May 2018 has been an interesting and productive month for the CAA.

To start with, the CAA launched the second year of the CAA Business Awards program. Unlike other awards programs,  The CAA’s program is focused on the business of architect.  Not what you accomplished, but the processes you used.

For more information check the CAA website for the details, including suggested ideas, submission guidelines, last year’s winning entry and more.

We also struck a committee for the Pitching Green initiative. The first committee meeting was held early this month. In addition to a general discussion about the grant funding and the expected outcomes, the committee got right on task identifying potential clients/audiences.  The next meeting is scheduled for mid June, which will include development of the Pitching Green questionnaire.  I hope that all CAA members will take a few minutes to complete the survey when it is ready.

As well, we had a productive presence at the AAA’s 2018 Banff Sessions. CAA Chair Allan Partridge introduced one of the session’s speakers, Sunny Ghataurah.  He also used that opportunity to say a few words about the CAA, including the CAA Business Awards program and the Pitching Green initiative. I also attended Banff Sessions this year, which enabled me to reach out to many CAA members and non-members.  In addition to talking about the awards and pitching green, it was a great opportunity to meet and chat to many of the attendees and sponsors.

I am very thankful that AAA kindly agreed to include the postcards for both initiatives in their delegate folders.

As usual, the CAA continues to deal with RFP issues and contract issues. As always, if you come across contract issues, please let us know so that the Procurement and Contracts Committee can deal with them.

Speaking of the P&C Committee, we have another new member for this committee. Our succession plans are working. We now have four new young architects.

We have also cemented the date/time/location for the CAA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting.  I am pleased to announce that the AGM will be held at the University of Calgary on Thursday September 20.  The reception starts at 5:00 p.m.