Network with CTMA and industry members at upcoming events

Since 1994 the CTMA and its members have honoured outstanding apprentices and pre-apprentices for the contribution they make to the industry. The CTMA’s Annual Apprentice Awards program not only recognizes these individuals, but also increases the awareness and value of skilled-trades training, which contributes to an enhanced tooling and machining industry in Canada.

The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) was established in 1963 by uniting various trade associations into one organization to represent the tooling industry in Canada.

This industry encompasses all work involved in the design, manufacture, repair, and assembly of tools, dies, moulds, models, patterns, jigs, fixtures, gauges, machinery, machining systems, robotics, automation equipment, machine shop products, and cutting tools.

Membership is restricted to manufacturers and industry suppliers as associate members to ensure that the CTMA will always be devoted to manufacturing in the tooling and machining sectors in Canada.

Membership has continued to increase, resulting in the formation of chapters in Windsor, Ont., Toronto, and Western Ontario. These chapters meet on a regular basis and provide networking opportunities for members.

While the pandemic eliminated some events and changed others, CTMA is looking forward to a full schedule of events and operations. Following are a few of them.

Monthly Virtual Vibes

Every month the CTMA holds its Virtual Vibes events to provide members with industry-specific news and information. The CTMA has had great success with these online events, and we appreciate the support and attendance we’ve received so far.

We know the summer months are hectic, so we’ve decided to wait until September to host the next event. Stay tuned for more details on the speaker, topic, and date. If there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss for future events, please email marketing@ctma.com. Past events are available for viewing at www.ctma.com in the Members’ Area.

Annual Shotgun Golf Tournament

The CTMA’s 23rd annual shotgun golf tournament will take place Sept. 14, 2021, at the Pine Knot Golf & Country Club in Dorchester, Ont., with a few “tweaks” based on public health requirements.

Although this event is currently sold out, we have started a waiting list because spots can open. If you’re interested, please contact Julie at info@ctma.com to be put on the waiting list.

This annual event is always a fun day filled with networking, contests, and a fantastic round of golf at a course that is perfect for all skill levels. Contests include low gross score, low net score, longest drive (men and women), closest to the pin, most honest golfer, and a putting contest.

Annual General Meeting

With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to ease, the CTMA is pleased to be able to hold our annual general meeting and dinner in person this year on Nov. 25, 2021. We will continue to monitor public health guidelines and make any necessary changes closer to the event.

The event will take place at the Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre in London, Ont., with keynote speaker Paul Coffey. Coffey is a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played for nine teams in the National Hockey League.

Attendees can also hear what the CTMA has accomplished in the past year and help set its future direction by electing the 2021-2022 board of directors.

As always, we will also present the 2021 Apprentice Awards to the hardworking apprentices and pre-apprentices who were selected during the year. This event is also a great opportunity to connect with other members and catch up on everything that is happening in the world of tooling and machining.

Annual Wage & Business Survey

The CTMA’s Annual Wage & Business Survey is recognized as an integral benchmarking tool because of its specific focus on the machine, tool, die, mould, and automation industries. It also provides the CTMA with statistical information that can be shared with governments in support of our recommendations on issues that affect our members. This year’s survey will open in mid-October.

Networking Opportunities

If COVID-19 protocols allow, the CTMA hopes to begin hosting its plant tours and dinners, as well as a networking event in Ottawa in the coming months.

Sarah Grandy is marketing communications specialist for the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA), 140 McGovern Drive, Unit #3, Cambridge, Ont. N3H 4R7, 519-653-7265, info@ctma.com, www.ctma.com.