The 49th CECA Convention makes a long-promised landing in Halifax.
The 49th Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) Convention was held June 13-16 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Nicknamed the “City of Trees,” the friendly ocean-side city of Halifax offers so much more than shade and foliage. Nova Scotia is part of Canada’s Maritime provinces, and its capital, Halifax, boasts one of North America’s longest downtown boardwalks, where excellent food, shopping and people watching are in abundance. Locals say no matter where you are in the city, you are not farther than 60 km from the Atlantic Ocean at any point. Your author was particularly excited to attend this event in a city that was home to some of her ancestors. However, all these wonderful attributes were overshadowed in the weeks leading up to the convention, as wildfires raged across parts of Canada, including in Nova Scotia, putting in doubt the carefully planned event. Convention hosts Julie and Andrew Gilby of Nova Scotia-based CKG Elevator had been working to bring the CECA Convention to Halifax for six years. First, there were accommodation issues, then COVID, and now, when all was set, wildfires.
Wind patterns caused the fires to even darken the skies above the Northeast and Midwest U.S., and your author and others at ELEVATOR WORLD kept a close watch on them and their containment. CECA Executive Director Catharine Bothwell, always an amazing communicator, kept registrants updated about this and other convention particulars, and in the end, fortunately, downtown Halifax was spared. All was able to move forward as planned.
This year’s event welcomed approximately 370 people and 75 exhibits, making it one of the largest CECA conventions ever.
The Gilbys provided attendees with a true Nova Scotian experience. From the smallest details — like the Maritime-inspired décor of fishing nets, rain hats and mini lighthouses and the Nova Scotia Tartan scarves worn by the registration staff – to the grandest — an amazing lobster dinner Kitchen Party — they proved attentive, thorough and welcoming hosts. They also paid attention to convenience, with all the week’s venues within easy walking distance of one another. Host hotel The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax was just across the covered courtyard from the Halifax Convention Centre and next door to restaurant Gahan House, host of two evening socials. The easy proximity also extended to many of Halifax’s best attractions, including the Halifax Harbourfront, Canadian Museum of Immigration and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, all of which your author happily visited. It was an immersive, and wonderful, week of all things Nova Scotia — and CECA.
Day 1 – Tuesday
The CECA Board of Directors’ meeting began on Monday and concluded on Tuesday at The Sutton Place Hotel. Registration opened that afternoon in the hotel’s lobby, where lobster-shaped chocolates were given out with your name badge. This year’s event welcomed approximately 370 people and 75 exhibits, making it one of the largest CECA conventions ever, according to Bothwell.
The first general gathering of convention attendees was a social one that evening. A Patio Social was held steps away from Sutton Place at Gahan House, where patrons enjoyed cocktails on the restaurant’s enclosed patio, which was protected just enough from the chilly evening. As the night progressed, more and more industry folks arrived in Halifax and joined in the festivities. It was the perfect beginning to the week.
Day 2 – Wednesday
The morning’s golf tournament was held at the picturesque Glen Arbour Golf Course and met by wind and rain. The elements didn’t stop the hale and hearty band of elevator folks from having a great day on the links, however. For most, it just added to the tales they would recount later over cocktails.
Meanwhile, registration was moved to its new location at the Halifax Convention Centre, where it would remain for the rest of the week. Both registration and exhibitor setup commenced at 11 a.m.
The first of the day’s two education sessions began that afternoon with father-daughter team Nicholas and JoAnne Van Santvoort. Both chartered professional accountants, the duo took a quick but rather deep dive into “Taxes and the Elevator Industry” with the intention of demonstrating how to set up an elevator business to maximize wealth and saleability. Nicholas Van Santvoort explained, “A small change can create a big impact on your business and tax implications.” It was a session packed with importance, and many follow-up questions were asked by the attentive audience.
Session two immediately followed with ABCO Elevator CEO Lonnie Mackenzie, discussing “Competence and Collaboration in the Industry.” He introduced software developed through a partnership with Ontario-based software company Global Variable that can “connect people and organizations,” making training easier and collaboration more seamless. “This started as a training app for ABCO, but it grew,” Mackenzie explained. “The pathway forward is collaboration.”
The first official meeting of the newly formed 1939 Club followed and brought together quite a crowd of young elevator professionals. Philip Staite Jr., of Quality Allied Elevator, led the meeting and discussed the group’s mission of social networking, fundraising for education and providing a voice for the industry’s younger generation. The group discussed plans for future meetings and social events, including joining the National Association of Elevator Contractors’(NAEC) NexGen group for an event during 2024’s United Convention.
