Update 6/25/25 – NeSSA recently provided updates for its members on several key issues including a possible merger with the New Hampshire Self Storage Association (NHSSA) and the grant it’s attempting to fund in honor former NeSSA President Charlie Fritts, who passed way in August.
The NeSSA and NHSSA Boards have agreed to pursue a merger, with a vote expected by year’s end. Surveys have been sent to members of both associations to gauge support of the plan. Participants are being encouraged to share their feedback and will have a chance to vote on the matter after the boards vote.
If the merger is approved, the resulting association would serve Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Current member dues and benefits will remain unchanged, with new resources and offerings available as the association grows.
NeSSA and NHSSA currently collaborate annually on four webinars. NHSSA has also served as a cohost of NeSSA’s annual Northeast Storage Expo for two years. Post merger, the associations expect these to continue as well as a collaboration on regionalized one-day educational or social events each fall.
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NeSSA also presented a lifetime achievement award to Charlie Fritts’ wife, Kathy Fritts, during its annual conference and tradeshow in May. The association continues to work with nonprofit Kure It Cancer Research in raising $75K to fund a cancer-research grant in Charlie’s name. According to current president Jessica Lamoureux, donations should be sent via check to Kure It Inc., 1300 Quail Street, Suite 104, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Participants should note “Charlie Fritts fund” in the memo line.
Sources:NESSA, The Northeast and New Hampshire Self Storage Associations Boards Talk About MergingNESSA, President's Message
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3/10/25 – The Northeast Self Storage Association (NeSSA) announced two big initiatives for 2025. The association is working with the nonprofit Kure It Cancer Research to fund a grant in the name of its former president, Charlie Fritts, who died in August. NeSSA is also considering the addition New Hampshire as its fourth covered state, joining Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to a press release.
NeSSA’s goal is to raise $75,000 at its upcoming conference and tradeshow in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Feb. 14-15, to donate to a Northeast research facility that studies underfunded cancers, according to a press release. It has kicked things off by donating $7,500 of its own money. Additional funds will be raised during the live event. Donations can also be made directly to Kure It through May 31.
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Kure It is independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing direct funding to support translational research for underfunded cancers at leading cancer centers. Fritts had battled cancer earlier in his life and was an active supporter of the Kure It mission. Before his death, he suggested the NeSSA Board collaborate with the organization.
“Charlie was so much more than a volunteer,” said Courtney J. Kahler, executive director of NeSSA. “He was a friend, a mentor, a genuinely kind person, and a positive and uplifting voice in any room. The board has wanted to give back to Charlie’s memory and believes a fundraiser in his name with a company he supported is the perfect way to honor him.”
NeSSA has also been collaborating with the New Hampshire Self Storage Association (NHSSA) for a couple of years, having co-hosted live and online events. If the two merge, NeSSA would remain the same in all aspects, according to the release, with the exception of having a larger member base. The organizations are in the early decision-making process and have invited members of both groups to share their concerns and feedback.
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The Northeast Storage Expo will be held at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Co-hosted by NeSSA, NHSSA and the Maine Self Storage Association, it’ll provide industry education, exhibits and networking events.
Sources: Northeast Self Storage Association, Honoring Charlie Fritts with a Kure It Fundraiser, President’s Message Spring 2025
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