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California Self Storage Association

The Latest Industry News

With the daunting amount of news and information coming at you constantly it is impossible for any one person to keep up. Our team curates and alerts you to the "must have” information to ensure you are in the know. Having relevant, current information helps you to make the best decisions possible.

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  • OpenTech Alliance Announces C-Suite Promotions

    Friday, June 28, 2024 1:56 PM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    PRESS RELEASE

    OpenTech Alliance Announces C-Suite Promotions

     

    For Immediate Release

     

    (June 28th, 2024) – Phoenix, AZ, OpenTech Alliance, the PropTech leader in self storage, has expanded its leadership team and today announced the promotion of four leaders responsible for finance, marketing and support operations. This announcement comes just one year after the company announced its official international business expansion, supporting the company’s rapid growth and vision to become a worldwide provider of innovative, high-quality self storage technology solutions.

     

    “We have amazing leaders at OpenTech and we are happy to be promoting a few. I am eager to make some room in the C-Suite for Tania, Kristi and Dan Scaman, recently promoted to COO, and support them as they usher in a new era at OpenTech,” said Robert A. Chiti, Founder and CEO at OpenTech Alliance. “They are already setting higher bars for both the customer and employee experience and driving phenomenal outcomes for our organization. I am confident our customers and employees will enjoy the fresh ideas and positive vibes from all of these leaders.”  

     

    Today’s C-level promotions include:

     

    • Tania Miaoulis, Chief Financial Officer – Miaoulis, a licensed CPA in Arizona since 2009, brings a wealth of experience to OpenTech, having previously served as Controller for a $400M organization and Finance Director for a company that grew from $50M to $200M. She joined OpenTech as Vice President of Accounting & Finance in 2023 and led the implementation of new processes, systems, and internal controls to improve company efficiency and risk mitigation, and payment processing for its customers. As the Chief Financial Officer, Miaoulis will lead financial operations, drive strategic financial planning and analysis, develop strategies for capital allocation, optimize working capital to minimize costs and risks and provide insights for decision-making and growth strategies.
    • Kristi Adams, Chief Marketing Officer – Adams has led marketing efforts at CubeSmart, Fort Box and other self storage operations across the U.S. and in Europe, responsible for establishing and maintaining brand identity and spearheading innovative marketing efforts to drive demand from consumers. She joined OpenTech in 2019 as the Vice President of Marketing. Adams is responsible for delivering marketing support for 8 product lines, including the e-commerce brand StorageTreasures. Under her leadership, the OpenTech marketing team has significantly advanced brand recognition and helped grow company revenue to over $50M in five years. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Adams will leverage her 20 years of self storage experience to oversee global marketing initiatives, brand strategy and customer engagement to ensure OpenTech’s continued market leadership and expansion.

         

    In addition, OpenTech has also promoted the following key performers:

     

    • Tina Berlingeri, VP of Call Center Operations – Berlingeri served as Director of Member Services at NASM and United Healthcare before joining OpenTech Alliance in 2016. As the Call Center Director, Berlingeri has been instrumental in supporting the growth and development of policies, procedures, and personnel to deliver exceptional service to storage operators and their customers. As Vice President of Call Center Operations, Berlingeri will oversee operational processes and implement strategies to improve efficiency, support customer satisfaction and enhance service delivery.
    • Kimberly Robinson, VP of Marketing – Prior to joining OpenTech, Robinson served in Director roles for statewide non-profit organizations, heading up marketing, fundraising, and event-management functions for nine years. Robinson joined OpenTech in 2019 as Creative Content Manager where she leveraged her content expertise to help market the company’s industry-leading technology solutions. She was promoted to Director of Marketing Communications in 2022, and now joins the leadership team as Vice President of Marketing to lead demand generation, product marketing and support and paid media strategy.  

     

    These strategic appointments reinforce the company’s commitment to leveraging internal talent and continued investment in opportunities for its people to develop their careers at OpenTech.

