FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 24, 2023 (Victoria, BC) – The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and its membership re-elected three industry leaders to its 2023-2024 Board of Directors during its 2023 Annual General Meeting. There were ten nominees from across Vancouver Island. The meeting was held on November 16^th, 2023 at the Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse in Saanichton, BC.

Of the ten nominees, incumbents Stuart Cuthbert, Slegg Building Materials, Morley Wilkins, Method Chartered Professional Accounting and Scott Torry, AFC Construction, were re-elected to the board for another term.

For 2023/24 VICA welcomes Stuart Cuthbert as its new Board Chair, Barclay Ellis, Trades Labour Corporation (TLC) Victoria, as Vice-Chair, Scott Torry as Treasurer, Morley Wilkins as Secretary, and Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering, as Past Chair.

With nearly two decades of domestic and international industry experience, Stuart’s leadership and prowess for exceptional governance positions VICA for success for the coming years. Drawing from his experience on the VICA Board and the BC Construction Association Board of Directors, as well as his background in supply, sub-contracting, and manufacturing, Stuart brings a holistic perspective to the Board Chair, understanding the diverse needs and priorities of VICA Members.

Outgoing Past-Chair Chris Lyons, Omicron Construction, was recognized for his years of service on the VICA Board. Chris was part of the founding group of what is now VICA’s successful Young Builders Network, creating a space for young industry professionals in the construction sector to network and mentorship opportunities. During Chris’ tenure on the VICA Board, he oversaw the pilot and expansion of VICA’s Tailgate Toolkit Program, our Construct Your Future youth employment program, as well as stewarding VICA through the COVID-19 Pandemic. With his departure from the VICA Board, Chris now joins the BC Construction Association’s Board of Directors.

CEO / CHAIR / PAST CHAIR QUOTES

“The need for construction services is at a historically high level, with government presenting policy to address the increasing need for housing and public infrastructure. Guided by the leadership of our 2023-2024 Board of Directors, I am confident that the Vancouver Island Construction Association and its members will be positioned to succeed in addressing the construction needs of Vancouver Island communities.”  

– Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Island Construction Association

“I am deeply thankful to my fellow Vancouver Island Construction Association Members for electing me as their Board Chair. I look forward to continuing the work set forth by our previous board as well as exploring new initiatives to effectively serve VICA Members and the construction community on Vancouver Island. As chair, my dedication lies in upholding VICA’s core values of advocacy, fostering professional growth, ensuring effective governance, and enhancing member benefits.”

– Stuart Cuthbert, Board Chair, Slegg Building Materials

“As my tenure as the Chair of the Vancouver Island Construction Association draws to a close, I reflect on a dynamic year in the Vancouver Island construction sector, filled with challenges and notable achievements. Through the collective efforts of the board, VICA leadership, and VICA’s staff we have made a positive impact on the construction landscape on Vancouver Island. I extend my gratitude to the committed group of Directors who stood by me during my tenure, and I am confident that VICA will remain as Vancouver Island’s premier construction industry association.”

– Kate Ulmer, Past Chair, Herold Engineering

MEDIA & INTERVIEW INQUIRIES
Owen O’Rourke
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)
owen@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722

ABOUT VICA
As the Vancouver Island Construction Association, we serve our construction community: the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. VICA members come from all areas of our industry from owners, designers, and contractors to purchasers of construction services. With roots that date back to 1912, we are one of the oldest not-for-profit construction associations in Canada.

(L-R) Stuart Cuthbert, Slegg Building Materials, Morley Wilkins, Method Chartered Professional Accounting, Scott Torry, AFC Construction, Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering.

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A year ago, the Industry Training Authority was renamed SkilledTradesBC by the Provincial Government and was given an expanded mandate, including the implementation of Skilled Trades Certification, also known as compulsory trades.

The first seven Electrical and Mechanical trades were selected and were given one year to transition. With the implementation date fast approaching, it’s important for businesses and workers to understand what they need to do in order to meet the requirements.

