By Alison Smith
BCA administrative director
The BCA board of directors and staff are pleased to present you with our fifth annual BCA Magazine, your only official BCA publication.
This past year has been a busy one for your board and staff. Our goal is to continue to bring you value for your membership dollars. In our efforts to provide you with the highest number of project opportunities, the BCA and nine other local Ontario construction associations have formed an alliance with REED Construction Data. Along with the team of REED researchers, the plans room staff are bringing you more projects than ever before. Over 850 projects have come through the BCA doors in the past year!
In the past year, the BCA has hosted seminars to expand your project opportunities. These seminars included “Doing Business with the Government” which included segments from the City of Barrie, Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The Defence Construction Canada session included presentations from Public Works and Government Services Canada. For more information on these seminars contact the office and we will provide you with the electronic presentations.
Electronic plans room
Did you know that over 150 BCA members subscribe to the Electronic plans room? Imagine having project drawings, specifications, addendums and bidders lists at your fingertips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With a simple phone call to the office we can have you set up to view the plans room projects on-line, or you can drop in for a demonstration.
Other plans room services include; CCA/CCDC document depot, statutory declarations for construction documents (free to BCA members), Daily Commercial News (free viewing for BCA members) and plans-out privileges (overnight and weekend). As well, the BCA board room is available to member firms.
Community leadership vital to BCA members
Community involvement is clearly near and dear to BCA’s members. This past year members generously supported the construction of a new Cenotaph at Georgian College, participated in the annual Base Borden Run in support of Operation Hero, and we saw an overwhelming, heart-warming response to the R.E.A.L. Project. As well, BCA members supported the annual Bowling for Big Brothers/Big Sisters campaign.
Sharing information, ideas and best practices
Being part of the Barrie Construction Association means being part of a collective group sharing information, ideas and best practices. You have the opportunity to build business relationships with other industry professionals through social and sporting events. BCA members joined together at the annual Member appreciation BBQ, fall golf tournament at Horseshoe Resort, Christmas gala at Tangle Creek, Christmas wine and cheese, Superbowl AGM, annual hockey tournament and a “scotch and cigar” night.
Registration for these events is easy and inexpensive. Check your weekly plans on display emails for upcoming dates. Feel free to contact us with any suggestions for future events.
How to get involved
This magazine includes many interesting and informative articles about your association and its affiliates. The strength of the Barrie Construction Association is the active involvement and diversity of its members. Should you have any ideas for future publications, be sure to drop a line to me at bcaadmin@barrieca.com.
Alison Smith
Administrative Director