President’s Message ~ Ernie Lambert Charting our course

I thought it might be an interesting twist to provide a theme for the year at the beginning of the year, instead at the end of the year for the conference. After reviewing our challenges and opportunities we have chosen “Charting Our Course” for this years theme.

A little over 500 years ago Christopher Colum bus set sail for the new world. Forty-two years ago, John Glenn was launched into space and became the first American to orbit the earth. You might wonder what these events have to do with the “School Plant Officials Association” but I see some strong similarities. There are similarities in their goals, their drive, and their support mechanism.

In both instances they were headed into un charted territory. Their future was uncertain yet they were confident and had the support of their team. They shared the vision of many but, did not head out blindly. They had to chart their course, and work together to achieve their ultimate goal.

Education in British Columbia and how we support it is changing. We may not know exactly where it will end or how it will look, but as a team we will get there. We need to be there. We need to “Chart Our Course”

To do this the “School Plant Officials Asso cia tion” needs to take a leadership role to provide support for education in the Province. Our members have a vast knowledge base. This is based on experience, training and a tremendous support network. We need to make sure that our members are involved in a positive manner to help chart the course for education in British Columbia and our Association.

We can do this by enhancing our relations with the other associations including the Superintendents, Secre tary Treasurers, Trustees, BCPSEA, CEFPI, the Ministry and others. We need to be taking a leadership role, providing recommendations and helping to avoid pitfalls. We will continue with our educational and certification programs.

By taking a leadership role we will promote the value of our Association and its member's abilities to help educate students. If we do not help chart the course, we will have no alternative but to follow or become lost.

Your executive is committed to be involved and to involve the members at large to achieve these goals.

I look forward to working with this year's executive and all members at large to serve this Association as we continue to “Chart Our Course”.

Tel: (604) 575-1493 Fax: (604) 575-0402 Email: pssco@uniserve.com

Cleaning HVAC systems since 1958.

SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE INDUSTRIES LEADING E-COMMERCE WEBSITE AND MAKE YOUR ORDERING EXPERIENCE EASIER THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN! VISIT: www.wesclean.com FOR MORE INFO.