www.albertabeef.ca/displayarticle/?sel_record=2768 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 9/1/2007
Last Visited: 11/24/2007
Bryan Walton knew all that when he applied for the job six months ago, it was all part of the challenge of being part of one of the most dynamic cattle organizations in the country.He adds, "I was looking for an opportunity to come back west, this job came up and I started with the Cattle Feeders on February 1st."
The Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association is a bit different from other cattle groups, a big chunk of the membership have million dollar cash flows and they have a very big stake in the well being of their industry - being they are risk takers and action oriented, working for them is not for the faint of heart.Bryan observes, "This is a great group, they are in the business everyday, they are active, they are engaged, they have their feet on the ground."
Previous to joining the cattle feeders, Bryan spent 19 years as a Vice President with the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors.That gave him a clear understanding of the food business and also exposed him to the issues facing the beef industry - beef being a big factor in grocery business.He adds, "My main job with them was government relations and a big factor in that was handling the food safety file.Travelling to and from Ottawa and then living there allowed me to build relationships and then establish contacts in government departments and with entities like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency."On the provincial side, Bryan was Executive Assistant to Agriculture Minister Dallas Schmidt and spent five years in the Market Development Division of Alberta Agriculture before going into the private sector.
Bryan's long experience in the food organization business gave him some keen insights into how the ACFA should approach various issues.He notes, "One of the first things I did when I joined the organization was to put together a 90 day plan, so that my directors would know what I had in mind with the duties of a CEO, that has since morphed into a six month work plan which will take us to the end of the fiscal year."
Selling the organization to more potential members is part of Bryan's work plan.As a voluntary organization, ACFA relies on much of its income from member dues.He adds, "I'm happy to say that membership is up 18% this year.We made a big effort to grow the organization and we are not done yet."
Bryan remains impressed with the dedication of the members and directors to the organization.He adds, "It amazes me the time and energy these people are willing to devote to the organization, and that's not all, they are willing to put up their own money to support both ACFA and whatever issue needs to be addressed."He is mindful of the time that directors have available and has looked at ways to bring in more expertise onto the board of directors.Bryan adds, "When I was putting together the plan and going through the bylaws, I found that there was allowance for two non-voting consulting directors from outside the membership, I see that as an opportunity to help our board in areas like research, communication, animal health.
...
Its part of a communication strategy that Bryan is developing.He adds, "In November we are going to have an MLA dinner, something that this organization has never done before.
...
As one would expect Bryan continues to work on intensive livestock regulation issues.He adds, "I am carrying on with that work and with the Intensive Livestock Working Group and the NRCB.
...
That additional role was well suited to Bryan because of his experience as a lobbyist in Ottawa.
...
Bryan adds, "We have been working with the Alberta Pork to get advice on this initiative and it looks like we will be in a position to offer that tool to our members this fall.It's not a short term issue, labor will continue to be factor in our business."
The national job will require Bryan to travel to Ottawa to pursue national issues but he will be based in Calgary and devoting about 20% of his time to the national organization.He adds, "We have only had a couple of meetings of the national group, we have approved a budget and set out some initial priorities etc., it's a work in progress.You can easily imagine the issues we would like to pursue from the feeders perspective like CAIS, age verification, COOL, veterinary drugs approvals, livestock transportation and competitiveness in general."
In general Bryan does not see a lot of major operational changes at ACFA but the membership and Board expect continual improvement.The convention and the events surrounding it will continue to be expanded and fine tuned and advocacy and lobbying are being increased.He reflects, "This is a good organization with good people, that makes it easier to get things done for the members."
67 online sources [ view sources ]
Profile is not claimed [ claim profile ]
