From the Summer 2017 Issue
From the Executive Director
Honouring Our Past; Embracing Our Future
On April 19th following the Annual Meeting of Members, ACMO celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Over 400 members and guests attended the champagne reception followed by lunch. Kudos and thanks go to ACMO staff, the Organizing Committee, Toronto Congress Centre and Freeman Audio Visual for creating an outstanding event with themed décor throughout.
In a prepared video statement, Ron Outram, ACMO president from 1979–81, spoke about the formation of ACMO in response to the Kealey Commission advising that if the industry didn’t organize, we would be organized! Also of note, Ron mentioned that as early leaders stuffed envelopes and planned lunches, they discussed the need for licensing or some form of professional regulation for condominium managers. The foresight demonstrated by these organizing members is to be commended and appreciated by future generations of professional managers.
The April event honoured RCM members who have shown their continuous support since the beginning. Forty-year plaques were presented to Bob Bainbridge and Ron Outram, while Lifetime Membership was presented to Richard Pearlstein, RCM and Ray Wilson, RCM. Serving as president from 1991–91 and 1994–96, respectively, these two individuals continue to be industry leaders and actively engaged in ACMO.
Our history is impressive. The condominium industry is still relatively young, and for 40 years ACMO has provided a central focus for professional management. The first RCM exam was written in 1984. When I assumed the executive director role in 2004 there were approximately 300 RCM members. Today there are over 1000, and boards of directors specifically request managers with the RCM designation. The ACMO 2000 company certification was launched in 1999 and gained strength in 2005. Over 55 firms have received this certification, which during the coming months will be rebranded and repositioned in support of licensing. Communication has included CM Magazine which has been published since 1980, and the ACMO newsletter first issued in 1978. Networking and social events have also been offered since the beginning, and today draw over 350 attendees on a regular basis.
ACMO has not been afraid to take on challenges. Most recently, our board and committees have been front and centre throughout consultations on amendments to the Condo Act, 1998 and introduction of licensing under the Condominium Management Services Act. Our executive members and management staff are meeting regularly with government teams and the newly formed Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO). The ACMO educational program offered through colleges across the province will be central to licensing. At the same time, enhanced member benefits and advanced educational opportunities are being developed offering value-added professional services specifically designed for condominium managers in Ontario.
In closing, it is impossible to personally thank the hundreds of volunteers who have shared their time and expertise to build our Association to the success it is today. The dedication of our members is underscored by the fact that at the May lunch 133 plaques were presented for 25, 20, 15 and 10 years of service.
Your support is truly appreciated, and we look forward to working together with members, future members and all licensed managers over the coming years.
