocacy and keepingan ear to the ground in Montgomery,news and information, educationprograms, networking and informativemeetings, communications andpublications, national associationrelationship and much more! Join ustoday as membership in this organizationcan make a difference!For more information contactus through our website at www.alabamassa.org or Brent Fieldsat (205) 685-0244 or brent.fields@docupak.com.ArizonaApril 9 is the EarlyBird registrationdeadline to attend the14th Annual Arizona Self StorageConference and Trade Show at thePhoenix Marriott in Mesa, May 7–9.Discounted rooms are availablethrough April 12 on a space-availablebasis; the Golf registration deadlineis April 19; and the regular pricedeadline for registration and exhibitsis April 26. Save money and registernow!See Across the Country, page 56APRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 55

Across the Country, from page 55The trade show will once againinclude a silent auction, with allproceeds going to our partner incancer research, Kure It, founded byself storage owner/operator BarryHoeven of Westport Properties.In addition, a generous sponsor—thank you Mario Macaluso of theSmall Business Owners AllianceTenant Insurance—sweetened thepot for all attendees and Kure It bydonating an iPad to raffle off. Allproceeds from the raffle go to KureIt cancer research. The winner ofthe iPad will be announced after theroundtables at the end of the tradeshow at 5:00 p.m., May 9. And youmust be present to win!As in years past, the preamble to thisyear’s Conference and Trade Showis the Annual Golf Tournament andLuncheon on Monday, May 7, at thebeautiful Longbow Golf Course inMesa.Tuesday and Wednesday, May 8 and9, are full of high-quality, fun training,networking, and business buildingopportunities for owners, managers,and vendors in the self storageindustry. The Trade Show Previewand Cocktail Reception is Tuesdayevening, and Roundtables and iPadraffle close up events on Wednesday.Other features in this year’s Back toBasics conference are PositioningYourself for the Comeback in theEconomy—Advantage Consulting &Management’s Brad North will helpowner/operators prepare for thenext step; Taking your Self-StorageOperations to the Top—Brad North’straining for managers will help youmaximize profitability through sales,marketing, and operational effectiveness;Virtual Facility Tour—Bringingyou a glimpse of self storage beyondArizona, we will showcase revenueenhancements, customer service, useof new technology, and other tacticsour colleagues around the state andU.S. are using to improve operationaleffectiveness and the bottom line;Facility Feud...The Self Storage GameShow—a novel way to review theconference’s Back to Basics lessons.AZSA extends its sincere thanks toour title sponsor, MiniCo InsuranceAgency; promotional sponsor, Mini-Storage Messenger; and major sponsorsBNC National Bank, ChateauProducts, Deans & Homer, andU-Haul. Without their generoussupport, the largest gathering ofself storage professionals in Arizonawould not be possible.In addition to the trade show, AZSAruns a year-long educational workshopseries in locations throughoutthe state. This year’s series focuseson AZSA resources to help you limitliabilities and improve your bottomline. In case you missed this year’sworkshop in your local area, we arehaving a statewide webinar on April11, 1:00–2:30 p.m.For details or conference registrationinformation, contact Anne MariDeCoster, AZSA executive director,at 602-374-7184, azsahq@gmail.com,or www.azselfstorage.com.ArkansasThe Arkansas SelfStorage AssociationExpo will be heldSeptember 26–27, 2012 at the StatehouseConvention Center in LittleRock. Please call the ASSA office formore information at (501)607-4775 orvisit our website at www.arssa.org.All member dues should be collectedby now; for anyone that has not yetrenewed, we hope you will reconsider.Without our supporting membersand vendors, we could not continueto successfully change legislation tomake our industry stronger. If youare currently not a member, andwould like more information, pleasecall our office. Take advantage of thebenefits of being a member. Duesare very affordable, downloads withlegal information are available onthe website, and the resources of ourboard members who are willing totalk to you about industry questions.CaliforniaThe CSSA is gearingup for our 6th AnnualSelf Storage OwnersSymposium taking place in WalnutCreek on April 17, 2012. This year’sevent will feature several of ourpopular “Need To Know” sessionsfocused on employment law, operations,market trends, facility auditingand more. You will not want to missthis conference. Registration hasopened on our website and sponsoropportunities are still available.Contact our office today to discusssponsor opportunities.The CSSA is celebrating our 10thanniversary this year and we wererecently voted Best State Trade Associationby Inside Self Storage. We arecommemorating this milestone bypublishing a book of best practices—a book of know-how, knowledge andcan do ideas from operators in Californiaand industry vendors. TheCalifornia Self Storage Association isblessed with some of the best operators,the most experienced propertymanagers, the most