2020 VICA CEO REPORT

RORY KULMALA

Vancouver Island Construction Association

The Vancouver Island Construction Association welcomed the beginning of the 2019-2020 fiscal year with enthusiasm and optimism. We began our fiscal year with construction activity on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast at record levels, surpassing expectations with all signs indicating that this trend would continue. As such, we saw our engagement efforts grow our membership from 430 members to nearly 500 by May 31, 2020. This represented unprecedented growth for VICA.

We once again delivered initiatives designed to bring our membership together. During the summer of 2019, events like our Hardhats in the Ballpark and Summer Sizzlers promoted our industry as well as connected members. We continued with our Capital Plan Luncheons in various communities on Vancouver Island, ending the calendar year with our member Christmas luncheon.

Our education programming continues to be at the forefront our member’s needs, all while remaining relevant and accessible. As such, we have seen our programs expand and adapt to your needs. Now in its fourth year, the Construct Your Future program produced 47 graduates and placed them in jobs with our members.

VICA does not operate alone, particularly as we advocate on issues relevant to our industry. We continue to collaborate with other Construction Associations on matters such as Community Benefit Agreements and prompt payment, while also working with other industry associations and Chambers of Commerce to ensure that our construction voice is heard and considered.

The tides of optimism changed in March 2020 with the impact of COVID 19 devastating our economy. Fortunately, the construction sector has fared relatively well. Since being declared an essential service we have pivoted to ensure that construction continued. This was not done without its challenges. The construction sector proved its resiliency and determination to adapt new processes and procedures, ensuring work continued safely.

Like so many agencies and associations, the effect of COVID has impacted VICA. We cancelled all in-person events and classes, pivoting our education programs to an online platform. Additionally, we have adjusted our operating model to ensure that we remained financial healthy while still being able to offer our services.

I would like to commend our Board of Directors, committees, Women In Construction and U40 groups for their leadership, support and involvement with VICA. I look forward to working with them as we embrace a new era of doing business.

Finally, I must thank the exceptional team we have at VICA. Their dedication, commitment and professionalism have created the true value of VICA as we provide the necessary advocacy, education and member services to support your success.