Los Andes Branch
The Cobre 2003 conference in Chile last fall was aided by the participation of the CIM Los Andes Branch, which helped put on the event while assisting Branch members to meet and network with the international delegates.
On the Sunday night, the opening reception and cocktail hour drew a large crowd to kick off the event. A Chilean Wine-Tasting Reception, hosted by the CIM Los Andes Branch, was also a popular event. On Tuesday, December 2, the Branch held the event at the Hotel Sheraton San Cristobal in Santiago to bring together local members with the international mining community attending the conference.
CIM is about a lot more than receiving the Bulletin and attending a coference, Barber added. "Deep down, CIM is about individuals building a solid network of highly competent, willing and responsive professionals in our industry and is about providing the environment and events for people to get to know each other over time, build trust, and develop confidence in each other."
CIM Executive Director Jean Vavrek attended the event, meeting with many CIM international members. With the help of CIM members, such as the executive of the Los Andes Branch, Vavrek and CIM Council plan to grow CIM's international presence, and determine how to best meet the needs of CIM members and constituencies outside the Canadian boundaries.
Also in attendance was Bernard Giroux, the Canadian Ambassador to Chile, demonstrating his support for Canadian professionals working abroad.
The Los Andes Branch hosts monthly events is Santiago, making it one of CIM's most active Branches.
Contribute to CIM's Strategy
CIM is in the process of creating its new international strategy, to lay the groundwork for future expansion on the global front. Key CIM representatives are dialoguing with Members and industry leaders globally, working to determine how best to meet the needs of the industry around the world.
Help CIM help you. CIM Executive Director Jean Vavrek and CIM Vice President International Rob Barber would appreciate your input. "We want to determine how individuals working globally think CIM's bridging into other countries could help them," Vavrek explained. "We need to understand the key services CIM could offer abroad."
CIM is about a lot more than receiving the Bulletin and attending a conference, Barber added. "Deep down, CIM is about individuals building a solid network of highly competent, willing and responsive professionals in our industry and is about providing the environment and events for people to get to know each other over time, build trust, and develop confidence in each other."
A large part of CIM membership's advantage is gained by having people work together on projects of mutual interest and of high importance to the future of our industry and of its role in Society,' Vavrek explained. So it is also important that we voice this message to anyone who has a stake in our industry and who intends to be part of it or become part of it for any number of years to come. "For such people, becoming a part of CIM and working with all of us should become obvious," he added.
The Institute's international focus stems from the globalization of the minerals industry - as Canadian professionals go abroad, CIM aims to support them. And as the mining community becomes more international, CIM is targeting a diverse membership that more closely represents the industry it serves.
For associations like CIM, the strength is in the members, and that's why CIM needs your input to help form a plan. "We know we need to work with people locally, in mining regions around the globe," Vavrek said. "There is a lot left for us to do before we can go full steam ahead on this. And we're looking for active members to help us understand the issues, realities and to assist in the actualization of the CIM concept within a local community."
What are the key services CIM can offer you abroad? What is our best way to deliver this and how can we leverage and engage people locally? Is it publications, web-based, conferences, meetings, networking opportunities, or something else? Let CIM know. Email international@cim.org and help us help you.
hment of new Sections in new frontiers," he said. "Potential new sections include China, India, Ghana, etc. I would be disappointed if new Sections were not established during my term."
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International Affairs and the Strategic Plan 2003/2004
International affairs play a role in CIM’s new strategic plan. The following elements which impinge on international affairs have been extracted from the new plan.
Three main targets were identified that warrant special attention to further CIM’s strength on the global front and ensure that members’ needs are met. These are:
• Expand international membership by 20%, from 940 (as of May 2003), to 1130 by May 2005.
• Increase international student membership from 22 (as of May 2003) to over 200 by May 2005.
• Follow-up on recently conducted international survey to ensure the enhancement of membership services, as well as the development of the CIM Global section of the CIM website.