     
    OpenTech Alliance, Inc.

    2101 W. Peoria Ave, # 100

    Phoenix, AZ  85029

    602.749.9370

    opentechalliance.com

     
    Media Contact:

    Kimberly Robinson

    OpenTech Alliance, Inc.

    Direct: 602.324.8698

    krobinson@opentechalliance.com

  • What Self-Storage Owners Need To Know About Junk Fee Laws

    Tuesday, June 18, 2024 4:00 PM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    Legal Minute


     

    What Self-Storage Operators Need To Know About
    "Junk Fee" Laws

     

    bigstock-Black-Wooden-Gavel-Hammer-And--476476815

    For years, businesses of all types have been subjected to allegations that their on-line pricing programs were “deceptive” because the final price that the consumer paid for the product or service was not the price that was advertised. These claims of “hidden fees,” “drip pricing,” or “junk fees” all addressed the contention that businesses were omitting certain mandatory fees or charges when displaying their pricing.

    In April of 2023, in response to increasing pressure, Congress introduced the Junk Fee Prevention Act. Although that federal bill has not yet passed, in October of 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a notice of a proposed rule on “Unfair and Deceptive Fees.” The FTC stated that the proposed rule would “prohibit unfair or deceptive practices relating to fees for goods or services.” The Federal rule would require that all fees and charges be disclosed and that the pricing be “clearly and conspicuously” presented so as to be “difficult to miss” and “easily understandable.”

    Absent such disclosures, the rule would consider certain pricing practices as a “bait and switch,” luring customers in with one advertised price but ultimately charging them a different final price for the same advertised item. In addition to the FTC’s proposed rule, other potential regulatory action is being considered under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Housing & Urban Development, and the Department of Transportation. But the federal government is not alone in its focus on deceptive pricing practices. Many state governments are also concerned with this issue.

    There are already statutes around the country that legislate penalties for deceptive trade practices, including those relating to false marketing. Recently, the California State Legislature passed an amendment to their already existing California Consumers Legal Remedies (CLRA) law to specifically address added violations if a company “advertises, displays or offers goods or services at a price, but does not disclose all mandatory fees or charges when displaying the price.”

    On October 7, 2023, California passed its consumer pricing law prohibiting “drip pricing.”  The new law goes into effect July 1, 2024. The “junk fee” amendment to the CLRA provides guidance to businesses not only in California but around the country. The new law makes it a violation of the Act to “advertise, display offer a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees and includes penalties for such acts including actual damages, punitive damages and civil penalties that can be charged for each alleged violation.”

    Clearly, this law will be the focus of future class action cases because of the potential penalties of up to $2,500 per violation. The Act also allows for the recovery of attorneys’ fees. But California is not the only state that has turned its attention to pricing issues. California joins other states like Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Maryland, Florida and others that are changing their laws to require full disclosure of all fees that apply to the transaction before the sale is completed.

    This new scrutiny on fees and pricing practices comes at a time when more and more self-storage facilities are offering discounting or concession pricing. Since self-storage companies use the internet to advertise their pricing, it is important for self-storage operators to understand and apply this new law, updating their websites as needed to clarify their pricing and charges for their storage units. The laws require significant pricing disclosure and transparency, including how much the discount is, how long it will last, and the actual price that will be charged once the discount ends.

    There should also be an enhancement of language in the website and other marketing that explains the right of the self-storage facility to increase the rental rates with 30 days advance notice based on the month-to-month nature of the self-storage contract.



  • Veterans’ Groups Endorse Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act

    Thursday, June 13, 2024 12:20 PM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    Click to Learn More About the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 13, 2024

    CONTACT
    Hector Barajas
    (323) 314-3342      hector@amplify360inc.com

     

    Veterans’ Groups Endorse Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act
    As Flag Day Nears, Veterans Signal Support for Democratic Rights to Decide Taxes

    SACRAMENTO, CA- Today, veterans’ organizations across California announced their support for the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, adding to the broad, bipartisan coalition backing the popular initiative. California is home to more veterans than any other state and has a proud history of military service. 

