GLP EXECUTIVE MEETING


January 8, 2007 (3 p.m.)
The Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel
1041 S. W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C.
 

Executive:   Staff:
Jim Annunziello
Brian Chow
Kathy Danchuk
Trudy Goold
 
Julie Orban
Gerald Reichenback
Les Thiessen
Ernie Gorrie


 
     

 

    1.                  Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m. with J. Annunziello in the chair.   

    2.                  Approval of Agenda: M/S/C to adopt the agenda as circulated.

    3.                  Approval of Minutes: M/S/C to approve the minutes of November 20 and November 22 as circulated.

 

4.                  Secretary-Treasurer Report: G. Reichenback provided an oral report on the state of chapter finances for December 2006.  A written report will be provided to executive members.

A report on the year-end financial activities of the chapter will be provided to executive members after the December bank statements are available.

M/S/C to accept the Secretary-Treasurer’s report as presented.

5.                  Retirement Planning: The chapter has previously provided retirement seminars for members.  Given improvements in the seminars provided by the Public Service Pension Plan, the chapter will now use those resources to offer one-hour individualized retirement planning sessions with a consultant.  The sessions will be available in-person in Victoria or by telephone for those who are unable to schedule an appointment in Victoria in 2007.

Members will be advised in The Professional to look for information on this from their Local Representative.  E. Gorrie will draft information to be provided to Local Representatives based on input from the consultant.  In addition, members will be advised how to best prepare for the session to maximize the value of the service. 

6.                  Staff Report: E. Gorrie and K. Danchuk reported on their meeting with the Ministry of Forests and Range RFT Task Team in December 2006.  The Ministry is continuing to take advantage of opportunities created by the establishment of the RFT designation in the 2003 Foresters Act.  This may be seen as disadvantaging Professional Foresters in some instances.  The PEA is continuing to advance the importance of Professional Foresters in protecting and developing forests and rangeland. 

E. Gorrie will write to the RFT Task Team reiterating the PEA’s views on possible initiatives from the RFT Task Team.  As any changes are communicated by the Ministry to employees, the PEA will communicate the PEA’s position on those issues to members.  Where there is a possibility that decisions by the Ministry may be contrary to the Foresters Act, the PEA will analyze relevant documents and meet with others as required. 

7.                  Strategic Planning: The current strategic planning document was reviewed.  The executive determined the following is necessary to implement the Strategic Plan. 

i.                     Finalize the plan, including confirming the top 10 priorities to be pursued.

ii.                   Determine the resources (e.g., staff time) needed to implement the plan and secure the necessary resources through endorsement of the plan by the Association Executive.

iii.                  Present the Strategic Plan to GLP members for their information.

iv.                 Establish and implement a regular review process to ensure the continued implementation of the plan. 

8.                  AGM Review: The GLP Chapter Executive discussed the 2006 AGM and discussed possible methods to further encourage member participation in the 2007 AGM.  Considerations included having a buffet dinner meeting; rotating the location to other communities that have high GLP membership, such as Prince George; having a featured speaker from outside of the PEA; having a “Chapter Chairperson Hot Seat” Q&A period; or having Local Representatives around the province remind members of the meeting in case members will be travelling near the meeting location.

One GLP member who attended the AGM provided useful feedback regarding ideas to enhance the AGM in 2007.  The Local Representatives in Kamloops will send email to the local members asking what other changes to the 2006 AGM would have provided greater incentive for them to attend.  The Chapter Executive will consider those comments at a later date.

9.                  Climate Goals Check-in: Executive members reviewed the goals they have established for conduct during meetings.  The consensus was that members had gone off topic at some points during discussions and on some occasions had difficulty focusing listening on the speaker who had been recognized by the Chairperson.  Aside from these deviations, the members were highly consistent with the agreed upon standards.

10.              Next Meeting: Two Executive members and the PEA staff are unable to attend a meeting in conjunction with the February 19, 2007 Association Executive meeting.  Consequently the next meeting will be scheduled for February 22, 2007 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Lower Mainland.  E. Gorrie will attempt to reserve a meeting room at the Marriot Hotel, Hilton Hotel, or the Richmond Inn.

Executive members are reminded of the early start time on February 22 and the need to contact M. Crawford at the PEA Victoria office to confirm any leave or travel arrangements they require.

11.              Further Business: Consideration was given to sending a sympathy card to an excluded manager who had experienced a death in the family.  The Executive determined that it may be appropriate for individuals to express personal condolences, but not for the GLP Executive to communicate.

12.              Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.