Background:
Established in 1949, the Construction
Association of Thunder Bay (CATB) has serviced the construction industry in
The Construction Industry
The
construction industry includes everyone who contributes to the building
process, from project conception to the building management, maintenance and
renovation. Construction is the second largest industry in the
It encompasses the suppliers of products, service and labour in the construction of industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential building. The industry also includes a supporting network of distributors, financial institutions, educators, industry associations, exporters, importers, regulatory agencies, buyers of construction, consultants, allied professions and government.
Today’s construction business has become a complex, multi-faceted industry and a dynamic force in our Canadian society. That’s why no single employer can be expected to stay on top of all the issues and concerns necessary to ensure a healthy, thriving business in today’s competitive marketplace. Yet, if you don’t have the fact you’re left at the starting gate. This is were CATB starts.
The Facts
The Construction
Industry of
That’s where the Construction Association of
Members
have come to rely on the services of CATB to assist them in their business
needs. Whether arbitrating a contract dispute or offering advice on marketing
your products locally, regionally and internationally, CATB exists to serve
you. Whether you are interested in CATB’s advanced Plans Room service, or need
a document notarized at a minute’s notice, CATB is ready to help you. Our many
services are designed to meet the needs of the construction industry in Northwerstern
Q: WHAT IS CATB
A: CATB, Construction Association of
Thunder Bay, is a mixed construction association servicing the
Q: HOW LARGE IS THE
MEMBERSHIP?
A: Membership has grown from a
handful in 1949 to just under 200 companies. It takes strength in number and
concerted action to accomplish anything worthwhile. We continue to grow because
employers, such as yourself, find benefit in seeing our industry move forward.
Members contribute to the growth of the construction industry through their
involvements in CATB.
Q: WHAT KIND OF COMPANIES ARE MEMBERS?
A: As a “mixed” construction
association, member companies represent the following market sectors:
developers, architects, consulting engineers, designers, both union and
non-union general and trade contractors, manufacturers, supply and service
companies, allied professionals, Para professionals, consultants and affiliate
associations. This wide range of membership ensures the entire industry is
actively represented in all CATB activities.
Q: DO I NEED TO BE A UNION/NON-UNION
CONTRACTOR?
A: Membership in the
Construction Association of Thunder Bay is open to both union and non-union
contractors. The Association does not bind member companies to any
collective agreement and CATB does not involve itself in Labour Relations.
The General Contractors’ Section of CATB
is an employer’s organization which represents its member and others in the
negotiation and administration of collective agreements with six civil trade
unions-Carpenters, Labourers, Operating Engineers, Bricklayers, and Cement
Masons.
Membership in the General
Contractors’ Section is only available to those employers who are under
agreement with one or more of the above-noted unions.
Q: HOW LARGE DOES A COMPANY NEED TO BE TO
JOIN?
A: Whether you are a one-person operation or
large corporation, you can enjoy and profit from the many benefits you will receive
as a CATB member. As this booklet illustrates, members enjoy a wide range of
programs and preferred rates for goods and services vital to your business.
Q: WHO RUNS THE ASSOCIATION?
A: The Construction
Association of Thunder Bay is directed and controlled by its members. And
elected board of directors, representing all the facets of the industry,
oversees the operations of the association. Full-time professional staff
administers the day-to-day activities and regularly report to the board.
Q: HOW IS THE ASSOCIATION FINANCED?
A: While membership fees play an important
role in supporting the association, a broad range of revenue-generating
activities provides most of the financing. These include rent from the tenants
in the building, association publications, social events, professional
development courses and seminars. All surplus monies are re-invested in the
association for further expansion and improvement of membership services.
Q: DO I HAVE TO BE SPONSORED OR QUALIFY FOR
MEMBERSHIP?
A: No sponsorship is required to join CATB. We
welcome all sectors of the construction industry. The only qualification needed
by anyone wishing to join is an interest in what we do and the services we
provide. Simply complete and application form and remit with payment?
Q: WHAT DOES IT COST TO BE A MEMBER?
A: The application form
indicates that annual membership fee. To arrange membership, simply complete
the application form and mail it, together with payment (cash, cheque, or
credit card) to the address on the back of this brochure. Please call if you
have any further questions.
Q: DO I NEED TO JOIN BOTH TCA AND MCA TO
BELONG TO BOTH ASSOCIATIONS?
A: NO! Join one and enjoy the benefits of
belonging to both.
The Construction
Association of Thunder Bay enhances the knowledge of the construction industry
to its members and helps improve the performance of the organization they
represent. Members are offered numerous services, products and programs
designed to meet their special needs with the major emphasis on growth, betterment
and development of CATB members.
Increased Visibility
Membership in the Construction Association
of Thunder Bay provides opportunities to raise your personal and corporate
profile. CATB provides leadership opportunities. Take advantage of these
opportunities to gain prominence in the construction industry by being involved
through committee work; teaching seminars; writing articles for the CATB
Newsletter, attending social function, etc.
Access to Industry Leaders
Through membership you gain access to the
leaders within the construction association.
