New ASIS chapter in Saskatchewan

In November of 2009 I attended the Wharton/ASIS Program for Security Executives at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. This very impressive two-week certificate course is taught by many of the same faculty who have made Wharton’s MBA program one of the top-ranked in the world.

I had the further opportunity to attend the annual seminar in Dallas in 2010. There were over 180 sessions with amazing organization on every level. A complete immersion in every possible area of Security and Surveillance with miles of exhibits.

The opportunities for Board certification in security is also a very attractive element of this organization.
I returned to Regina determined to research Chapter organization. The ASISonline.org website was again very helpful in starting a new chapter. We were then able to receive support from the corporate office as well as our volunteer leadership Senior Regional VP Bill Bradshaw, Regional VP Glen Kitteringham and Assistant RVP Chris McColm. All were very helpful and continue to assist us as we grow.

From the website map we were able to determine that there were 19 members in Saskatchewan. These members were attached to chapters in either Winnipeg, Calgary or Edmonton. The requirement for Chapter formation is that 15 members must sign a charter application. Records indicated that these members were spread around the province. It was very motivational to speak to these members and their positive messages of support. The larger network of other Chapters was also very helpful to us. We were able to meet the requirement for signatures on the charter application and it was forwarded to the international executive for consideration. On January 20 this year they approved the Charter and we were officially titled Chapter #275 Saskatchewan.
 
On May 6 we had our Charter meeting with over 30 members and interested Security professionals attending. Glen Kitteringham  attended and swore in the new executive. They are Cliff Walker, Vice Chair South, Dan Morin, Vice Chair North, Al Stickney Secretary and Murray Roe, Treasurer. The Chapter is growing and is at 32 members. This is a very interesting cross section of Security professionals and we are all excited about being able to network and help each other.

The plan is to alternate Chapter meetings between Saskatoon and Regina with the exception of July and August. The next meeting in June 9 at the Dakota Dunes Casino near Saskatoon. Please contact me or any member of the executive if you are interested in attending or would like more information on the organization. We are continuously updating the mailing list so please send your information.