AGM
ASTTBC’s 2017 AGM & Conference a SUCCESS!
THEME: ‘Professionalism in Practice’
On May 26th, ASTTBC hosted more than 240 members, strategic partners and guests at the 58th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Surrey, BC. The annual highlights and announcement of ASTTBC’s 2017-2018 Council was given during the AGM Business Session, followed by a Panel Presentation, ‘Professionalism in Practice’, exploring contemporary topics and challenges associated with professional practice in the BC work environment. An afternoon Keynote Presentation by Tim Smith, PGeo, EngL, FGC delivered a ‘Professionalism under Pressure’ presentation sharing valuable take-away messaging on emergency preparedness for BC residents.
The AGM Business Session shared highlights of ASTTBC’s initiatives for 2016 and the coming year, and also announced the ASTTBC Council for 2017-2018, including ASTTBC’s new President, Trent Reid, CTech. Trent has dedicated his professional career to advancing his knowledge in the civil engineering field and project management. Trent steps into the role of President as Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL completes his 2015-2017 term. The Business Session also included greetings from ASTTBC’s special guests and industry partners: Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, Technology Accreditation Canada, Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC, Association of BC Forest Professionals, College of Applied Biology and many others.
After the Business Session, ASTTBC members with continuous 25, 40 and 50-year membership were recognized and honoured. This special presentation takes place to demonstrate ASTTBC’s appreciation for the commitment long-standing members make to ASTTBC and the greater technology community. These ASTTBC members are vital to our organization and its development.
The morning Panel Presentation featured three highly esteemed experts who brought their perspectives on professionalism, risk management, liability and protection. Charles Joyner, ASTTBC Registrar began the panel presentation with this important message: to be professional is to be accountable to authorities, clients and most of all to yourself. Charles added that professionalism is observed by everyone. The extent of professional practice is evaluated by the authority having jurisdiction or the Practice Review Board or the court system. Greg Miller, Partner, Lindsay Kenney LLP, LLB, PEng and ASTTBC’s Legal Counsel shared five ways to protect yourself from liability issues and risk. They include: diligence in contract development, stay currenting in your field (CPD), managing and checking your work, keeping good records and insuring yourself appropriately. Allan Russell, President & CEO, McElhanney Consulting brought insight from the perspective of a large organization, citing that uncertainty is the worst possible scenario for any industry and that a proactive assessment of risk versus reward should be conducted when undertaking any work. Allan also shared the multiple, valuable roles that technology professionals play within McElhanney Consulting by presenting a career path model for technology professionals, demonstrating growth opportunities up to the senior level. An ASTTBC Member, H. Jugandi AScT CET, who attended by webinar commented, “The panel presentation on “Professionalism In Practice” over the web broadcast was excellent, greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you.”
After the Awards Luncheon, Keynote Speaker, Tim Smith, PGeo, EngL, FGC delivered the ‘Professionalism under Pressure’ presentation. Tim Smith is an Engineering Geologist providing services to the resource and transportation industries, government, engineering and legal firms in Canada, USA, Scotland and Australia. His primary field of work is landslide and risk assessment. In his presentation, Mr. Smith described his experience during a climbing trip when the 7.8-magnitude Gorkha earthquake hit Nepal. He also shared what it was like to survive a major earthquake, and what type of feelings it causes. Tim highlighted the similarities between BC and Nepal, and discussed some of the things British Columbians need to be prepared for when the “Big One” hits.
Christy Clark, Premier of BC was unable to attend the day but sent greetings, citing “BC’s Technology Professionals play a vital role in the growth and development of our economy and are contributors in many major industries. I would like to commend you for the work that you do and to thank the organizers of this event for providing an opportunity for learning and networking.”
The day closed out with a social reception hosted by ASTTBC, offering a time to relax and a chance to have that final conversation with colleagues, council and staff. It was a wonderful way to end the day with food, drink and good friends. After a busy day of AGM Business, panel discussions and guest speaker – the informal mixer is a perfect way to end the day!
