PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Jean-Pierre (J.P.) Pascoli | President PEMAC

Welcome! Another edition of PEMAC Now is upon us and Covid-19 still dominates the headlines, having affected most if not all our readership in so many ways, both personally and professionally. Thankfully we are seeing the positive effects of vaccinations and numerous other proactive measures, both in the workplace and our residential communities. While for many individuals Covid has resulted in health-related or financial burdens, for others it has created unprecedented opportunity. The same could be said of organizations of our asset management community. And PEMAC is no exception.

After going ‘live on-line’ with our annual MainTrain conference for the first time in 2020, we find ourselves once again offering a remote conference experience, expanding and improving based on last year’s learning and feedback. Our Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) program has been available live on-line since 2003 and with the pandemic the number of institutions offering on-line courses has expanded. Participation has increased as well. For example, in June we celebrated the largest MMP graduation class of 50 participants – all whom took part remotely. Even our chapters have embraced remote networking and sharing, which is actually beneficial in that it provides access to individuals who may otherwise not be able to participate. Never has the ‘connect’ in our motto of Connect – Learn – Contribute had such a double entendre!

I’m happy to announce that the results from the pilot of PEMAC’s previously announced new globally-aligned asset management certifications (CTAM, CPAM, CSAM) and feedback from a recent review from World Partners in Asset Management (WPiAM) has allowed us to operationalize this new certification program - an exciting development in professional recognition for Asset Management. Also in a response to market analysis, PEMAC launched a new Maintenance Work Management Certificate as a stepping stone to a full-fledged Maintenance Management Professional certification and MMP designation.

“Our relationship with the municipal asset management community also continued to strengthen through the on-going delivery of our Asset Management Professional education and certification program (AMP). It was made easily accessible through a grant initiative delivered through the Municipal Asset Management Program, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.

Professional development is clearly a focal point for PEMAC. In fact, by the time this issue is in your hands the MMP and CAMP designations will come to mean something new. Not only will the holders of these world-class certifications be recognized for having completed a rigorous course of study to qualify, but they will also be recognized as professionals who take steps to remain active and current in their field. After September 1st, 2021 renewal of MMP and CAMP certifications will require demonstration of a minimum number of hours of continuing professional development – a requirement that adds even more credibility to these certifications. As usual, details are available on our website.

All in all, it has been a busy time for PEMAC and there are no signs of this changing any time soon. I suspect that is the same for many of you. As such, I invite you to take a break and the time to enjoy this edition of PEMAC Now and reflect on how we can, all of us as leaders in asset management, continue to connect, learn, and contribute to our profession.