knowledgeableexperts in their fields; let’s learn fromeach other! Call our office today toreserve your copy.All of our events are on our websitecalendar. Be sure to review ourschedule or you could miss out onone of our networking receptions,education events or coffee meetings.Our events offer high qualitycontent and excellent networkingopportunities.Save the date! Our 8th Annual SelfStorage Owners Summit returns tothe Balboa Bay Club and resort July19. A room block has already beenset up and registration is open. Thisevent will sell out! Register early toguarantee your seat!Our 2012 education program willfocus on three areas: legal, revenuemanagement and Internet marketingstrategies. We are very excited tobring new and fresh content toour members. Register today as weexpect the classes to fill up.PAGE 56 ssA GLOBE APRIL 2012

Call us at 949-783-4130 or visit usat www.californiaselfstorage.Thank you again for your continuedsupport.ColoradoThe COSSA board hasset a busy agenda for2012. Coupled with arenewed effort to increase ourmembership rolls, there will be anincreased effort this year to makeCOSSA a recognizable name and asign of value and trust that customerswill recognize. In the fourth quarter,COSSA will co-sponsor, withDenver’s Channel 9 News, a projectto promote and collect charitabledonations for the needy.In addition, the board is meetingwith several facility managers todetermine how COSSA can betterserve their needs and provide valueto them, particularly those at smallerfacilities who are perhaps dealingwith somewhat different issues thanare the national companies.And we’re excited about our springmeeting on May 16, 2012, at Maggiano’sLittle Italy, Centennial whichwill focus on manager training. Getanswers to any remaining questionsyou may have about the new lienlaw, learn how to turn those phonecalls into rentals, how to handlewalk-ins, and how to follow up onleads successfully. The meeting willoffer the first of a two-part trainingsession for facility managers, to befollowed up by the second part at ourfall meeting. Other topics at the Maymeeting will include legal and legislativeupdates and a discussion byexperts on web interactivity opportunities.Be sure to circle this date onyour calendar now!To become a member and enjoy allthe benefits of COSSA membershipincluding reduced fees for ourmember meetings, visit our web siteat www.coloradossa.com anddownload the membership applicationor e-mail cossa@q.com.ConnecticutThe Connecticut SelfStorage Association’s(CTSSA) is activelyinvolved in lobbying on behalf of itsmembers and the Connecticut selfstorage industry. Our 2012 legislativeagenda is aggressive. We are fightingto repeal the sales tax on storagerentals. The tax rate is now up to 6.35percent and no other real estate inConnecticut has a sales tax. We arepursuing changes to the lien laws inan effort to reduce mailing and advertisingcosts. We estimate that onaverage each facility will realize asavings of $2,000 per year.We are making positive progressthis year and need your support as amember to make all of this happen. Astrong membership results in a moreSee Across the Country, page 58Arizona Self-StorageMark Your CalendarPhoenix Marriott Mesa,Mesa, ArizonaBACK TO BASICS!Educational Seminars • Networking Opportunities • 50+ Vendor Exhibits • Virtual Facility ToursGolf Tournament • Interactive Roundtable Discussions • Separate Owner and Manager ProgramsFeaturing: Interactive Managers Program,Focusing on each facility's micro-market in a 1-3-5 mile radius,including team building and scenario-based trainingAdditional Seminar Topics – Best Practices in OperationsMaximizing Profitability • State of the Industry DiscussionFinancing Options • Arizona Real EstateArizona Market Study and More!Title SponsorMajor SponsorsPromotional SponsorHosted byFor exhibiting and sponsorshipinformation or to register, contact:AZSA, PO Box 44031, Phoenix, AZ 85064 • Phone: (602) 374-7184 • Fax: (602) 441-4706 • E-mail: azsahq@gmail.com • Web: www.azselfstorage.comAPRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 57

Across the Country, from page 57commanding presence at the StateCapitol. If you aren’t a member, jointoday so your voice is heard at theConnecticut legislature. The CTSSAmembership application is online atwww.ctssa.org or call the office at860-228-3624 and we’ll mail an applicationto you.CTSSA continues to be a supportingorganization of the Northeast SelfStorage Trade Show which is hostedby the Massachusetts Self StorageAssociation, May 16–17, 2012 at theWestford Regency Inn & ConferenceCenter, Westford, Massachusetts.For links to registration information,please go to www.ctssa.org.CTSSA members enjoy regulareducational meetings and networkingluncheons, quarterly newsletter,member discussion forums, library ofdocuments, website, subscription toSelf Storage Now and additional benefitsfrom SSA including a subscriptionto the SSA Globe.To be added to the CTSSA programand legislative mailing list or if youare interested in advertising in theCTSSA newsletter, Insights, sendyour request and contact informationincluding email address to CTSSA,17 Rivendell Road, Marlborough, CT06447-1260, 860-228-3624, 860-228-1337 fax, or email lbolduc@ctssa.org.FloridaThe 