It is with great honour and excitement that I write to you as the new president of the Ontario Glass and Metal Association. I am truly looking forward to serving our vibrant and dedicated community of professionals as we continue to build on the successes and challenges of the past.

As I step into this leadership role, I would like to express my gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving as both secretary and vice-president of the OGMA, working alongside our board to advocate for our industry, expand our educational initiatives, and strengthen the bonds within our community. I am proud of the work we’ve done and am excited to carry this momentum forward in my new role as president. I want to express my extreme gratitude to our now past president, Steven Ringler, for the dedication and commitment he showed to our organization as he led the OGMA over the past two years. I can only hope to fill the role as well as he did.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about the upcoming events that will bring us together, including our highly anticipated second annual Members’ Meet and Greet, Spring and Fall Golf Tournaments, and Annual Fishing Derby. These events have long been a highlight for our members, offering valuable opportunities for networking, camaraderie, and enjoyment. I encourage all of you to participate, as these gatherings are not only a chance to relax but also to engage with colleagues and friends in our industry.

In my tenure as vice-president, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible work our members are doing, whether it be through advocacy, safety training, or educational programs. Moving forward, we will continue to support our AGMCA merged $1000 bursary twice a year for students in the Glaziers and Metalworkers Apprentice Program, as well as further our collaboration with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) to ensure our members remain at the forefront of safety regulations and industry best practices.

Additionally, we are currently working on updating our website, enhancing its functionality and accessibility. We are committed to creating a space where members can easily access valuable resources and stay informed on the latest developments. Look for the new website launch in early February.

The OGMA continues to provide a platform for your voice on both the provincial and federal levels. Our involvement with allied associations, government bodies, and lobbying groups ensures that our interests are always represented. I encourage you to stay engaged with our updates, which you can access through Glass Canada magazine and the OGMA website, and to take advantage of our Health and Safety Manual program, designed specifically to support your business.

As we move forward together, I encourage your input and ideas. The OGMA is your association, and I am committed to ensuring that we remain a vital resource for your success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of our board members with questions, concerns, or suggestions. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and working together to make the OGMA an even stronger association in the year ahead.