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As we acknowledge the 25th year of the Alberta Branch, I want to personally thank John Davies, FCIS for taking the time to document the Branch’s history over the past quarter of a century. As a Branch, we acknowledge there have been many long-standing members who still remain active at the Branch level.
Earlier this year, the Alberta Branch made a motion at the Spring National Board of Directors meeting whereby long-standing members of ICSA Chartered Secretaries Canada are formally acknowledged by National Office. I am pleased to inform the Alberta members this motion passed unanimously and that National Office is in the process in putting together a program to acknowledge long-standing members having 25 and 50 years of membership.
Once the program has been finalized, the Alberta Branch plans to have a special event whereby we acknowledge and celebrate these individuals. We hope to organize this event in June or September 2007 and want to extend an invitation to join us in recognizing these members. More details will follow.
Your Board of Directors
This past year Patty Orr, FCIS completed her first full year as Branch Chairman and National Director. Patty assumed a member position with the National Education Committee and has since been asked to assume the National Chair position for the same committee after the May 11, 2007 Annual General Meeting of ICSA Chartered Secretaries of Canada, which she has accepted.
As a Board, we have worked diligently to increase our Branch’s transparency and successfully developed Terms of Reference for each committee position at the Branch level. The Alberta Branch is the first Branch in Canada to adopt such Terms of Reference. Thank you to Allen Cameron, Chair of Strategic Planning Session for spear-heading this initiative.
During this year’s nominating process, it was confirmed that two of our current Board members were stepping down: Allen Cameron and Kumar Mendis. On behalf of the Board and its members, I want thank both gentlemen for their time and continued support and hope we will see them at many member events in the future.
I would also like to formally acknowledge the continued dedication and perseverance of one of our long- standing Board members, John Davies, FCIS. John has continued to show the Board guidance and mentoring and we are a stronger Board for his continued commitment. In fact, this is John’s twenty-fifth year with the Board of Directors. As such and on behalf the Board members and membership, thank you John, we wouldn’t be where we are without you.
Associate and Fellows
This year was a very successful year for Alberta’s members. I am pleased to confirm Colin Petryk became an Associate and Patty Orr became a Fellow. It is also my pleasure to acknowledge Rachel Desroches at the Annual General Meeting of the Branch in presenting her with her Fellow certificate.
Programme and Public Affairs
Although the number of member events was limited during the 2006-2007 year, we most recently had one of our most successful events whereby Bill McGannon gave his presentation on Risk Management. There were approximately 20 people in attendance, including four students from SAIT’s Legal Assistant program. We look forward to having more member events in the Fall 2007 and would encourage members to approach the Board with topics relevant in today’s marketplace.
Membership
With the new Board and in the coming year, it is hoped more initiatives will be undertaken to encourage membership growth. Chitrika Weerasekera assumed the Membership Chair position from Kumar Mendis and has noted that in the coming year, she would like to see more communication with the membership.
Finance
The Branch continues to be viable; operates within its revenue limits; and remains strong financially. We would like to acknowledge and thank Walter Herdzik for his continued dedication as Treasurer.
Edmonton Chapter
It is still a hope that the coming year will see the Edmonton membership get more involved with Branch activities. We are very pleased to have two members accepting the challenge to revive interest in the Branch and want to thank Leslie Blyth and Michelle Demers for their continued efforts.
Junior Achievement (“JA”)
The Branch continues to provide training and assessment for this developmental opportunity. Thanks to Elaine Leung; Walter Herdzik; Rachel Desroches and Chitrika Weerasekera for their time on this project.
Leslie Blyth continues to try and connect with the JA office in Edmonton in an attempt to rekindle that relationship.
The Branch believes strongly in its commitment to JA and mentoring our cities’ youth. Our members are continually amazed at the breadth of knowledge these students bring and will continue to work with JA in the future.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting for the Branch will be held in Calgary, Alberta on April 26, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bow Valley Club, J. Lecky Room, 370, 250 – 6 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta. We look forward to seeing our membership at this event and have invited Dr. Leslie Blyth, FCIS of Edmonton, AB to speak on “Education and Professional Responsibility”.
Patricia (Patty) Orr, B.A., B.Sc., P.ADM., FCIS
Chairman, ICSA – Alberta Branch
April 2007
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