“Relax, Enjoy, Meditate, Opportunities” said Raymondo Mollica, newly appointed Chair of the OGCA. This past weekend, we held the 81st Annual General Meeting at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Resort and Spa in Muskoka, Ontario.
This year’s AGM gave OGCA directors and executives an opportunity to share their vision of the association’s future with the general membership and its partners.
On Thursday evening, Ontario’s Minister of Labour joined OGCA members for an evening reception. Minister McNaughton addressed the audience, noting our leadership in health and safety, and the strong voice that OGCA is for driving change in the province. After dinner, guests were entertained by comedian Jimmy Flynn. The performance was a high-energy blend of comedy and popular music, Jimmy Flynn remains one of Canada's ambassadors of good cheer.
Friday was action-packed with business sessions from former Dragon's Den member Bruce Croxon. Bruce’s discussion was focused on how we can effectively manage disruption in our rapidly changing lives. Peter Hall, Vice-President and Chief Economist of Export Development Canada, led a talk on Canada’s economic forecast, how it will impact Ontario and the construction industry. After lunch, guests were educated by health and wellness expert, Sherry Strong. Sherry’s goal was to have the audience carefully consider how nutrition impacts cognitive function, wellbeing and sustainability.
The OGCA 81st AGM was held Saturday morning. Clive Thurston began the meeting with the President’s report. Clive noted that this year has been one the busiest and most accomplished years in OGCA’s history. Craig Lesurf, Chair OGCA Safety Committee, updated members on the elimination of the WSIB’s Unfunded Liability, leading to a rate reduction of almost 50% for most OGCA members.
David Frame highlighted the major accomplishments of our Government Relations team this past year. The OGCA has worked to position itself as a key partner with government, allowing the association to have input on legislative matters that impact our industry.
The OGCA is pleased to announce our new executive committee for 2019-2020:
Raymondo Mollica, Chair
Joel Melloul, First Vice Chair
Bryan Arnold, Second Vice Chair
Lewis Cowan, Honorary Treasurer
John Nipius, Honorary Secretary
John Dawson, Immediate Past Chair
The weekend wrapped up with the Chair’s dinner, where several awards were handed out. Paul Raboud of Bird Construction received the OGCA lifetime membership. Sam Cutruzzola of Inzola Construction received the Chair’s Award of Recognition. Chair Raymondo Mollica awarded outgoing Chair John Dawson with an OGCA plaque to commemorate his term as Chair, while John's wife Christine received a bouquet of flowers. As Raymondo said, "Behind every great man stands a great woman!"
Glenn Ackerley of WeirFoulds LLP received the Jock Tindale Award for Integrity earlier in the week.
The dinner wrapped up with a Murder Mystery put on by Toronto Based Mysteriously Yours.