Marketing Opportunities
Strengthen your business; increase sales and
discover new business opportunities. Take advantage of the numerous
opportunities to heighten your corporate profile. CATB recommends its members
whenever people are looking for products and services. A major
benefit/opportunity of your membership in CATB is “Members supporting Members”.
Networking Opportunities … Keeping you Well
Connected
Membership in CATB provides the opportunity
to increase your circle of valuable business contacts and strengthen your
business relationships. Networking is an activity that stretches beyond the
formal boundaries of the association. So, whether your interests lie in
nurturing contacts in the professional arena, in business, industry or
government sectors, you are likely to find a large number of our members in any
of these. Useful allies to have when times are tough.
Professional Development
CATB strives to help you become a more
efficient and effective professional. Through our educational programs,
seminars and publications, we provide relevant, up-to-the-minute information. In a complex
business environment, information is vital for growth and development.
Legislative Involvement
Up-to-date information on new or changing
legislation enables you to be one step ahead in a changing world. Our priority
is to provide you and your organization with such information. This inside
track to proposed plans and policies gives you a competitive edge, helping you
to read trends, identify issues, and manage situations the moment they begin to
emerge, rather than waiting until they become a crisis for your organization.
Marketing Opportunities
Membership Directory
CATB’s Membership Directory and Buyers Guide is
an indispensable reference to the construction industry. It includes a complete
CATB membership roster, key industry contact, and important decision-making
information. The membership roster provides corporate and small business
members with a tool to connect with other members.
With 500 copies distributed and
published on the internet (e-classified listing with website & email
linkages), the Membership Directory become a low cost, high-visibility
marketing tool profiling the products and services of CATB members.
Construction
Northwest Magazine
CATB’s Construction Northwest Magazine is
publish once a year highlighting projects and member firms in the Northwest. It
is distributed to over 400 industrial commercial and institutional clients in
the northwest and across
Membership Certificate, Logos, and Decals
Be proud of your association.
Communicate your involvement in the industry. Knowing that members support each
other, you can become part of the support network through displaying your CATB
membership.
Networking Opportunities
Social Events
Network in a relaxed atmosphere. Have fun
while making new contacts and reinforcing old ones. Some events include, Golf
Classic, Curling Funspiel and a
Annual General Meeting.
Committee Participation
Committee activities provide opportunities
for informal interaction with the community and fellow members. The
Construction Association of Thunder Bay invites you to work on a Committee of
your choice. Become involved..It’s the right move! For
more information about CATB committee participation, please call the CATB
office at (807) 622.9645.
Project Opportunities
Plans Room
Electronic
Plans Room
24 hour on-line access to tender
drawings, specifications and addenda. Reduces traveling time, photocopying,
panic for last minute addenda and rewards you with more quality time for
pricing strategies.
Projects
List
The daily project list provides
timely information on projects out for tender, including a “likely bidders
list”.
Financial Savings
Discounts
CATB member’s can offset their membership
fee through the excellent discounts provided to CATB member’s..gasoline, car rentals,
Meeting
Rooms
Members enjoy complimentary meeting
rooms with ample free parking, conveniently located at CATB. Audio/Visual
equipment is available at the CATB. Catering can be arranged. Evening events by
special arrangement please.
Alternative
Dispute Resolution Program
Our arbitration service has
succeeded time and time again in resolving problems between parties concerning
their contractual disputes. Keeping the disputes out of the courts saves
everyone significant time and money.
Affidavit
Service
Our commission of oath will provide
free signature service for all CATB members. A notary public service for
construction related documents (by appointment) is also available.
Information and Publications
Advice and Assistance Program
CATB’s full-time management and support
staff are able to assist and advise you on many business questions. Save both
time and money!
Documents
and Publications
A wide selection of CCDC and CCA
standard documents; Construction Lien Act, Quantity Survey documents and
publications on topics such as Bonding are inventoried at our two convenient
locations. Members are offered substantial discounts. Our friendly staff is
knowledgeable and eager to help you with your contract needs.
CCA/COCA
CATB members are automatically integrated
members of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and the Council of
Ontario Construction Associations (COCA). These associations speak to the
federal and provincial government respectively on important issues that affect
the construction industry. They will keep CATB members informed through
bulletins published Weekly.
Legislative Involvement
Advocacy – Lobbying
Numerous issues at the municipal, provincial
and federal levels of government impact our members and the entire construction
industry. The Association observes and responds to government issues on behalf
of its members. CATB endeavours to keep you thoroughly briefed on government
legislation and activities affecting the construction industry. It is the
ongoing responsibility of the association to act as the “voice” of the
industry, particularly with regard to advancing projects. In recent years, CATB
has successfully made the case for construction, gaining approval to get the
shovel in the ground for billion of dollars in new projects.
Consultation
CATB representatives regularly
dialogue with legislators and public officials to both enhance the role of our
association and its members, and to contribute to Canadian society as a whole.
CATB and YOU
If there ever was a time to be part
of a great Association – an active and vital one with all the right strategic
resources – it’s now!
We invite you to join us today.
Please complete an application an application and/or call or visit our website.