The seven trades designated as Skilled Trades Certification trades are:

• Construction Electrician      
• Industrial Electrician   
• Powerline Technician                 
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Gasfitter A & B
• Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Sheet Metal Worker

Uncertified trade workers in these seven trades will be required to either register as an apprentice or become a certified journeyperson as of December 1, 2023. Employers with workers in any of the Skilled Trades Certification trades will need to ensure they meet the requirements.

Online Forms Now Available on Portal

Workers can now register with SkilledTradesBC and submit online forms through the Portal. The SkilledTradesBC Portal is a self-service web tool that offers a seamless and efficient way for users to submit their applications, track its status, and manage their apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Certification-related tasks from both their computers and mobile phones.

Online features are now available for:

• Apprentices: Workers with less than one year of experience registering their apprenticeship with a sponsor.
  
• Trade Qualifiers: Experienced workers applying to write the final certification exam in their trade and get their Red Seal or Certificate of Qualification. Applicable to eligible trades only.
  
• Uncertified Experienced Workers: Highly experienced workers applying to be issued a Temporary Authorization to continue working in their trade for up to 5 years before moving off the tools. Applicable to Skilled Trades Certification trades only.
  

Once Trade Qualifiers and Uncertified Experienced Workers have applied online, they may continue working in their trade while waiting for their results. Upon approval, they will receive a Temporary Authorization, allowing them to work toward the requirements without interruption.

Employers who haven’t yet registered with SkilledTradesBC will soon be able to create a new profile on the Portal and submit Skilled Trades Certification-related information.

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

SkilledTradesBC will be hosting virtual information sessions for those who are impacted so that they can better understand what steps they’ll need to take and ask questions. Registration is required and all session dates are now available on the SkilledTradesBC’s website.

New Supports for Skilled Trades Certification  

In addition to the provincial and federal support available for registered employers and apprentices, SkilledTradesBC has also enhanced support to those who are in the Skilled Trades Certification trades, including the following:  

• Waived exam fees for the 7 Skilled Trades Certification trades before December 1, 2023.
• Self-assessment tool for workers to evaluate what level is appropriate to challenge or register at 
• Subsidized refresher courses
• Tailored exam accommodations based on an individual’s needs, which could include additional exam time, a translation dictionary, a reader, etc.  

Ask Questions and Get in Touch

Skilled Trades Certification Advisors are located throughout the province to provide support and are on hand to help businesses and workers transition to Skilled Trades Certification. They can be contacted through the Contact Form Skilled Trades Certification page.

For the most up-to-date information including announcements, step-by-step instructions on how to apply, and what responsibilities employers have, please visit skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification.  

The Province of British Columbia has introduced legislation that, if passed, will, “will build on work underway to facilitate more transit-oriented development, create more livable communities and tackle the housing crisis.”

“Building more homes near transit is good for people, communities, and helps make the most of transit, infrastructure and services,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “But layers of regulations and outdated rules are stopping this kind of development from becoming a reality in too many municipalities. That’s why we are taking action to remove barriers and deliver more transit-oriented communities, faster.”

Earlier this year as part of Budget 2023, the Province committed approximately $400 million to deliver thousands of units at or near transit over the next 10 to 15 years by accessing land that is suitable to be acquired near transit hubs and transforming it into thriving communities.

“We welcome any initiatives that look to reduce red tape and to accelerate increasing housing development on Vancouver Island, particularly around transit-oriented hubs and multi-modal transportation corridors,” said Vancouver Island Construction Association CEO Rory Kulmala. “In doing so, it reduces congestion, promotes sustainability and enhances accessibility for all, while fostering healthier and more connected communities, while creating a more efficient, equitable and vibrant urban environment.”

In some cases in B.C., higher-density neighbourhoods have been established around transit hubs, but in other cases, restrictive zoning bylaws and parking requirements, along with delayed development approvals, continue to slow down the delivery of homes and services near transit hubs. As B.C. continues to invest significantly in transit infrastructure, it is important that this investment accommodates additional housing units to create vibrant and livable neighbourhoods.

To read the entire Ministry of Housing news release, click here.

With the legislative changes in Bill 5, the BC government is taking proactive measures to ensure that every worker on an asbestos-containing site can develop the necessary expertise to work safely and mitigate risks effectively.

