The Western AME Association Website (http://www.wamea.com/) just posted a couple of discussion papers on the Role of AME Associations and the formation of a National AME association.
Interesting reading, I encourage everyone to give it a read.
Western AME Association Website - News
Moderators: North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako
Re: Western AME Association Website - News
Very good read !!
One point that's immediately obvious though is that some form of corporate sponsorship will be required to get this National Association project off the ground. Individual member contributions will not suffice to get things moving in a timely manner. However overall concept sounds like a worthy and long overdue project.
On the other hand there will be a lot of resistance and mistrust after years of neglect, licensing de-regulation and general apathy associated with the AME trade. Not to mention the damage done by other parasitic organization such as the former CAMC trying to pass them selves off as those 'representing' interests and for the benefit of Canadian AMEs. Paradoxically, there will also be no support from the industry majors who have ZERO interest in AMEs having strong and effective representation - quite the opposite in fact. They're more interested in having something more akin to the American A&P system in order to keep their labor costs down.
Strong, centralized, organization representing all AMEs on the national level is something that's absolutely critical to a meaningful survival of our trade. But a lot of work has to be done to undo years of obscurity and fragmentation that our industry has suffered from. None the less Mr. Peter Jenkins call-to-arms is a very good starting point.
One point that's immediately obvious though is that some form of corporate sponsorship will be required to get this National Association project off the ground. Individual member contributions will not suffice to get things moving in a timely manner. However overall concept sounds like a worthy and long overdue project.
On the other hand there will be a lot of resistance and mistrust after years of neglect, licensing de-regulation and general apathy associated with the AME trade. Not to mention the damage done by other parasitic organization such as the former CAMC trying to pass them selves off as those 'representing' interests and for the benefit of Canadian AMEs. Paradoxically, there will also be no support from the industry majors who have ZERO interest in AMEs having strong and effective representation - quite the opposite in fact. They're more interested in having something more akin to the American A&P system in order to keep their labor costs down.
Strong, centralized, organization representing all AMEs on the national level is something that's absolutely critical to a meaningful survival of our trade. But a lot of work has to be done to undo years of obscurity and fragmentation that our industry has suffered from. None the less Mr. Peter Jenkins call-to-arms is a very good starting point.
- Pat Richard
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Re: Western AME Association Website - News
Firstly, both articles are good reads, and the attempt to address the issues of dwindling memberships/interest is admirable.there will be a lot of resistance and mistrust after years of neglect, licensing de-regulation and general apathy associated with the AME trade. Not to mention the damage done by other parasitic organization such as the former CAMC trying to pass them selves off as those 'representing' interests and for the benefit of Canadian AMEs. Paradoxically, there will also be no support from the industry majors who have ZERO interest in AMEs having strong and effective representation - quite the opposite in fact. They're more interested in having something more akin to the American A&P system in order to keep their labor costs down.
But I have to say the above quote is, in a nutshell, the reason(s) for much of it.
The bold font is what I believe any or every AME association should be focusing on combating, not trying to be "non bias" in their existence. Harmony with businesses is secondary, at least for now.
Work/exist to address the concerns of the AME, nothing else, and I for one would cough up the $150 bones a year if they could prove to be effective.