By Tristan Bertram,TIAC’s Technical Initiatives and Strategic Relationship Coordinator
Hello TIAC members!
The adoption of our new Mission, Vision, Purpose, and Core Values by TIAC’s leadership, as highlighted in President Rob Bertram’s article (page 4), marks a pivotal and exhilarating moment for our industry and association. These guiding principles set the foundation for our collective efforts and chart the course for all the initiatives TIAC undertakes to enhance and revitalize the insulation industry. I am incredibly excited to embrace TIAC’s new strategic intent. The clarity and depth of our Mission, Vision, and Values position TIAC perfectly to become Canada’s pipeline to net-zero. In all of my endeavours, be those taking on new tasks, forming partnerships, or driving new initiatives, my ultimate goal is to ensure that every action aligns with the direction set forth by our new strategic framework. This framework serves as a blueprint for our association’s success. I believe that by adhering to its principles and objectives, we will achieve our goals more efficiently and effectively. Thank you to TIAC’s board of directors for establishing our new guiding principles.
I am happy to update you on some of my recent developments since TIAC’s conference in Whistler, BC.
- TIAC has a long-standing partnership with the National Insulation Association (NIA), and I am honoured to have recently represented TIAC at NIA’s Fall Summit in National Harbor, Maryland. Our partnership with NIA is essential to the vitality of North America’s insulation industry, and I am proud to represent Canada’s insulation community.
- Engaging with MICA’s NACIIS manual committee has provided a valuable platform for me to learn and contribute to increasing the efficiency of contractor-engineer-owner relations and job efficiency.
- Collaborating with Canadian organizations focused on efficiency and carbon reduction has opened avenues to highlight mechanical insulation’s value in promoting sustainability and reducing costs. Some organizations I have been working with are Efficiency Canada, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, Alberta Eco Trust, and others.
- In mid-November, I presented at Construction Specifications Canada’s (CSC) Okanagan Chapter with the support of Bradley Budden from BCICA. I emphasized the significance of Insulation Energy Appraisals (IEA) in evaluating and improving thermal performance. I also presented case studies demonstrating the importance of IEA in achieving better energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduced carbon emissions. Thank you to the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers for sharing some IEA data. Bradley Budden was alongside me, highlighting BCICA’s pivotal role in BC’s insulation industry and the value of the association’s QAC program. I believe united messaging and collaboration between TIAC and the provincial associations is a great way to promote our industry.
- Lastly, I am constantly lobbying both provincial and federal governments to develop programs that promote mechanical insulation tied directly to carbon and cost reduction, thus contributing to a more sustainable future and a thriving Canadian insulation industry.
TIAC’s committees have been spearheading various initiatives aligned with our Mission and Vision. The Innovators Committee, chaired by James Low (Ideal Products), is actively working to attract new demographics to the insulation industry, encouraging a diverse array of individuals to choose a career in our industry.
The Technical Committee, chaired by Cory Gray (Thermo Applicators), has been reviewing and enhancing the TIAC Best Practices Guide, illustrating our commitment to maintaining the highest industry practices. Simultaneously, the Governance Committee, chaired by Katie McFadden (Armacell), is dedicated to streamlining TIAC’s operations to solidify the association’s foundation for future growth and efficiency.
The Conference Committee, chaired by Steve Huculiak (Nadeau Isolation), is diligently planning a series of engaging conferences in the upcoming years, while the Membership Committee, also chaired by Steve Huculiak, is dedicated to enhancing member experiences nationwide. Every effort put forth by these committees is a stride toward positioning TIAC as Canada’s pipeline to net-zero and achieving our Mission. Thank you to all the committee members and chairpersons for your hard work and dedication to improving our industry.
I’m thrilled to see the sense of community and revitalization being fostered by our newly adopted Mission, Vision, Purpose, and Core Values. This unity, combined with clear intent, propels us toward a future where TIAC stands as the community steering Canada toward a more sustainable future. I am inspired by the collaborative spirit and the commitment of our members and leaders to shape a better, more sustainable future for our industry and the world. I encourage you to get involved if you are able. TIAC is always happy to welcome new committee members and participants in efforts to improve our industry. Please feel free to contact me anytime to share ideas and suggestions or to connect with our leadership and committee chairs.
I look forward to hearing from you.
All my best until the next edition! ▪
Reach out to Tristan Bertram, Technical Initiative and Strategic Relationship Coordinator, at 825-522-4834 or tristan.bertram@tiac.ca
