CPS GOVERNING BOARD MEETINGS

FEBRUARY 16-17 2008

TORONTO

 In accordance with usual practice, the District Commanders' meeting took place on Friday evening and it was my pleasure to introduce incoming VIND Commander, Don Butt to the meeting.

Don had attended the incoming Commanders indoctrination seminar on the previous day and reported that it had been very informative and had allowed him to meet the other incoming D/Cs. 

D/Cs reports which had been previously posted on the web site were reviewed.  There was nothing of great import, although some Commanders expressed continuing concerns over the increased cost of the Boating Course and reduction in membership. 

The six Notices of Motion, which had been previously discussed at the VIND Council meeting were reviewed and there was very little discussion due to the nature of the Motions, which were basically housekeeping items. 

The question of  "automatic membership" was also raised but it was agreed that it was still too early to assess any results, although National Executive officer, Mal Blann reported the following day that membership figures for July 10 2007 to February 14 2008 showed 911 new Full Members, 4 Junior members, 1539 new Associates and 1 new Junior Associate.   We will get a more definitive reading on this during the course of this year. 

The Governance survey and Seminar, which was to take place the following day was commented on and I will talk further on this later in my report. 

The "Squadron at Risk" programme came under discussion and it was suggested that the title was questionable, since it was generally deemed to be a bit "sinister" and that the whole program, including its title be reviewed. 

I circulated the  web obituary notice on Nick Boutcher and was asked to send a card of condolences to his wife Sheila, which I did upon my return. 

On the following day, all members of the Governing Board and the incoming D/Cs attended a Strategic Governance Symposium, presented by Bud Crouch of Tecker Consultants.  This seminar lasted all day and there were a few numb posteriors at the end of it, mine included.

The Symposium started with an overview which included the challenge of leading an organization today, understanding the current external trends impacting CPS-ECP and an understanding of the unique nature of an association.   A self-assessment survey of the governing Board, a review of the paid staff's role and an understanding of their role in the leadership partnership was also reviewed.  There followed a discussion on trends impacting Associations and the strategy in relating to this.  Resources, including the challenge in attracting volunteers, and leadership development and succession planning and recognizing increased competition from all types of organizations was examined.  There was a great deal more discussion on related topics [103 pages in all] and at certain points each table, consisting of 4-6 people was asked to discuss among themselves what had been presented so far and to record their findings, which were handed to the moderator.

The Symposium was very comprehensive and I think that all in attendance gained something from it.  I cannot say if it will really help us to confront our particular problems but the fact that we were able to discuss some of these amongst ourselves and to suggest some possible solutions, from the field so to speak, was helpful.

Following the Symposium, we all had a brief meal and returned to commence the Governing Board meeting in the evening.  The Notices of Motion, previously mentioned, were reviewed and there was very little discussion and all of them were passed.

The former Operations Manual, now known as the Guidebook for CPS Officers, has been put onto a disc and each D/C was given a copy.   I have reviewed this and, although I originally felt I would still like to have this in written form, the disc is very easy to follow, and allows for quick reference.  This disc is available to Squadrons, from HQ, at $5 a copy.  The disc also appears on the web site under Members Moorings and any revisions will be posted and available for download.  I would strongly recommend that each Squadron purchase the disc for each member of its Bridge.     

In a verbal addendum to my report, I passed on the suggestion which came from our District meeting, that information on the share Program be sent to Squadron Treasurers, rather that to P/R officers. 

The evening meeting was adjourned and re-convened on Sunday morning.   A presentation was made by D/C Joan Hicks on the 2008 National convention which is being held in Windsor, Ontario.  Details of the program were given. 

National Training Officer Joe Gatfield passed out two new versions of plotters under consideration by CPS.  Several of these plotters have been passed on to VIND Training personnel, for evaluation and testing.  The results of the tests are to be sent to National by March 14.

Finally, I have been advised that National Administrative Officer Richard Bee and his partner will attend our District AGM at the end of May and I have accordingly sent Richard a complimentary registration. 

I will look forward to seeing you all at the April District Council meeting. 

Respectfully submitted 

D/C Ray Orr