President's Message - September 2002
Choose a job that you like and you will never have to work a day in your life. - Confucius

I would like to welcome everyone back from what I hope was an enjoyable summer. Hopefully, the beaches and golf courses were kind to everyone.
Although our jobs and family commitment takes up most of our waking day, we need your involvement in our great association, the OIAA. Without the commitment of our members, we would not be strong. Think of the time you spend doing things that you like; now think about giving some of that time to the Association.
We really appreciate all members who have participated in the Association's various events. But as I have found out, there is so much more gratification that you receive when you give back to the Insurance Industry through the local Chapter Council and also the Executive Council. It has been nine years of commitment for me both at the local level and on the Provincial Executive. No, I am not asking you to commit that much time, but if you could volunteer to help on a specific committee it would be greatly appreciated.
A lot has happened over the summer months. The first thing to mention is that in June your executive elected Steve Martin as Treasurer. Steve brings years of experience from both the chapter as well as the executive council. The election of Steve was brought on by the resignation of Dennis Schembri, who was our incoming treasurer. After careful consideration, Dennis felt that it was necessary that he remove himself from the executive. All of us on the executive council extend our heartfelt gratitude for the years of dedication that Dennis brought to the table, first as Toronto Delegate and then as Secretary. I personally wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to both Dennis and Shelley for the commitment and friendship that has developed with both Tyrone and myself. Thanks, Dennis.
We also have many changes within the Executive Council. Firstly, Dorothy Lowry has been elected from the Georgian Bay Chapter; thanks to Harold Leiher for his years of representation. The Thunder Bay Chapter has elected Jeff Sullivan. I would be remised in not thanking Cathy Stevens for her hard work. Lori Quibell has taken over as Thousand Islands delegate. John Cook has taken over as chapter delegate for the Kawartha Chapter. With the election of Marie Gallagher as Secretary, Niagara Falls has sent us Ian Gallagher. Again, I would like to thank both Rod Greyling and, of course, Karen Dawson for a great job, and wish them well in their future endeavors. Replacing them, I would like to welcome Norm McGlashan and Pat Van Bakel.
I would like to remind people that our first dinner meeting is taking place on October 9, 2002. We will be honouring all our Past Presidents and introduce our newest Past President, Louise Rivett. Our speaker that night will be none other than Clear the Track, here comes Shack please see page 41 of September WP concerning Eddie Shack's appearance at the Past Presidents' night.