    “As individuals who have served our nation and are deeply committed to protecting democratic principles, we strongly support the Taxpayer Protection Act,” said George Marsh, president and commanding officer of the Marine Corps Veterans Association. 

    “The foundation of good government is accountability. This initiative empowers Californians to have a voice on how they are taxed and how their leaders must democratically respond to their concerns. The right to participate in the democratic process is at the heart of what we defended and fought for during our military service,” added Chuck Jamison, past post commander of the Scottish American Military Society, California. 

    Organizations announcing their support include:

    ·         AMVETS Department of California

    ·         Association of the United States Army, Southern California

    ·         Coalition of Small and Disabled Veteran Businesses

    ·         Department of California Disabled American Veterans

    ·         Marine Corps Veterans Association

    ·         National Veterans Foundation

    ·         Scottish American Military Society, California

    ·         Veterans Affiliated Council

    ·         Women Veterans Alliance
    *Partial list

    “Many veterans have lived in California their entire lives and military careers. Our state must remain affordable and take steps to control the cost of living so veterans are not priced out of California. The Taxpayer Protection Act is critical towards ensuring the state can remain a place where veterans can thrive,” concluded Kendra Moss, advisory member of the Women Veterans Alliance. 

    The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act will:

    ·         Increase accountability and transparency so politicians spend our tax dollars more efficiently.

    ·         Empower voters with the right to approve or reject all new state and local taxes, ensuring that elected officials are held accountable for spending public funds.

    ·         Stop government agencies from using “hidden taxes” disguised as fees to drive up the cost of government services.

    ###

    About Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability
    Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability is a bipartisan coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses committed to ensuring California remains affordable for families and accountable to its voters. For more information, visit     www.taxpayerprotection.com.

    Paid for by Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability, sponsored by California homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses. Committee Top Funders California Business Roundtable, California Business Properties Association, Gerald J. Marcil

  • Coalition Update: We were in court today defending your right to vote on critical issues like taxes

    Wednesday, May 08, 2024 12:20 PM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    Click here for more information about the Taxpayer Protection Act

    Our campaign appeared before the California Supreme Court in San Francisco this morning to oppose the governor and Legislature’s lawsuit to remove the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act from the ballot. 

    The good news: History is on our side. California courts have zealously guarded voters’ right to use the initiative process, adopting a longstanding tradition of letting Californians decide initiatives at the ballot box.

    Using taxpayer money to deny voters: One of our campaign co-chairs, Rob Lapsley, President of the California Business Roundtable, perfectly summed up the irony of the lawsuit in a recent LA Times article: 

    ·         “The fact that the Legislature and the governor are using taxpayer money to try and deny the voters of California, over 1.43 million who signed our petitions, the opportunity to have their voice heard is a direct violation of everything they talk about in terms of direct democracy. They’re complete hypocrites when it comes to this case.”

    Next steps: The Court will decide the lawsuit before the June 27 deadline to finalize the November ballot. We will update you as soon as a decision is reached and we are officially on the November ballot. 

    Thank you for your continued support, 

    The Coalitions Team


    PS- Stay Up to Date
    To get the latest news on the Taxpayer Protection Act, please follow our social accounts.

    FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Paid for by Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability, sponsored by California homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses. Committee Top Funders California Business Roundtable, California Business Properties Association, Gerald J. Marcil

  • Modern Storage Media Partners with Scott Zucker on Self Storage Legal Monthly Minute

    Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:25 AM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    Modern Storage Media Partners with Scott Zucker on Self Storage Legal Monthly Minute

    Legal Minute

    After more than 20 years, the Legal Monthly Minute, published by Scott Zucker, a partner in the law firm of Weissmann Zucker Euster + Katz P.C. in Atlanta, Ga., will now be published by Modern Storage Media (MSM). MSM’s partnership with the Legal Monthly Minute will enable Zucker’s pertinent, industry-focused legal information to be disseminated to self-storage owner-operators throughout the United States on a larger scale. 

