Welcome to Mobility Minute, a newsletter published every Friday byWorldwide ERC®for the benefit of members and the global mobility and relocation industry. Here’s a quick glimpse of what you’ll find in this week’s issue:
What Does the Relocation Appraisal Industry Look Like in 2023?
Everything You Need to Know About GMS-T®
U.S. House Considers Importance of Protecting Transferee Data During Trade Subcommittee Hearing
New England Relocation Association Holds Spring Meeting
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What Does the Relocation Appraisal Industry Look Like in 2023?
The relocation appraisal industry has faced upheavals due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, causing a market freeze and a shift toward remote work and caregiving roles. This resulted in dramatic changes in housing needs. Now, the industry grapples with high interest rates and a potential U.S. recession, with the future implications for relocation appraisers still unclear.
Why is this important?
The easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the rise of hybrid work have resulted in significant within-city reallocation, causing upheaval in the relocation appraisal industry. The shift from denser to less dense neighborhoods in major U.S. cities has made housing volume assessment challenging for appraisers. Despite these challenges, industry professionals remain optimistic. Some appraisal teams, for instance, are focusing on upskilling, outreach, and partnerships to fortify their business. They are actively collaborating with organizations like Worldwide ERC® and various appraisal industry groups to address these challenges directly.
U.S. House Considers Importance of Protecting Transferee Data During Trade Subcommittee Hearing
The Trade Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Ways and Means this week discussed updates needed to “protect American workers and secure supply chains” and ensure that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “serves the interest of American workers.”
During the 25 May 2023 hearing on updating U.S. trade laws and CBP-related procedures, Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) placed into the hearing record a letter from Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) regarding the Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act (S. 758, H.R. 1568). In addition, as part of the hearing, Worldwide ERC®, the American Trucking Association, International Association of Movers, Military Officers Association of America, and the Senior Executive Service submitted a letter to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee and its Trade Subcommittee. The letter calls for the committee to sign off on House consideration of the as a stand-alone bill under suspension of the rules.
For nearly two decades, Worldwide ERC® has provided the Global Mobility Specialty (GMS®) designation program to equip global workforce mobility professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge. GMS certification demonstrates proficiency in global relocation policies and procedures, while the GMS-T program, originally a separate credential, was merged into the GMS course in 2021 due to positive feedback. These programs are aimed at individuals in the global workforce mobility field looking to advance their practice and management skills.
Why is this important?
Earning a GMS or GMS-T designation indicates a comprehensive understanding of the global mobility industry and is a form of upskilling highly valued in today’s labor market. Upskilling, as per research by Gallup and Amazon, leads to higher earnings—an average of $8,000 more per year—and increased career and life satisfaction. Of those who upskilled, 75% saw career advancements, with 39% of them advancing within their current employer. Opting for a GMS-T certification not only demonstrates industry expertise, but also proficiency in areas like culture and diversity, global talent mobility policy management, risk mitigation, and strategic talent mobility.
New England Relocation Association Holds Spring Meeting
On 27 April, the New England Relocation Association (NERA) held a meeting titled “Sustaining the Future of Mobility,” attended by a record 103 mobility professionals. The meeting, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, started with a corporate roundtable, followed by networking sessions. The day’s discussions included sustainability, remote work, and inclusion in mobility, led by experts Samantha Kuhn, Andrew Walker, Melissa Knight, and Suzie Chapman.
Brazil’s finance ministry has increased its 2024 inflation forecast to 3.63% while maintaining its 2.3% economic growth forecast, even as the central bank upholds a 13.75% interest rate amid high inflation and government calls for rate cuts. — Reuters
A new study suggests that the global economy stands to lose trillions in the aftermath of an El Niño event, potentially leading to a global economic loss of over $3 trillion by the end of the decade, with some countries affected more than others. — Axios
The DIGNITY Act has been reintroduced for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), focuses on modernizing the U.S. immigration system, including revisions that would impact employment-based immigration. — Texas Tribune
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Florida’s new law banning certain foreign nationals from purchasing various types of property. Under the law, foreign nationals from “countries of concern,” including China and Russia, are excluded from purchasing agricultural land and/or property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure. — The Associated Press and The Hill
The Roundup
2023 Global Workforce Symposium Call for Proposals – Worldwide ERC is actively looking for speakers willing to present our audience with relevant information on a variety of topics at GWS, held this year in Boston on 17-20 October. Learn more and submit.
Apply to serve as a 2024 Worldwide ERC® Board member –We are seeking members with leadership experience, industry knowledge, and volunteer commitment to apply for the board. Learn more.
Apply to serve on the 2024 Foundation Board of Trustees – We are seeking three trustees with leadership and/or foundation experience, industry knowledge, and volunteer commitment to apply for a trustee position. Learn more.
Worldwide ERC® Regional Summits –Worldwide ERCreturns to international events, gathering mobility professionals in both Singapore and Brazil this September. Registration is now open for the following regional summits:
Looking for an open position or hiring for a mobility-related role? Visit Worldwide ERC’s Career Center to view or promote current openings.
The Breakroom
France has become the first country to ban short-haul flights on routes that can be covered by a train trip of two-and-a-half hours or less. This law is anticipated to impact just three domestic routes: Paris-Orly to Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon.
Short-haul flights are viewed as detrimental to the climate due to their carbon emissions. While long-haul flights are also carbon-intensive, they lack viable alternatives. Interestingly, medium-haul flights, typically lasting three to six hours, can emit less carbon dioxide than diesel-run trains traveling the same distance.
A ban on short-haul flights in the United States is improbable, and the Environmental Protection Agency has not issued strict aircraft emissions regulations. Furthermore, the U.S. lacks high-speed rail infrastructure, with even its fastest option, the Acela, being significantly slower than bullet trains elsewhere.
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