Industry Events: Easa Ontario On International Forefront

Toronto, ON — The Ontario Chapter annual general meeting of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA), held at Metropolitan Hotel Toronto on Jan. 23, 2010, featured meetings, a tabletop trade show, a dinner-dance with the group New Hollywood, and a keynote talk from the association’s international chairman.

Chapter president Brian Larry of Larry Electric Motor Service Ltd. commented on the change of venue to the Metropolitan Hotel, which he said had made the weekend more affordable. “Next year is an election year,” he added, asking “anyone interested in a board position to contact any member of the executive.”

Larry presented an award to Tom May of Trade-Mark Industrial Inc. for support of EASA and the Ontario Rewind Apprenticeship Program. Also, Gerry Siemon of Ampro Electric Ltd. was presented a 20-Year Service Award plaque in recognition of his long association with the chapter.

Chapter vice-president Anthony Lekkas of Stanford Electric Rebuilders noted that EASA Ontario’s Spring Meeting will take place May 7-8, 2010, at The Westin Hotel Ottawa. “The board is working on a shop tour for the Friday,” he noted. “The Friday hospitality suite will be held at the hotel from 8-11 p.m., with cash door prizes to be drawn. The business meeting takes place Saturday at 8:30 a.m.” The details for the Saturday evening dinner and entertainment are to be determined, added Lekkas.

He also noted that EASA Ontario’s Fall Meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10-11, 2010, at the Blue Mountain Resort, Mosaic Village, Collingwood, ON.

Affiliate coordinator Peter Tedesco of Electrowind- Wind Supply Inc. welcomed Ringball Corp. as a new affiliate member, and reminded members to visit easaontario.ca for chapter notices, current news, member information and photographs of past functions. He also thanked all vendors for participating in the event’s sold-out tradeshow

The Ontario Chapter had set up a collection for Haiti Relief at the entrance of the trade show, with the funds raised being donated to the Red Cross on behalf of members.

In his Regional Directors report, Mike Dupuis of Monelco noted that the EASA International meeting and show takes place in Orlando, FL, June 27-29, 2010. He encouraged members to attend. He also suggested they take advantage of all the subsidized training that is offered by EASA, such as webinars. “You can take one per month at an amazing low rate of $49. For one low price, as many people as you would like from your organization can attend. Check out the webinar schedule at easa.com.”

In his Education Committee report, Dupuis said that Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON, will “no longer be providing any future education for our trade. The Ontario government has been approached to help with putting together a new educational program, however the government correspondence is very slow.”

Dupuis also informed the membership that apprentices are eligible for up to $4,000 in government grants and that he had more information available about this program.

International vice-chairman Sandi Howlett of Ainsworth Inc. reminded members that EASA’s annual operating survey is due and noted that the information obtained for it is confidential. “Anyone that participates receives a free copy. A personalized copy of the survey results can be obtained for a small charge.”

Michael Stewart of Stewart’s Electric, Orlando, FL, gave an overview of how EASA’s Roving Chief program works, and discussed how beneficial it has been for himself and his company.

The event’s keynote speaker was EASA International chairman David Griffin, CPM Engineering Ltd., Manchester, UK, who acknowledged the three international board members in the room: Sandi Howlett, Mike Dupuis and Ken Gralow (Gray Electric, Schenectady, NY).

Griffin, who travelled from the UK to attend the chapter meeting, gave a 30-minute presentation highlighting the benefits of EASA to its members and about the work EASA has been doing on behalf of the industry in challenging times. He noted that the association is expanding its technical capabilities, educational programs and products. “Gene Vogel has been hired as the fourth engineer on staff, and EASA is currently on pace to handle over 20,000 technical inquires this year,” Griffin noted.

Griffin also said that EASA Ontario’s Sandi Howlett was to become the first female chairman of EASA International at the association’s annual meeting in June, putting the chapter on the international forefront.

For more information, visit the website at www.easaontario.ca.