Mel W. Bartley Award - Winner 1998
CIM Vancouver Branch
In recognition of its exemplary work in providing a relevant and active regular program of activities for the local community, with topical and interesting subjects being presented, in promoting membership, particularly encouraging local members to become national also, and in generally being a vibrant and active CIM Branch.The Vancouver Branch has made great strides in communicating with its membership to promote local and national membership, and maintains an efficient database to administer this on an ongoing basis. This database is also used to encourage networking between members. A newsletter is sent to members communicating Branch news and events. Eight speaker presentations are organized each year on topics of interest to members. Seven of these are held at luncheons, and the eighth as part of an evening Student Night. Since improving its communications with members, attendance has risen by nearly 50%. The Branch uses the CIM Distinguished Lecturer Program, and has also nominated speakers from its regular program to become CIM Distinguished Lecturers.
The Branch is active in promoting awareness and a better understanding of the mining industry. Members volunteer at Science World, speak to groups, and participate on local committees such as the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) Education Committee. The branch actively provides material and articles to local and national media, and mining-related websites. In conjunction with Student Night, the Branch hosts the Turnbull Cup, a student model competition designed to encourage original and insightful thinking and design.
Participation in CIM National activities and objectives is important to the Branch, such as promotion of national membership, the organization of district and annual general meetings, scholarships, nomination of candidates to run as officers, such as the current CIM President, Sandy Laird, nomination of candidates for CIM awards, involvement in the CIM Centennial, and submission of material to CIM Bulletin.
In summary the CIM Vancouver Branch is a vital and active entity, capable of meeting the challenges of keeping an organization such as CIM in a prominent position in the local mining community, seeking to improve awareness of the industry locally, and promoting CIM initiatives through effective communication with the membership.