    “We have enjoyed working with Scott for many, many years and are overjoyed to formalize the integration of his Legal Monthly Minute into Messenger and the entire MSM platform,” says Modern Storage Media Publisher Poppy Behrens. “We understand the importance of legal education in the self-storage industry, and Scott is one of the foremost legal experts in the industry. We look forward to distributing his articles through the MSM platform.”

    Zucker’s Legal Monthly Minute articles have been reprinted in numerous trade association newsletters and magazines, including MSM’s Messenger. They’ve also been used to create his “Legal Topics in Self Storage” books (First and Second Editions).

    “I love communicating with self-storage owners and managers about the legal issues impacting their operations,” says Scott Zucker. “The Legal Monthly Minute was a way to share pertinent information in quick bites on a regular basis.

    Partnering with MSM allows me the chance to broaden my range of information sharing on a national basis. I’m excited to work with them and derive the benefit of the technology they are using to enhance the delivery of timely and relevant information to the entire self-storage industry.” 

    Sent to MSM subscribers, the Legal Monthly Minute newsletter also offers limited advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Three attention-grabbing ad sizes with prominent placements are available. Contact Lauri Longstrom-Henderson, director of sales and marketing, at Lauri@ModernStorageMedia.com, (602) 678-3526, or (970) 200-8656 for additional details.

    ABOUT SCOTT ZUCKER

    Scott Zucker is a partner in the law firm of Weissmann Zucker Euster + Katz P.C. in Atlanta, GA. Scott specializes in business litigation with an emphasis on real estate, landlord-tenant, and construction law. He’s been active in the self-storage industry for more than 30 years.

    VISIT WZ LEGAL'S WEBSITE


  • 2024 Inside Self-Storage World Expo

    Friday, March 01, 2024 9:24 AM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    2024 Inside Self-Storage World Expo

    April 2-5, 2024

    Caesars Forum Conference Center | Las Vegas

    Join us to experience education seminars, intensive workshops, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, robust networking, and exhibits from the industry’s leading product and service suppliers! The ISS World Expo is a must-attend show for professionals looking to successfully start or grow a self-storage operation, including owners, managers, investors, builders, developers and others! The event will take place April 2-5 (expo hall open on April 3 and 4), at our new venue, Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas. CSSA members receive a free Expo Package or $30 off a Seminar Package or All-Access Package. Register today at issworldexpo.com/register.

    (link to https://www.xpressreg.net/register/isst0424/landing.asp?sc=ASN32)


  • Save the Date! Colliers Self-Storage Lunch & Learn

    Friday, January 12, 2024 11:46 AM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    Self-Storage Lunch & Learn 

    Colliers has begun the next round of Lunch & Learns for 2024. Check out our upcoming Newsletters for other locations throughout the year. If you live in Northern California, we would love to have you join our meetings in February.

    Sacramento

     When:        Wednesday, February 7, 2024

    11am-1pm (lunch provided)
     

    Where:       301 University Ave 

    Suite 100
    Sacramento, CA 95825

    San Jose

     When:         Thursday, February 8, 2024

    11am-1pm (lunch provided)
     

    Where:       225 W Santa Clara Street 

    Suite 1000
    San Jose, CA 95113

    Topics of Discussion

    • Industry Overview (2023 and 2024)
    • Rental Rates
    • Occupancy
    • Expenses & Technology
    • Cap Rates
    • Debt & Finance
    • Sales Transactions - Market Pricing
    • Supply & New Construction
    • Industry Update by CSSA

