Strategies 4 Impact! Inc.

November 29, 2010

Again this year Brian was asked by the GVCA to develop and facilitate their annual PACE event.

PACE is a value-added service the GVCA provides its members, the local design and construction sector, and construction buyers and users in that region of Ontario.

Brian worked closely with GVCA President Martha George to tailor a half-day session focused on "What's Next?", given that stimulus funding was to end March 31, 2011.

REED Construction Data sponsored the event, and REED VP and GM Mark Casaletto provided their forecast of sector activity in the next few years.  Overall a fairly optimistic message, especially for that region given its shift from manufacturing to knowledge and information based business.

Andy Manahan, Executive Director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario talked about a number of independent studies, including a very recent report urging all levels of government to develop a long-term strategy for infrastructure investment. The report links investment in infrastructure to the GDP.  Failure to increase infrastructure investment will have a profoundly negative effect on the future of our economy.

Brian talked about some of the opportunities he sees on the horizon including more infrastructure investment, much of which may be delivered in innovative ways, such as through Public Private Partnerships. He urged everyone to look beyond the stimulus projects for coming opportunities in the private sector, as well as in the public. 

Martha tells Brian that the evaluations sent by participants are very positive, and that she looks forward to starting to work with him on PACE 2011.

Watch for a b.note! It's underway.

December 2, 2010

Brian was invited to present two sessions again this year. 

He was principal researcher and author of Understanding Public Private Partnerships in Canada for the ACEC, and delivered an overview of the key conclusions and advice in that just-published report.

Brian also spoke to a standing-room-only group of over 100 about successful negotiation strategies, a subject he has taught and coached for many, many years.  The group was particularly taken by his recollection of negotiating for meat in the butcher shop ... just one example of the many, many applications for your negotiating expertise.

December 21, 2010

From the very first announcement of stimulus funding for infrastructure our industry has been worried about the 'drop dead' date of March 31, 2011 at which time the 'tap would be turned off'.

The federal government announced on Thursday, December 2, that stimulus funding would be extended until October 31, 2011 for projects that are underway.

But ... "no new money".

January 2, 2011

Brian's in the southern US studying how different kinds of businesses are recovering (or NOT!) from the recession. As we all know the US economic recovery is stuttering, if it's happening at all.

Unemployment is unacceptably high, and showing few signs of improving. Hearing the phrase "He's just feeling lucky to have a job!" a lot.

Early observations ... this isn't looking like a "V" or even a "U" recovery. Looking unfortunately to many like it could become a "W" (double dip). And so much of it all is so beyond the control of the US government, businesses, consumers.

We've clearly gone global when weakness in Europe has such a dramatic and direct impact.

And, of course, since we're so closely tied to the US economy in so many ways, what happens in the US is going to have a huge effect on Canada.

What's crystal clear for so many, many reasons is that the 'old rules' just don't apply anymore.

 Businesses that are surviving ...even thriving ... are the ones that burn the old rule book and develop innovative new strategies. Carefully define their markets, refine their business

development strategies, measure and manage risk, and run their business on a completely fresh model. Plan, Plan, Plan. Then execute!

January 18, 2011

Brian just finished facilitating a very successful strategic planning retreat with DeafBlind Ontario Services.

The agency provides residential and specialized support, including professional intervenor services, to individuals who are congenitally deafblind.  When 95% of what we learn and experience comes through our eyes and ears, intervenors are critically important to provide choice to these individuals, and help them engage their communities and their environment.

During the retreat, which lasted from Friday evening through Sunday, Brian helped the Board of Directors and Executive Director develop four comprehensive Strategic Objectives that will guide the agency through the next three years. 

Brian will now work with the Management Team to develop tactical planning to implement this strategic plan, then present the entire package to the Board for ratification at a 'circle-back' session in March.



February 1, 2011 

New B.Note added under Resources: What?  Research and Development? In OUR Industry? 



February 21, 2011

WHAT is Brian THINKING??

A b.note on Lean Construction?

HUH?

Report for ACEC on P3s in Canada?

WHAT?

Guess what?  One of the leading gurus on the construction industry in the US of A, Ted Garrison, is on the same page as Brian!

Check it out!

March 1, 2011

Brian spent a couple of days with the management team of DeafBlind Ontario Services starting work on the detailed tactical plans they will use to implement the Strategic Plan Brian helped the Board develop back in January.  He'll present the plans to the Board on March 26, then finalize them with the management team the following week.



March 19, 2011

Brian was in Halifax on February 4, 2011 speaking to the Design and Construction Institute of Nova Scotia about project managers and their role and 'value add' to the process.  He took along Clive Thurston, President of the Ontario General Contractors Association to offer observations on some of the experiences his members have had with PMs.  And also got Cam Kourany of CBRE to explain in detail the roles and responsibilities of PMs.  Well received and very positive feedback.  The institute is already talking to Brian about another event in the Fall.

The following week Brian was in Moncton advising the Provincial Relations Committee of the Architects' Association of New Brunswick on strategies for government relations.

And, he's off to Winnipeg on March 22 to meet with the Consulting Engineers of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro  to present highlights of the ACEC report on P3s in Canada. Brian was principal author of that one.



March 23, 2011

 

Brian presented highlights of the ACEC report Understanding Public Private Partnerships in Canada at an event hosted by the Consulting Engineers of Manitoba in Winnipeg on March 22, 2011. 

