Autumn is always a period of effervescence, and with all the projects underway at BOMA Quebec it promises to be a busy season. At the time of writing I was in Calgary for a few days to attend the BOMEX 2018 conference, whose main theme this year was change and the challenges of reinvention in our fast-changing world… In an era of intelligent buildings, proptech and new real estate professions, it is indeed a very topical issue. I’m sure I'll have an opportunity to share with you my vision of these matters upon my return.
In fact, there will be many opportunities for us to get together in the coming weeks and months. As usual, the BOMA Quebec team has moved heaven and earth to organize a calendar of activities that, we sincerely hope, will appeal to all of you. The next edition of the Integrated Technical Management Symposium is once again shaping up to be a big success, an event attended by many participants. There is also the Devimco Immobilier conference on the amazing Square Children's project plus a presentation by Louis Trudel, Director of Real Estate at CDPQ Infra. He will give details about the REM integrated transportation network and the impacts and spinoffs of mass transit projects on urban development. And there are also all the social activities that give us an opportunity to meet with our colleagues in relaxed settings during the course of the year. Consult the calendar of activities if you have not already done so. We hope that you will find the time to attend these events in the weeks ahead.
Terrific Partners and Collaborators
The annual meeting of BOMA Quebec partners took place on September 25. The event is not only an opportunity for us to express our gratitude for their loyal support, but also to share our views on important issues affecting our industry, a chance to mobilize the dynamic forces in our Association.
I would once again like to thank our loyal allies who attended this event: Ivanhoe Cambridge, GDI Commercial Cleaning Services, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, Cadillac Fairview, Indigo Par Canada, Atwill-Morin Group, FCR Management Services, Citron Hygiène, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.
I also take this opportunity to introduce the members of our board of directors, to whom I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks.
Top Row: Dominic Gilbert (governor), Philip Lassman, Pierre Scott, Linda Carbone, Burtsel H. Carrigan (governor), Dany Gauthier, Steve Poulin, Jocelyn Trottier. Bottom Row: Bruno Turcotte (president), Linda Plante, Annik Desmarteau, Christopher Arnaoutelis. Absent: Raynald Lachance, Joe Pincin, Anne-Marie Guèvremont (governor), Jocelyn Lafond (governor), John Rosato (governor), Mario Poirier (outgoing president).
Seize these great opportunities to show leadership and to promote your accomplishments!
In conclusion, I would like to draw your attention to two fantastic programs that are an incredible opportunity for you to raise your organization's profile: the BOMA Awards and the Building Energy Challenge.
BOMA Awards: A call for candidates has been launched, and I strongly recommend that you plunge feet first into this adventure. The two firms that won in the international competition – the Sun Life Building and the Montreal Airport – are a very eloquent demonstration that the Awards are an exceptional showcase for local talent. As a manager, it is a source of pride for me that the Quebec City head office of La Capitale Assurances et Service financiers was one of the finalists in this world renowned competition. Again, I strongly encourage you to participate and to get your teams involved. It is a positive experience all round.
Building Energy Challenge: Complete details about the BEC are now online! Recent additions include a blog, a presentation of the participants, frequently asked questions and the new Participants' Zone, where you can manage your profile, add buildings, download the Participant's Kit and get access to marketing tools to promote your accomplishments.
An information meeting for building owners and managers will take place on October 30 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the St. James Club. If you have any questions, you'll get the answers there. Details and registration here.
The BEC is a great opportunity to position the commercial real estate sector as a leader in energy transition in Quebec. It calls for commitment, but that is important if we are going to change things! Be part of the change – register your buildings. It’s free of charge.
I wish you all an excellent autumn full of interesting encounters and much success in all your endeavours!
Bruno Turcotte
President