All workers in British Columbia covered by the regulation must obtain their asbestos abatement certification by January 1, 2024, to continue working on any site where asbestos is present. WorkSafeBC must also license asbestos abatement contractors by January 1, 2024, and ensure their workers are certified for their work by January 1, 2024.

The BC Construction Safety Alliance Asbestos Certification Courses (ACT) are available online 24/7/365. The certification process is simple. Workers, register online with BCCSA and set up your personal account, take the courses, and then register for the live competency skills assessment. Write the exam the same day, and if you receive a passing grade, you will receive your WorkSafeBC official certification. But do it before January 1, 2024.

The Level 2 competency skills assessment and exam are both being administered:
Oct. 20-23 | Victoria | Camosun Coastal Centre
Dec. 15-18 | Victoria | Camosun Coastal Centre
Oct. 6-12 | Nanaimo | Vancouver Island Conference Centre Nov-Dec dates to follow for this location

For more information and to register, click or copy and paste the URL; https://asbestos.bccsa-services.ca

Imagine this: You know employees are your most important asset, so now, you’re on the hunt for the perfect employee benefit plan. After some investigation, you stumble upon a “deal” that promises rates lower than anyone else. It might seem like you’ve hit the jackpot, but there’s the twist – these initial rates, often called “teaser rates,” can be a bit like a magician’s misdirection, diverting your attention from the real and more importantly, achieving rate stability.

At BCCA Employee Benefit Trust, our employee benefit plan, we take a distinct approach, prioritizing integrity, reliability, and safeguarding your hard-earned dollars.  As a Trust, client service is our priority, making you our priority. We’re about families, not shareholders.

Why do stable rates matter? Here are the key reasons:

The Power of Predictability: Stable rates give you the ability to plan your finances with confidence. No more unexpected financial surprises. You can budget for your insurance expenses year-to-year without fearing sudden spikes.

Maintaining Your Budget: Insurance is a long-term commitment, more like a marathon than a sprint. With consistent pricing, you don’t need to worry about sudden premium hikes disrupting your financial plans or the long-term viability of your employee benefit plan.

Building Trust: Trust is the bedrock of the relationships we build with our members.  We build this trust day-in and day-out and we do that, partly through steady rates.  We’re committed to ensuring our members experience the best service and receive the best value for their benefits dollar.

So, how can you ensure your rates remain steady?

Read the Fine Print: Details are important so read your proposal carefully. Read your policy meticulously and inquire about potential changes to the pricing structure.  If something’s unclear to you, make sure to ask.

Check Rate History Ask the insurer what the average renewal adjustment has been over the last few years to assess what you may expect to see at the first renewal.

Consider the Long-Term: Don’t focus solely on the initial low premium. Consider the long-term renewal methodology to gain a clearer understanding of how future renewals will be calculated.

Seek Expert Advice: Insurance is complex, just like your business. Consult professionals, such as insurance experts, who can provide clarity and steer you toward the right choice for you.

Choose Wisely: Seek a partner that understands your needs.  This partner should be able to articulate the value of the insurer beyond the rates.

For more information on benefit plans and what makes the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust unique, visit bccabenefits.ca, email info@bccabenefits.ca, or call 1-800-665-1077. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

At BCCA Employee Benefit Trust, a non-profit organization, we’re committed to transparency, stability and positive health outcomes. We do not lure you in with unrealistically low initial premiums, only to increase rates at the first renewal. When you choose us, you’re opting to participate in a plan built to serve its members and we do that by actively managing costs to ensure long-term plan stability.  We don’t reduce plan coverage to reduce rates.  We believe in providing robust benefit plans, resulting in better health outcomes; healthier and engaged employees lead to long-term plan sustainability.

Darcy Kray to retire from the role after 40 years in the industry.

The following is a press release from VICA Member Durwest Construction Management

September 29, 2023

Durwest Construction Management, a staple in the Vancouver Island construction industry, with a rich history spanning four decades, is pleased to announce a significant leadership transition. After an illustrious career spanning 40 years, Darcy Kray has decided to retire from his role as President of Durwest.

