Tuesday, November 03, 2015


Laugh Out Loud
 Russell Peters at Laugh Out Loud!


FEBRUARY 27, 2016
The International Centre
Featuring the hilarious Russell Peters as headliner and Jessica Holmes as emcee, the 4th annual Laugh Out Loud will light up the sky with laughter and bring the theme of the Northern Lights to life.
By supporting LOL 2016, you are investing in transformative change that will ensure improved access, increased privacy and tailored programs for the best mental health care possible.
For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit trilliumlol.ca or contact Andrea Cochrane at andrea.cochrane@trilliumhealthpartners.ca or 905-848-7580, ext. 2969.



Friday, June 12, 2015



ACSESS Vancouver Presents: Keynote Speaker Steve Jones!
A Favourite from the ACSESS Montréal 2015 Conference
360o Desk Performance Management
This afternoon session with Steve Jones reviews the business planning, activities and metrics associated with running a multifaceted super desk.  Designed for staffing industry managers and extremely relevant for consultants, this session is focused on the activities and attitudes that make the difference between average and extraordinary performance. 
We will review the daily performance activities on a 360o desk where everything matters - temp and perm, sales and recruitment.  In this real-life session we will create individual consultant daily plans, develop a measurement scheme and discuss tactics that will shorten the cycle to success for rookies and improve the performance of established consultants.  This staffing industry customized session is based around two simple rules: 1) What you measure is what you get, and 2) Luck is not a strategy.    
One of the most recognized names in Canadian staffing, Steve Jones offers training, coaching and consulting in the areas of operational improvement, sales, legislative compliance, social media, individual coaching, and leadership development. With over 30 years of recruitment and staffing experience, Steve is a professional speaker and a multiple franchise owner of Qualicare Home Care, owner of Socialite Internet Marketing and sits on several corporate and charity boards.  
ACSESS Vancouver would like to offer you an opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge from Steve by attending 2 Core Industry Training (CPC) modules in the morning and gaining complimentary access to his session “Stop Trying to Change Me!” in the afternoon.
June 23, 2015
8:45am to 10:15am
Recruitment & Selection

Steve Jones
Enhance your skills of the Recruitment and Selection process. Gain further knowledge of screening, testing tools and resources essential in permanent, contract, and temporary staffing
10:30am to 12:00pm Business Practices and Ethics

Steve Jones
Gain the essential knowledge required for all Professionals in the staffing and recruitment industry. Learn how to differentiate yourself from your competition through best business practices with clients and candidates
1:00pm to 4:00pm 360o Desk Performance Management

Steve Jones
Keynote Session

Fee:
  • Morning Modules $172 each +tax members and $299 each +tax non-members

  • Keynote session $89 +tax members and $129 +tax for non-members
  Location:
Swim International Recruiting
601 west Cordova Street
Suite
330 Vancouver, BC
V6B 1G1
RSVP: Sinead Finnegan – sfinnegan@acsess.org
 

Friday, January 09, 2015

Meet Ontario Track 3 Executive Director David Velikonja

Meet Ontario Track 3 Executive Director David Velikonja as he talks about the importance of volunteers to kids with disabilities, Friends & Family Race Day 2015, Social Media and more. 



Friday, December 05, 2014

Canadian November Labour Report- Just Silly

Earlier today Statistic Canada released their Labour Force Survey data for November 2014 without so much as a sly grin to acknowledge how ridiculous the report is or how insignificant the bureau has become.
Statistic Canada November 2014

In November when wholesalers are shipping more than 50% of their annual product and retailers are ramping into their biggest season of the year, StatsCan tells us that the wholesale and retail industries declined by 41,600 jobs.   That reminds me of the time they reported that teacher jobs jumped through the ceiling in July.  Bahaha.  Seriously?


Statistics Canada reported job increases in September and October.  According to the Toronto Star, "The consecutive increases in September and October marked the first time since December 2012 that the agency's see-saw jobs survey recorded two straight months of employment growth outside the margin of error."  Logic says that September and October must have been exaggerated gains and November's decline is just part of their pattern of errors and adjustments.

The report also tells us that  Ontario jobs declined by 34,000 in November while Quebec's increased by 20,000.  Sorry kids.  That didn't happen either.

"Employment in professional, scientific and technical services decreased by 33,000"  - Nope!

They report that Private Sector jobs declined by 45,600 in November.  Not believable!  Neither is their report of a Public Sector increase of 22,600 jobs.  Heck, even spend and burn socialists like Kathleen Wynne in Ontario weren't creating new jobs in November. In November the Ontario CCAC and other health care providers were actually cutting back services.