The evening’s President’s Reception, held outdoors in the convention center courtyard, was festive and well attended. Its seafood fare well represented the region and included scallops, salmon and fish and chips. The open bar stayed busy, and its queue became a happy meeting ground that led to many an animated conversation. The evening’s entertainment – a friendly guitar-playing vocalist — played everything from John Denver to Canadian rock, adding to the atmosphere. Before the evening was out, CECA President Phil Staite, Sr. spoke a few words:
“What happens here is we get a chance to network and see old friends from across Canada and those from the U.S. who come up here to see us. I’d like to thank everybody for coming. We’d like to thank the Gilbys, who’ve worked tirelessly on this event. It is really, really neat to come here, and the participation is fabulous. These conventions don’t work without Catharine Bothwell, so let’s give her a big hand, as well. A last thank you to the CECA board that does a lot of work to sustain and grow the organization and keep new ideas coming. Don Sanchez is here, and he is our next president; he will do a great job. Also, thanks to everyone who participated in the golf. I hope your shoes dry out before you go home. It was a great day. Enjoy tonight. Have fun, everyone!”
Day 3 – Thursday
The playing of bagpipes, courtesy of a local piper from the nearby Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, marked the opening of Thursday morning’s Awards Breakfast.
As attendees dined on a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, ham and potatoes, Julie Gilby welcomed the crowd and explained the special treat accompanying each place setting:
“Welcome to Halifax. This is six years in the making. We were delayed because of accommodations and then COVID, but here we are — finally. We were in the media because of wildfires in the area, which have affected us and people we know. Ten thousand acres were on fire. We weren’t sure what would happen, but we’re here. To give back to those affected, we have chocolate bars for each of you from Peace by Chocolate, a local company with a big story. All chocolate bar proceeds are to go to families affected by the fires.”
We were not only treated to a bar of chocolate, but we watched the movie trailer for Peace by Chocolate, which tells the tale of the Hadhad family from Damascus, Syria. The family’s chocolate factory was destroyed amid the country’s civil war, and they soon fled their homeland, becoming refugees. For three years, the family lived in Lebanon, until they were invited to Canada, where they and their chocolate business have flourished. It had been an emotional breakfast, but closed with celebration, as the CECA Membership Awards were presented, honoring those who’ve been a part of the association for 10, 20, 30 and 40 years.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) immediately followed breakfast. Staite opened the meeting with a welcome and then established a quorum. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the AGM minutes. Officers’ reports followed, with Julie Gilby presenting the treasurer’s report. She reported on the 2022 year-end financials. When asked about 2024 dues, she explained that the cost is under evaluation and will be finalized closer to the year end.
Jeff Collins presented the membership/supplier report. He said CECA saw another slight increase in membership despite some consolidations among members. The current membership stands at 279, with 258 current members and 21 new members. Vlad Zachata was also welcomed as a new honorary member, amid much applause.
Karl Lepage presented the Eastern Region report. He discussed Quebec’s challenges, including moving to the 2019 Code, the elevator mechanic school in Montreal and the current workforce. He also gave an update on the Maritime provinces, including the apprenticeship program at the Nova Scotia Community College.
We have had a lot of positive feedback on the event. After a couple of stalled attempts at having a Halifax convention and a few fire frights earlier in the month, this year, we were finally able to make that Nova Scotian dream a reality.
– CECA Executive Director Catharine Bothwell
Don Cowan reported on the Central Region, updating on the 2019 Code adoption and challenges, new compliance standards, and the new Technical Standards and Safety Authority software and invoicing that went into effect, as well as the Ontario Colleges programs.
Jeff Pugh delivered the Prairie Region report, updating on Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Chi Kit Wong reported on the Western Region, covering updates for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. He said the Technical Safety BC is reviewing the codes at present and will have advisory panels set up for the end of the month. A new certification portal was launched as well.
Committee reports followed regional reports. Staite told the group that CECA, together with Elevator U, the International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC) and NAEC, have revamped and are re-releasing the Standard Performance Times as Recommended Performance Tools at each of their respective conventions. Cowan, reporting on the Scholarship Committee, said $2,500 in CECA scholarships/bursaries were given out to both Mohawk College and Durham College students this year. Don Sanchez updated the group on the Private-Residence Division, and Julie Gilby reported on the Construction Hoist Committee. Lepage, reporting for the Nominating Committee, said one Central Region position was up for nomination. Braden Hopkirk, the position’s current holder, agreed to continue for another term, and this was accepted.
