June: Message from the Association President

Stay Optimistic!

It is now mid June, the weather is warm, summer is here, and this is the 3^rd edition of our CAMA newsletter. By this time, I was hoping to comment that the ill effects of COVID were leaving us as fast as they came but unfortunately, we are now in the 3^rd phase of a code red lockdown in many provinces. On the bright side, the good news is that our Canadian vaccination rate has been escalating and optimism towards a re-opening of our economy is becoming a reality. Stay strong and confident and keep planning on how you will bring your business back into the economic mainstream.

As much as we are all hungry to get back to “business normal” our customers both current, new, and potential are all feeling the same. Many existing customers will be looking for new ways to engage their returning employees, maybe providing them with an upscaled beverage program is the answer. For new customers that have been signed up, we are all waiting for the green light for the implementation of our services, let us plan to start it off with a bang! And those potential customers that we are working on, let us make sure they are aware of what is new and innovative in our industry. Our suppliers can assist you in the success of all the above.

Many of us have not gathered or met in person with our suppliers for almost a year and a half now. I suggest that CAMA operators pick a supplier, or suppliers pick an operator and every week or so give your contact a phone call. I am sure that we are all concerned about each other’s business and wellbeing, and a conversation to get up to speed with each other would be much appreciated by both parties. This would be a good warm up to hopefully a sooner-than-later in person CAMA event.

I cannot stress enough what it means to be an engaged member of CAMA. The true value of membership comes with knowing your colleagues well enough to feel comfortable calling them and having a conversation. I have been a long time CAMA member and over the years I have fielded many calls from operators seeking my opinion on different subjects. It always feels good to be able to put a face to a name in a conversation and a great way to do this is to participate in our annual CAMA sponsored events. The strength and growth of our association is dependant on each and every one of us, so let us all do our part in becoming an engaged member of CAMA. For some, that may involve being on a future Board of Directors, for others it may just be getting to know your colleagues and attending in person events.

I continue to thank all our suppliers that have been supporting this newsletter with their valuable advertising dollars and our industry overall. Please put them at the top of your list when making procurement decisions. They are here to support the operators in our industry and deserve our support as well. For me, I have found the impact of the advertising format in the CAMA newsletter to be the most effective method that I have experienced to date. The spotlight e-blasts on the sponsored content are a great reminder to review the advertising article a second time.

For now, keep safe, stay healthy and remain optimistic!

Jim Jackson | President, CAMA | Quality Vending & Coffee