Over the last
year, the BC Electrical Association has focused on
strengthening our relationships with industry partners,
members and other associations. By meeting with our
peers, we know and understand that our strength comes
in our diversity and the ability to change and evolve
over the years. Without this flexibility, we would not
have been able to successfully celebrate our 85th
anniversary in October 2009.
Through
networking opportunities with members, we listen,
change and continually grow. We learn what is necessary
to help our association maintain a strong presence and
continually strive to meet, and exceed their
expectations. It is an ever-evolving learning process;
which the BCEA embraces without hesitation.
As part of our
85th Anniversary we celebrated the past, present, and
future of the BCEA. The presentation of our history
showed how strong the BC Electrical Association, and
our members, have been a large part of the positive
changes over the years in both British Columbia and
across Canada. At the 85th Gala we also launched our
BCEA Recognition Awards. The awards program will
continue to recognize both members and non-members who
contribute so much to our industry.
We initiated
holding "member forums" last year with the
intent to accept guidance and gather research from all
avenues of our membership. Our members are the eyes and
ears of the industry. We hear that career building
opportunities and quality education is at the top of
everyone’s list. We are in the process of career
mapping each member category to help strengthen our
careers program. As part of this project, we are
organizing manufacturer career days with the hope of
eventually reaching out to customers.
Challenges and
change go hand-in-hand with a growing association. As
you are aware, the BCEA did not hold any trade shows
over the last two years. With the downturn of the
economy, we felt it was a necessary break; however,
with the request of both members and customers, we are
once again in the planning stages for shows in the
upcoming year.
I would like to thank our
Chairman, Harry Van Beest, for his focus and dedication
this year. With his help we were able to strengthen our
industry partnerships. Thank you for your time and
guidance. To the BCEA Board of Directors and Executive,
your knowledge and wisdom guides this association to
bigger and better places each year. To my Executive
Assistant, Jackie Moffat, thank you! Your dedication
and hard work makes you a valuable person to this team!
