FROM THE PRESIDENT George A. Willis csc, sasc
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new year brings many changes, and sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin as one looks ahead to the future and all that the year may bring. Therefore, before racing off into thoughts associated with 2020, I would like to spend a few moments acknowledging a specific change within the Society toward the end of 2019. The election process for a new Board of Directors began in November and was opened up to the entire Society’s voting membership. Specific dates were set to address the criteria required for the democratic process of electing the new Board. Once the voting results were in, the members of the new Board were announced. But before welcoming those successful candidates to the Board of Directors, I would like to take a moment to offer my sincere gratitude to those members who served on the Board for 2019. To those who gave of their time, your service is most appreciated, and your efforts will be catalysts in the ever-evolving Society. Each year the Society has its share of challenges, and 2019 was no exception. The various challenges presented were met head-on with great enthusiasm, and what more can one ask for. The most rewarding aspect was the fact that all the Board members were ready for another year of offering their services to the Society. However, due to the democratic voting process, there were certain changes that took place and altered those valued intentions. One of the changes resulted in the Board having to bid farewell to its long-serving treasurer and Chairman of the Board Joseph Sunday PhD. Joseph Sunday has for so long been a solid driving force behind the Society and the many endeavours associated with it. His knowledge and guidance have afforded the Society the ability to un-
4 • Canadian Cinematographer - January 2020
dertake many successful initiatives that will speak to his legacy. Thank you, Joe, from all of us with whom you shared your valuable thoughts, insights and wisdom. But above all, your great leadership will always be most appreciated. We also bade farewell to Phil Earnshaw csc who served on the Board of Directors and prior to that the executive committee for the past 25 years. During that time, he took on many responsibilities, acting as Treasurer, Membership Chair and Recording Secretary. Recently, he also started the current mentorship program. We also offer our sincere thanks to Phil for all of his dedication and commitment to the Society. 2020 will no doubt have its share of challenges and what we like to refer to as “targets of opportunity” with the glass always appearing to be half full. The optimistic outlook that we all share will help in seeing various initiatives and goals to satisfactory conclusions. We know that concerted efforts will be required to move ahead, and I have no doubt that all the members of the Board will be up to the various challenges that we will expect. While not being specific about future plans, there is one major hurdle that has been undertaken, and I am pleased to report that the new website is now well underway and we look forward to continued growth in that regard. We all know and understand the enormous amount of work that is associated with running the Society, and I am sure that the new members of the Board of Directors will offer suggestions and solutions in efforts to take on the exponential growth that we expect and are looking forward to in the Society. It would appear that the industry is headed for another successful year. And so, as we take on the future and all that it has to offer, I would like to wish you and your families a year filled with good health and prosperity.