To accomplish the above mentioned goals, CIM has formed the International Affairs Liaison Group (IALG), which has representatives from CIM's Societies and Divisions.
Some of the activities on which IALG is currently focusing include:
• Establish a student chapter in India.
• Enhance the Los Andes Branch and expand CIM National Membership in Chile.
• Establish a student chapter in Eastern Europe (Kyrgyz Republic).
CIM's International Affairs Liaison Group
| Wayne Hickey, MMD |
Jim Finch, CMPD |
Ted Knight, MED |
| Bern Klein, IMD |
Tim Joseph, COSD |
Chris Moreton, Geosoc |
| Carlos Diaz, MetSoc |
Rob Barber, PetSoc |
Jane Spooner, MES |
| Laura Mottola, ASTC |
Peter Edmunds,MAL |
Bob Chambers, MAL |
| David Forrester, MAL |
Deborah McCombe, MAL |
Heather Ednie, MAL |
| Cesar Inostroza, MAL |
Bish Chanda, MAL |
Silvia Mihai, Memberhip Director |
| John Selters, Los Andes Br. |
Rick Thibault, Los Andes Br. |
|
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IALG gears up to launch international strategy
The CIM International Affairs and Liaison Group (IALG) met at the CIM Mining Industry Conference and Exhibition Montreal 2003, where Peter Edmunds handed over the reigns to the new CIM Vice-President International Rob Barber. CIM's focus on the international industry and providing services to global members is garnering strength, as was evident in the large turnout for the meeting.
Barber pinpointed three main focuses in the international arena: increasing international membership; increasing international student membership; and improving communications and services to members. Tools to accomplish these goals include a follow-up on the results of the international membership survey of last year, website enhancement, and creating an effective technical
library on-line.
Other issues under discussion were the importance of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with other associations and countries and the development of new international sections. A brainstorming session, on methods for attracting new members, came up with a long list of ideas, including: consulting with embassies; synergy with other associations; working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; a mentoring program; and numerous other ideas including some existing
international visits scheduled by IALG members who will act as CIM ambassadors.
The next IALG meeting was scheduled for June 9, by teleconference. Barber plans regular teleconferences throughout the year, and encourages everyone on the IALG to participate fully. Any CIM members who wish to become involved in the further development of CIM's international potential are welcomed to contact Barber at international@cim.org to discuss the role you could play.
Setting up an action plan for International Affairs
An action plan for IALG was drafted, to be developed at the June 9 teleconference. Rob Barber, CIM VP International, called the plan One International Member at a Time.
As of this May, CIM had approximately 940 international members and 22 international student members. Goals set in the action plan include: growing the number of international student members to over 200 by May 2005; providing improved services to international members; increasing the number of international members by 20%; and establishing a minimum of two new international sections.
A number of plans were laid out to meet these goals, requiring the active participation of the IALG members. Barber said he expects some changes and modifications to the plan following the June 9 teleconference of the IALG, based on group discussion, but the vision will remain clear. As plans are being put to action, more CIM members are invited to join the effort and contribute to the growth of CIM.
Calling all CIM members -VP International invites your participation
The next two years promise to see a flurry of activity on CIM's international front, and participation from a number of CIM members will be required to meet all the goals. Rob Barber, CIM VP International, invites all CIM members interested in pitching in and joining the planning group to contact him to get on-board. And CIM members with enquiries about how they may contribute are also welcomed to contact him.
Furthermore, any CIM members with ideas, issues, suggestions or concerns about CIM's international presence and services are invited to contact Barber and share their views. Barber can be reached by e-mail at international@cim.org.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
| Date |
Meeting |
Event |
| February 12, 2004 |
Teleconference |
12:00 - 13:30 |
| May 10, 2004 |
Edmonton AGM |
TBA |
| September 15, 2004 |
Teleconference |
12:00 - 13:30 |
| November 4, 2004 |
Teleconference |
12:00 - 13:30 |
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