"The degree of success of any organization depends upon how well that organization corresponds to the limitations and opportunities presented by the environment in which it is embedded" seemed to be the driving force of the delegates at the All Canada Progress Meeting in Calgary. The desire to create new opportunities and minimize our limitations is inspiring.

The delegates worked towards formulating a strategic plan by taking responsibility through a five-committee structure on proposed activities in the First District that included: Organizing, National Funding, Media/Public Relations, Technical Training, and Officer Training. These are the areas of focus over the next 12 months for follow up and implementation leading to our Progress Meeting in Ottawa the week of August 22^nd.

We all know that the task is awesome but we have established our goals and we must be accountable. I believe that, although it is gratifying to watch the delegates from coast to coast work together to identify the needs of the IBEW in Canada, the best is yet to come. We will be successful because we have what it takes.

I have designated one International Representative to follow up with each committee to ensure continuity and all Representatives will be assigned to the various committees for any required assistance.

Thanks to you, the Brothers and Sisters that have agreed to serve on the committees to ensure our success.

We will be forwarding the "Strategic Design Papers" to all Local Unions and committee/team members during this week.

Phil Flemming
International Vice President

IBEW Inside and Outside Construction Business Managers Meeting in St. Charles

President Hill called all the Inside and Outside Construction Business Managers to St. Charles, Illinois for a meeting that lasted from August 29^th to September 3^rd, 2004. The purpose of this meeting was to address and stop the backward slide in market share in the construction sector of the IBEW. The theme was "The Future of the Brotherhood Starts Here and Now through Leadership, Membership Commitment & Accountability". The banner at the front of the room reflected where we were in The Past and Where We are Now and also Success and Accomplishments versus Failure and Collapse.

In his opening remarks, President Hill stated that we must recognize what we have done wrong and what we have to do to correct it. He referred to a Local in the 4^th District that lost its charter because their market share was down to
3%, along with some other problems.

Following are some of the highlights of the St. Charles Meeting:

• Problems with the referral system must be ad- dressed. A committee was formed to meet and make recommendations.
• The Business Managers are the CEO’s and if they don’t want to lead, they should step aside.
• The Business Manager must make sure all jobs are manned when the contractor calls.
• Travelers will be treated with dignity.
• The Business Manager will exert control over members who cause a problem on the job.
• The Code of Excellence will be adopted.
• New Member Orientation will be applied.
• Organizing of contractors as well as taking in members will increase market share.
• In many cases on the job there must be improvement in: productivity and quality, appearance, attitude, accountability, work ethics, cooperation.