Darcy has been an integral part of Durwest’s success story, having co-founded the company in 1983, he has not only played a significant role in fostering Durwest’s growth and establishing a recognizable presence in the community but has also taken the lead in achieving many of these milestones. Darcy’s commitment to transparency and excellence has earned the trust of many valued and admired clients, partners, and employees.

We are immensely grateful for Darcy’s dedication and leadership. He is an expert in his field and his vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering quality work has been instrumental in shaping Durwest’s legacy.

In light of Darcy’s retirement, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Zoe Mitchell as Durwest’s incoming President, effective October 10, 2023.

A CPA by trade, Zoe is coming to us most recently from 6 years as the President of CCH Management Group of companies which includes VIP Powerline, Caird Mechanical and Coast Utility, offering construction, maintenance and project management services.

Zoe is a collaborative leader with a unique blend of visionary thinking and empathetic guidance. She has the proven ability to inspire and empower others and we are very confident in her ability to lead Durwest to even greater achievements in the years ahead.

As Durwest embarks on this new chapter, we remain committed to our core values and client satisfaction. We look forward to a new chapter under Zoe’s leadership.

Last week, the BC Government announced their long-awaited housing targets for the ten municipalities across BC they identified earlier in the year. Of the 10, Victoria, Saanich and Oak Bay are the only communities identified on Vancouver Island, with each municipality needing to build 4,902 (Victoria), 4,610 (Saanich), and 664 (Oak Bay) units within the next five years.

In addition to the targets, the Province has sent each municipality a list of housing target guidelines, including a recommended number of units by size (one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom), rental versus owned units, below-market rental units and units with on-site supports. Suppose a municipality has not met a target and is not making satisfactory progress toward meeting the housing target. The housing minister may appoint an adviser and/or issue a directive in that case.

The Vancouver Island Construction Association welcomes this legislation, and we look forward to working with our municipal and provincial partners to support our communities best to meet these housing targets.

For more information on the housing targets, click the link below: https://ow.ly/t9SI50PRgza

*The following article was provided by VICA-Member FortisBC

Can you use natural gas in homes while reducing emissions?

Yes, you can. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)[1] is a sustainable, low-carbon energy that allows builders and developers to pursue natural gas systems without sacrificing emissions reductions. RNG is derived from organic sources, uses existing carbon already within the ecosystem and contributes fewer net new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making it a low-carbon fuel.

When bacteria break down organic waste from sources such as landfill sites, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities, it produces a biogas mostly made of methane. FortisBC works with local farms, landfills, green energy companies and municipalities to capture and purify this methane, which would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, to create RNG for its customers.

As RNG is derived from organic sources and blends seamlessly into the existing natural gas infrastructure, it decarbonizes the natural gas supply, displaces equivalent volumes of conventional natural gas and lowers greenhouse gas emissions overall. It also means RNG is a drop-in fuel. Homes and businesses can continue to enjoy the benefits of natural gas while helping reduce emissions by subscribing to FortisBC’s RNG program.

If you’re worried about the amount of RNG available, don’t be. FortisBC is working towards having 75 per cent of the natural gas in its system be either renewable or low-carbon by 2050. That’s why the organization is also exploring hydrogen research and pilot projects.

For more information on RNG, visit fortisbc.com/RNG.

[1] Renewable Natural Gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas (also called biomethane).

Learn how to register for your CCPO certification here!

Those who hold the Certified Concrete Pump Operator Certification (CCPO) have demonstrated theoretical knowledge of concrete pump operations and they have shown they can apply this knowledge by working competently in the field. The CCPO can open the door to well paying employment and career advancement. As a CCPO, you can be proud to be part of an elite group of technically qualified personnel. But you will be expected to uphold high standards of ethical and safety standards. We welcome your registration!

4 steps before you register:

1. Read the Overview

It contains the background information you need to determine if the CCPO is right for you.

2. Know the Exams

There are two (2) exams that you must take and pass to get your CCPO.

3. Understand the Policies

Before you register make sure that you know and agree to all of the certification rules and regulations.

