New Michigan Lien Law Now in Effect!
With a stroke of her pen, Governor Granholm signed into law Public Act 177 of 2009 on December 16, 2009. This amends the Michigan Lien Law and has a new process, thus saving the self storage industry thousands of dollars in the future.
SSAM President, Jon Hutto reported, "The SSAM Board of Directors worked very hard over the last year. If the act was going to change how we handle active military personnel , the board felt we needed to update the notification process. Apparently, through our hard work the Michigan Legislature agreed with us."
Attention members!
We need your help, and are willing to pay for it!
As recently approved by the SSAM Board of Directors … for each company that becomes an SSAM member that was referred by you, SSAM will send you $50 for your assistance in helping to make SSAM grow. These members can be fellow self storage owners, your suppliers (locks, doors, building materials, builders, and computer software) or your insurance person, your accountant or your broker/banker. Download the referral form today!
Member/NET program provides discounted Internet services for SSAM members
Nearly 75% of the North American population has Internet access. Having a presence on the web is more important today than ever. 47% of local searchers visit a local merchant as a result of their search, and 37% will make a contact online. These stats are growing every day. The Self-Storage Association of Michigan has recently partnered with a professional web agency to bring members Internet services at a discounted rate. Member/NET services include Web site design and construction, search engine optimization, social media, maintenance, consulting, and education.
MRA credit card processing program
Michigan Retailers Association is excited to be partnering with SSAM as the credit card processor for the association. As the largest and most established independent processor in Michigan, MRA provides one of the lowest discount rates and service all major credit and debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. MRA are the processing experts! To send in your statement and receive a free quote to see how much your business can save, download a "Quick Quote" form or contact Darcy Clark at (800)366-3699.
Charging extra for credit cards?
By John Mayleben, Michigan Retailers Association
I have spoken recently to a number of merchants about the various ways that someone might pass along the cost of processing an electronic transaction to the end-user. While I am sure that most of us, as consumers, have seen signs at a merchant location or on a website or been told that there is an up-charge for using a credit card to purchase goods or services, this issue is a very complex one.
Standard rental agreement forms are now available!
The Self-Storage Association of Michigan has created a standard rental agreement form specifically for our Michigan members to use in their self-storage businesses. The SSAM Rental Agreement was created by Attorney William Perrone of Dykema, with input from SSAM members and the SSAM Board of Directors. The agreement was designed to protect you and your business, and limit liabilities.
Have you reviewed your web site listing?
As an SSAM member, your business is listed for FREE in the membership directory of www.selfstoragemichigan.org. Your listing includes a searchable checklist of features, as well as a brief paragraph that lists your hours, directions, and additional features.
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Self Storage Association (SSA)
2010 Fall Conference & Trade Show
Sept. 1-3
Las Vegas, NV
Register Now
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Industry Insights
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Self-Storage Industry Facts
- The self storage industry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the United States commercial real estate industry over the period of the last 35 years
- There are now approximately 46,000 "primary" self storage facilities in the United States as of year end 2009; another 4,000 are "secondary" facilities ("primary" means that self storage is the "primary" source of business revenue – US Census Bureau)
- There are approximately 58,000 self storage facilities worldwide as of Q4 – 2009; there are more than 3,000 in Canada and more than 1,000 in Australia.
- Fewer than 250 new self storage facilities came on line in the U.S. during 2009; the trend in new construction is down significantly the last four years.
- Total self storage rentable space in the US is now 2.22 billion square feet (as of Q4-2009) [approximately 210 million square meters]. That figure represents more than 78 square miles of rentable self storage space, under roof – or an area well more than 3 times the size of Manhattan Island (NY)
SSAM creates blog for membership
The Self Storage Association of Michigan has started a blog for its membership to interact with each other. By now, you’ve probably heard of a "blog" but may still be unclear about what it is. A blog is a type of web site, similar to an online journal, that’s maintained by an individual or group of individuals. Blogs can be an effective, interactive way for groups of people with a common interest to communicate and share ideas.
Interested in SSAM Sponsorship Opportunities?
The Self-Storage Association of Michigan offers two sponsorship opportunities designed to build name recognition, brand loyalty, reach new customers and sell your products and services to other SSAM members. Whether you are looking to boost sales, bolster awareness or increase client loyalty, SSAM provides the context and credibility for effective business-to-business relationship marketing. Download information sheet here.
Web site advertising opportunities now available
As an SSAM member, you have the opportunity to advertise your business on the SSAM web site. Depending on your type of business and your desired customer, you may choose to advertise to consumers with an ad on the main section of the site, or you may reach member businesses by placing an ad within the member section of the site. If desired, you may advertise within both sections. Rates are just $50 per month! Download information sheet here.
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