There are a couple of things I’m excited to share with you about some of my key priorities at CKCA. Any executive director will tell you that the things that keep them up at night are growing their membership and providing member benefits that both offer an incentive for people to join as well as retain those who are already members!
Life is no different for me and I too am very focused on achieving these goals.
CKCA Certification
Many of you are familiar with the CKCA Certification program. Originally implemented in 2009 this program is similar to that of our sister organization the KCMA. It’s designed to offer our members the opportunity to have a “Quality Assured” logo attached to their product, and show the consumer – the end user, that this product has undergone stringent testing to guarantee it complies with a specific set of standards and has been tested to verify it as such.
You may ask – “Why is this important?” It’s a good question and one that we need to ensure our members have confidence in answering. Companies that comply and bear the CKCA Certification seal are recognized in the marketplace as providing a quality product able to perform after a rigorous battery of tests simulating years of typical household use.
All tests are performed by an approved third-party licensed independent laboratory.
Since the program was launched in 2009, construction methods have changed and there is new technology in place that affects testing (such as soft close technology). It became clear that in addition to a thorough review of the standard, we also needed to make sure we have a clear marketing plan in place and that the appropriate emphasis is placed on building awareness of this program with not only our manufacturers but with the appropriate agencies across Canada including government, home builder associations, affiliated associations, consumer groups and consumers themselves. The changes to the program are nearing completion and we are hoping to launch a new revitalized program later this Spring. This means having proper support collateral in place, a dedicated section on our website to house the information and a comprehensive set of forms and papers to guide the administration of this program.
I am confident that as we roll out this program, it will provide not only a competitive advantage for our members that choose to certify, but also a renewed focus on CKCA as an important resource to our members and
our industry.
Membership
I’m also focused on working with our board to grow the membership of CKCA in 2016. We have ambitious goals for this fiscal year that are tied to direct membership growth in all member categories – particularly manufacturers. So far for 2016 we are right on track. More members mean more financial resources for the association. As a “not for profit” organization, the board has decided to use all funds to provide direct benefits to our members. This means that as we grow, we have more money to provide valuable services to you.
Some of the things that more money will provide are the ability to better market our certification program, especially to those outside of our industry – such as consumers, appropriate agencies and industry groups. We will also have the opportunity to gather data about our industry –
this will offer an important perspective on the state of kitchen manufacturing in Canada.
And lastly, something that we can all do now and we all have access to is networking and education. CKCA is committed to provide quality and relevant education at our events and our upcoming National Forum is no exception. Set in beautiful Whistler, B.C., the National Forum will provide an exclusive opportunity for you to network with your fellow manufacturers from across the country. There is no better perspective than that of your peers and you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and gain new ideas that you can really use.
You’ll also have access to a broad network of supplier partners. I can also tell you that we plan to have some fun as well and this year at the President’s dinner we are getting our groove on and spreading “Peace, Love and Martinis” at our 60’s themed event. We’ll also take you to the world renowned BearFoot Bistro where you can experience Champagne Sabering and the famous Ketel One Ice Room (Come into the cold and experience an exhilarating
flight of sub-zero vodka. We
provide the parka. Just bring
your sense of adventure)! You
can learn more about the program
by clicking on our website
at ckca.ca/events or email
info@ckca.ca for more information.
As someone who has spent many years working with associations I can tell you CKCA offers great value for the money, and provides valuable services for its members. If you have not considered joining lately – there is no time like the present!