4. Lets Get Started!

Go to the CCPO Portal

The Vancouver Island Construction Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 4^th Annual VICA Awards, which recognize individuals and companies who have dedicated themselves to building excellence and advancing the construction sector on Vancouver Island.

“The VICA Awards are a symbol of pride as we showcase and celebrate the contributions and achievements of VICA Member companies,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). “The crop of winners for this year’s awards reaffirms that Vancouver Island is home to some of British Columbia’s most competent, detail-focused and dedicated construction companies”

The 4th Annual VICA Awards, in conjunction with the BC Construction Association’s Construction Month, were presented during the 2023 Vancouver Island Construction Conference, which was held at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort on April 14^th in Victoria, BC.

Among the recipients is Victoria-based RC Roofing Ltd., who was awarded the VICA Member of the Year Award (1 – 20 Employees) for its support of the Association via longtime membership, engagement, event sponsorship, as well as supporting VICA’s Construct Your Future (CYF) Youth Employment Program through engagement and hiring students. VICA’s CYF Program specializes in supporting 18 – 29-year-olds who may have barriers to employment, and equips them with industry certifications, work experience, life skills and companies like RC Roofing play an integral part in making the CYF program a success.

“As a small business owner in the construction industry, the advantages and opportunities presented through my VICA Membership have been critical to RC Roofing’s growth and success,” said RC Roofing Owner Roy Corbett. “I’ve always believed in giving back to the industry, and it gives me great joy to support the association through its various programs — especially working with the students from CYF”.

The 2023 VICA Awards saw an equal representation of projects across Vancouver Island, with winning projects from Port Hardy down to Victoria. This year’s panel of judges consisted of industry veterans, Katy Fairley (Fairley Strategies), Mark Taylor (Mark Taylor Construction Advisory Services), and Jac-Lyn Mickelson (MGM Mechanical).  

MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEW REQUESTS

Owen O’Rourke, Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722| owen@vicabc.ca

For high-resolution photos and project descriptions, please contact Owen at owen@vicabc.ca or visit www.vicabc.ca/awards

VICA MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

RC Roofing Ltd. (1 – 20 Employees)

Victoria Drain Services Ltd. (21 – 50 Employees)

Western Grater Contracting Ltd. (51+ Employees)

The VICA Member of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a company in the construction industry. The nominated companies have made a significant contribution to VICA through years of continuous membership, involvement in various VICA committees, and/or involvement in VICA programs and events.

PRIME CONTRACTOR – OVER $20 MILLION AWARD
Casman Projects Ltd. | CAMEO ft. Star Cinema Movie Theatre

PRIME CONTRACTOR– $10 – $20 MILLION AWARD
Kinetic Construction Ltd. | Canadian Coast Guard Base, Hardy Bay

PRIME CONTRACTOR– $5 – $10 MILLION AWARD
CGI Constructors | 1810 Blanshard St; 4th & 5th Floor Renovation

PRIME CONTRACTOR– UNDER $5 MILLION
Knappett Projects Inc. | Craigflower Hall

SUBCONTRACTOR – $2 – $5 MILLION
DenMar Electric Ltd. | Berwick Parksville Retirement Community

SUBCONTRACTOR – UNDER $2 MILLION
Kerr Controls Inc. | PEXISEN Elementary & Centre Mountain Lellum Middle Schools

OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD
Keri Ellis, Trades Labour Corp. (TLC) Victoria

The 2023 Woman in Construction of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution or positive impact to the construction industry. This award is presented to a member who is an ambassador for women in construction and has made contributions to the VICA and/or the community through volunteer work or business accomplishments.

U40 PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Diana Demmers, EllisDon Corp.

The 2023 U40 Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the potential for leadership and is committed to the advancement of the construction industry. This award is presented to a member that has made a significant impact or contribution to the workplace and/or a project; to VICA directly and/or VICA’s U40/YBN network; and to the community through volunteer work and/or business accomplishments.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Anna Hargreaves, Vancouver Island University

The 2023 Education Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has volunteered a considerable amount of time in the role of advancement of education for the betterment of the construction industry.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Osprey Electric Ltd.