2012 FSSAConference & Expowill be partneringwith the SSA for a combined stateand national event! The FSSA/SSAConvention and Trade Show will takeplace April 25–27, 2012 at the GaylordPalms Resort in Orlando, Florida. Fordetails visit www.floridassa.org.During the FSSA/SSA Conventionand Trade Show on Wednesday April25, 9–11 p.m., the FSSA will offer a funand exciting Casino Night providing:Texas Hold’em, Premium Blackjack,Premium Craps, Premium Roulett,with a casino host and professionaldealers. It will be an exciting and funnight with the possibility of winningprizes for the top chip winners.Save the date for the FSSA AnnualExecutive Retreat—October 5. TheFlorida Self Storage Associationwill host its 4th annual ExecutiveRetreat this fall at the Gaylord PalmsResort in Orlando, Florida! We willbe hosting a Casino Night Fun FundRaiser the evening prior, 8–10 p.m.More details to come—keep in theloop by visiting www.floridassa.org.The Florida Self Storage Associationcontinues to work diligentlywith lobbyists in Tallahassee to passHB715/SB646 in the 2012 legislativesession. The Florida self storage legislationis scheduled to make anotherstep forward next week in both theHouse and Senate. The Senate bill, SB646 by Senator Wise, will be heardin its final committee stop Senateplusour returning series:navigating 2012what every ownerneeds to knowGlobeAd (6thNoCA symposium).indd 12/10/12 2:01 PMPAGE 58 ssA GLOBE APRIL 2012

Judiciary the week of February 20.We anticipate full support in thatcommittee which will bring it to thefloor of the Senate for a final vote.The House bill, HB 715 by RepresentativeCaldwell, will be heard on thefloor of the full House of Representativesthe week of February 20. Withno opposition on the bill in any of theHouse committees, we expect the fullsupport of the Florida House.Bills must be passed in identical formin both chambers in order to be sentto the Governor for his approval. Asour legislation will move throughthe House first, we plan to take it upon the Senate floor once it is available(must be passed through SenateJudiciary first). This is week 6 of the9 weeks of Florida’s legislative sessionwhich is scheduled to end on March9, and we feel confident that our billwill complete its journey through thelegislative process in plenty of time.As always, we appreciate membershipsupport at the local level andencourage you to reach out to yourpersonal contacts who are electedstate officials to voice your support ofthis great legislation which will savemoney for our industry!The House and Senate bills willaccomplish: Allows a tenant toprovide their “change of address” tothe facility using first class mail oremail; currently, a tenant must eitherhand-deliver this address changenotice or pay to send it using certifiedmail. Many of the customers inthe self storage business are militarypersonnel and the industryhas learned that having the abilityto receive official notices by emailis helpful to our service members,especially those deployed overseas.Allows a “Notification of Default” toa tenant be sent using first class mailwith Certificate of Mailing or email(provided receipt of the email by thetenant is verified). Currently it mustbe sent using certified mail or handdelivered. The Certificate of Mailingproduct was not available when thestatute was created in 1979 and costsonly $1.15 as opposed to $2.80 for acertified letter. Military personneldeployed overseas can sometimesmore readily be reached by emailrather than by the postal service,this is a valuable alternative thatother states have started allowing.Finally, it would require that rentalcontracts or rental applications askwhether someone is in the militaryor not. The military currently hasprotections from regular lien proceduresthrough the Service membersCivil Relief Act. If a storage operatorknows the renter is in the military,they will handle any situations ofdefault of payment according to theprocedures outlined in this act.Membership has its benefits! If youhave not done so yet it’s time torenew your membership for 2012with the Florida Self Storage Association.Everything we do at theAssociation is for you, our members.We work diligently throughout theyear to bring you quality education,advocacy, networking opportunities,and industry information as we striveto add immediate value to you. Welook forward to the opportunity tocontinue to serve you in 2012! If youare not a member, please considerjoining us!If you have any questions, comments,or suggestions—please don’t hesitateto contact Robert Bret, executivedirector at 877-222-9441 or rbret@floridassa.org.GeorgiaThe Georgia SelfStorage Associationmeets on the secondTuesday of each month fornetworking, a luncheon and boardmeeting. There is always a program,often with nationally recognizedspeakers. Members and nonmembersare welcome. Membershipdues are $250 per calendar year(January–December). Join GASSAtoday!Luncheons are from 11:30 am to2:00 pm at The Vinings Club, 2859Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA30339. Please RSVP to Chuck Manley,executive director, at chuck@gassa.org or phone 678-764-2006, or fax678-264-0968.Our April 10 luncheon will featurekeynote speaker Stacey Gorman ofMarcus & Millichap who will presentthe Metro Atlanta Rent Survey.Stacey is an associate with Marcus& Millichap and actively specializesin self storage facilities. She graduatedcum laude from the Universityof Rochester and completed her MBAat Georgia State University.The Metro Atlanta Rent Survey is acompilation of rental rates for over600 self storage facilities in theAtlanta metro area. Stacey will reviewthe results identifying high and lowrent areas, comparing the premiumfor climate control over regular rates,revealing submarkets with the leastnumber of competitors and the mostnumber of competitors, comparingnational and local operators andproviding average rates by Zipcodes. Results will also be comparedto surveys over the past ten years.Members attending will receive acomplimentary booklet summarizingsurvey results.The GASSA initiated two bills inthe Georgia legislature last session,which have been carried over to theupcoming session (two-year terms).One was a full revision to the currentlien law (HB 649), addressing changesconsistent with other self storagelaws around the country (Tennesseeand Colorado) including email notificationfor liens and towing of abandonedvehicles. We also submitteda limited licensing bill (HB 463) toclarify a self storage manager’s rightto receive commissions on the sale oftenant insurance.Both of these bills have a good possibilityof being passed in 2012 sessionof the legislature with full attentionand support of our legislativecommittee as well as involved andinvested self storage operators. Also,the GASSA will monitor and defendagainst any effort by the legislature tointroduce a self storage sales tax bill.See Across the Country, page 60APRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 59

Across the Country, from page 59The 2012 legislative session beginsJanuary 9 and runs through April.Check our web site for additionalinformation: www.gassa.org.IdahoThe ISSA held its firstquarterly meeting of2012 on February 16 atTowne Place Suites Marriott inMeridian, Idaho. Business coveredincluded the association’s recentefforts to report and request investigationinto illegal RV storage. Wehave been successful at stoppingsome of these zoning violations thattake business away from the nearbylegal self storage facilities.ISSA and SSA are still working toconvince the Idaho Land Board thatpurchasing business enterprises andcompeting against private businesses,whether self storage or not, is notproper for a state entity. AffordableStorage in Boise was purchased bythe Land Board, along with someother office rental buildings, parkinglots, etc. These are directly competingwithout the income and property taxburden, thus can undercut on priceif they choose. Two of the board’smembers have suggested that thesepurchases were probably a mistake,so we are hopeful they will changepolicy on this and possibly even sellAffordable Storage back to privateownership.For more information and to becomea member of the Idaho Self StorageAssociation please contact RichardChurch at 208-989-2960 or visit ourwebsite at www.idssa.org.IllinoisThe Illinois SelfStorage Association(ISSA) will be hostingthe 2012 Great Lakes Self StorageOwners Summit on June 6, 2012(previously announced as June 28) atthe distinguished Conrad Hotel onChicago’s beautiful “magnificentmile.” The upscale property is notedfor its thoughtful service, immaculateaccommodations, extensive complimentaryamenities and a great locationfor enjoying everything Chicagohas to offer.This year ISSA has dramaticallychanged the format of this annualevent from an expo to an OwnersSummit featuring programming withdirect appeal to self storage ownersand their top management people.This half-day program is designedto maximize your learning potentialcoupled with networking opportunitieswith some of the leading industrysuppliers. A limited number ofpremiere sponsors will have table topdisplays and strategically talk abouttheir company during a roundtableforum. The day will end with a greatreception where owners/managers,presenters and sponsors can continuediscussions in a relaxed casual atmosphere.Special discounted registrationfee of $95 is available for ISSAmembersSuppliers who wish to become asponsor of this event should log on towww.glss-owners-summit.comfor details or call the ISSA office at217-528-5230. Full registration informationfor owners will be availablesoon. Now is the time to secure yourhotel room at the Conrad. A limitednumber of rooms have been assignedto the Summit block. Call the hotel at312-645-1500 and ask for the IllinoisSelf Storage Association event rate.Event chairman David Kohn, MJ Partners,is coordinating an outstandingprogram for owners and key management.This one-day program willfeature top-level presenters covering:Capital Markets, State of Industry,and Investments! The OwnersSummit replaces the GLSS-expo, butattendees will still have access to keysponsors who will have displays oftheir products and/or services.For more information, please contactthe Illinois Self Storage Associationat (217) 528-5230.KansasThe big news forKSSOA is the awardof a legislative grantfrom the Self Storage Association toupdate the Kansas self storage statutes.We have selected an experiencedand