Moving forward, AMSA plans the following strategic communications to take advantage of the heightened interest about this problem. AMSA will communicate three distinct messages:

1.) AMSA is actively working on behalf of its members to educate the media, policymakers and the public about the continuing threat of unreliable and unethical “movers”;

2.) Household goods stakeholder groups must be actively engaged in efforts to educate consumers about the importance of selecting reputable movers, and promoting certified ProMovers; and

3.) Policymakers must do more to adopt policies and programs to assist consumers in trouble, and concentrate resources and attention on ridding the marketplace of rogues.

These messages will be communicated electronically and via a news release to several key stakeholder groups, including Congress, federal and state regulators,consumer groups, Realtors, ERC and BBB. AMSA has also created a web banner and landing page on our consumer website, www.moving.org, where consumers, as a follow up to the 20/20 report, may go to learn more about how to select a reputable mover, helpful moving tips, and the ProMover program. I encourage all AMSA members to use this opportunity to help educate consumers about the importance of hiring a professional mover, and invite you to share these tips, guidance and information on your company website and in your marketing materials.

Since the show aired, these tips have been picked up by at least 15 media outlets, from WABC in New York to radio stations in Albuquerque and Charleston.