C O C A 2 0 1 7 Y E A R I N R E V I E W | 9 COCA members are a diverse group. Our association members are of various sizes, each one with its own unique history, culture and strategic objectives. They include both provincial trade associations that serve as the employer bargaining agents for their trades and local mixed trade associations that are the critically important hubs of the industry in their areas. At the grass roots level, our membership includes unionized contractors, non-union contractors, general contractors, trade contractors, small contractors, large contractors and everything in between. Furthermore they are from all regions of the province. This diversity is further demonstrated by the tremendous range of talents and experiences of the individuals on the Board of Directors. COCA’s executive and committee reflect this diversity of skills, member size, and geographical location. It is more than a cliché that diversity is a strength for COCA. We all gain from the variety of opinions and the skills each person brings to COCA. As Chair, I have seen the amazing results of our members working together for a common goal. This should not be taken for granted. COCA has also been able to remain financially sound. Through strict control of our costs and with the good fortune of a growing economy and the results of a good return on our investments, COCA is prepared for unforeseen financial stresses. I am confident that COCA will continue to manage its costs and investments effectively. As we all know, challenges and opportunities usually appear when we least expect them. A sound financial position will always be a responsibility for COCA if it wants to continue as a successful voice for our members. Serving as the Chair of COCA has been a personal journey for me that I had not planned for. I am not one with a lot of confidence in myself, unless you want to know about horse barns. I am not a good speaker, and I have never engaged in advocacy on a scale that we do at COCA. I can tell you when I assumed the role I was a little intimidated by the expertise, experience, and knowledge within our membership. Three years later I am still amazed by this expertise, experience and knowledge. However, today I have learned that just like in business, COCA is about individuals and relationships. I was pleased over the last few years to earn the trust and friendship of many around the COCA Board table. I found a level of comfort debating issues with the very special individuals who serve as COCA directors, not for the money or the title to put on their resume but for the betterment of our federation and of our industry as a whole. It has been my privilege to serve as the Chair of such a wonderful group of individuals. They are unselfish in working for you and for our industry. The camaraderie among the members of our Board is very special. I am thankful for their service to COCA, their good ideas, advice and support and perhaps even more importantly, for their friendship. I know I will always look back fondly on my time as COCA Chair. I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to serve as the Chair of COCA and to have been given the trust and credibility to carry the COCA brand. This brand has always generated an immediate positive introduction at every meeting I attended. The New Year will bring challenges and opportunities; COCA still has a lot of work on its plate. COCA will continue to respond with professionalism, with determination, with respect, and with class. To this end I will be very pleased to be turn over the Chair’s gavel to Steve Dietrich of the London District Construction Association at the AGM in February. I know Steve will enjoy the same high level of support from the Board of Directors that was afforded me and that he will lead us to more success at COCA and in promoting our industry. “Remember to be happy, it is a good way to live.” Gary van Bolderen