The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating’s (CIPH) 81st annual business conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who stressed the importance of staying relevant in the industry. More than 240 people, including companions and 54 new delegates, gathered for the conference at Marriott Halifax Harbourfront from June 16 to 18.
Speakers
Pete Luckett, a customer service expert, discussed ways to turn buyers into believers. Tom Gale spoke about the new rules of engagement in a complex era of marketing and customer service. Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst with the Institute for Trend Research, shared insights about planning for and prospering through the business cycle. John Barba, a contractor training and trade program manager from Taco Inc., presented his thoughts about customer loyalty and the right to earning contractors’ business. Keynote speaker, David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and The Wealthy Barber Returns, shared stories from behind the scenes of the hit TV show Dragon’s Den and some of his more eccentric business partners.
CIPH/HRAI sign MOU
John Hammill, 2012/13 chairman of CIPH, and David Morden, chairman of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for co-operation. The agreement means the two organizations will review common priorities annually and work together on policy issues that affect the HVAC/R and plumbing industries.
AGM
The AGM included the annual report to members, the treasurer’s report and the election of the 2013/14 board of directors. Robert Whitty, president and CEO of Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd., was chosen as chairman. He was first elected to the CIPH board of directors in 2004. Whitty began his career with Bartle & Gibson in 1978 designing hot water heating systems. He worked his way up through the ranks over the years and has been president and CEO since May 2001.
Look for more comprehensice coverage of this event in HPAC September/October 2013. CIPH’s 2014 annual business conference will be held at the Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel in Kelowna, BC from June 22-24. www.ciph.com
