The AWMAC Ontario Chapter is celebrating a milestone. It’s been 25 years since the Architectural Millworkers of Ontario joined the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada on Nov. 3, 1999.
“It’s hard to believe that AWMAC Ontario has been around for 25 years,” says Nick Anastas, AWMAC Ontario chapter president.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to remember back to those early days when the AMO (Architectural Millworkers of Ontario) was growing and needed that last incremental jump. When Ken Jackson led the push in 1999, we officially became AWMAC Ontario and made the transition to joining the National body.
“Since then, we’ve more than tripled in membership, growing from 48 members to 152 as of today. We’ve strengthened our role in the construction marketplace; helped write the 06400 Master Specification; lobbied the Ontario government for changes to the building code and public design guidelines; we’ve exponentially grown our GIS and Inspection Programs; introduced member benefits including HR and health benefit plans; and Ontario members have repeatedly taken on key roles at the national level (in marketing, governance, standards, and leadership).
“Now, as the Chapter enters what I like to call AWMAC 2.0, we’re exploring strategies to make membership more meaningful, more relevant, and more powerful in the marketplace.
“Our members have continuously risen to meet and overcome obstacles, and our vision for the Association must reflect that.
“I’m not entirely certain what the original founders of the AMO, or our leadership back in 1999, had in mind for the association’s future. But it’s looking better than ever, and we haven’t even scratched the surface of our potential.
Cheers, to 25 years, and hopefully hundreds more.”
