The Texas Association of Structural Movers kicked off the 2009 year with a bang in Austin, Texas. Austin was the site of the 09’ Annual Convention and was well attended by movers from across Texas, the United States and Canada. This year’s convention was special as the Association honored Ann and William Turnbow at the Friday night dinner. Earlier in 2008, The Turnbows were assisted by several TASM members led by Edgar Dodson of Dodson Housemoving in San Antonio. These movers donated their service and equipment to finish a house move in Manor, Texas for the Turnbows that was started two years earlier by a local house mover.

Come & Take It Structural Movers, LLC. hosted the Convention and did their best to show off Austin to all of the out of town guests. Conventioneers enjoyed tours of the Texas State Capitol and the Texas History Museum capped off by a land and lake tour of Austin on the amphibious Duck.

The Friday night entertainment was provided by Angie and Billy Lemons in their usual funny and creative fashion. This years victim was Debbie Smith who was surprised by being called to the stage to perform as a contestant as the Lemons’ spoofed “Deal or No Deal”. The Saturday night dinner was concluded with a great musical band led by member Kevin Riley and his Cribbing Blocks. The dance floor was packed as the Blocks belted out tunes Texas Style.

The Convention featured several informative seminars and demonstrations including the unveiling of new dolly systems by Telkamp Transport Systems and Holland Moving and Rigging. Midco Sling and Cable provided a great demonstration on securing loads.
TASM members voted Keith Nelson of Magnolia, Texas to serve on the Board of Directors. Keith now takes the place of George McMillan who put in several years of fine service on the Board. The 2009 officers include Rhett Hoestenbach – President, Billy Lemons – Vice president, Hugo Zuniga – Secretary and Edgar Dodson – Treasurer.

The Board encourages all members to reach out to the Directors and offer suggestions and support to make the TASM a unified voice for all of us who work in this honorable and noble industry. There is strength and comfort in numbers and we should all work together in support of each other.

The TASM would like to thank all of the fine exhibitors who participated in this year’s convention. We would also like to thank everyone who donated their time and money to make the convention friendly, fun and informative. We are already planning the 2010 Convention and we look forward to seeing all of you next year.

President 2009,

Rhett Hoestenbach