The President's Message
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The President's Message |
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Dear Fellow AACE Montreal Section Members, AACE International has something big to celebrate this year! The recent issues of Cost Engineering magazine have reported on plans for the 50th anniversary of AACE International in 2006 with the festivities to culminate at the annual meeting in Las Vegas June 19 to 22. The Montreal Section also has reason to celebrate as well as we were the first Canadian section, established in 1961. Our Section has carried on a proud tradition over the years, providing networking opportunities, technical meetings, scholarships, certification opportunities and creating awareness in the business community and marketplace of cost engineering and related project controls professions. The Montreal Section has members from various background including consultants, contractors and owners from diverse industries and business as well as professors and students from various universities. There is a student section at Concordia University and we are working to extend this activity to other Universities and colleges. Two scholarships were awarded this season to deserving students who are undertaking research in the field of Project Management and Cost Engineering. Our section continues to grow as more and more persons become aware of the excellent career prospects and benefits such as professional certification being offered by the AACE International. The Montreal Section Board of Directors and its committees are working closely to bring you high quality technical presentations of special interest, forums and project experiences. In February we have a technical presentation entitled Risk Management with Primavera and Pertmaster and in late March we are making arrangements for a high profile project presentation Laval Metro Extension. Other special events are currently being planned for the Spring and I will be advising you about these in the very near future. You can also access additional information and resources and learn more about your Montreal section and get in touch with us by accessing the web site at www.aaceimontreal.org. You can check and register for upcoming events on the website. The board would especially like feedback from each of you on a variety of subjects from the type of meeting topics you would like to see to suggestions for the website. For this reason you will find attached a survey that will provide us some immediate feedback. Please take the time to fill this in and email to my attention. This is your association and we want to ensure that your needs are being met by our technical meetings and services. You can also send an email to let us know what you thinking or register for an upcoming meeting by using the “registration” tab on the Section website. As with can be said for most professional associations, those who make the greatest personal investment in the organization by attending meetings, participating in committees, volunteering to give presentations, etc. get the most out of their membership. So we invite you to get involved! Take advantage of the AACE’s certification program that provides credibility in the marketplace and is a professional designation recognized worldwide. There are several to choose from including the CCE (Certified Cost Engineer), CCC (Certified Cost Consultant) the PSP (Project Scheduling Professional) and EVP (Earned Value Professional) certifications. The Montreal Section has been hosting certification exams on a regular basis. What can we do to help you in this regard? If you would be interested in skills and knowledge sessions let us know on the survey. I will be in touch throughout the season and keep you informed on upcoming events and initiatives. as well as the results of this survey. We will also focus on different aspects of membership. So whether you have been a long time member or a newcomer, the BOD looks forward to seeing you at the upcoming events. Please feel free to get in touch with me by email or phone. On behalf of the Montreal Section Board, Yours Truly,
Leslie
E. McMullan Board Members (2005/2006)
Leslie E.
McMullan SNC-Lavalin Inc.
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