Update: January 2021
Parting remarks for a year to remember, or to forget?
“Thank heavens it's over”. This is the typical response from most individuals when asked about 2020. There is no doubt that it has been a year of change for everyone and depending on one’s circumstances, it has been a year that some may not wish to repeat. Having said that and remembering that I am a glass half full kind of person, I will say that there have been some positive outcomes that should be remembered as 2021 begins. Things like learning to make bread, to grow vegetables, to save money, to ZOOM, or to enjoy activities that do not need the latest equipment or gadget. Remember that taking a walk does not require a new pair of designer running shoes. A walk, or other physical activity, does not require the latest smart watch, or water bottle or paid fitness app (those without subscriptions are acceptable). Of course, bread does require flour of some sort, but do you need a bread maker? This is to say that 2020 has reminded us of the importance of family and friends, simple pleasures, patience, and a new appreciation for the value of work done by those helping to put food on our table, or most importantly, care for those we love. As 2021 begins, remember to “be kind, stay calm and be safe”, because it is not over yet.
QAC Wrap-Up
For the QAC - It’s been a good year. Overall, contractors report lots of work and that the quality of the inspection process has improved. The knowledge and insight that inspectors have gained this year, as well as improvement to inspection reports is in part due to the mentoring provided by George Thompson, who has provided needed expertise when technical issues have arisen. Comments from engineers as well as mechanicals have generally been positive. Any disputes or misunderstandings have been resolved quickly with a resulting increase in the number of QAC’s being specified when engineers have constructive dispute resolution outcomes. More engineering firms have specified the QAC this year as growth continues. Despite the closure of YVR jobs earlier in 2020 (all were specified with a QAC), at the end of year six, the QAC program has increased by 14% over 2019. The increase translates to 79 jobs this year with a contract value of just over $13,000,000. Administration fees increased to over $73,000 which has added a significant amount to BCICA’s bottom line. While the growth has been slower that some might wish, I want to remind everyone that the QAC is built on trust, and as long as BCICA continues to improve the outcomes for all partners, QAC growth is assured.
New Bylaw
A reminder to all contractor members that a new Bylaw was passed at the AGM this year. The Bylaw is a tool to assist the BOD with a better understanding of the general cash flow. This will enable a better budgeting process for the association as membership grows and workforces increase. The Bylaw was added as number 13 to Part – 2 Dues, Fees and Assessments and reads as follows:
13. Remittances for Active and Affiliate Members are calculated hourly on a pre-determined rate for all personnel engaged in the installation of mechanical insulation in the Province of British Columbia. In order to confirm the total hours worked by company employees in the field, all contractor members, both Union and Open Shop, must provide a "letter of verification for hours worked” to BCICA in January of the New Year (based on the hours worked in the previous calendar year), and signed by an authorized professional (i.e. Accountant, Lawyer, Notary). (M/CC/S/GT/C) This type of verification is already used by other associations to ensure fairness, maintain competitiveness and assist future planning. Members are requested to please advise their accountants to provide a “letter of verification for hours worked” for 2020 at their earliest convenience in 2021.
Administration Management going Virtual
One of the unintended and positive consequences of having to social distance in 2020 was the use of ZOOM for BOD meetings. It has been so effective that the BOD will continue using ZOOM in the foreseeable future. And, because it has been successful, the BCICA BOD has engaged an association management company to provide all administrative services beginning in 2021. BCICA is going virtual. The BOD reviewed four different proposals and decided that like TIAC, outsourcing association management is cost effective, efficient and timely particularly given the way in which Covid has changed communication this past year. Some changes may not be noticeable, but those who depend on such things as my sense of humour and unique way with words will no doubt be concerned. But fear not. I am staying around to help transition, as is Janet, and I will remain as administrator of the QAC program for some time to come.
Strategic Plan 2021
In addition to moving to a virtual association model, the BCICA BOD has engaged Tom Sigurdson https://iecbc.ca/bio-tom-sigurdson/ to develop a Strategic Plan for BCICA. This is something that has been on the agenda for some time. A strategic plan will help members to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that BCICA faces during the next few years. In order to do the work. Tom will be contacting all members to get insight and comments that will help him to revise BCICA’s mission statement and provide guidance to the BOD and staff. Expect to hear from Tom during January and please provide him with your insight as he develops new strategies for expanding BCICA’s influence in the mechanical insulation industry.
The strategic plan will also serve as a guideline for a new manager. The BCICA BOD is still looking for a full-time manager to lead the association. This is a unique and challenging career opportunity for someone with industry experience, management credentials, and proven leadership skills. If interested, please contact me for details.
Where have all the manufacturers gone?
And finally, as I reflect on 2020 and the growth of the QAC program, I wonder why all mechanical insulation manufacturers are not members of BCICA? Surely the emergence of the QAC in specifications would prompt company decision makers to see the competitive advantage afforded by having products accepted for use in the QAC program? That can also be said of companies that supply ancillary products required by BCICA contractors to install mechanical insulation as specified. The value of Associate membership is not only a competitive advantage but most importantly, it is an acknowledgement of a company’s support for professionalism in the mechanical insulation industry. Perhaps now is the time for supplier, distributor and contractor members, when speaking to material manufacturers, or even when considering current or new lines to stock, to ask this question first. “Is your company a member of BCICA”?
