Companion animal industry seeks future thought leaders

The International Summitfor Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS) Awards acknowledge key players in the companion animal industry. People, organizations and agencies that have proven their commitment and stepped up to the plate to make the pet sector a respected and admired industry.

The ISUAS Future ThoughtLeader Scholarship Program however, gives recognition to future leaders. The program was established alongside the ISUAS seven years ago and has helped dozens of individuals achieve recognition. But more importantly, it serves to provide future leaders with a hand-up and mentoring experience for their careers.   

“It gives them an opportunity to rub shoulders with the leaders in the industry and promotes them towards leadership,” said Larry Evans, president and CEO of Petlynx Corporation.

Every year, the ISUAS Nominating Commitee sift through nominees showing exemplary proficiency presented by the Summit Alumni and convey Future Leader Scholarships upon those selected for this program.

REVIEW SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

“It’s a specific individual who the industry agrees should be promoted and mentored towards becoming a thought leader,” said Evans. 

Scholarships are valued at $2,000 to offset registration and travel costs to attend the 2012 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies.


NOMINATION FORM

The deadline for nominations is 14 September 2012. 

Nominations OPEN for 2012 Summit Awards

Tensions run high. Anticipation builds. Excitement prevails. Four simple words establish a new standard of excellence.

And the winner is….

In a few short weeks, thought leaders of the companion animal industry will come together to reward the hard work and efforts of their peers at the seventh annual International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS).

It’s an industry endorsement to strive for and a place of honor for those who have set the bar one notch higher. The Summit awards bring peer recognition to individuals, agencies, organizations and corporations throughout the companion animal industry.

“Two great memories of the 2011 Summit Awards at Fairmont Montebello  were the recognition extended to Dr. Lynn Webster and to Dr. Michelle Lem by Summit Alumni," said Summit Organizer, Larry Evans.  

"In the first case, a recognized elder statesman of the industry was presented with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement award and a standing ovation from his peers which left him struggling for words.  In the second case, a promising young researcher near the beginning of her industry activities surprised me after the Gala with a hug, tearfully thanked us for the most meaningful moment in her career and left me struggling to find words.  All across Canada, the Summit Awards have provided recognition, meaning and encouragement far beyond our expectations”.

Nominations recognize industry peers in eleven categories ranging from animal sheltering to responsible breeders.
Award categories:

· animal homing

· animal sheltering

· animal wellness

· community compliance

· community collaboration

· communications

· distinguished service provider

· product or service innovation

· responsible breeder

· retailer

· individual achievement

· lifetime achievement

REVIEW AWARD CRITERIA

Summit Alumni use an academy style system of nominations and election by secret ballot to determine the winners in each category. Nominations are now open and will remain open until 17 September 2012. You are invited to nominate an organization or individual deserving of a 2012 Summit.

NOMINATION FORM

The 2012 Summit Awards Gala will be held in the Victoria Room of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on Friday evening, 12 October 2012. 

REGISTER AS A SUMMIT DELEGATE

Why become a Summit Alumnus?

In today’s fast-paced business environment it can be hard to find the resources that allow us to look at ‘the big picture.’ Time and pressure often do not allow us to re-think and create new and improved solutions to age-old problems.

The Summit for Urban Animal Strategies attracts some of the brightest minds in the North American companion animal industry. Your attendance allows you to participate in executive level discussions, hear world-class speakers and network with others who face similar challenges.

Once nominated by a fellow Alumni and then approved by the Nominating Committee, the Alumni status will give you the tools you need to bring practical solutions to your organization and inspire industry stakeholders to work collaboratively to create a healthier community for pets and people.

By being a part of the alumni group, you become a part of the solution. This results in significant benefits for you, as an individual, for your organization and for your community.

What does this mean for you?

As an Alumnus, you have access to a proprietary ‘Alumni Only’ section of the tsuas.com website and the Open Space Wiki that provides a wealth of information, including:

Directory: Published to encourage and facilitate continued dialogue and is for exclusive use of alumni in good standing. It includes the names and contact information for more than 160 thought leaders from all four sectors of the companion animal industry – animal control/legislation, animal health/wellness, animal welfare and animal services.

Resources: Designed to facilitate information sharing and the implementation of ideas and concepts discussed at the ISUAS. This information is updated on a regular basis.

Current resources include:

·  A summary of the most recent and past Urban Animal Survey

·  Presentations from various presenters and industry experts

·  Recommended links, books and other resources

·  Industry affiliations and community stakeholder news

·  News and views from other industry thought leaders

Keep the conversation going in Open Space: Long after the International Summit is concluded for the year, Alumni can continue their conversations and initiatives on the Open Space Wiki. This technology allows for ease of use and sharing of resources and meeting notes.

Discounts: Special consideration is given to the Alumni group, for such things as event registration and subscriptions to the annual survey.

Don't forget to take advantage of the Early Bird Special and save $250 on your ISUAS registration until April 30th.

For more information contact:

Judi Cannon, Summit Event Manager

(P) 705.930.7387  (E) event@tsuas.com