Message From The Concrete Alberta Board of Directors
As the year comes to a close, we take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year. One of the more significant challenges that our industry has faced is the economic downturn in Alberta. It looks like the province’s economic picture is turning a corner with a positive outlook for 2018, however, with that comes the reality that the recovery will be slow and it is unlikely that Alberta’s changing economy will return to what it was.
The Concrete Alberta Board of Directors are focused on looking forward and ensuring your association is advocating for and promoting our industry to ensure members are positioned to take full advantage of the recovery.
In 2017 members participated in a survey led by Concrete Alberta, and thanks to your cooperation with the project, we are able to inform and influence government, stakeholders, and the general public about the role and impact the Concrete Industry has on the province:
- We are a $3.63 billion industry that has an economic impact far beyond that.
- Our members employ over 10,000 Albertans in local jobs that support communities in every area of the province.
- Despite the economic struggles Alberta has faced in the past, 93% of our members expect to maintain or increase their number of employees in the next two years.
- Our industry knows the importance of small business - 69% of our members have less than 50 employees.
Because of your participation in the economic survey, we have been able to share these strong messages nationally, provincially and locally, and we will continue to do so in 2018. Concrete is produced locally by Albertans, we are proud that our members are literally responsible for the foundation for Alberta’s economy.
Government policy at the provincial and federal levels brought challenges in 2017 including changes to the federal tax system and changes to WCB and OHS. Concrete Alberta was part of the chorus of opposition to these changes and we will strive to assist members in the navigation of these policy changes that 2018 will bring.
Our new Executive Director, Dan Hanson, came on board in August. Those of you who haven’t engaged with Dan will have the opportunity to do so in 2018 and we encourage members to connect with Dan on issues, concerns, or comments that you have. Dan’s experience builds upon his predecessor and will enable our association to enhance our presence locally, provincially, and nationally. Dan will advance our engagement efforts with elected and government officials, stakeholders, and the public as well as continue to build our collaborative partnerships with industry associations in Alberta and across Canada.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Concrete Alberta Annual General Meeting and Convention on June 7, 2018 - save the date! We are taking a different approach to encourage greater participation from our members, including moving the event to Red Deer, a centralized location and making it more affordable. This year’s AGM and Convention will be one day of industry-related speakers and seminars along with the President’s banquet. Our June golf tournament will be held the following day. It will be a great event and we look forward to sharing more information in the coming weeks.
We value your membership and your participation as we work to ensure that our momentum carries forward through 2018. A very heartfelt “thank you” to all members and our volunteer leaders and their companies for your commitment. Without your efforts, our association would not be as relevant and successful as it is.
We wish you joy, rest, and relaxation for the holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year.
Darcy Hiebert
President, Concrete Alberta