August 21, 2009
Dear Members,
RE: Future of the Credit Grantors Association of Vancouver
As most members are aware, during our last event, the Association conducted a referendum to elicit feedback and support from our membership to revitalize the future of the Association with a new board, new goals and direction, but most importantly a new vision and mandate.
Of the 28 members that responded to our referendum only 20 members’ casted votes and of that 20, 80% of those members believed that our Association presented value to their organizations and a real appreciation for what the Credit Grantors Association of Vancouver (CGA-V) has to offer. This is great feedback but with all Associations you need a strong membership and individuals that have a passion, commitment and drive to take on responsibilities and to see the Association evolve. Of those that casted votes only three members acknowledged and indicated their interest to participate as active board members of our Association.
With prior announcements we have advised our membership that several key executives and board members will be stepping down over the next month, while we’ve had a total of three past and new members volunteer and step forward to assume some of the vacated positions, we still have insufficient numbers at the executive level to sustain a functioning board.
Knowing this I have looked at different strategies including speaking with past and present members to find ways to keep the Association alive for the benefit of those that believe that this organization provides value and service.
In the end, very few members came forward with ideas to try and sustain the operation of this Association including assuming key roles in this once proud Association from becoming a causality of the current times.
Therefore, after careful consideration it comes with a heavy heart that I must make the difficult decision and place the Association in a state of inactivity.
In coming to this difficult decision I have provided my reasons below.
Firstly, we had conducted several on-line surveys with our membership including a referendum regarding the future of the Association, a strategic planning session, a special planned meeting at my office where only one member participated on the future of the Association. The overall effort was futile and became apparent that the members were not interested in attending or participating in the future of the Association. This effectively prevents the establishment of a strong foundation to build and move the legacy of the Association forward.
Secondly, over the course of several months we have been trying to revitalize the Association by asking past and new members to take on active roles on the board and to inject a new vision and mission to our organization. However, due to the lack of interest by the membership to participate either at the executive or board level and the decision by several key executives and board members to step down, it became evident that the Association was no longer viable.
Thirdly, I have been the President of the CGA-V for the past year helping to keep the organization viable and afloat. As most members are aware, this past year the Association had sent e-mail messages to the membership, formally requesting feedback, input, and participation within the board, including attendance to our monthly meetings. During these meetings, the same four or five people including myself were the only people out of the entire membership taking part. In the end I had finally realized that there was little interest by our members to keep this organization running.
Finally, the current period of financial turmoil, budget restraints and the associated economic distress, has created a decline in the attendance at our events. It became apparent that future events would have a financial impact to the Association inevitably, this would place severe burden on the current and future finances of the Association.
Based on the above reasons effective August 31, 2009, the CGA-V will suspend its operation and at such time the Association will be placed inactive for a period of two years. During this period the Association will no longer be charging or receiving membership dues, and/or signing new members. The current board will be meeting in the coming week to discuss the finances of the Association and ensure all liabilities have been addressed.
If by chance a member wishes to reactive the Association a detail business plan and strategy must be submitted to the current board for consideration before the Association is turned over to the new executive team. This is to ensure that the new executive team has a viable goal and mission so they don’t encounter some of the same frustration currently observed by the executive team.
All submissions can be directed to me and enclosed is my telephone number 778.373.4217, and email address kmah@scotiadealeradvantage.com. However, if I’m unavailable to receive or accept your email attached below is a list of alternative contacts.
Once this period has been observed and no member comes forward to reactivate the Association I will look to complete the necessary documentation to close the Association, including the distribution of our assets and funds as directed and voted by the current board.
In closing, I would like to thank the Downie family for their generous contribution and the formation and establishment of this Association where credit professionals can meet monthly, to discuss general and governmental legislative issues and concerns in our industry. Their commitment and legacy will forever be remembered by past and new members of this once cherished Association.
Respectfully yours,
Kane Mah
President, Credit Grantors Association of Vancouver
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Kane Mah |
Company: Scotia Dealer Advantage Phone: 778.373.4217 Email: kane.mah@scotiadealeradvantage.com |
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Paul Voisey Past President, Director |
Company: TELUS Communications Inc. Phone: (604) 297-5228 Email: paul.voisey@telus.com |
Pic Not Available |
Tricia Choice Treasurer |
Company: TELUS Communications Company Phone: (604) 297-5229 Email: tricia.choice@telus.com |
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Gary Sandhu Director |
Company: CBV Collection Services Ltd. Phone: (604) 661-7949 Email: gsandhu@cbvcollections.com |