Self-Storage Industry Veterans Form the Self-Storage Association of Michigan

OKEMOS, MI--(Marketwire - August 28, 2007) - Owners and operators in the self-storage industry are pleased to announce the formation of the Self-Storage Association of Michigan (SSAM), the first association supporting the self-storage industry in the state.

Nearly 25 industry members banded together this spring to fund the start-up of the association, and nominated a board of directors. On August 3, 2007, the new Self-Storage Association of Michigan's board of directors gathered in Okemos, Mich., for their first official meeting. The group established a mission statement, adopted bylaws and elected board officers.

Members of the board of directors are Dan Morris of Fidelity Bank, SSAM president; Maurice Pogoda of Pogoda Companies, SSAM board vice president; Jon Hutto of Hutto Investments, SSAM board secretary; Mark Floria of Sperry Van Ness, SSAM board treasurer; David Leonard of Grand Central Self Storage, SSAM board member; Kevin Cannon of Simply Self Storage, SSAM board member, and Brian Iott of Iott Insurance Agency, SSAM board member.

"Most major industries have trade associations," said Dan Morris, SSAM board president. "As owners, operators and associates, it is time to unite our industry and provide state representation for the new association members." Michigan has approximately 1,500 storage facilities, making it one of the top 10 states in terms of storage facilities and square footage.

The Self-Storage Association of Michigan will have a working relationship with the Michigan Manufactured Housing, Recreation Vehicle and Campground Association (MMH & RVCA). This 65-year-old association will share their building, administrative services and legislative expertise with the new start-up, including the guidance of its veteran Executive Director Timothy J. DeWitt. DeWitt commented, "We realized that we had 20 existing MMH & RVCA members who were also involved in the self-storage industry, but lacked representation. It was a natural fit. Together with the board and founding members, I feel we can build an association that will help Michigan's self-storage industry expand and prosper."

The Self-Storage Association of Michigan (SSAM), an affiliate of the national Self-Storage Association (SSA), works to improve the business climate for its members and to encourage growth in all areas of the self-storage industry through legislation, education and marketing. For more information on SSAM membership, call 888.308.7726. SSAM, 2222 Association Drive, Okemos, Mich. 48864-5978.

Contact Information: Contact: Cheryl Russell All Seasons Communications Phone: (586) 752-6381 (not for publication) E-mail: Web: www.selfstoragemichigan.org