PAGE A4 – December 2008 – The GTA Construction Report
Editor’s
Publisher’s
column
viewpoint
Matthew Desrosiers
By Chase
Where has 2008 gone? Thinking back it has tending the annual Toronto Construction Asso-
As the year winds down, it’s time to start looking ahead to 2009. passed quickly, yet so much has happened this ciation (TCA) Christmas Luncheon where
We here at the Construction News and Report Group of Companies have year from new sponsorship relationships with around 2000 people will be networking on the
a lot planned for the upcoming year. Now, I can’t leak much information,
great organizations such as Wood WORKS, final day of Construct Canada.
but I can say we’re looking at a bright future, thanks largely to our ongo-
Canadian Green Building Council, Skills On- On December 11th I will be attending the
ing cooperation and relationships with you, the members of our industry
tario and Sustainable Buildings Canada to name 3rd Annual Christmas Luncheon & Food Drive
.
You keep building, and we’ll keep writing about it.
a few. This year was all about getting more in- for the NCA. The event is being held from
W
volved in the construction industry and im- 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Quality Hotel Park-
e’ve had a host of interesting features run in our publications this year.
We’ve highlighted some truly innovative projects that make us stop and re-
proving our overall image while covering a way Convention Centre and will be benefiting
wide range of industry events. the Niagara Community Care Food Bank. Spe-
think the way we build. I’m thinking obviously of green, sustainable build-
One of my personal goals for 2008 was cial guest speakers for the event will be Mr.
ings, but also the challenging builds that one would think couldn’t be done,
about getting more involved with my local as- Paul Charette, Chair and Mr. Michael Atkinson,
or those architectural marvels that make your eyes go wide.
sociations and this has led me to the Public Re- President of the Canadian Construction Asso-
We’ve also covered those ‘feel-good’ stories, and it’s amazing the sheer
lations, Membership and Young Leaders ciation (CCA) to talk about what the CCA has
volume of those types of stories around our industry. Again, I think of Habi-
Committees for the Niagara Construction As- planned for 2009. This is my first time being di-
tat for Humanity helping build homes for impoverished families. I think of sociation (NCA). As I look forward to 2009 I rectly involved with the event as a member of
the men and women who work in treatment centres, fundraising for new am looking to expand my involvement to in- the NCA Young Leaders Committee; we will
state-of-the-art facilities to better serve their patients. And of course, I’m
clude a more active part with the Niagara Home also be running a competition against the
thinking of all those many companies out there who on a regular basis, do-
Builders Association (NHBA) with the Habitat Hamilton Construction Association and the
nate to charities within their communities to help those in need. All of these
for Humanity Committee. First question you TCA to see who can raise the most food based
types of ‘feel-good’ stories are among my favourite to feature in our pub-
may ask is where do I find the time? Well, when on size of membership.
lications, because they really do make you feel good!
you are doing things you enjoy such as getting
Now, not everything is always great news. Here at the Construction
involved with your associations, time is not an Chase is the Director of Client Services for
News and Report Group, we sometimes have to talk about the controver
issue. The meetings become part of your regu- the Construction News and Report Group as
-
lar schedule and allow you to keep a close eye well as the Associate Publisher for the GTA
sies, and there have been more than a few over the past year. But of course,
on the pulse of the industry. Construction Report and Structures, the Niag-
that’s in our mandate. It’s our duty to provide as much information as pos-
Even though 2008 is coming to a close I still ara Home Builders Association Newspaper. If
sible to the readership, and we welcome your feedback on these issues as
have a few events to attend. First up is the you have any recommendations or suggestions
well. In fact, many of you have been invited by our president, Mark Buck-
NHBA Christmas Dinner December 2nd at on changes you would like to suggest for the pa-
shon, to participate in surveys, answer questions, or just provide comments Club Roma in St.Catharines and travelling to pers please contact him toll free at 1-888-432-
on one issue or another. We do this because we want to keep our ears to the Toronto the next morning to attend Construct 3555 ext 211 or email him
ground, and give everyone the opportunity to be heard. Remember, we are
Canada where we will be set up at booth #117 chasemarketing@sympatico.ca
here for you. I’d like to take the opportunity to extend an open invitation
from December 3rd to 5th. I will also be at-
for any and all of our readers to send us feedback, comments, and/or story
ideas at any time. We love hearing from you, and going into the New Year,
we want to work closer with you than ever.
Which brings me to something new you can expect from us in 2009. As
you know, in our publications we have the ‘Community News’ section. As
a company, we have decided to expand these sections to create stronger
ties within our community. We want to give you a reason to pick up our
paper every month. What you will find in the expanded section is an in-
The GTA Construction Report is published monthly by Mekomedia Enterprises Inc., Suite 202,
1 Cleopatra Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K2G 3M9. The GTA Construction Report is available free at
crease in the amount of pictures, and an improved focus on the people. We
selected building supply dealers and at the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites Toronto East at the
will send our photographers and writers to community events to snap shots, 401/Warden Exit. You can subscribe to GTA Construction Report for $37.50 per year plus GST.
to your grand openings to get names, and to your worksites to meet the
To change your address or cancel a subscription, please email subscriptions@cnrgp.com or fax
men and women who really make things happen, and then we’ll put it all
your request to 888-370-8745. If you would like to request a new (paid) subscription, you can
e-mail or fax us, or if you prefer, phone toll free 888-432-3555.
in the new, expanded section for you to enjoy! So keep your eyes peeled for
the refurbished community news section as we develop it for the upcom-
We welcome your news about upcoming projects, company anniversaries and special events.
ing year
Fax your news releases to 613-224-1076. Daily update data on upcoming projects, including
.
contact names and phone numbers, is available from F.W. Dodge. For more information, phone
As a company, we are very proud to be working within this industry, for
613-727-4900 ext 4902 or 493.
this industry. We are very proud to be associated with all of you, and we
look forward to an ongoing partnership that we can take into 2009.
Until next year, happy holidays, and thank you for all of your support.
President: Mark Buckshon
Publisher: Chase
Editor: Matthew Desrosiers 888-432-3555 ext 111
Director of Sales and Advertising, GTA,
Chase 888-432-3555 ext 211
••
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GTA Construction Report
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The Construction News Group:
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Breaking new ground,
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Call (613) 224-7926 / 888-432-3555, fax (613) 224-1076
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Building new bonds
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and
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