Dear CASF Member and Industry Supporter,
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2018!
Let’s take a moment to reflect on 2017. It was fast-paced and full of surprises to say the least. Top news stories that come to mind are Donald Trump, sexual harassment, hurricanes, political upheaval and refugees, and ISIS, to name a few! That’s just scratching the surface but it’s a year to remember.
For CASF, it was a banner year for our growing association. We once again saw double-digit member growth; we launched the Ken Lemke Education Fund with a renewed focus on education within our industry and we welcomed Paola Battiston, Chair, School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry at Seneca College to the Board of Directors; thanks to our VP and Chair of the Planning Committee, Bob Smith, we held our most successful biennial CASF Conference ever with increased attendance and exhibitors – feedback from the Conference was overwhelming positive; we continue to make great strides in Western Canada thanks to our Board member and CASF Western Liaison Rob Newman, and also in the East thanks to our Immediate Past President Richard Thibodeau; CASF finances are strong (thank you to our volunteer Treasurer Mary Lukic for diligently maintaining our books); we continue to look for ways to strengthen our association through value-added services; and our Treasurer and Social Media Coordinator Michael Tingle has helped to keep our website content fresh and helps to coordinate our Association communication strategies.
On the regulatory and advocacy front, CASF maintains strong ties with local, provincial and federal regulatory bodies and our CASF Regulatory Liaison, Stephanie McCallum continues to work thoroughly and cooperatively with the various levels of government on our industry’s behalf.
Here are some of the regulatory highlights over the past year and what to expect in the coming year:
- Cap and Trade took effect in Ontario and now facilities are faced with the terms and conditions of the auction processes and ensuring they purchase emission allowances for their facilities through the first compliance period. In January of 2018 this program will harmonize with Quebec and California thereby changing the program structure. The MOECC has sent out invites for PARs and AARs to attend training sessions in January. The post 2020 framework is still not developed – CASF is monitoring this regulatory instrument for pending amendments.
- ECCC published a Consultation document in 2017 proposing changes to the Federal Chromium Regulation. CASF responded with a Member Letter requesting face-to-fact meetings in 2018 to talk through the fundamental changes being proposed due to concerns expressed by its member base.
- CASF is currently working with the member ship and MOECC on potentially expanding the list of contaminates currently under the Metal Finisher Industry Standard. In 2018 CASF will be following up with the members and the MOECC on this issue and what the next steps forward will be.
- CASF will continue to provide notices and regulatory information to all members throughout 2018. The federal and provincial governments have been active in 2017 and there is no indication this will slow down in 2018.
What else can we expect in 2018? Your Board of Directors meets quarterly with a continued focus on education, increasing membership value, and promoting our industry and your business. We are excited to have new Board members who bring fresh ideas to the Association.
Also, from January – April, CASF will host and sponsor the Bright Design Challenge (BDC) at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, MI. The BDC is a lively, spirited design competition that connects young designers with major OEM design studios. The winners of the contest receive scholarships on behalf of the Association as the competition challenges students to balance style and function with electroplated and other surface finishes. I personally helped create the program in the 1990’s and it has continued each year since then. It’s a great way to promote surface finishing and our industry to young students who often go on to become lead stylists and designers for the world’s most recognized automotive and motorcycle companies. This year CASF, NASF and CCS have partnered with Harley-Davidson to design the next generation of motorcycles. Thank you to all of our sponsors! You can find out more about the Bright Design Challenge at www.casf.ca/events/bright-design-challenge
Mark your calendar, the CASF Golf Tournament will be hosted this year by Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. on Tues. Sept. 11, 2018. This event always sells out so sign up early and take a shot at the CASF Cup! It’s a great networking event for the industry! More information can be found at www.casf.ca/events/casf-golf-tournament
We can also expect to see continued regulatory pressures on our industry in 2018. These pressures will never subside and we must be diligent as an industry and an Association to ensure we understand the impacts of these regulations and provide a forum for all stakeholders to discuss reasonable courses of action.
As I’ve said in the past, I believe that we are stronger together. This belief continues to be one of the driving forces behind the Association. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and of the dedicated Board of Directors and many volunteers for their efforts towards improving our industry and helping our businesses grow.
We’d like to hear from you, our members. Please email me at [email protected] with your comments or suggestions. 2018 will undoubtedly bring its own challenges, surprises and victories. CASF is ready!
Regards,
Michael Kuntz
President
Canadian Association for Surface Finishing
