I always agree with the opinion that it takes a full year to settle into a new role with an unfamiliar employer. As I approach my one-year anniversary working as the Executive Administrator of HeliCat Canada (HCC), I want to review my first year with this active association and share with you some of the highlights that have contributed to my increasing confidence in the part I play within it. What have I learned? What happens within the association throughout a year? What lies ahead in the year to come?
For those of you who don’t know me yet, Hi! I’m Corrina, and I began working with HeliCat Canada in October 2019, taking over from Andrea Lustenberger who accepted an exciting opportunity working full time with the Canadian Avalanche Association. My background in adventure tourism and hospitality management made me keen to take on a new challenge as an administrator in the industry.
Well, what have I learned about the helicat sector, working at HCC, and our members during my first year?
Diving straight into the HeliCat Canada world at the October 2019 AGM held in Victoria, B.C., was the most valuable learning experience any new hire could have asked for. This gave me an overview of the past year’s activities; an introduction to the Board of Directors, membership, and supporters; and knowledge of what to expect at HeliCat Canada over the next twelve months. Over the year, I’ve gained a greater understanding of helicopter and snowcat skiing. I’ve learned what is important to owners, operators, employees, aspiring guides, and guests in terms of safety, sustainability, and standards, and the role of and relationships with government, First Nations, and local communities. Hearing case studies and communicating with lawyers and insurance brokers has shown me the value of sharing industry experiences and resources so we can collectively maintain high standards.
What happened in HCC offices over this past year?
Although the HeliCat Canada year officially begins July 1, my year began after the October AGM. I focussed on winter preparations including planning accreditation inspections of HCC members. I also helped set up the new Wildlife and Environmental Research (WER) Fund, prepared informational materials, and supported the selection committee as they reviewed responses to the RFP. During and after the operating season, I supported members with incident reporting, attended monthly Board meetings, and began working hard on hosting an interesting, educational, and social annual Spring Conference in Penticton, B.C. As Covid-19 began to affect travel and safety, it became necessary to cancel the Spring event and shift our focus to presenting to and sharing information with members through regular online meetings. As we transition into fall, we’ve been busy preparing the annual year-end financial statements, next year’s annual budget, and the 2020 Annual Report. Plans are well underway for the upcoming ONLINE October 2020 AGM. In the midst of all this activity, I find myself really missing a few things, especially the opportunity to meet more of HeliCat Canada’s members and spend time with you face to face. Nevertheless, I must say that I’m impressed with how effectively HCC works remotely and virtually! The addition of “videos on” during meetings means that those we communicate with don’t seem so far away. Can anything beat the added intrigue of what virtual background HCC’s Executive Director, Ross Cloutier, might choose for a Zoom call?
What am I looking forward to at HCC for the coming year?
As we look forward to the year ahead I remain optimistic for a limited but successful winter season in our “new normal” way of operating. We’re in good hands here. The Board, Ross, and I have defined the strategic direction for the association over the coming years and a few of the focus areas I’m particularly excited about are the following:
Increasing the value of membership in the association to our current members
Developing and administering WER Fund projects to completion
Facilitating member communications and increasing member committee engagement
Enhancing the accreditation and incident reporting programs
Thank you all for welcoming me and encouraging me as I’ve navigated year one with HeliCat Canada. A special thank you to the HeliCat Board of Directors and Ross Cloutier for affording me this opportunity and giving me your guidance. Happy Anniversary to me! I look forward to the next twelve months - growing our relationships, and building on all the work we are doing together.