Following the tradition that started a few years ago, we had our “Town Hall” just prior to the sponsor’s reception. As always, the idea of this session is to allow our government partners to provide our members with summaries of activities at the various levels of government. For instance Ron Madill of MTO gave the latest status on the SPIF 4 program, with its reforms for straight truck, and pony and full trailer weights and dimensions in Ontario. Transport Canada provided an update on their enforcement activities and Jeff Patton of NRC asked whether there were any trailer manufacturing members who would like to participate in some aerodynamic treatment studies that the Council is working on.

Tuesday was a busy day, with the following sessions:

• Record Keeping for Trailer Manufacturers, outlining what Transport Canada auditors will be looking for when they come for a visit.
• Risks of Broadening Your Product Horizons, with a rundown of the myriad requirements that make some specialty products particularly complex to deal with. The key message here was, “building these vehicles is “not for sissies” and you need to really do your homework.
• Managing Business Risk was for the business owner/senior manager to understand how a few of our partners can help manage your business risks and conserve your bottom line with some important, forward-thinking programs. Marsh reviewed the status of the CTEA Group Commercial Insurance Program and how the goal here is to move to a self-insured captive for our membership. EDC provided a rundown of their many tools to help you manage the risk of entering various export markets.
• Our luncheon speaker, Dr. Martin Collis, provided excellent insight into how to stay well in this hectic, stressful times.
• A number of OEMs provided their latest product updates and how they may affect the body builder up-fitter. At the same time, our own members and some of our supplier members gave a rundown of their New Products.
• Mike Kerr’s “Humour in the Workplace” went over extremely well and had everyone smiling and practising their “Happy Dance” for the balance of the conference. Although it was fun, the message was valuable too.
• Benefit Partners provided an update on “the BIG COMPANY Advantage”, a new employee benefit program setup with the CTEA to provide significant premium volume discounts for small and medium sized companies.

The day ended with a networking reception in among our Technical Fair, which provided more insight into our member’s products, etc., and allowed old friendships to rekindle.

Wednesday was not as chock full of sessions, but started with a hugely popular session on vehicle dynamics and stability. This was followed with a box lunch & bus ride up the Mission Hill Winery for a tour and networking opportunity. This was something new for us; i.e., a social outing that all delegates and guests could take part in. It went off extremely well and the weather cooperated nicely allowing a great view of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley. I think everyone who came along would agree that was a really nice break and opportunity to relax.

The conference came to a close with our usual banquet. The food was great and we were entertained by stories of the history of the Okanagan by local Weatherman Mike Roberts.

Overall, the feedback has been great. Everyone I have spoken with had a great conference and found it both informative and fun. Of course as head staff person, this is always gratifying to hear, but we are always looking to improve and ensure that we are meeting member needs, so please let me know what you think. What would make the conference a must see, from your perspective? What did we do well and what need improvement? Don’t hesitate to comment, email (don.moore@atminc.on.ca) or call (519-631-0414).

For those of you that were in Kelowna, thanks for coming! For those that couldn’t make it, we look forward to seeing you next year in Moncton, NB.

Bye for now!!
Don Moore
Executive Director
CTEA