I hope this letter finds everyone healthy and happy and off to a great start in 2010. With 2009 behind us we can begin a new year with enthusiasm and optimism, as it is said that the recession is on its way out.

I would like to once again thank the MIA board of directors and the members of MIA for the invitation to ladies’ night in Toronto. My wife and I attended this wonderful evening filled with great company, food, and dancing. Well done, MIA.

TIAC representatives attended a meeting invited by the NUICA (National Union Contractors Alliance) and the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers (the International) in December. Union representatives spoke about how a co-operative effort between TIAC and the International could work together to promote the many opportunities that are available to our insulation industry in the same way that they created with the Labour Management Co-operative Trust (LMCT) – a memorandum of understanding between NIA (National Insulation Association) and the Union. Their objective was to create an action plan to pressure federal and state legislators to enact laws that would truly recognize the value of mechanical insulation and funding tax incentives to promote the awareness and contribution of our product in reducing energy while saving green house gas emissions and money. Essentially the success that they have achieved is due to the fact that the contractors, suppliers, and the union are all part of this strategy.

Could Canada profit from this should we decide to head in the same direction and work with all interested parties to promote “the efficient use of insulation”? As noted above these are things that have been accomplished and are on-going with our American neighbours and they have been successful. The news release on page 37 is indicative of important progress the industry has made south of the border.

In closing, I would like to invite you to plan now to attend TIAC’s 48th Annual Conference, 2010, in Kelowna, BC. from September 18 to 21 at the beautiful Delta Grand Okanagan. Andre and Judy Pachon invite you to enjoy the great wine vineyards and the easy-going lifestyle. They have lots of great activities planned for all.