Page 4 - Lumber-Building - Reporter Magazine NovDec24

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

FAREWELL FROM YOUR

OUTGOING CHAIR

REBECCA GRAVELLE

LBMAO Chair of the Board
Wood Works of Renfrew, Renfrew

ell, when I first became Chair of the Board of Directors of I am thrilled that there is a dedicated Board committed to
Wthe LBMAO, this day seemed far away, yet here we are! My continuing to find new ways to keep the Association relevant to its
term as Chair came to an end at our Annual General Meeting on membership today. I couldn’t be happier to be handing the reins
November 28th , and the feeling is bittersweet for me. It has been over to Barb Schering, who has been an incredible Vice Chair and
an exciting and educational 2.5 years, and I thank the rest of my who I know will make an even more wonderful Chair. I am excited
fellow Board members as well as the Association staff for all their to continue to serve on this Board of Directors and do my best to
support. The last part of my term has been wrought with personal contribute to the success of the Association and its members in the
changes for me, which has sometimes made executing my duties years to come.
to the full extent of my abilities a little difficult, but thankfully it has Thanks again to everyone who continues to support the
truly been a collaborative effort with this wonderful group. Association and our mandate, and please continue to reach out to
My term has been unique and a little longer than usual, as I us for ideas or feedback on how to serve you better.
came in after the tragic loss of Past Chair Ron Schell (which were All the best to you all for a safe and happy Holiday Season
big shoes to fill!) and as we were learning to navigate coming out of coming up – and please join me again in welcoming Barb Schering
pandemic restrictions. And while there have been some challenges, as your next Chair of the Board of Directors of the LBMAO!
I am still very proud of what we at the Association have been able
to accomplish in my time as Chair. We have welcomed two new Thank you,
staff members including Gail Gwozdz in the office as well as our Rebecca
new President Trevor Small – both of which have been wonderful
additions! We continue to build our membership, update and
revamp our events and increase attendance, and add value-added
services to our slate of offerings. It has been a rollercoaster few
years for our members, as our industry has weathered the tail end
of the pandemic and some of the most turbulent years in recent
history, but the Association has done its best to stay a source of
stability and information for our membership.

4 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2024 www.lbmao.on.ca