qualified lobbyist to helpguide introduction of new legislationthat will ultimately reduce our operatingexpenses and reduce our liabilities.Kansas storage owners arebenefiting from both state andnational representation, as the SSA isproviding both financial support anddirection through its attorneys andleadership.Our spring luncheon meeting will bein Leawood, Kansas at the LeawoodSouth Country Club on May 23.Topics are being explored and at thistime will feature Internet advertisingissues, legal issues, and managementsoftware options. If you have anysuggestions or requests, please don’thesitate to contact our office. Registrationmaterials will be available atwww.kssoa.org when they becomeavailable.The Kansas Self Storage OwnersAssociation’s mission is to providevalue and potential for growth byworking together in our regionaltrade organization. Be sure to takea moment to consider the many—and ever-increasing—services to thestorage industry that your trade associationsoffer. None of us is as strongalone as we are collectively.“KSSOA strives to provide high returnon members’ dues investment on anyone of its single member benefits. Wehope, with the 2012 legislative initiative,to be able to provide a highreturn that ultimately overshadowsmany years of financial commitmentby our members, through lowerpostage costs, and public noticecosts, among other issues,” said LarryGoldman, KSSOA president.For membership information, pleasevisit www.KSSOA.org or call785-286-1110 and ask for Shawn.PAGE 60 ssA GLOBE APRIL 2012

Our contact information is KSSOA,7321 NW Rochester Road, Topeka,Kansas 66617. Phone 785-286-1110.LouisianaThe North LouisianaSpring Luncheon willbe April 11, 2012, atRalph & Kacoo’s in Bossier City, 10:00a.m.–2:00 p.m. This will be our fourthyear having the luncheon and we aremore excited than ever about thisyear’s lineup of speakers. Topicsinclude: Internet marketing—anoverview of what’s available, whatworks, what produces the mostreturn for the buck; information onnew financing available for the firsttime from the Small Business Administration;developing advanced phoneskills to maximize revenue;protecting your facility from drugmanufacturing and other criminalactivities; and using mystery shoppersto better understand how yourcompany is perceived by potentialtenants. Please mark your calendars,and plan for you and your managersto attend! Continuing education isthe key to staying one up on yourcompetition!The association membership renewalforms were mailed out in January anda huge majority have been updatedand returned already. The boardmembers extend our deepest thanksfor your continued confidence in theSSALA. If you haven’t yet sent yourrenewal back, please consider doingso today. Be sure to utilize the SSALAwebsite member forum to exchangeideas with other members. Knowledgeis critical and will be the answerto increasing profits. The strength ofthe association is dependent on yourmembership.Finally, February and March tendto be a slower time of year for ourfacilities. Now is the time to turn anunbiased, scrutinizing eye on yourproperty and make the repairs andimprovements necessary to put youin the best shape possible for theupcoming spring busy season. Younever get a second chance to make agood first impression—is your storeready to impress?SSALA’s executive director, ShawnHerrick, is available at (866) 857-8473to answer your questions or refer youto your nearest board member. Besure to update your contact informationto include this toll free phonenumber for the SSALA.MaineThe Maine Self-Storage Association isexcited to announcethat its 2012 annual conference willbe held on June 14–15 at HollywoodSlots Hotel and Casino in Bangor,and once again, will be free tomember facilities! Join us at the socialmedia marketing seminar before thevendor-sponsored cocktail receptionon the 14th, and then listen to someSee Across the Country, page 62APRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 61

Around, from page 61of the industry’s greatest minds speakon the 15th. There will also be roundtablediscussions on a variety ofsubjects as well as vendor displays.Join us on April 12, when MeSSA willbe meeting at Margarita’s in Augusta.Connie Neville of Sperry Van Nessand C.M. Neville & Associates, Inc.will be speaking to members aboutfacility valuation, financing, and avariety of other topics.Check our website, mainessa.comor our Facebook page for more informationon upcoming meetings andfor other important updates.MeSSA is always looking for newmembers, and there is no bettertime than now to join. For moredetails on how to become involved,please contact Mark Adler at Mark@mainessa.com or (207)324-1644,or visit mainessa.com. We alsoencourage everyone to become a fanof MeSSA on Facebook.MarylandPlease contact any ofthe MDSSA board ofdirectors listed belowto obtain a copy of our position paperon sales taxes or to address any otherconcerns you have concerning selfstorage in Maryland.Our board members are: president,Todd Manganaro of ezStorage (tmanganaro@ezstorage.com);vice president,Joe Wolinsky of ChesapeakeResources (jowolinsky@selfstorageplus.com);secretary, Carol Shipley ofU-Store-It (CShipley@ustoreit.com);treasurer, Richard Sellers of U-StoreManagement Corp.