In an open letter to CSIS members issued March 7, president Gene McLean outlines his desire for a slight name change for the association and the intention to play out his revitalization strategy to 2015.


Dear Members,
I have been developing a strategic approach to what I believe this Society should be executing for the next year.  Originally I was going to discuss this prior to our May Annual Conference in Ottawa, however now that we have re-scheduled until September, I thought it prudent to communicate in writing now.
From the very beginning of my tenure, my primary strategic initiative first and foremost has been to increase our membership.  In fact, our Executive Director Bob Marentette has said that it looks like I am doing my own “one man membership drive”. 

At last year’s conference I had talked about this important issue.  In addition, I have also responded in interviews with Canadian Security magazine stating that that increased membership is my key objective for 2010.  If CSIS is to be relevant today, then membership has to be both renewed and new members attracted to the Society.

Secondly and in concert with the drive for increased membership, we must review the mandate of the Society.  I believe that there has been too much chatter about being taken over by other security associations and discussions about CSIS being a “dead society”.  We need to review where we are and where we think we want to be in 2015. 

Third, I have a burning desire to change our (Society) name, either in whole or retain the acronym of CSIS Inc changing the words to “Canadian Society for Integrated Security Inc” ”“ the key word being “integrated”. 

This could be a two-step process:  first change the word and secondly institute a complete name change since this would involve some research and business process as well as possible governance changes.
In the mid 1950’s, the word “industrial” might have been a very good fit, but in the 21st century it is now out of step.  Security is much more than a security guard standing at a door.  Security must be a fully thought out and integrated resource that goes hand in hand with technology and other risk mitigation factors.

Finally, if CSIS Inc is to be relevant today and moving forward, then it must become the Canadian voice for the security industry. When legislation, either provincial or federal is being considered, then CSIS Inc must be involved to provide that sound advice and counsel that can only come from experienced and knowledgeable Society members. 

CSIS should and must become the advocacy model in this country.  Politicians and bureaucrats alike should have us on speed dial!

To recap, the strategic direction is:
Build membership to add value to the society
Review the mandate of CSIS  Inc”“ where are we in 2015
Change name and or acronym of CSIS Inc
Advocate on behalf of the security industry

CSIS has a large number of high value members. Unfortunately, I don’t see a great number of these members at our monthly meetings.  I also don’t see nor can I verify that all members are also on a membership drive. 

As members, this is your Society.  CSIS Inc is a proud organization, but it has to be driven by a strong desire from the grass roots membership to build, expand and add value.  This is not the sole identified role of the President, or the Executive, but one where everyone has to play a part.

I hope that you will consider this communication as a “rally cry” to each and every one of you out there.  There is no value, nor is there any interest in members shooting arrows from the outside in.  The call for action is for all of you and for everyone to focus on and to get engaged. 

On this front, you can add real value by attending the regional monthly meetings; by reaching out to key security professionals and individuals interested in security to become CSIS Inc members and lastly, to think of security in the manner that incorporates the many facets of this industry, that brings it all back to the 21st century of ”˜integration’ and security that encompasses the entire enterprise.
Thank-you

Gene McLean
President and Chairman of the Board
Canadian Society for Industrial Security Inc (CSIS Inc)
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