President's Message - Winter 2010
Happy new year to all CHBA-Alberta members.
As we open the calendar on another year, our industry is optimistic that greater prosperity is on the horizon. We can all agree that 2009 had many challenges but we should also reflect on the important lessons this past year taught us.
2009 reminded us of the cyclical nature of our business and that good times do not last forever. The global economic crisis required that each of us get our fiscal practices in order, to cut waste and unnecessary business expenditures. Some of us remember these lessons from past recessions but for many newer industry members this was a timely and difficult lesson. While our industry may fret about the hardships endured this past year, our setback was minor compared to the industry south of the border and millions of consumers around the world. I am pleased that most of us came through alright.
Just as it is wrong to think that the good times will last forever, it is also a mistake to think hard times will also last forever. Most economists are predicting that 2010 will see the economy experience positive growth. Not the boom we had two years ago but a gradual climb out of the recession. Dark clouds continue to hang over the manufacturing sector centered in Ontario and Quebec but Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC and the Maritime provinces are doing surprisingly well. However, we remain in very uncertain times so the future should be viewed with cautious optimism. But the indicators are there that consumer confidence in the marketplace is being restored.
Just like the marketplace, our industry has also successfully weathered the storm. The provincial executive of CHBA - Alberta had to make some difficult decisions in light of our falling membership and housing start numbers. We had to make some unpopular changes to the fee structure, in order to accommodate the ongoing work that the association does. We also had to put some of our programs on hold.
We took stock of our major programs such as One Voice One Industry (OVOI). I think it is important to remember that before we moved towards OVOI we did not have a voice at all with the legislature. CHBA-Alberta is not going to win every battle and, even when we win, our victories are not always easily recognizable. But be assured the staff at the CHBA-Alberta office continues to work hard and seek the solutions to the challenges our industry faces. We do need to become more effective communicators about our government relations actions and increase the opportunities for our members to be involved - that is something we are pledging to change.
I am pleased to say we are turning a corner. The membership numbers are starting to rebound. The leaders of our industry (and Jay Westman described them as “Determinators” of our industry) were challenged by Jay to support the industry through the tough times by doubling the fees that they were required to pay. To the board’s (and my) delight, the response to this challenge has been incredible. These donations not only show leadership but demonstrate a vote of confidence in your board.
There are also some changes in the CHBA-Alberta office. This past fall Kathy Watson, our Executive Officer, came to the board and selflessly requested that, since the association was now turning to a more sustainable financial situation, she would like to concentrate strictly on government relations rather than fulfill both duties. The board accepted her recommendation and is now in search of a new EO. We are hoping to have the new EO in the office by spring of 2010. This should help us be more effective in both those positions.
Late last year we were able to bring in Sue Pekonen in the new position of Program Manager – Sustainable Housing now that operations of Built Green™ are part of the services provided by CHBA-Alberta. Sue is busy getting organized to make the Built Green™ program effective for all of us.
Overall this is shaping up to be an exciting year and I hope that each of you enjoys a more prosperous year. It is my intention to attend more functions of each of the locals this year and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. I look forward to serving as your President, and if there is anything our association can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Baldev (Deep) Singh Shergill
President, CHBA – Alberta | 
