ORFA E-NEWS - VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3

CAO'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the Winter issue of the 2009 ORFA E-News series. It continues to be our goal when publishing each issue of E-News to create awareness of the rising issues and trends that affect our sector, while at the same time, allowing members and readers an insight into Association activities. I encourage you to take a moment to review information contained within this issue of E-News as a way of keeping abreast of recent changes to our profession.

Wishing you Peace and Happiness for the Holiday Season and throughout the year!

John Milton, Chief Administrative Officer
Ontario Recreation Facilities Association

ANNUAL REPORT

ORFA PRESIDENT'S REPORT

The last twelve months of being your President has truly been an honour. When I first took office I spoke about how we as an organization undertook a strategic plan, renewed our mission and vision statements and identified six strategic goals.

Over the past year we have worked diligently on those six goals. For a detailed report on our accomplishments, please review the following 2009 Annual Report.

As we continue to work towards completing our strategic plan priorities, we must not forget that we are here for you - the membership. The ORFA continues to offer high quality training programs all over the province and beyond throughout the year. For a list of these opportunities please visit www.orfa.com

If you have any suggestions that will help further the ORFA in its mission and vision or a training idea we would like hear from you!

On behalf of all ORFA Board of Directors and Association Staff I would like to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.

Yours in Recreation,
Robert Lilbourne, RRFA, CIT
President

NEW ORFA WEB DISCUSSION BOARD OPEN FOR USE

With advancements to the ORFA web site comes a discussion board that allows for greater communication between both members and others who visit the site. Questions can be raised and registered participants of the discussion group can share their experiences and expertise on the given subject matter. It is anticipated that this new online feature will increase traffic on our web site.

Please go to http://orfa.com/forum/ to register and start using this feature.

Certified ice technician (CIT) recertification

The ORFA Board of Directors and association staff have spent considerable time and effort in response to member needs to create a recertification program for the Certified Ice Technician professional designation that was appropriate, accessible, attainable and affordable for all. In doing so, three options are now available for recertification: a challenge exam, a classroom-based recertification course, and an online recertification course. Recertification assists both the Association to be diligent in its responsibilities to serve our member needs as well as the employer to meet the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s requirement to ensure the workplace has competent workers. [more...]

ONTARIO TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM 2010 - UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

Early Bird Deadline is Friday, December 18, 2009

Get a head start registering for the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium and save money too! The Early Bird registration deadline for this event is Friday, December 18, 2009. The Early Bird rate can mean significant savings for you!

To learn more about this exciting turfgrass conference being held on Wednesday, February 17 and Thursday, February 18, 2010, refer to your brochure or visit www.ots.open.uoguelph.ca . Don’t have a brochure? Interested individuals can call 519.767.5000 or send a message to to info@open.uoguelph.ca to get one.