Back to Nature, Back Together

CECA hosts a mini-conference and a golf tournament.

by Catharine Bothwell

Idyllic locations on opposite sides of Canada were the settings for enjoyable events hosted by the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) in September. On September 14-16, CECA’s mini-conference provided a getaway to Deerhurst Resort in Ontario’s Muskoka Region that fulfilled a longing to get together in person again for just over 100 members and guests.  Julie Gilby of CKG Elevator hosted the event at the resort in Huntsville in lieu of the canceled June Halifax 2021 convention (which has been rescheduled for 2023). Focused on flexibility and the joy of seeing each other again, the theme of the mini-conference was “Muskoka Casual.”

Members of the CECA Board of Directors met for their annual meeting on Monday, September 13, to discuss matters important to the Canadian elevator industry. That evening, early arrivers were treated to a CECA-only event at the Maple Pub overlooking the majestic scenery of Peninsula Lake.

On Tuesday, golfers, directed by our in-house pros Steve Husband of GAL Canada and Jeff Collins of Renown Electric, started off with a breakfast feast before joining the deer and fox frolicking on the Highlands course. Despite tornado warnings all day, the rain held off and the only storm on the course was the Alcor Elevator team that pulled away with the lowest score. A valiant effort was made by all to win the CAD$50,000 (US$39,183) Insurance Market hole-in-one contest, but mere inches prevented the pay-out. Still, it was an enjoyable day navigating the course set in the rugged Canadian Shield with fall colors starting to show their glory.

On Tuesday evening, CECA held its traditional President’s Reception honoring outgoing President Doug Guderian (Elevator One) and incoming President Phil Staite (Quality Allied). Guests were welcomed with a Canadian Caesar vodka cocktail, a games room and large array of food, highlighted, of course, by yummy cookies featuring Guderian’s and Staite’s images. While Mother Nature prevented a planned firepit for the night, she did provide an amazing lightning show.

The next morning, guests and members were welcomed to Muskoka by outdoor enthusiast and photographer Rob Stimpson, who shared some of his incredible stories and photos of the region. A CECA Central Region meeting followed, providing news and updates for everyone. Participants then gathered in the Waterhouse Ballroom, where they were able to visit all 24 tabletop displays and speak with all exhibitors there to support the show. Some free time ensued, allowing patrons to enjoy the beautiful resort outside before they reconvened for a delectable dinner.

With spectacular weather, everyone gathered post-dinner around the firepit, drinking out of their March Elevator solo cups while enjoying “spider dogs,” marshmallows and campfire songs courtesy of Jerry Romano and Rob Cane on guitar and Patrick Bothwell on vocals.

The next morning, participants were treated to a presentation by Laura Tolhoek of Essential HR on “Building a Resilient Team.”  Staite closed the event by thanking everyone for sponsoring, exhibiting and attending the mini-conference (see cecaconvention.com for a complete list). CECA members were grateful for the opportunity to get together again, and look forward to seeing each other to celebrate 50 years since the incorporation of CECA in Montreal on May 30-June 2, 2022.

Annual CECA Golf Tournament

For CECA guests in Western Canada, Delco Elevator Products hosted CECA’s Ninth Annual Golf Tournament at Mayfair Lakes Golf and Country Club in Richmond on September 23. The morning started with a CECA Western Region meeting that provided news and updates on the industry. Golfers then teed off on staggered tee times to enjoy a great day on the greens and, for some, in the lakes.

Post-golf, the group was joined by industry friends for dinner and prizes. Congratulations to longest drive and closest to the pin winners: George and Brent Sutherland (Westcoast Elevator), Sara Henry (Venture Elevator) and Anya Codack (Delco Elevator Products). Special thanks to Victor Ng and Anya Codack and the great team at Delco Elevator Products for putting together an event in the West.