Membership Benefits
The following benefits best explain why every messenger and courier should become an CDA member.
Networking. CDA provides a unique opportunity to meet other owners of messenger and courier companies to discuss issues of mutual concern. Networking also provides opportunities for business arrangements, which can be mutually beneficial. Many members find this to be the most valuable reason for their membership.
Membership Meetings. These meetings, held at least three times annually in both Northern and Southern California (at least six meetings in addition to the Annual Meeting) bring members together for a time of socializing, networking, updating and education. The meetings usually feature speakers on topics of interest to the membership, in addition to committee reports and regulatory and legislative updates.
Consultation. The CDA staff is available to assist members on a wide variety of regulatory compliance and related issues.
Industry News. The Association's news publication, Dispatch News, keeps members abreast of the latest industry, regulatory and legislative developments. It also brings members feature articles on a wide range of interesting and informative topics.
Personnel Practices Assistance. Each regular member receives a Model Employee Handbook with sample policies on dozens of issues ranging from discrimination to leaves of absence, from alcohol and drug issues to arbitration. The handbook, which is also available on disc, is regularly updated by legal professionals who practice in the employee relations field.
Membership Directory. Each member receives a Membership Directory containing names, addresses and telephone and FAX numbers for each Regular and Associate Member of CDA. In addition, the publication includes the names and addresses of officers, the Association's Code of Conduct, and its bylaws.
Legislative Monitoring. CDA is the only messenger and courier organization that monitors state legislative actions to assess the impact on members. It reports the actions to the members and, when directed by the Board, participates actively in the legislative process to help ensure that the needs of messengers and couriers are taken into account.
Legislative Alerts. Members of CDA are alerted to situations that require their active participation in order to affect the outcome of legislation which impacts the messenger and courier industry. The more members there are to participate, the greater likelihood there is for a satisfactory outcome. Members have an opportunity to directly influence government decision-making to others, often including those outside the industry who have no interest or concern about the impact of legislation on our businesses.
Government Regulatory Liaison. CDA is recognized by government agencies as the voice of the California messenger-courier industry. Accordingly, it is invited to participate in the development and modification of regulations that affect our industry, and it has a recognized ability to provide meaningful input reflecting the interests of CDA members. It is only the California organization that is consulted on messenger and courier issues.
Annual Meeting and Convention/Exhibition. The Annual Meeting of CDA affords opportunity for members and their guests or families to relax in comfortable surroundings, to mix with other messengers, couriers and vendors to the industry, and to participate in informative and educational meetings, seminars and roundtable discussions about current topics. This event is the California courier industry's "highlight event" at which top vendors to the industry display their goods and services. A great source of the latest information!
CDA Web Page. This Internet site posts information on Association activities, including the annual industry survey and the convention. It also lists the names, addresses and phone numbers of each member in order to give out-of-state firms information about business contacts in California. The site includes links to couriers in other parts of the state and the country. It includes a "members only" section to provide news and other information for members. Our web site is an increasingly valuable resource.
Seminars and Workshops. CDA periodically sponsors specialized workshops and seminars on topics of timely interest. Some of these are also available to non-members, but CDA members are always given special price reductions. Recently held computer training classes exemplify the special training that is available.
Discounted Advertising. CDA members find that advertising their services in Dispatch News is a sensible way to target the messenger and courier industry. Moreover, members pay a discounted advertising rate. The Membership Directory also offers opportunity for advertising at a discounted member rate, providing an excellent way of keeping your name and message before the industry throughout the year.
Industry Leadership. Through membership in CDA, you are associated with the top messenger and courier companies in California. These include leaders who will not back away from the tough industry issues and will seek solutions to the most pressing problems.
Mentor Programs. Currently under development, the CDA Mentor Program visualizes workshop-type settings in which successful messengers ands couriers bring their experience to others, whether it be in the form of sharing business techniques, technological developments, organizational do's and don'ts, regulatory compliance procedures, or more basic principles gleaned from the operation of a messenger and courier company. These programs will be particularly well-suited to smaller firms that don't yet have a wealth of experience in the business, but they are sure to be valuable for even the most seasoned carrier.
Ten Reasons Not to Join CDA
- The messenger-courier business is a great profession; I wouldn't change a thing.
- If my insurance company wants more money from me, it must have a good reason.
- I took a vow of poverty.
- My telephone psychic says I shouldn't worry about what's going on at the IRS or the Department of Labor or EDD.
- I believe our elected representatives and regulatory officials will always do what's best for couriers and small business people.
- I like paying more taxes and fees than I really need to.
- I believe law enforcement officials are motivated solely by their concern for safety.
- I learned all I need to know about business in high school.
- If I made more money, I'd only be in a higher tax bracket.
- My former boss told me "it doesn't get any better than this," and I believe him.