The Employer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a VICA Member company within the construction industry that has demonstrated sustainable compensation and finances, employee retention, and personal/professional development, while providing a safe and healthy workplace environment.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Sherry Bailor, Knappett Projects Inc.

The Employee of the Year Award recognizes an employee who has made a significant contribution and/or positive impact to the company they work for. Nominees should have outstanding performance, superior dedication, and positive attitude on the job and be a leader in their respective company who has demonstrated a commitment to improving our industry.

SAFETY AWARDS

• Durwest Construction Management Inc.
• EllisDon Corporation
• Houle Electric Ltd.
• IWCD Ltd.
• Knappett Projects Inc.
• Mazzei Electric Ltd.
• Mustang Landscape & Design Ltd.
• Prep Energy Limited

The Safety Award is designed to honour those contractors who have maintained a superior safety record during the year. Awards are based on a contractor’s claims experience record with the Workers’ Compensation Board. 

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The following is an article from VICA Instructor Tony Healy. For more information on Tony and his courses, visit his instructor page, here.

Harnessing the Power of Strategy Systems to Win Big

Those who have to win, win a lot. Those who fear losing, lose a lot. – John Whitmore

How did you get into business? Were you motivated by the idea of a greater sense of control over your life, greater work-life balance, create generational wealth, challenge the status quo, serve your community or pursue your life’s passion? Whatever your motivation, you are in the game now. As such, have you figured out if you are playing to win or just playing to play. You had better be playing to win. In the harsh reality of the business market, competitive advantage provides the only protection a company can have. So, if you want to survive, you had better be playing to win, and solid strategy is a way to increase your chances to win—and nothing less. What is your strategy for success? Not your business plan; your strategy. Have you defined it?

You should have because a good strategy provides a set of guiding principles or rules, that clarify the actions people in the business should or should not take and the things they should prioritize (or not) to achieve desired goals. [1]

If you are realizing that you haven’t given it enough thought before now, Harvard University’s strategy expert and world-respected business consultant, Roger Martin, provides a simple system from one of his seminal works on strategy and playing to win in today’s turbulent world. He breaks down his approach to strategy as a coordinated and integrated set of where-to-play, how-to-win, core capability, and management system choices that uniquely meet a consumer’s needs, thereby creating competitive advantage and superior value for a business.[2]

How you define winning should be at the heart of any strategy. Building on that, in Martin’s terms, a strategy is a coordinated and integrated set of five choices: a winning aspiration, where to play, how to win, core capabilities, and management systems. Your choices at each level and the relationship between them can be thought as reinforcing feedback loops that cascade down with the choices at the top setting the context for the choices below, and choices at the bottom influencing and refining the choices above, and so on.

Using this model, have a look at your company, division, market segment etc. and ask yourself, “what is our winning aspiration?” Aspirations are statements about the ideal future. Whatever the aspiration, your company must play to win. Simply participating is self-defeating and a recipe for mediocrity. Do your current actions align in strategic terms with the purpose of your organization, your guiding mission and aspirations, and set you up to win?

The next two steps on the cascade, where-to-play and how-to-win, are tightly bound up with one another, form the very heart of strategy and are the two most critical questions in strategy formulation. Without clearly defined where-to-play and how-to-win choices connected to the aspiration, a vision is frustrating and ultimately unfulfilling for employees. The company needs accurate where and how choices in order to act. Without them, it can’t win.

Where-to-play represents the competitive field—in which markets, with which customers and consumers, in which channels, in which product categories, and so on. Choosing where to play is also about choosing where not to play. Where one market may be saturated or dominated by outsized competition, other markets may suit your company perfectly. These questions are important to understand which where-to-play choices will best enable your company to win.

While where-to-play selects the playing field, how-to-win defines the choices for winning on that field. It means providing a better consumer and customer value equation than your competitors do, and providing it on a repeated basis within a suited context. Beware though, you cannot be all things to all people. Focus on where you can provide your best value. It is not how to win generally, but how to win within the chosen where-to-play domains.

Where-to-play and how-to-win choices work best together; a strong where-to-play choice is only valuable if it is supported by a potent and actionable how-to-win choice. The two choices should reinforce one another to create a distinctive combination. Use a tool like Porter’s Five Forces to get valuable insight when making your where-to-play and how-to-win decisions.