(rsellers@u-store.com); at-large, Jeff Kinder of AdvantageSelf-Storage (jeff@advantagestorage.com).For more information on theMD-SSA, contact Richard Sellers atrsellers@u-store.com.2012 NORTHEAST SELF STORAGETRADE SHOWHosted by the Massachusetts Self Storage AssociationREGISTER TODAYwww.maselfstorage.orgOpening Reception | May 16, 2012Tradeshow and Education | May 1 7, 2012Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center219 Littleton Road, Westford, MAMassachusetts Self Storage Association617-600-4481lbolduc@maselfstorage.orgwww.maselfstorage.orgMassachusettsThe MassachusettsSelf Storage Association(MASSA) willhost the 2012 Northeast Self StorageTradeshow on May 17, 2012 at theWestford Regency Inn and ConferenceCenter. There will be an openingreception at 6:00 p.m. on May 16. Wehave a new location and a newschedule that features more educationalbreakouts with an ownerstrack and a managers track. Go to ourwebsite for the details: www.maselfstorage.org.MASSA is actively involved inlobbying on behalf of its membersand the Massachusetts self storageindustry. In 22012 we are pursuingchanges to the lien laws to reducepostage and advertising costs. Weestimate that on average each facilitywill realize a savings of $2,000 peryear. We are also monitoring legislationand pro-actively responding toany bills that affect our industry.Help MASSA save your businessmoney. A strong membershipresults in a more commanding presenceon Beacon Hill. If you aren’t amember, join today so your voice isrepresented at the Massachusettslegislature. The MASSA membershipapplication is online at www.maselfstorage.org or call theoffice at 617-600-4481 and we’ll mailan application to you.MASSA members enjoy educationalmeetings and networking, quarterlynewsletter, library of documents,website, subscription to Self StorageNow and additional benefits fromSSA including a subscription to theSSA Globe. MASSA has hired thelobbying firm of Lynch and Associatesto protect self storage businessinterests and represent the industryon Beacon Hill.To be added to the MASSA programmailing list or if you are interested inadvertising in the MASSA Advantage,send your request and contact informationincluding e-mail address toMASSA, 17 Rivendell Road, Marlbor-PAGE 62 ssA GLOBE APRIL 2012

ough, CT 06447-1260, 617-600-4481,860-228-1337 fax, or email lbolduc@maselfstorage.org.MichiganWe encourage you tojoin the Self StorageAssociation of Michigantoday and take advantage of themany benefits available. SSAMlobbies the Michigan legislature onbehalf of issues that are important toyou and your self storage business.Your SSAM membership allows youto take advantage of specialdiscounted rates on website designand development, credit cardprocessing, free listing on the SSAMwebsite and much more. SSAM hasa professional management team tohelp answer your questions or guideyou to find the answers you need.SSAM will be hosting a SpringSeminar on May 8, 2012, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. The Self Storage Collections& Lien Sale Handbook willbe available for purchase at a veryspecial price for SSAM members. Areview of this newly featured benefitwill be conducted and will be openfor questions and discussion. Visitwww.selfstoragemichigan.org/member_calendar.aspx for moredetailed seminar information andregistration form.For membership information,contact us at 888-308-7726 or visitwww.selfstoragemichigan.org.MississippiOur membership isstill growing, and wehope that you decideto be a part of the Mississippi SelfStorage Association. Remember, weneed each other to promote astronger self storage industry.For more information on our associationand conference, please visit ourwebsite at www.msssoa.org, emailus at msssoassn@yahoo.com, or callMissy Hughes, executive director, at(601) 248-5422.NevadaOur membership isstill growing; we hopeyou will be a part of it.We are Nevada’s top support forumfor self storage owners and operators.Come check out our annual membersmeeting and educational seminar,SB-150: 6 Months Later on Thursday,March 15 at 4 p.m. New standardizedleases will be available! Call 702-952-2455 or email valerie@amnevada.comfor more information. Visit ourwebsite, www.nv-ssa.org.New JerseyReminder! All NJSSAmember dues renewalinvoices were mailedin December. If you haven’t renewedfor 2012 please take a moment to doso. If you have not joined the NewJersey Self Storage Association, wewant you as a member of our team.Join today and take advantage of allthe wonderful benefits our membersenjoy including affordable membership,advocacy, education programs,networking and informative meetingsand publications. Join us today!For more information regardingthese items, membership inquiriesor general information please visitour website at www.njssa.org orcontact Cologne Hunter at NJSSAExecDir@selfstorage.orgNorth CarolinaThis year, the NCSSA,with the help of thenational SSA, is takingon the task of pursuing additionalchanges to the lien law to incorporatethe following items: legislation onabandoned good/records disposalthat would allow disposal withoutrecourse of sensitive materials; allowfor email notification of lien salesinstead of certified, or at least havingthe