Ontario Chapter Chair Michael Cole, CAFM Discusses 2013

In early January, Ontario Chapter Chair Michael Cole, CAFM, Fleet Management Centre, Ministry of Transportation, issued an open letter laying out the exciting plans for 2013.

"First of all one of our affiliate partners has hosted a NAFA Ontario Chapter web page, nafa.poweredbyinsight.com/," Cole said. "The calendar kicks off its first event on January 15 with a networking meeting, (and then) March will be the Chapter's annual general meeting. They are presently working on arranging a speaker and topic for the meeting."

"The 2013 Institute & Expo takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center April 23-26. The excitement begins with the debut of NAFA’s Fleet Excellence Awards Night featuring the presentation of the industry’s highest honors and performance by the legendary Jersey band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes," Cole said. "The conference then follows with powerful keynote presentations to kick off each day, followed by more than sixty hours of fleet educational sessions, an expo with the latest products and services, and plenty of opportunities to network with the best and brightest in fleet management. This year’s educational sessions include a brand new Fleet Sustainability Track presented by CALSTART, a leading catalyst organization for the global clean transportation technology industry."

The end of May will feature the yearly favorite of the chapters, the annual golf outing. Cole was enthusiastic about this year's location. "Imagine a golf course so stunning that every time you step up to a tee you pause to take in the surroundings. Now imagine its only thirty minutes from downtown Toronto. That’s the beauty of Copper Creek Golf Club."

Designed by renowned Canadian Architect Doug Carrick, Copper Creek was recently voted as the best public golf course in the GTA. Set amongst the rolling hills and forest of the beautiful Humber River Valley, Copper Creek is also currently ranked the 36th best course in Canada.

"This year’s tournament (on May 30) will include a silent auction and a donation to Sick Kids Hospital. The details are being finalized and the Committee will be reaching out with sponsorship opportunities," Cole said.

In lieu of a Canadian conference, in the last week of June we will be combining our efforts with the Green Fleet Expo and will form the GFX 2013/NAFA Fleet Fare which will include our annual Ride-n-Drive." This event will be coordinated with Niagara College Motive Power at the Welland Campus. Niagara College will have a concurrent event with over 150 educators from across Ontario as well as students. "We are working out the details of including an abbreviated Fleet Management Seminar that will be open to all participants," Cole added.

"As you can see we have a lot of activity on the go, if anyone is interested in volunteering to assist us please let me know!"

NAFA Fleet Management Association
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Telephone: 609.720.0882 Fax: 609.452.8004