Chairman's Message

It is my absolute pleasure and a privilege to be serving as the 63rd Chairman of the Board of CIPH. I consider it an incredible opportunity to represent and lead this wonderful Institute and must admit this is a very humbling experience for me.

At my first CIPH conference in the late 1980's, I remember being so young and early in my career that I had no idea at the time it would be so rewarding. I recall some of the industry icons of that day who all seemed bigger than life in so many ways. I didn't know them well, but I remember some of the names, Charlie Hagedorn, Ron McHattie, Garry Thompson, and Jacques Deschênes, just to name a few. These were some of the great leaders of that day, and what I recollect most was their unwavering passion for this great industry, and for this wonderful Institute. I especially want to acknowledge one of these leaders who is very special to me, and who has been instrumental in helping me grow as a person, and in business. After 32 distinguished years in this industry, Alain Lanthier retired in March of this year. Alain was my mentor for 18 years, and was an inspiration to me in every way. Without his unwavering support, I would not be here today as your Chairman! Today, the names of the leaders may have changed, but the same passion still exists, and the strength of our industry and our association has never been better.

As incoming chair, my mandate and my objectives are simple; I will do my very best to be a good ambassador in every way possible representing both the industry, and this fine institute. I will travel, visit with, and participate in at least one activity in each of the nine CIPH Regions across this country. As my first task, I recently had the pleasure of hosting the 2010 Summit of the Region Presidents in Collingwood.

In addition to connecting with the Regions, there is CIPH's new long range plan to consider. The execution phase is the next important stage, and will factor in as a key objective throughout my mandate. Parts of the long range plan are a continuation of much of the good work this institute is already doing as the go‐to voice in representing the interests of our industry.

Some of these new initiatives are more visionary. We live in a world that is evolving, and this means challenges and change… but it also means opportunity. Two key long range planning objectives include increasing industry awareness and recruiting and retaining new talent. I believe both objectives are critically linked and related. To deliver against these strategic objectives, we need to deploy right tactics, and I believe increasing industry awareness requires a positional shift in our branding strategy. The environment is, and will be an issue for years to come, and our industry is at the forefront on this in many ways, whether through conservation, improved efficiencies, or through the support of sustainability. Our industry can contribute to a better world and greater environmental responsibility. Let's sell it, promote it, and leverage it. If we are successful, we will be in a much better position to attract, recruit, and retain new talent and young blood at a time when competition is so fierce, and every industry is dealing with changing demographics. As an industry, I see this as one of our greatest challenges, but one of our greatest opportunities, given what we have to offer. Time is of essence, and it is important that we get our message right, and we get it out soon!

Finally, I would like to thank Martin Deschênes for his leadership the past year. As your incoming Chair, I look forward to the opportunity to serve, and I am truly humbled by the privilege that has been bestowed upon me. I will do my very best to serve you well!

Russ Morgan,
Vice‐President, Sales & Marketing ‐ Canada, IPEX Inc.
CIPH Chairman of the Board