    Jeff Shouse, MAI, CRE
    National Self-Storage Director
    Valuation & Advisory Services
    +1 916 996 0638

    jeff.shouse@colliers.com

    Tom de Jong, SIOR
    Executive Vice Pesident
    +1 408 282 3829

    tom.dejong@colliers.com


  • Changes in self storage lien notificatoin take effect January 1, 2024

    Friday, December 15, 2023 10:20 AM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

    CSSA Legislative Alert

     

    Changes in Self Storage Lien Sale Notifications

    Take Effect January 1, 2024

    Due to the legislative efforts of the California Self Storage Association (CSSA) and the Self Storage Association (SSA), AB542 (Carrillo) was passed and signed, providing three important reforms to the advertising requirement in California Business & Professions Code 21707:

    • First, the bill cuts in half the number of required newspaper advertisements from two to one, provided that the operator also advertises the sale online. If the operator does not advertise online, the operator must still have two advertisements published in the newspaper.
    • Second, AB542 allows operators to advertise sales in a newspaper of general circulation either in the public notice district or county where the storage facility is located. Prior law required the advertisement to be placed in a newspaper of general circulation in the public notice district. This change provides more options for operators, particularly those in a public notice district with only one newspaper.
    • Third, the bill eliminates the outdated requirement to describe the goods because most sales occur online where potential bidders can readily see photos of the items for sale.

    THESE CHANGES TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1, 2024

    The SSA and CSSA wish to extend their thanks to bill sponsor Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale), his staff, and the associations’ Sacramento-based lobbyist Naomi Padron of MKP Government Relations for their assistance in the passage of AB542.

  • CSSA Peer Power Hour - 2024 Lien Law Change & Protecting Future CA Tax Increases

    Monday, November 27, 2023 8:26 AM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

          

      Special CSSA Owner/Operator Peer Networking Discussion

    2024 Lien Law Change &

    Protecting Future CA Tax Increases

    Presented by Joe Doherty, Legal Counsel, Self Storage Association

    Naomi Padron, Partner, McHugh Koepke padron Government Relations (SSA/CSSA Lobbyist), Steve Mirabito, President, StoragePRO (Chair, CSSA legislative & Legal Committee) 

    December 12, 2023 - 10:00am – 11:30am

    On January 1, 2024 new lien laws will go into effect for all California self-storage operators – We can answer all your questions regarding lien law changes!

    Also, find out about upcoming propositions, such as the Taxpayer Protection Act, and other legislative challenges in 2024 to help protect your business and keep it profitable.

    This is a FREE event for CSSA Members Only!

    Registration is Required

    Don't Miss Out - Register Today!

    CSSA's Peer Power Hour: An open discussion among fellow self storage owners and operators. Your opportunity to ask questions, talk about today's challenges, and share your knowledge/experience. Don't miss out on this unique networking event!


  • CSSA ALERT: E-Bike and other lithium-ion rechargeable batteries may cause fires

    Friday, October 27, 2023 3:15 PM | Remy Mcuistion (Administrator)

     

    E-Bike and other lithium-ion rechargeable batteries may cause fires

    CSSA wanted to make you aware of potential issues with e-bikes and other devices that use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (hoverboards, scooters, cell phones, vaping devices, tools, etc.). If any of your customers have these devices and are recharging them in their units be aware – they may cause a a fire.

    A self storage facility in New York recently experienced this: CLICK HERE for article

    Also for more information on what causes lithium-ion battery fires CLICK HERE

    You may want to review your Agreements and if necessary, specify that lithium-ion batteries and charging units constitute hazardous or toxic material. Check with your insurance agent or attorney.

    Ross Hutchings, CAE

    Executive Director

    CA Self Storage Association

    CSSA Office: 5325 Elkhorn Blvd., #283, Sacramento, CA 95842 | Phone: 888-277-2207

    info@californiaselfstorage.org
     Unsubscribe


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California Self Storage Association

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California Self Storage Association
5325 Elkhorn Blvd., #283 
Sacramento, CA 95842

P: 888-CSSA-207 or 888-277-2207

EMAIL: info@californiaselfstorage.org

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