8 Winter 2017 | www.orba.org MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER reshaping our world and how construction industry leaders ought to be looking forward. Another pres- entation will discuss how “big data” has and will propel the construction industry forward. I know I’m looking forward to hearing my old colleague Sean Conway speak about labour market trends. Sean is the most gifted speaker I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to. Additionally, one of the centrepieces will be the enormous body of work done by KPMG and TTI in response to a very challenging Auditor General’s report. ORBA members will hear first-hand a roadmap forward to address some critical issues. I’m thrilled that Marlene Yakabuski will be our new President and am look forward to working with her and a new ORBA Board and Executive. In the few short weeks that I’ve had to this point, I’ve been very impressed with the thoughtful and respectful dialogue between ORBA and its Ontario government partners. Much of the credit goes to outgoing President Geoffrey Stephens. After convention, I hope that you will take advantage of the 2018 Road Building Academy from February 26 to March 2. The results speak for themselves with over 3,000 students trained in 10 years. This year the academy will be offering 27 courses ranging in topic from safety to technical areas to management to busi- ness and professional growth and many, many more. What’s even better is that these courses qualify for the Canada Ontario Job Grant, while the funds are still available. ORBA’s council, the Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council (OAPC), is incredibly active. Following up on a successful Fall Asphalt Seminar, OAPC will hold many events this year. I’d especially like to highlight the Summer Round-up on June 14. You won’t want to miss this signature networking event featuring what I’m sure will be an outstanding live auction. I invite you to connect with me about how we can strengthen ORBA to meet our challenges today and in the future. I can be reached at david@orba.org. Thank you. BERNIE BAX Sales Associate Brechin Quarry 122 Miller Rd. P .O. Box 127 Brechin, ON L0K 1B0 Tel: (855) 511-4266 Cell: (647) 884-6955 Fax: (705) 484-0083 bbax@tomlinsongroup.com www.tomlinsongroup.com Continuous Progress since 1945 MTO Designated Source for Materials • Guiderail Cablerail • Box Beam Bridgerail • Thrie Beam Bridge Drains • Bailey Bridge • Railing • Bollard Gates Ramp Closure Gates • Expansion Joints • Cut Waters Bridge Structural Steel • Highway Breakaway Signs Gratings • Galvanized Hardware • Aluminum Products 116 Hanson Avenue • Kitchener ON • N2C 2E2 519.745.5812 • deborah@ajbraun.com “We pride ourselves on attentive customer service, completion to satisfaction and fair pricing.” Mfg Limited A.J. Braun