contained in the forms gener-
ally used in BC,” says Robin-
son. “This is a good example
of an opportunity for educa-
tion that VRCA can provide to
help our members understand
the impact of non-standard
clauses and how to deal with
them.
So [members] really do need
to adapt. They can’t bury
their head in the sand and
pretend the issues are going
to go away. It may mean look-
ing at strategic alliances and
joint ventures. It may mean, if
they can’t compete, looking at
what they do best and finding
a niche for themselves.”
Aside from its rich history, the
VRCA stands out in a number
of ways, such as the diversity
of its members and the ef-
forts that are made to bridge
the gaps between different
sectors. Each division has its
own council which discusses
their own specific issues. “Is-
sues are different between the
generals and trades. So we’re
really about finding solutions
and improving the industry
for all,” says Robinson. “We
provide a platform for our
members to express their con-
cerns and find solutions.”
Robinson emphasizes the im-
portance of solutions rather
than lingering on challenges
and problems: “Be creative,
learn as much as you can about
the issues, find out ways that
you can promote your organi-
zations to be successful and
compete in the industry.”
APRIL 2013
H
business elite canada
51
