An Interview with John Galt, President, Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association
Recently, the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA) and its U.S. counterpart, the National Fire Sprinkler Association ( NFSA ), formalized a reciprocal agreement between both organizations. The agreement enables the members of either organization to be eligible to receive membership discounts of either organization. The Canadian Association talked to John Galt, President of CASA, about the agreement.
TCA: Can you tell us about CASA? What is your mission and who are your members?
Galt: CASA is a national trade association, representing approximately 270 companies across Canada. The Association has existed in one form or another for over 80 years, however, we received a Dominion Charter in 1981. We initially represented installing contractors and negotiated Collective Agreements with sprinkler jurisdiction unions across Canada. Today we still hold accreditation orders in most provinces for collective bargaining purposes, however, we are very involved with the development of Canada’s Building and Fire Codes. Our membership today also includes Manufacturers/Suppliers and Design Professionals along with Subscribers. Our Mission statement is, “ for the advancement of the sprinkler art as applied to the conservation of life and property from fire”.
TCA: Is the NFSA very similar to CASA in this regard?
Galt: Yes. The NFSA is much larger of course since they are U.S. based. Canadian Labour legislation differs somewhat and as a result, we have different membership fee structures.
TCA: What was the relationship between CASA and NFSA prior to the agreement?
Galt: The NFSA and CASA have had a long history of cooperation. The two Associations, throughout most of the last four decades jointly supported North American standards for installation and design. Membership services for respective members were maintained separate.
TCA: We understand that the agreement applies to resource material as well as attendance at training and education initiatives held throughout North America. Are their other programs and services that are also included in the agreement?
Galt: In addition, our annual conventions are open to both membership categories and the social or networking opportunities are a great benefit to all members. Under the new agreement we also share some labour services to U.S. based contractors who occasionally obtain contract work in Canada. We do not, however, include other labour services offered to Canadian members for labour grievances or legal assistance in contract disputes.
TCA: Tell us about the process in putting the agreement together.
Galt: The process was quite simple really. Our organizations were regularly receiving inquiries for services and materials from across the border. While our respective members were use to paying member discounted fees, there was a reluctance to deal with each association directly as non-members. The NFSA President and myself found that we were negotiating arrangements on a project by project basis. It should be mentioned that over the last 10 years there have been many acquisitions and today there are many of our long time members who have U.S. based parent companies. There was a driving goal to avoid duplication of services and to utilize resources in areas that could grow the market for fire protection industry across all of North America and even overseas. The final agreement was reached between the NFSA President and myself, and was approved by the respective Boards.
TCA: Is there a sunset clause on the agreement, and are all future CASA and NFSA programs automatically included? What is the process and issues involved if one group wants to cancel the agreement?
Galt: There is no sunset. Both organizations can withdraw at any time, however, we have not limited it to existing programs. The latest extension of the agreement has included on-line seminars. Members on both sides are happy so we have no intention of modifying this agreement at present.
TCA: Were there any significant stumbling blocks or areas of resistance that had to be overcome? Did either organization have any conditions that had to be included in the agreement?
Galt: There were no real stumbling blocks. We do, however, require trademark recognition to be respected and professional authorship, etc. to be published. This can be a challenge as many materials and technical documents are available electronically today.
TCA: Do you see this agreement leading to further cooperation and/or collaboration?
Galt: This agreement is the catalyst to a closer relationship that is leading to a first ever joint annual convention in the later part of the decade.
TCA: How has the program been received by your membership?
Galt: Very well.
TCA: Do you have a feel for how CASA revenues have been affected, and if not, how do you think they will be impacted by this agreement?
Galt: It has had a modest effect by worsening our revenues through a few areas. We have shared improved cross-border attendance at educational seminars when held in border cities. Our Annual General Meeting has had greater U.S. participation also, and recently improved advertising in our magazine from U.S. based companies.
TCA: Do you have any advice for other associations who would be interested in putting such an agreement together?
Galt: I would strongly argue associations to look at ways of uniting industries and members in any way possible. We only have to look at what’s happening in Europe to see that there exists real opportunities to develop markets through united efforts.
TCA: Thank you.
John Galt is the President of the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (http://www.casa-firesprinkler.org). John can be reached at (905) 477-2270.
The views expressed in this article are those of the interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Association Xpertise Inc.