View the ASTTBC 2017 AGM & Conference photo album here.
View the AGM Business Session webinar recording (audio only) here.
View the Panel Presentation webinar recording here.
ASTTBC extends recognition and appreciation to our AGM 2017 Event Partners and Sponsors.
Read about last year’s event – 2 0 1 6
ASTTBC’s 57th Annual AGM & Conference:
The importance of technology professionals to the BC economy, employment trends, and accessibility were the main topics of discussion at this year’s AGM in Surrey. ASTTBC Council and staff were pleased to welcome more than 200 members and stakeholders to the Sheraton Guildford Hotel and even more participants via webinar for this informative day.
The event theme, Technology Professionals in Demand, showcased the vital impact Technology Professionals have on building a vibrant BC economy and stressed the growing demand for qualified techs as a result of demographic and economic trends.
The day began with Linda Reimer, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, representing the provincial government and introducing video greetings from government leaders. Linda was elected MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam in 2013, and currently serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for Communities.
Video greetings from Premier Christy Clark and Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister responsible for the ASTT Act, acknowledged the important contributions ASTTBC members provide to BC’s economy.
View Premier Christy Clark video: https://youtu.be/GzwTfoF6X8I
View Hon. Andrew Wilkinson video: https://youtu.be/xF7CDY1gnqM
Marvin Hunt, MLA for Surrey–Panorama, also spoke before the Business Session. Marvin was elected to the Legislature in 2013 and first elected to Surrey City Council in 1988.
Delegates also enjoyed remarks by George Heyman, who was elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Fairview in 2013. George serves as Opposition Spokesperson for Environment, Green Economy and Technology.
The Business Session shared highlights of ASTTBC’s initiatives for 2015 and the coming year, and announced the ASTTBC Council for 2016-2017.
After the Business Session, ASTTBC members with 25, 40 and 50-year certificates were recognized and honoured for their continuous years of membership in ASTTBC.
The morning Panel Discussion, Technology Professionals – BC’s Advantage, offered insights on labour market conditions in BC, in particular, sectors related to technology professionals. The panel of experts explored human resource strategies to recruit and develop the workforce. The panel included the following:
Eulala Mills – President, Level Headed Thinking
Charles Joyner, AScT, PhD – Registrar, ASTTBC
Alan Bostakian – Manager, Professional Development, Partner Programming and Accreditation, Human Resources Management Association.
MLA Kathy Corrigan brought greetings during the luncheon. Kathy was elected MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake in 2009 and serves as Official Opposition Spokesperson for Advanced Education.
The Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, spoke during the afternoon session. Stephanie was elected MLA for Surrey-Panorama in 2009 and MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale in 2013. She serves as vice-chair of the Cabinet Committee on Secure Tomorrow, and also sits on the Treasury Board, and the Cabinet Working Group on Core Review.
Stephanie spoke about Accessibility 2024, a government-wide 10-year action plan that identifies what citizens can do to reduce barriers and create more accessible, inclusive communities. Since its launch in June 2014, government, business and the disability community have worked together on the range of activities identified in Accessibility 2024.
Stephanie also provided a special introduction for Guest Speaker Randy Lewis. http://nogwog.com/the-author-2
Randy Lewis is an American businessman, a disability employment advocate, and an author. As the Senior Vice President of Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in America, Randy pioneered a program in its distribution centers that resulted in 10 per cent of its workforce consisting of people with disabilities. The result was higher levels of employee engagement, productivity and safety, and lower absenteeism and turnover in the company.
Randy’s moving presentation, No Greatness without Goodness, explored his journey of parenting a child with autism and what it takes to lead with courage in order to change people’s lives for the better.
View the ASTTBC 2016 AGM & Conference photo album: https://goo.gl/photos/JJhrmkz9oGpNzCc78