The 2004 SPOA Conference:
Something for everyone The 40th annual SPOA conference, with the theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence,� attracted a record 140 delegates to Penticton's Trade and Convention Centre, June 14, 2004. True to its billing, it literally offered something for everyone involved with school buildings. One of the key organizers John Garossino, of Kamloops, said the conference was tremendously successful, sold out and operating with a waiting list. In a trade show that blended its
activities and representatives with SPOA presentations, 119 exhibit booths were staffed. Throughout, a partners' program provided a full range of activities for both delegates and exhibitors. Events got under way with a golf tournament on the first day, at Skaha Meadows Golf Course, followed by a president's reception at the conference centre. On June 2, the trade show opened and, following a new member orientation, a Ministry of Education update session provided SPOA members with information on where things are headed and what they will have on B.C.'s school districts. 16 School Plant Officials Association of B.C.
Caleb Wong, of the Employer Advisor Office, Ministry of Skills Development & Labor, presented an update on Workers Compensation Board regulations that affect school districts. Linda Kinney, of SHAPE, spoke on secondary school theatre concerns and how they should be addressed, especially in light of student and staff safety. Jim Watson, an RGC technical manager, addressed the delegates and exhibitors on what to look for when assessing roofs. Ernie Lambert, Vice President, and Operations Supervisor with the Rocky Mountain school district, conducted a round table session on custodial staffing and standards, and equipment evaluations. Risk management consultant Ed McGuigan provided a review of a new consulting system that has been put in place and what it means to the members. On June 3, SPOA's annual general meeting got under way, with annual elections. Later in the day, Brian Chutter, an employee relations specialist with BCPSEA, discussed the sensitive topics of discipline and grievance. He followed this with a discussion on disability management issues. Later, representatives of Terasen Gas, Matt Steele, Tom Loski and Adrian Patridge, covered the firm's natural gas rates, demand-side management and delivery cost/commodity affairs, among other topics. Rex Morrison, of Reno, Nev., spoke on a new process cleaning system that combines the best of team and zone cleaning. The public schools of Reno implemented this new approach and realized cost savings, increasing the cleanliness of their buildings at the same time. Ernie Lambert conducted a presentation on SPOA certification, explaining the process involved and how this program developed. A round table discussion followed, for delegates interested in filling out an application for certification. John Bonnet and Terry Gomez, BCSSA, spoke on strategies for injury prevention and a BC Hydro Power Smart presentation designed especially for school custodial staff, proceeded with Amy Dean, marketing manager for BC Hydro. Wayne Ferguson, remediation coordinator, for the Building Envelope Program, discussed the program outline, what con-