Once you have set aspirations and determined where to play and how to win, you can consider capabilities with respect to those choices. You must then align your core capabilities to support your strategy. You need to ask two questions: (1) what capabilities must be in place to win, and (2) what management systems are required to support the strategic choices?

Your capabilities are the activities and competencies that critically underpin your specific where-to-play and how-to-win choices. When your core capabilities are performed at the highest level, they enable your organization to bring its where-to-play and how-to-win choices to life. Think of them as operating as a system of reinforcing activities that designed to deliver your chosen strategy.

Even if you set a winning aspiration, determine where to play and how to win, and define the capabilities required, your strategy can still fail—spectacularly—if you fail to establish management systems that support those choices and capabilities – systems that foster, support, and measure the strategy. Don’t forget measurement provides focus and feedback.

Ultimately, when it comes to strategy, there are no absolutes or guarantees, and things change. Having a clear definition of winning, a solid analytical framework and a thoughtful review process can help organize thinking, improve analysis and set you up for a win, but even with all that, a successful outcome is not guaranteed. There are other players in this game and they are all trying to win too. In the end, building a strategy is about shortening your odds and giving yourself the best chance to win!

[1] https://hbr.org/2007/09/demystifying-strategy-the-what

[2] Lafley, A.G.; Martin, Roger L.; Playing to Win (p. 25). Harvard Business Review Press. Kindle Edition

It is with mixed emotions as we wish long-time Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) Member and Kinetic Construction Ltd. (Kinetic) Executive Mark Liudzius a happy retirement. Over his 40-year career in construction, and 25 years spent at Kinetic, Mark played a pivotal role in establishing Kinetic as one of the largest construction firms on Vancouver Island.

Joining Kinetic in 1988 as a carpenter, Liudzius advanced through several positions, ultimately moving to Branch Manager then Director of Operations. Additionally, Mark sat as Board Chair of Kinetic for four years, retiring as Executive Vice President.

 “Some people just add to culture by being who they are.  No evidence is more compelling than the many people who love Mark and we will have to make conscious efforts to provide what he brought naturally every day,” said Tom Plumb, President & CEO of Kinetic.

As someone who’s dedicated nearly their entire life to construction, Mark is grateful for the opportunities afforded to him throughout his career. “The opportunities that a career in construction can provide are huge – it is easy to get into at entry level, but it also provides opportunity for many types of professionals,” said Mark. “This industry provides amazing potential for progressing your career, and it is global and transferable. Advances in technology and process are bringing this industry into new era.”

VICA is grateful for the time Mark spent on our Board of Directors, carrying on a longstanding tradition of Kinetic representation on the VICA Board.  

“Mark always considered the entirety of the VICA Membership during his time on the VICA Board of Directors,” explained VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “His veteran leadership and extensive experience in construction ensured all members of our association were represented at the board table, continuously pushing to enhance the value of their membership.”

During his time on the VICA Board, Mark oversaw the implementation and expansion of several key initiatives, including VICA’s Construct Your Future youth employment program as well as their Tailgate Toolkit Harm Reduction Project.

On behalf of the VICA Board of Directors, its members, and staff, we wish Mark, his wife Lisa, and the rest of Mark’s family all the best as they move into the next chapter of their lives.  

MEDIA CONTACTS
Owen O’Rourke
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)
owen@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722

Breia Monti
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Kinetic Construction Ltd.
bmonti@kineticconstruction.com | 250-381-6331 Ext 1235

ABOUT VICA
As the Vancouver Island Construction Association, we serve our construction community: the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. VICA members come from all areas of our industry from owners, designers, and contractors to purchasers of construction services. With roots that date back to 1912, we are one of the oldest not-for-profit construction associations in Canada.

ABOUT KINETIC CONSTRUCTION LTD.

Since its inception in 1984, Kinetic Construction Ltd. has been making the construction industry better for everyone through process transparency, strong, lasting relationships with clients, trade partners, and suppliers, and continuous improvement in everything it does.

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