PAGE OCR C2 – MARCH 2014 – The Ontario Construction Report WOMEN IN THE OGCA Women at The Ontario General Contractors Association Mary Wademan and Julie Burke oversee administration, training, marketing and finance STAFF WRITER – The Ontario Construction Report Special Feature Two Ontario General Contractors Asso- ciation (OGCA) employees have contributed significantly to the association's success in representing the construction industry to all levels of government and support industry training, as they keep members abreast of changes and important information. Office manager Mary Wademan works with Julie Burke, the OGCA's manager of education/training, marketing and finance. Wademan has been with the association for almost 25 years since starting her career as a secretary. Over the years, she has been responsible for various activities including education, safety and conference planning. With a membership ranging from between 190 and 250 and a small office staff, she says the work is challenging and diverse. “When I first started with the association, I wasn’t introduced to the board of directors right away because so many people had come and gone from the job, they weren’t sure I was going to last,” she says. “I found I loved the work, fit in and have been here ever since.” She says key to her success has been her ability to adapt, multi-task and quickly re- solve uncommon situations. She also says it is important to be able to work without in- struction, an asset her colleague Julie Burke also understands well. Mary Wademan Action is the True success is unlocked by teamwork and a strong foundation. WeirFoulds is proud to support the Ontario General Contractors Association and women in construction. Protect your future. Gain a lasting advantage. WeirFoulds LLP . Julie Burke “When I started nine years ago, it was during a week that most of the staff was away at a conference,” Burke says. “I had people calling about courses, looking for information … I really had to hit the ground running.” Burke knew a little about the construction industry through her family before joining the OGCA. She has learned more about the industry and how the association must work to meet members' needs. Both women agree it is important to get along, understanding that you may have your own job responsibilities, but that there are many tasks requiring teamwork and collabora- tion. Wademan says women need to overcome shyness and understand they will gain more respect and get more done by sharing their thoughts and opinions. Both women say events including the association’s symposium, conference and annual general meeting are among their favourite responsibilities. “I worked in customer service early in my career,” says Wademan. “Having the chance to speak with members, to solve problems and to mix with members are among my favourite things.” She says over the past quarter-century she has grown close to many members. Burke says she too appreciates her relationships and is surprised sometimes by how con- nected the association and its members are on a personal level. “My job title changed a while ago and it was announced in our newsletter,” she said. “I got emails and congratulations from business owners and site supervisors. I was surprised and very honoured they took the time to connect.” Wademan says she appreciates that there are special processes and challenges in working in the association en- vironment. “We understand we work for a board and executive committee so there is a hierarchy of decisions and action that has to be followed,” she said. “We also understand we represent our members so everything we do must be con- sidered because it reflects on them.” She says the association is also intrinsically connected to its sponsors. “We cannot say enough to thank our spon- sors for their continued support. Many of these organiza- tions have been with us from the start. We could not do all we do without them.” to success. 416.365.1110 www.weirfoulds.com