Mel W. Bartley Award - Winner 2005
CIM Oil Sands Branch
"Left to right: Ken Chekerda (Chair), Al Beavan, Past Chair, Alice Payne (Distinguished Lecturer) and Tim Joseph,- November 18, 2004 technical meeting."The Oilsands Branch of CIM was formed 29 years ago, and had 211 members in 2004.
Located around Fort McMurray, oilsands is the main industry in the area. The two largest companies are Suncor Energy Inc. and Syncrude Canada Ltd., both of which provide strong support for the CIM Branch. Recent additions to the family of oilsands operations, including Albian Sands and the upcoming CNRL, are increasingly involved in the Branch and its activities. In addition, as at any Branch, manufacturers and suppliers form the critical backbone of support without which many of the activities would not be possible.
Branch events are held monthly, from October through May, except for December, and have strong technical programs. These technical sessions usually include two speakers per night, some international, found through local and neighbouring Branches, and local suppliers and venders. A social night always follows the talks, with beer and pizza to encourage everyone to stick around. The technical sessions draw anywhere from 40 to 110 people per evening. In addition, the annual calendar includes two social events: the curling "Funspiel" in January, and the CIM Centennial Golf Tournament in late May or early June. Both of these events sell out months in advance.
The Branch works with other local groups, especially the local chapter of APEGGA, the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta. The CIM meetings qualify for points and credits the APEGGA members must earn throughout the year. Community activities include Keyano college scholarships and support, Discovery Centre support, Library support, and graduate handbook support.