option; allow for Internet postingsof auction ads as an alternativeto general circulation publications;value limitations.These changes will help save time andmoney for owners and operators inNorth Carolina. Please help supportthe initiative by donating to the legislativefund. Visit the website at www.ncssaonline.org/legislativeissuesfor details.The Southeastern Self StorageConvention & Trade Show, plannedby the NCSSA, will be held October28–30 in Wrightsville Beach. Theconvention schedule is full ofnetworking and educational opportunities.Learn about the newestindustry products and services. Seewhat fellow owners and operators arefacing at their facilities. Join in thediscussion about hot topics!We hope to bring you new andexciting information about theindustry, and we’d love to know whatyou’d like to hear about. If you haveany suggestions for topics for theconference, seminars or webinars,please contact Whitney Bertram atthe NCSSA office at 919-459-2074.If you are a self storage owner oroperator in North Carolina andhave not yet joined the NCSSA, weencourage you to do so. It is essentialfor operators to stay informed of themany changes and laws affecting, orthat have the chance to affect, ourbusiness industry. Membership inthis organization can make a difference!Please contact us at info@ncssaonline.orgor 919-459-2074.OhioMembership is availableto any owner/operator with astorage facility in Ohio; a vendor maybecome a member of the new OhioAssociation by paying the requisitedues. Eligible members of the SSA-Ohio automatically become directSee Around, page 64APRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 63

Around, from page 63members of the national SSA. Ohiobasedowner/operators or companieswho are already direct members ofthe national SSA automaticallybecome members of the new SSA-Ohio charter association with nodues increase. The national SSA isoffering the complimentary membershipas an added benefit for joiningthe SSA-Ohio Association.Please visit www.selfstorage.org for information on becoming amember of the new Ohio Self StorageAssociation or contact CologneHunter at chunter@selfstorage.org.OklahomaThe Oklahoma SelfStorage Associationhas formally affiliatedwith the SSA. They are activelyrecruiting new members now. Formore information about the organization,contact the OKSSA president,Jared Jones, at 918-948-3941 orjjones@bauertulsa.com.PennsylvaniaSave these 2012 dates:March 8 is the PASSAConference, HarrisburgEast Holiday Inn, Harrisburg;April 10 is the PASSA ManagerTraining, Local Marketing ManagersCan Do and Closing the Sale at thePark Inn in Mechanicsburg; May 17is the PASSA Conference, SandsCasino & Resort in Bethlehem;October 18 is the PASSA AnnualMeeting & Conference at the BlueBell Country Club in Blue Bell,Pennsylvania.Did you know that by being amember of PASSA, one of yourbenefits include free attendance tothe national Self Storage Association’sOnline University monthly livewebcasts? You are considered an affiliatemember of the SSA. Please watcheach month for these blast emails aswe will continue to update you eachmonth on the webcast topics andregistration information.As we continue to grow as an organization,we look to our membersto give us new ideas and to makesuggestions and recommendationson how we can better assist them.If you have any ideas or suggestions,please send them to kimberlycossar@wannerassoc.com.Yourideas, suggestions and recommendationswill go directly to the board ofdirectors for consideration.For more information on the PennsylvaniaSelf Storage Association, orto become a member, please contactKimberly Cossar at 717-441-6044 orvisit www.paselfstorage.org.South CarolinaLegislatively, theSCSSA has been especiallybusy withdrafting new lien laws, updating ourrental agreement offered to membersof the SCSSA free of charge, andworking with our state legislature toget the ball rolling. State lien lawupdates are under way and theSCSSA announced that we havesought out and have been awarded$15,000 in financial support from thenational SSA legislative fund. This isa huge success for our associationand for our industry, statewide. Thisaward is only a small indication of themassive effort underway in SouthCarolina to reform the laws affectingself storage in a major effort to bringthem, and industry, into the 21stcentury!If you are interested in attendingour meetings, getting up-to-date onthese or our many other efforts or ifyou have a way to help our industrythrough your participation, pleasecontact us at president@SCSelfStorage.org,phone at 843-562-6736and through our informative websiteat www.SCSelfStorage.org.Membership is easy and the benefitsare great!Come and enjoy the great networkingand delicious food at our SCSSASpring Meeting in Columbia on April19, noon to 4 p.m. Attendance is freeand the food is great, but an RSVP ishelpful! www.scselfstorage.org/newsandevents.html.TennesseeKnoxville here wecome! Mark yourcalendars for our 2ndQuarter Luncheon on May 15!William Knight Insurance Agencywill be sponsoring the event at theFox Den Country Club in Knoxville.Sam Celaya, director of eMove, willspeak on the value of the Internet forself storage owners and operators.Join us! Pre-register for the luncheonto