b'2020/2021 PRESIDENTS MESSAGEDAVE HOLEK, MCAC President and Chair (2019-2021)REFLECTING ON THE LAST TWO YEARSAS WE PREPARE TO MOVE FORWARDDave Holek was first elected as President and Chair of MCAC at the 2019 Annual General Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. He served in this role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and was re-elected at the virtual 2020 Annual General Meeting.A s I look back on these past two years, it wouldThe result is a new strategic plan that sets the be easy to talk about the upheaval and tur- course for the association. It clearly articulates the moil that has occurred across the country andimportant relationship between MCAC and the around the world. local and provincial associations across the country. Yet, despite all this change and disruption, thereThe new strategic plan is available on the MCAC have been several exciting developments over thesewebsite, with more information on page 25 ofpast two years, many of which are helping to pavethis issue.the way for a stronger MCAC.With the plan approved by the Board of Directors As I step away from this role, I wanted to reflect onthis past May, I am confident the association is some of those developments and what they mightin a good position to support a successful and mean for the future of our association.sustainable mechanical contracting sector that is a leader in the Canadian construction industry.Staffing and Leadership The Important Role of theAt the beginning of 2020, the MCAC ExecutiveMechanical Contracting SectorCommittee was presented with a challenge: theThroughout these past two years, one of our association needed to fill the chief executive officerkey messages has been that a strong mechanical position. Fortunately, we were not forced tocontracting sector is critical to a healthy Canadian look far, as Tania Johnston (previously Executiveeconomy and to the health and safety of Canadians Director, Education and Special Projects) was well- from coast to coast. positioned and prepared to take on this role. Her expertiseand perhaps most importantly, herIn the context of a global pandemic, the latter passion for the associationhas not gone unnoticedpoint has become even more evident. And in the throughout these past two years. Time and againcontext of economic recovery and growth, it is clear she has demonstrated why she was the right choiceour sector will play an essential role, particularly for this role, and it will be great to see the progressas we look at jobs created, the economic benefits MCAC can make once we return to more normalof the work our members do, and the fact that, operations and events across Canada. As presidentthroughout the turmoil of these last two years, our and chair, it has been great to work alongside her,industry maintained its role as an essential service and I know the association is in good hands withand vital contributor to the Canadian economy. respect to staffing and human resources for the yearsAs we look ahead, there are many other to come.opportunities for our sector to amplify its role Strategic Direction in Canadas economy, whether through new Despite the upheaval caused by the pandemic,technologies in the built environment, the MCAC was also dedicated to looking forward andpromotion of skilled trades and job opportunities establishing a new strategic plan for the associationavailable in our sector or through innovative ways that would enhance the value for members fromour sector can contribute to energy efficiency and coast to coast.reduce greenhouse gas emissions.This past year, the association undertook a newIn each of these areas, there will be challenges and strategic planning exercise to build on the 2019growing pains. But I truly believe our collective Industry Summit, where members and provincial/ associations and members can work together on zone managers strategized over the important issuesthese important issues, positioning our sector to facing members and what role MCAC can playplay an even more prominent role in the yearsto help address those topics. This new strategicto come. planning exercise furthered those discussions andFinal Thoughts involved many interviews with individuals fromIf there is one regret over these past two years (if across Canada.regret is even the proper word in this context), it continues on page 108 www.mcac.ca'