CWA News
The voice of the welding industry in Canada
June 2007
MEMBERS APPROVE MERGER OF CWA & CWB GROUP WITH LARGE MAJORITY
The CWA mailed 891 ballots to all eligible members to obtain members’ approval for a merger with the CWB Group. We received a high level of response – 32.3% by the deadline and 39.8% in total.
Ballots received by the deadline of May 24 Votes received after the deadline (not included in count) Votes for the merger Votes for the merger Votes against the merger Votes against the merger Abstentions Abstentions Spoiled ballots Percent of ballots in favour of merger The ballots that were received by the deadline were opened and counted at the special meeting held on May 25. The process was witnessed by the members present.
The board of directors of the CWB Group met on Friday, June 1, in Calgary. We will provide you with details and an action plan as soon as we have the information in place.
CWA NATIONAL SEMINAR PROGRAM — A SUCCESS
On May 30, CWA held the first seminar in its new National Seminar Program titled Welding Productivity – Key to Profitability.
It was a great success. While the comments about the event were positive, the ratings tell the story. Attendees rated the speakers and the conference at 4.38 on CWA’s 1 to 5 rating scale.
The seminar featured seven speakers who each focused on a method of improving productivity through managing the productivity process within an organization, new welding technology and robotics, improved use of gases and consumables, and good health and safety practices.
- Hybrid Laser Welding Overview – Jeff Defalco, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products
- Productivity-improvement Opportunities in Welding and Fabrication – Finding the Low-hanging Fruit – Jim Galloway, Conestoga College, Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
- Improving Welding Productivity through Appropriate Gas Selection – Stephen Hewitt, BOC Canada
- Increasing Productivity Through the Use of Tubular Welding Products – Mike MacGillivray, Hobart Brothers of Canada
- Software-modified Welding Processes to Optimize Productivity – Dale Malcolm, Lincoln Electric Company of Canada
- Economics and Success with "Super Flexible" Robot Systems for Small to Medium Size Companies – Tim Nacey, Panasonic Factory Solutions Company
- Welding Health and Safety: Using CSA W117.2 to Protect Your Workers and Your Organization – Ed Whalen, CWB Group
Watch for announcements about seminars on this and other topics in venues across Canada.
CANADIAN WELDING ASSOCIATION JOURNAL
The theme for the fall issue is railroad repair and manufacture. Any ideas for articles or authors?
DON’T MISS THE WESTERN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
Many of CWA’s supplier members will exhibit at the Western Manufacturing Technology Show in Edmonton from June 19 to 21. This is an opportunity for members and welding professionals to see the latest in welding equipment and products.
- See the latest innovative products from over 300 exhibiting companies.
- Participate in the Manufacturing Insights Interactive Town Hall and keynote addresses James Rajotte, MP, and Mayor Stephen Mandel.
- Network with over 2,000 peers from the Western Canada’s Manufacturing Community.
SKILLS CANADA COMPETITION BEGINS TODAY
The national Skills Canada competitions will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewa,n from June 6 to 9, 2007. Visit www.skillscanada.com for details. Good luck to all competitors.
CWA’S WEBSITE
Our website continues to draw thousands of visitors. The most-often-visited pages are those related to the Canadian Welding Association Journal, press releases and human resources (résumés and job opportunities).
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