Over 100 consulting engineers and representatives of Manitoba Hydro, which is a key client for engineers in that province, were in attendance. 

Brian is the principal author of the report produced by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies I Canada. 

When CEM President Ron Typliski introduced him, he noted that Brian has been tracking the evolution of P3s in Canada since 2001 and is well- suited to advise owners who are considering using this project delivery model, and those in the private sector who are considering becoming a part of P3 projects.

A key message in this presentation was that owners are searching for new project delivery models because of their disenchantment with 'traditional' models like design-bid-build.  He cited cost and schedule overruns, in particular, as being of increasing concern to owners.

Brian notes that the infrastructure design and construction industry in Manitoba is doing very well, based on discussions he had with folks in the 'meet and greet' that followed his presentation.

(See his PowerPoint slides from this event)



March 30, 2011

The President of Consulting Engineers of Ontario, Brian's colleague Barry Steinberg, prepared a briefing for his members on the Ontario budget.  He summarizes the infrastructure implications.  Here it is. 

March 31, 2011

Brian has accepted an invitation from Reed Construction Data to join the Editorial Board of the Daily Commercial News, Ontario's only daily construction newspaper.  The DCN relies on the Editorial Board to identify trends in the industry along with stories and information that will deliver value to its readers, and to act as a 'sounding board' for its reporters and feature writers. 



April  1, 2011

Brian delivered a presentation at the Ontario General Contractors Association  on the role of Project Managers in the Design and Construction Industry.  It was an edited version of the one he offered to the Design and Construction Institute of Nova Scotia on February 4, and included discussion of some of the reasons why owners believe they need to engage a PM for their projects.

April 1, 2011

Brian was pleased to receive an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for his work with DeafBlind Ontario Services.  Brian chairs their Government Relations Committee, vitally important when 92% of the agency's funding comes from the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

This agency provides specialized services to Ontarians who are congenitally deafblind.  When we realize that 95% of what we learn comes through our eyes and ears, just imagine the challenges in being born deafblind.

DeafBlind Ontario Services operates a number of group homes across the province and provides intervenor services for their client residents.  It also offers a number of innovative programs including an outreach program called REACH which supports deafblind Ontarians who live in environments outside of the agency's group homes.

 

April 30, 2011

The Board of Directors of DeafBlind Ontario Services approved the Strategic Plan that they developed through Brian's faciliation at their retreat in January.

Brian also worked successfully with management to develop the tactical/operational planning to implement the Strategic Plan.

April 30, 2011

A recent Angus Reid poll asked businesses about outsourcing. What services do they outsource?

Strategic Planning was includedon the list of services commonly outsourced.

And, Hey!, that's part of our core business at Strategies 4 Impact!

We facilitate Strategic Planning for businesses in the design and construction sector.

AND for businesses outside of the sector.

Not to mention non-profit groups like DeafBlind Ontario Services where the Board of Directors just approved the Strategic Plan that Brian helped them develop.

And, Brian also worked with the management group there to develop the Tactical/Operational Plans to make sure it all happens!

May 28, 2011

Brian attended the American Institute of Architects Convention earlier this month as he tries to do every year to gather some 'intelligence' from the US.

This is the first of a number of short articles he'll be posting.

Generally, American architects are still in recovery mode - or trying to get into recovery mode - from the lingering recession. Lots of continuing education on the topic, also on pursuing international work.

Talking with individual architects, many are struggling. Partners facing multiple 'cash calls' to keep the firm afloat. Heavy investment in business development chasing too few projects in the marketplace.

Musings about ways to expand revenue base and move back to profitability.

Many archtiects report inquiries for potential new projects remain well below sustainable levels.

Not the prettiest picture.

But, the Convention WAS in New Orleans!

Great food, great jazz, and a really unique city. (between continuing education sessions, of course!)

Walking the Vieux Carre

The Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band at Fritzel's on Bourbon Street

But the big talk around town and on the news wasn't the AIA Convention. It was the rising Mississippi which threatened New Orleans (again!). Water level on May 14 was nearing the top of the levee.

The river crested soon after the Convention when authorities opened the Morganza Spillway for the first time since 1973to redirect the water away from New Orleans.

May 29, 2011

The AIA introduced a new set of resources at its recent Convention related to architects marketing and providing "Supplemental Architectural Services" to clients. The AIA website lists the services, provides essential knowledge about them, and advises on which standard AIA contract to use to increase profitability while minimizing risk.

Brian suggests the same strategy will work in Canada, adjusted to Canadian conditions.

And it's a strategy for every professional service firm, not just architects.

The new b.note provides the details and resources.

May 30. 2011

Strategic Alliance

Strategies 4 Impact! was recently retained to help the principals of two architectural practices explore the potential for a strategic alliance that could lead to an eventual merger. Brian has developed a strategy and is facilitating their discussions.

June 9, 2011

NIMBY - Nature In My Backyard

We were browsing our community newspaper the other day and came across an article from the David Suzuki Foundation.

It suggests we redefine "NIMBY" from "Not In My Backyard" to "Nature In My Backyard". Start with gardens, then local and regional green spaces.

The article cites a study that demonstrates the positive economic impact.

Where we live, governments are working toward establishing the first urban National Park in Canada. And it would be in the 'backyard', a transit trip away, from millions of people.

NIMBY - Nature in My Backyard!

Read more on the Foundation's website.