Staite opened the meeting to new business, which included a proposed change to the CECA constitution. Bothwell will change the wording of the Institutional Membership section of the constitution. With all business completed, Staite thanked everyone, and closed the meeting saying, “Great attendance! Now, go see the exhibits!”
Exhibits opened at 11:30 a.m., and attendees streamed in to visit the 75 booths. Lunch was served in an adjacent room, which allowed for easy movement back and forth throughout the afternoon. Some exhibitors really got into the Nova Scotian spirit, with Maritime booth décor, lobster shirts (The Peelle Co.) and sea creature hats to don for silly Polaroids (Delco). Spirits were high, and the chatter and laughter always indicative of CECA trade shows were ever present. There was business discussed, new products offered, new relationships being formed and a general reacquainting.
Construction Hoist Committee and Bridge Builders meetings were held in the afternoon, along with a third educational offering. Emercom’s Julian Moseley discussed how to achieve “Trouble-Free Elevator Communications” and “leave a site confident in your 2019 safety code installation.”
The evening’s much-anticipated festivities began with “Pre-Ceilidh Drinks.” A Scottish and Irish word, ceilidh is defined as “a party with music, dancing and often storytelling,” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Our pre-party consisted of cocktails, fresh seared scallops, raw oysters and myriad hors d’oeuvres that each proved divine. The main event of the night, a Nova Scotian Kitchen Party, did not disappoint. We feasted on filet mignon and whole lobsters with plenty of butter. Bibs were in order, and there was no shame in wearing them.
There was some business to take care of before the eating and dancing commenced. First, a moment of silence was taken to remember Carl Strychaluk, co-founder of MAD Elevator, who passed away unexpectedly on June 7, the result of an auto accident.
Then, Vlad Zachata was officially awarded his CECA Honorary Membership. Before the award presentation, Steve Husband said a few words about his long-time friend, Vlad:
“Vlad is second-generation in the industry, following in the footsteps of his father and mother, Walter and Irene. Along with being a great elevator guy, Vlad is truly one of the nicest people I have the privilege to know. … Vlad has done so much not only for the elevator industry but also for CECA. He has always been a strong supporter of CECA, serving on its board in many capacities over the years. … I love him like a brother, and it warms my heart to see his family here in Nova Scotia celebrating this achievement of Vlad. I know they are proud of him. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than you. Congratulations to our newest honorary member, Vlad Zachata.”
Zachata’s new status was met by enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The Peelle Co. was unsurprisingly and most deservingly awarded Best Booth. Staite was recognized by incoming president Don Sanchez and Bothwell with the Outgoing President Award. Hosts Julie and Andrew Gilby were also properly thanked for their hard work with a gift from CECA.
It was a full house, and spirits ran high throughout the evening that culminated in excellent music and dancing, as is appropriate at a proper ceilidh.
Day 4 – Friday
The day started early for suppliers and contractors. The well-attended Suppliers Breakfast included a welcoming of new supplier members, a membership update, discussion of the Maintenance Control Program Library update and a review of upcoming CECA and United events. Held concurrently, a Contractor Continental Breakfast featured sponsored education from MAD Elevator, “B44-19 Visual/Text Emergency Communications.”
Exhibits opened mid-morning with an Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation Canada (EESFC) silent auction taking place until noon. EESFC representative Gord Pattison was pleased with the many bids on items from laptops to liquor and said the money raised would benefit EESFC education programs.
The final education session from KEB America’s Sher Xiong, “F5 Elevator Drive Training,” reviewed the startup and adjustment procedure of the F5 elevator drive.
The sun set on the convention, quite literally, that evening aboard a Halifax Harbour Cruise. The weather more than cooperated for our final gathering, as we traveled through picturesque Halifax harbour and along the scenic Northwest Arm taking in the sites — the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Dingle Tower, Georges Island, elegant waterfront homes and the sunset, accompanied by the soothing sounds of a local band.
“I think everyone enjoyed finally being able to make it to Halifax,” Bothwell said following the convention, adding:
“We have had a lot of positive feedback on the event. After a couple of stalled attempts at having a Halifax convention and a few fire frights earlier in the month, this year, we were finally able to make that Nova Scotian dream a reality. Canada’s East Coast is famous for their friendly nature and our convention hosts, CKG Elevator, exemplified this to a tee, showcased by their special touches from the Nova Scotia Tartan and lobster chocolates at registration to the fantastic band and giant lobsters at the Kitchen Party. Fun was had by all at one of our largest conventions yet!”
Next year, CECA will join NAEC, IAEC and Elevator U for United in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 23-26.
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