The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) held its 105th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Toronto, Ontario, on May 23-24.

The AGM saw the election of eight new members to the CPCA Board of Directors. The full Board slate for 2018–19 is as follows:

• André Buisson (Société Laurentide)
• Bruce Clatworthy (A.R. Monteith)
• Doug Crabb (Duha Group)
• Andy Doyle (American Coatings Association)
• Mark Huisman (BASF Canada)
• Brent Jamieson (Axalta Coating System
• Curt Kaucher (Sherwin-Williams)
• Sharon Kelly (KelCoatings)
• Darrin Nobel (Home-Hardware Beauti-Tone)
• Vince Rea (PPG Canada)
• Jeff Snyder (AkzoNobel)
• JF Tanguay (L.V. Lomas)
• Richard Tremblay (Benjamin Moore)
• Fred Veghelyi (OPC Polymers Canada)
• Tim Vogel (Board Chair, Cloverdale Paint)

“The CPCA Board of Directors strikes a great balance of new and returning members, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table,” commented Tim Vogel, CEO of Cloverdale Paint and Chair of the CPCA Board. “CPCA has embarked on a new three-year strategic plan focused on growth, and to achieve excellence in regulatory development and compliance, product stewardship, strategic communications, and organizational effectiveness. The Board is well equipped to support CPCA in their advocacy efforts for fair and effective regulations to help strengthen industry competitiveness while safeguarding human health and the environment.”     
The 2018 conference entitled “Challenges of Sustainable Industry” included an informed program focused on innovation and sustainability initiatives enhancing the paint and coatings industry such as research into bio-based polymers, ecologically responsible finishings, engineering product sustainability, and the importance of biocides in coatings. Conference delegates also engaged in discussions on circular economy initiatives, regulatory alignment, product stewardship, and the regulatory challenges to sustainable manufacturing.

The 2018 annual Chair Industry Awards Dinner was held at the Hockey Hall of Fame where key individuals were recognized for their contributions to the Canadian paint and coatings industry. CPCA’s highest honour, the Roy Kennedy Outstanding Achievement Award, was presented to Pete Wilkinson, Publisher of Canadian Finishing and Coatings Manufacturing Magazine (CFCM).

The Industry Achievement Award was presented to Erik Bos (Sansin Corporation), Chris Currie (John E. Goudey Manufacturing Ltd.), Steve Sides (American Coatings Association), and Eric Vaillancourt (CANLAK). This award is presented to an individual or an organization that has demonstrated exceptional achievement in advancing the interests of the industry and the association’s objectives.

In addition, The Industry Statesman Award was presented to outstanding individuals who are retiring from their respective employers but have made a significant contribution to their respective companies and the industry. These are Jeff Danneman (REICHHOLD), Rennie Herry (Goudey), Laura Johnston (Axalta), Ed Linton (Cloverdale Paint), Ron Nakamura (PPG Canada), Jean-Marc Pigeon (Inortech), Jean-Guy Rosa (PPG Canada), and Ed Thompson (L.V. Lomas).

“CPCA has represented Canada’s paint and coatings industry for over a century. We are honoured to pay tribute to these dedicated women and men whose efforts have strengthened the quality and reputation of our member companies,” stated Gary LeRoux, CPCA’s President and CEO. CPCA would like to thank its Board members, all conference attendees and its sponsors for making the 105th annual conference and AGM a success.