Opening Session

Presiding
Jim Stamm
Chairman & CEO
Atlas World Group, Inc.

Remarks
Greg Hoover
President & COO
Atlas Van Lines, Inc.

The Ripple Effect

Atlas World Group Chairman and CEO Jim Stamm welcomed guests and called to order the 41st Atlas Forum on Moving.

Jim presented the ripple effect as a metaphor for the way people can effect change. He pointed to the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces as prime examples of people who create ripples, ensuring a quality of life for us. He led the assembly in a moment of silence to honor our soldiers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jim described a ripple effect created 60 years ago when a group of moving professionals created Atlas Van Lines as a company driven to serve customers. That company made yet more ripples when it undertook a grand experiment in open communication, the Forum on Moving.

It's easy to see the big events making ripples today: the rising cost of fuel, the end of collective ratemaking, and the decline in housing sales. But Jim said the industry will ride the ripples, just as it has in previous economic downturns. By remaining steadfast, we can come through the ripples as better relocation professionals and stronger industry partners.

Jim introduced Greg Hoover, President and COO, Atlas Van Lines Inc., who presented highlights from the Atlas 2008 Corporate Relocation Survey. The survey reflects the views of relocation professionals from nearly 400 companies. Last year, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and dozens of other media outlets quoted the survey's results.

Greg covered findings on anticipated relocation volumes and expectations for performance. He showed how conclusions can be stated to create different perceptions. He said it is important to keep an objective view and to ask, "Who is reporting?" because people can use the same numbers to draw different conclusions.

Greg pointed out that, for the first time, the survey included questions on real estate. The numbers help put a face on the situation; housing starts are down and the COD business is down. Lump sum benefits and partial reimbursement continue to gain in popularity.

Greg touched on findings in the international arena and results from the annual survey of Atlas' professional van operators. He noted that a graying workforce of operators poses a challenge to keep those ranks filled.

In closing, Greg posed the question, "Are we in a recession?" And he shared the thought that although the business picture is not as pretty as seen in previous years... "It's far better to talk about it and acknowledge the facts so we can better address the issues and be prepared for what may come next."

Second General Session

Presiding
Glen Dunkerson
Vice Chairman & COO
Atlas World Group, Inc.

Principal Address
Ben Stein
Economist, Lawyer, Author
TV Personality

Atlas Vice Chairman and COO Glen Dunkerson began the second general session by recognizing the people who bring their expertise to Forum workshops and presentations. He then set the stage for the principal address by Ben Stein, whose extensive vita encompasses stints as commentator, actor, columnist, attorney, university professor, speechwriter, author, financial analyst, political consultant, and quiz show host.

Ben began with a personal compliment to members of the State Department for how well their organization had treated his wife when she worked for them during college. He expressed his appreciation of the Atlas organization and its people and he described his thankfulness for being a citizen of the U.S.

As an Atlas customer, Ben described the van line this way: "They're not in the moving business, they're in the stress relief business... the get it done right business." Ben used humor to get people laughing, and he posed challenging statements to get them thinking. Among the major problems he sees facing the nation: the retirement of 70 million baby boomers; a bankrupt Medicare system; collapse of the dollar; an education problem; and the collapse of family and social structure.

He said the economy is slowing; it shouldn't have happened, but speculators are driving down the mortgage business. We may well go into recession, but eventually the economy will straighten itself out; the Fed will flood the system with money. And he believes real estate is a great buy. He backed his views with references to history's market corrections and advised, "Be patient, things will get better."

Beyond economic advances, he pointed to progress in civil rights that make opportunity available to all. He confessed a Republican political bias, but acknowledged his personal gratification for the fact that the Democratic primary illustrates the concept of equality. He pointed to the importance of shared moral beliefs and agape (selfless love) as the means to hold the nation together, and he expressed hope that the U.S. will grow to a "brotherhood, not just a neighborhood." For an example that inspires imitation, he referenced the "real stars... the people in the U.S. Military." He closed with a poignant remembrance of his friend, Colonel Dale Denman Jr., whose life exemplified selfless sacrifice.

Closing Session

Presiding
Glen Dunkerson
Vice Chairman & COO
Atlas World Group, Inc.

Keynote Address
Mark Scharenbroich
Professional Speaker and
NSA Hall of Fame Inductee

"Nice Bike!"

Glen Dunkerson, Vice Chairman and COO of Atlas World Group, opened the closing general session by thanking customers, agents and guests for their participation. He then introduced keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich, CSP, who spoke about the connections that move people. Mark recalled his own experience as an Atlas employee during his college days. He spoke about the need everyone has to feel connected to others. And he used a story from his own experience about Harley-Davidson motorcycles to illustrate how people need to hear compliments. He used this as an object lesson for organizations in their efforts to find and retain people. Mark wrapped inspiration with humor to lift the audience to a higher understanding of their own value and the value of others.