Toronto Area Council

The driving force behind any professional association is the passion and commitment of their members. The volunteers of CITT’s Toronto Area Council have been helping to support the advancement of supply chain and logistics professionals in the GTA since 1965. And like most grassroots organizations, it all began with a small yet determined group of people.

The first ever meeting of a CITT local council was held on November 17th, 1965 in Toronto. Almost a year later at a meeting of the National council, this inaugural gathering was referred to in the minutes as the official founding of the Toronto District Council. The name was later changed to the Toronto Area Council.

As might be expected from logisticians, the agenda for the inaugural meeting was meticulously planned. Rather than simply exchanging ideas, they adopted a more literary and research-based approach. Seven members were selected by Council that year to write research papers. A trade booth was also organized by the Council at the Canadian Transportation Show. This four-day exhibition was the first occasion to showcase the Council in the Toronto area. The event was well-received by an enthusiastic group of transportation professionals representing a wide range of job titles.

According to Mr. I. A. Brown, the first Chair of the Toronto District Council, it was the belief of the executive that only by sustained interest of members in their local councils could the Institute (CITT) continue its growth and fulfill the desire of its founder members to provoke thought, to invite discussion and to promote learning.

The Council grew steadily and was able to cultivate a larger membership base despite strikes and general unrest in the transportation field in Ontario. Ironically, one of the research papers commissioned by the Council was entitled; “Hoffa: A Study in Union Power.”

It’s hard to believe that 44 years have passed since that first meeting. Many distinguished professionals have been part of the Council over the years. And in 2009, the valuable contribution made by the Toronto Area Council to the CITT and to the supply chain profession continues.

Duane Chiasson, CITT, is the current Chair of the Toronto Area Council (TAC). Duane is the Transportation and Distribution Director for Premier Books Direct. This is his second year as TAC Chair, and third year of participation with Council. Duane was also Vice Chair in 2007.

According to Duane, the Toronto Area Council gratefully acknowledges the contributions of their predecessors.

“This year’s Council will endeavour to maintain the tradition of excellence while at the same time establishing a legacy of our own through our seminars, tours and events. I could not agree more with the words of Mr. I.A. Brown when he said that sustained interest of members in their local Councils is the key to success not only for the Councils, but for the Institute (CITT) as well."

Duane’s motivation to become Chair of the TAC was fueled by his desire to further his education and experience in the supply chain and logistics sector. And it is the organization of events, tours, speaker forums and workshops that appeals the most to Duane professionally.

The networking at TAC events allows for a free exchange of expertise. Members can connect with colleagues to discuss new service offerings and strategies to deal with the ever changing challenges faced by supply chain and logistics professionals. And of course, career advice and the sharing of job leads is also common at these events.

“The range of learning and networking opportunities offered at our events is simply unmatched,” said Duane proudly.

Duane believes the role of the Council Chair is to help promote CITT to the local business and academic interests in the area. It is also the Chair’s role to work in cooperation with the National Board of Directors to advance the CITT designation.

“These are the key areas that all CITT local councils must work to help support,” said Duane. “It is the Chair’s role to keep the Council members active in their individual duties and to encourage other professionals to get involved, whether they are associated with CITT or not. Working in cooperation with the Council team, we all feel that what we do matters."

The short-term goals of the TAC include hosting events that cover as many modes of transportation and supply chain functions as possible. The TAC is always looking for others who want to get involved in events to support their continued growth. This entices more people into the supply chain field and eventually, into the ranks of CITT.

The TAC’s main long-term goal is to expand their reach to include more of Toronto and the surrounding areas. This is a major challenge because there is only one council in Ontario to serve over 700 CITT members, associates and students in the GTA alone. According to Duane, the TAC must attempt to give as many of these people as possible more convenient access to tours, learning seminars and events.

“Expanding our reach can only strengthen CITT and make the designation even more relevant. Failure to connect with this demographic would mean the loss of the contributions of these members. Starting with the East Toronto Council, we hope to eventually set up satellite councils around the Toronto area to attract more members and more talent.”

By bringing together like-minded supply chain and logistics professionals under the banner of the Toronto Area Council, Duane feels they also promote the value of the CITT designation. This is the main reason why TAC events are open to those not currently affiliated with CITT. But according to Duane, it doesn’t stop there.

“We have also started honoring our tour guides, speakers and work shop hosts with CITT merchandise to extend the CITT brand and keep the logo alive. They help us to promote professional excellence and career advancement for transportation logisticians, and subsequently assist our goal of being the most recognized and respected development organization in the supply chain and logistics field.”

Duane can’t recall one particular moment that ranks as the most memorable during his tenure with the TAC. However, recognition for CITT in trade magazines would definitely be near the top of the list.

“Trade news coverage means we are gaining an industry presence,” said Duane. “It also means we have established a foothold in continuing education for logistics professionals.”

Being a valued contributor to the supply chain and logistics profession and to CITT is a major part of what keeps the TAC executive motivated. As volunteers, industry recognition is not only a goal, but a well-earned and celebrated reward as well.

“The fact that most of our events are sold out within 48 hours is really something to be proud of,” said Duane. “Relevancy, and the fact that we have a service that helps to further the careers of others, is priceless.”

As Council Chair, Duane also has another even more rewarding responsibility. This past May, he had the privilege of presenting CITT graduation diplomas to two of his fellow TAC Council members.

“To see colleagues and friends who have worked so hard finally get the chance to step forward in front of their peers and be recognized is what it’s all about.”

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For more information on the Toronto Area Council, please contact Duane Chiasson at duanejc@bell.net