b"Discussing ECAO'sNew FLAC ProgramWITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GRAEME AITKENE FLAC is meant to introduce young ECAO members to the organiza-By Blake MarchandECAO recently launched a new program called Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC), and their inaugural meeting was held vir- tion and help prepare them to take on leadership roles with ECAO, tually this past June. Discussing the thought process behind FLAC,their own companies, as well as the broader industry. Giving them ECAO Executive Director Graeme Aitken explained there were athe opportunity to influence the program is perfect preparation for number of factors that went into the decision. The program is meantthat. The key is going to be FLACs vision for the program, says to be a resource for young professionals in the electrical industry forAitken, how do they see enhancing offerings to their members and networking, building professional development skills, mentorshipour members? How do they see a contribution to ECAO and our and learning about the inner workings of the industry in general.various communities?It will also help invigorate ECAO by bringing new perspectives into their committee structure. But ultimately, Aitken said, FLACsECAO will also look to collaborate with other organizations that direction will be decided by its members. offer similar programs, like NECA and IBEW.Simply to provide new opportunities for young professionals and toWere working on getting our folks a joint meeting with them, encourage them to participate in ECAO and their local ECA, it letsas well as our labour partners IBEW, they have whats called the them learn, experience and contribute well before it is their turn, soNextGen Committee. So, we are hoping we can get all of the young to speak, to assume the bigger leadership roles in the organization,leaders in our industry together.says Aitken.Providing a networking platform plays into that as well, as they getThe interaction of labour partners and affiliate partners with our to learn about each other, meet each other, interact with each otherfuture leaders will be really important as they come up through the as theyre coming up to take on those significant leadership roles inranks. The early opportunity for these people to collaborate with our industry, theyll have that networking done. We think that it willthose NextGen people from IBEW and the current leadership of the be beneficial to them with respect to the soft skills that, quite often,IBEW will be a real benefit to our industry, to their companies and contractors dont have the time or the resources to provide. to them as individuals.www.ecao.org12"