Does the Agriculture industry in Canada increase jobs in November?  Stats Can says they do.  I'm not a farmer but my vegetables were picked and our garden was closed by November 1st.   Stats Can reported that the Transportation and Warehousing industry decreased by 14,600 jobs in November.  My friends in the industry tell me that there are not enough qualified drivers available to move the loads for Christmas season or the produce shipments from the south. If demand was up, certainly employment was not down.



It is a survey.  It is not based upon facts like payroll data.  My theory is that people who are working hard (especially in new jobs in industries like retail, wholesale, transportation, technical or healthcare) are inclined to give false answers when interrupted by an annoying survey.  As a result, they blurt out the sarcastic opposite of the truth just like I do when surveyed by political parties or questioned about my duct cleaning needs.

For now, I'm going with the George Costanza Opposite Theory.  Whatever Statistics Canada says about the labour market... I'm going with the opposite.

Steve Jones
Business Leadership Corp.
TGIF

Monday, November 24, 2014

Staffing Industry Professional Development

Canadian Certified Personnel Consultant CPC

http://bit.ly/ACSESS_Winnipeg_Dec3  
Winnipeg - Register December 3, 2014

http://bit.ly/ACSESS_Calgary_Dec2  
Calgary - Register December 2, 2014

Not all staffing companies are created equal. The same goes for recruiters. Client managers repeatedly tell us that the most significant factor in selecting their staffing service company or recruitment firm is the person they deal with.
 
Sure, brand matters, technology matters, specialties, size, locations and reputation all matter. But, in the end, the actual recruiters and the people on the service team make customers happy. (and unhappy).
Dedicated recruitment industry professionals know how important it is to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. That's why top performing staffing professionals don't think twice about achieving their Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designation as a credible and demonstrative differentiation.

Hiring managers want a rapport with their recruiter that is based upon "Trust and Confidence". In gathering Trust and Confidence, they look at the credentials and qualifications of the recruiters and account managers. Trust and Confidence go well beyond an agency’s name and brochure. They are developed, they are earned, they are proven; and then they ultimately are given.

Hiring managers may not ask whether your staffing agency is a member of ACSESS. You should never miss the opportunity to tell them anyways. Tell your clients and prospects and candidates that as a member of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services, you have pledged to uphold the industry’s code of ethics and standards. The code addresses everything from disclosure of information to adherence to laws and respect of individuals. Active membership in ACSESS lends credibility to a client's decision to lend you their Trust and Confidence.

Don't miss the opportunity to print the letters “CPC” behind your name. The Certified Personnel Consultant designation is the only certification for professionals working within the Canadian staffing industry. A recruiter with the “CPC” credentials has made a commitment to the their profession, to the industry and to professional performance. If you've got it, flaunt it.

The CPC courses and exams address important topics such as the legal aspects of staffing services, human rights, privacy laws, employment standards, employment equity, health and safety, recruitment and selection techniques, and industry ethics.
A staffing industry professional with the CPC designation can speak proudly of a commitment to professional conduct and skilled practices.

ACSESS local chapters play an important role in promoting and offering CPC sessions.
I'm looking forward to delivering CPC courses in both Calgary, Alberta on December 2, 2014 and in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 3, 2014. My visits to Western Canada will also include appearances at ACSESS Chapter events. I'll be speaking on "Inspirational Leadership" while in Calgary and while in Winnipeg, I will present a repeat of the ACSESS Conference favorite session "Stop Trying to Change Me".

http://bit.ly/ACSESS_Winnipeg_Dec3 Read More about Winnipeg - Register December 3, 2014
http://bit.ly/ACSESS_Calgary_Dec2   Read More about Calgary - Register December 2, 2014

Register your seats today!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Executive Director - Ontario Track 3 Association


Ontario Track 3 Ski Association for children with disabilities is considering qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director.


Executive Director
Ontario Track 3 Ski 
for Children with Disabilities


Ontario Track 3 Ski Association is a well established and highly regarded volunteer based charity enabling kids with disabilities to discover their confidence, develop their talents and achieve their physical potential through the magic of snow sports.  Ontario Track 3 engages over 450 volunteers to professionally deliver adaptive ski and snow board programs at 14 ski resorts across Ontario.

The Role of Executive Director


The Executive Director has responsibility to lead and manage the organization according to the strategic direction set with the Board of Directors. The ED will actively engage in all aspects of the organization's activities, fostering effective team work between staff, volunteers, committees, ski resort
partners, funding agencies and the volunteer board of directors.


Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director’s priorities include:
  • Over-all delivery of programs for children with disabilities
  • Managing and leading a small core of staff
  • Recruitment & retention of volunteer
  • Leading and supporting committees
  • Fundraising through sponsorships and grants
  • Fundraising through promotions and events
  • Ski resort and partner relations
  • Facilities and equipment
  • Public relations, promotions and communications
  • Operational effectiveness, systems and efficiencies
Qualifications:


This successful candidate should have excellent inter-personal and leadership skills with knowledge of issues related to services for children with disabilities, charity governance and alpine snow sports. The ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary degree complemented by financial, administrative and related operational experience.


Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and over-all value to the organization.

How to Apply
 
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume by email in confidence to Steve Jones, President Ontario Track 3 Association President before May 19th, 2014.  

email: steve.jones@bell.net 



Also posted : http://www.bullhornreach.com/job/1577752_executive-director-ski-association-for-children-with-disabilities-toronto-on-canada

www.track3.org

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

In Memoriam - Henk Engels

Henk Engels, Executive Director - Ontario Track 3 Ski Association

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Henk Engels, Ontario Track 3 Executive Director, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday April 7, 2014 while resting in North York General Hospital.


Henk Engels 73, graciously and generously gave over 37 years of service to children with disabilities and the Ontario Track 3 Ski Association.  Henk was an early partner of Ontario Track 3 as a volunteer ski instructor and was instrumental in the transition from an Ontario Easter Seals program to a highly respected independent charitable organization.  Over his many years of service he selflessly contributed as an instructor, fund raiser, board member, President and Executive Director.  Henk has played an important role in changing the lives of thousands of children with special needs. His contributions and accomplishments are truly reflected in Ontario Track 3 as one of his life’s great legacies. 

Henk is survived and missed most by his loving wife Susan, his proud sons Kevin and Randy and his grandson Bret. 

Our most sincere condolences and sympathies are expressed to family and friends on behalf of the Track 3 Board of Directors, staff members, volunteers, students of past and present and all association members.

Further information about visitations and the funeral service will be posted on the Track 3 website at www.track3.org  as details become available.

Steve Jones
President
Ontario Track 3 Ski Association

Monday, November 11, 2013

Bob Cohen Remembered



During the past 30 years I have witnessed a consistent transformation of the Canadian staffing industry and its players.   In the early 80’s, the industry was truly “entrepreneurial”.  At the time, Bob Cohen was the founder and President of Staffing Consultants.  He was a leader of the staffing industry’s entrepreneurial spirit.

I originally met Bob Cohen in Toronto in 1983 or 1984 at an Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services meeting (formerly FTHS and CATS) and he quickly became a trusted mentor and advisor.  He believed that we could all thrive and succeed in our fledgling industry if we would collaborate together to promote the industry, share best practices, and set standards.  While some owners were naturally untrusting, insular, protective and secretive around competitors, Bob Cohen was the exact opposite.  He set a positive example for openness, sharing and professionalism. His goal was to make it a better industry for us all.

As a newcomer to the industry, I turned to Bob and few other industry greats for guidance, advice and leadership.  If you know a bit about the Canadian staffing industry’s past, you’ll understand why I associate Bob Cohen with Gil Rosen, Bill Coke and Ted Turner.  These guys cared and worked hard to foster the health and growth of an industry that has now become an important and integral part of Canadian business success.

Bob understood that relationships of trust are the key ingredient to successful collaboration. He phoned, he met, he talked, he was professional but most of all, he was personal.  Almost every time that we greeted each other or laughed or departed, Bob was comfortable in putting a hand on my shoulder.   Bob and I had many lunch meetings in Toronto, drinks in Montreal, dinners in Dallas and laughed in streets of Las Vegas.  Some men have the knack for comfortably nurturing relationships of trust and confidence.  He was that man.

With over 40 years in the industry Bob knew and influenced countless others as he did me.  He was instrumental in the staffing industry association merger, various industry public relations projects, government lobbying, conference planning and became the North American expert in staffing business valuations, mergers and acquisitions.

Together with his friend and business partner Sam Sacco, they successfully completed over 140 staffing industry M&A transactions.

Bob passed away peacefully on Saturday.  I know that I speak for many when say that our thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family, especially his loving wife Debra.  He will be missed and always thought of with tremendous respect for his knowledge, his accomplishments, his values and his friendship.

Bob was instrumental and influential over many of the changes to the Canadian staffing industry. But while the business changed and evolved, the personality, the commitment and honourable nature of the man behind it remained the same.  Bob Cohen – Rest in Peace.


“Cohen, Robert A. (Bob). Passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Beloved husband of Debra Joy Eklove. Devoted father of Paul Cohen, Julie and Corey Chandler. Adoring grandfather of Hudson Davis and Smith Beckett Chandler. Brother of Michael Cohen and Stephen Cohen both of California. Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Toronto to begin a business in the staffing industry. His passion as a teacher was expressed through his work in schools, as an entepreneur and leader in the Staffing industry for 40 years, as a baseball coach, mentor and scout for the Major League Baseball Commissioner's Office. His strength and courage, and feisty character will be sorely missed by family, many lifelong friends and colleagues.”