receive a discount. Payments maybe made online or by mail. See ourwebsite for additional meeting andpricing information.Attend a luncheon on us! Increasingour membership base is a major focusof TNSSA! The larger our membership,the louder our voice will bewhen dealing with legislative issues.As managers, owners and industryvendors, we all know facilities thataren’t yet utilizing the resources ofTNSSA. Refer a new member todayand attend an upcoming luncheonmeeting on us once they completethe application process.Our legislative committee still needsyou! While changes to the Tennesseeself storage lien laws are fresh on ourminds, remember that we are stillfundraising to cover the expensesincurred this past year. We hope thatyou will consider making a donationto our legislative fund. Members ofTNSSA can visit our website andaccess updated legal forms and documentsincluding a base lease agreementthat coincides with our newlien laws. We would like to see everyfacility in Tennessee benefit fromthese new laws and from the TNSSAresources now available. Help usspread the word!PAGE 64 ssA GLOBE APRIL 2012

We value the opinions of ourmembers and want to be the associationthat you need. We would liketo hear your suggestions, commentsand requests. Visit the Tennessee Talkforum on our website.We are proud of our TNSSA’s quarterlynewsletter and we strive to makesure it contains industry specificnews for our state. To receive a copyof the newsletter by email, registerat www.tnssa.net. If you areinterested in contributing articlesor would like to advertise within thenewsletter, please contact JenniferHowell at jennifer.howell@absolutemgmt.comor Melissa Roberts atmelissa2911@gmail.com.For more information or to becomea member please visit www.tnssa.org. or contact Todd Levy, presidentat tlevy@storsmartinsurance.com or(770)624-1824.VirginiaPlease encourage andrefer other people inour industry to join.There is strength in numbers. Formore information about the VirginiaSelf Storage Association contact:John Aspinwall (wiildhare@aol.com),Eric Miller (ericmiller@atlanticstor.com), Richard Sellers(rsellers@u-store.com), CarolynWinks (carolynwinks@comcast.net),Bruce Jennings (bjenn3980@aol.com), Mac Walker (walkermac@aol.com), or Gordon Bowers (gordonbowers@verizon.net).WashingtonWA-SSA continues towork for its membershipyear-round, notjust during the annual conference inthe spring. Our lobbyists monitoractivity in Olympia whenever thelegislature is in session, and they keepeyes and ears open even when it isn’t.The board continues to meet anddiscuss industry issues and ways toimprove service to our members. Wesincerely appreciate feedback to giveus direction in how best to serve ourmembers.Membership in the Washington SelfStorage Association is a nominalcost but a tremendous resource forthose who own and/or operate selfstorage in Washington. If you aren’ta member, go to our website (www.wa-ssa.org) and sign up. It’s a greatinvestment for your business.WisconsinThe WSSA representsover 200 self storageoperators inWisconsin and our membershipcontinues to grow. Join us inprotecting and enhancing the selfstorage industry in Wisconsin.Just a few benefits of membershipinclude your storage location listedon the website for potential storagesearches, numerous guidance andlegal documents, “Ask the Board”questions via the website, discountedproperty insurance, a comprehensivelease designed specifically for selfstorage in Wisconsin and more!Mark your calendars for our 2012meetings: Spring Business Meeting,May 9 in Milwaukee and the FallConference & Trade Show, October12 in the Wisconsin Dells.Contact us today to discuss membership!www.wiselfstorage.org or414-755-3364.CanadaWe are lookingforward to seeing youall again next year at aCSSA event near to you!April 17–20: CSSA 5th Annual 2012Western Regional Conference andTradeshow & the CSSA. OperatorsCertification Course. DeltaVancouver Airport Hotel, 3500Cessna Drive, Richmond, BritishColumbia.May 30–June 1: CSSA AtlanticCanada Conference and Tradeshowand the CSSA Operators CertificationCourse. Delta Halifax Hotel,1990 Barrington Street, Halifax, NovaScotia.September 5–7: Canadian VIPNetworking Reception, CanadianTopic Roundtables and the CSSAAnnual General Meeting. To be heldat the SSA 2012 Fall Conference,Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada.October 17–19: CSSA 7th AnnualAlberta Conference Tradeshow andthe CSSA Operators CertificationCourse. Black Knight Inn, 2992 50thAvenue, Red Deer, Alberta.For information on CSSA events ormembership, visit www.cssa.ca.Phone 888-898-8538, email info@cssa.ca.JapanFor more informationabout the Japan SelfStorage Association,contact Nao Ikenaga at ikenaga-n@arealink.co.jp.Latin AmericaLASSA is a diversifiedgroup of individuals,all involved in the selfstorage industry inone way or another. We are ownersand investors and vendors. We arefrom small companies and largecorporations. And we are fromdifferent Latin American countries.But we all have a common objective,and that is to improve the self storageindustry as a whole throughoutMexico and Latin America.For information on LASSA, or tobecome a member, please contactus at www.laselfstorage.org. vAPRIL 2012 ssA GLOBe pAGE 65