In June, the Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM), Windsor, Ont., held its annual general meeting at the Ciociaro Club.
“The CAMM annual general meeting had excellent attendance,” said Nicole Vlanich, executive director. “The room was full of people from all over Ontario, including members and non-members, and there was an eagerness and excitement in the room that has not been seen for quite some time. People are excited about our industry and where our association is headed.”
Local member of provincial parliament Andrew Dowie was the guest speaker and he discussed industry topics relative to the attendees, including the challenges they face and the pride they have in their industry. Dowie himself started his career in the moldmaking sector.
In the past year, CAMM had many achievements, including a 10 per cent increase in its membership, new partnerships with Family Services of Peel, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), and the Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Initiative.
The association also completed an NGen-funded project called “CAMM Connects,” which is a tool that will connect Canadian companies with vetted international business opportunities. This tool allows companies to create profiles and list their capabilities while CAMM uses its established relationships to provide access to opportunities, reducing the need to travel and helping members diversify the markets they serve.
Attendees at the meeting received early access to the tool.
For the upcoming year, CAMM is dedicated to an increased presence on Manufacturing Day and a Girls’ Day (which focuses on girls in careers where they are traditionally underrepresented), and increased attendance at trade shows including IMD Expo in Novi, Mich., in September; ADM in Toronto in November; and NPE 2024 in Orlando in May 2024.
“One of CAMM’s strategic goals for the upcoming year is to increase its presence throughout Ontario and Canada to ensure we are accurately representing the voice of the Canadian moldmaking industry,” said Vlanich.
The association aids its member companies in several ways, including:
- Skill and Talent Development. CAMM members receive access to apprenticeship funding and services through its partnerships.
- Branding and Collaboration. CAMM implements a cohesive marketing strategy to better brand its association and members.
- Technology Adoption and a Culture of Innovation. CAMM provides learning opportunities for its members regarding new technology benefits and gives opportunities for members to share information.
In association news, four board members stepped away from the board at this year’s meeting. Tim Galbraith, Scott Allen, Tracy Pringle, and Phil Malenfant are outgoing, while Saylo Lam and John Thompson joined the board.
The event was sponsored by Laval Tool and Acetronic Industrial Controls, and machinery dealer Megatel CNC Solutions sponsored drink tickets for all attendees. Door prizes were donated by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST), Anchor Danly, DMS Components, NFP Canada, and CAMM.
