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Changing of the guard
On Oct. 19 the Canadian Security Association will hold its Annual General Meeting as part of Security Canada Central Expo. While the AGM is only open to CANASA members, the expo is open to all security professionals, Oct. 19 and 20. If you are a past attendee, you know what the show is all about. But if you are not, you should know that it is the largest exhibition of electronic security products and services and the biggest gathering of security professionals in Canada. Thousands from across the country and abroad will be there.
September 28, 2011 By Rob Colman
All CANASA members have received their invitation to attend the AGM and member reception that will take place at the end of the first day of the show. Every two years, the attendees of the AGM confirm the change of guard as we acclaim our newly elected National President and also all the new members of our National Board, Chapters and Sub-Chapters. In all, about 70 people, new and returning, will begin their mandate on our boards to help us move the industry and the association forward. These individuals have committed their time — time away from their businesses and families — to make our industry a better place. I thank them in advance for their work, and I encourage you to do the same.
As I write this column, elections are still taking place across the country to finalize the composition of our boards. But I can say that the early results show the strength of our organization, with a great mix of new faces matched with strong returning leaders.
The changing of the guard also marks the departure of people who have made great contributions and helped shape our association.
John King, who has served on the B.C. Chapter, the National Board and many committees going back 20 years, is completing his last lap as the B.C. Chapter Past President. His legacy will stay with the association for many years, and I will personally miss his no-nonsense, straight-talk approach.
Mark Fairley, who has also been on the Ontario Chapter, the National Board and many committees for the longest time, has also indicated that he will not be returning as he begins to enjoy retirement. Mark was presented with the R.A. Henderson last year, our highest award, in recognition of his contributions.
Normand Fiset and Robert Branchaud are also leaving their leadership positions to a new group of leaders on the Quebec Chapter Board. Both will, however, continue to be active in the Chapter: Normand as the association representative at the Bureau of Private Security and Robert as the Chapter Past President. Inseparable during their tenures as Presidents spanning the last eight years, they have played a central role in shaping the industry in “La Belle Province” during that time.
There is always the fear of being too early or too late or simply forgetting someone when acknowledging our members. But the changing of the guard always gives us the opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for the contribution they have made — or for the one they are about to make.
JF Champagne is the Executive Director of CANASA.
He can be reached at jfchampagne@canasa.org, or (800) 538-9919
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