2012 OpenSpace Sessions set to move the Industry

The 2012 OpenSpace Session in the Victoria Room of the Chateau Lake Louise on Friday, October 12, is designed to provoke dialogue between thought leaders of the companion animal industry. 

Through these conversations, the industry develops strategies and evolves to meet changing times, ideas, technologies and obstacles. In addition to conversations that may arise from the ‘facts and evidence’ Sessions on Thursday, key industry stakeholders are bringing forward seven primary conversations:

2012.A  George Potter – The CEO of Alberta Animal Services revives a conversation initiated in 2007 to organize a National Organization for the Professionals who enforce and investigate on behalf of pets and people in our communities. A leading question – How do we encourage national standards and increase respect for the role of these professionals in our communities?

2012.B  Dr. Liz O’Brien – The CEO of Cats clinics in Hamilton and the National spokesperson for the 2011 Year of the Cat initiative, explores taking the Care for Cats movement to the next level. A leading question - How do we make the national cat initiative sustainable in our communities over the long term?

2012.C  Larry Evans – Creating a non-profit vessel for industry collaborations and national initiatives. A leading question – How could a Summit Foundation operate, be governed and determine the industry consensus for the funds supplied to these initiatives?

2012.D  Kate MacDonald – Chief Executive Officer of OSPCA has been exploring how Humane and Rescue organizations can change to be effective and sustainable both now and in the future. Leading questions include: What will these organization look like? What will change in their mandate?  How will they be funded?

2012.E  Drew Van Niekerk – A Nationally recognized Veterinarian helped develop Canada’s largest practice aggregator. Drew is thinking about the gap between what veterinarians and service providers provide and what pet owners want. A leading question – What changes will be necessary for the industry to deliver the healthcare and experience pet families desire?

2012.F  Kristin Williams – Executive Director of the Nova Scotia SPCA has been thinking about how governance can be improved in the Humane and Rescue sector.  A leading question – How can we attract board members and provision them to be successful understanding the organization, the core objectives and their role in governance?

2012.G  Louis McCann – The Executive Director of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada [PIJAC Canada] has been thinking about the role of member retailers and service providers in each community.  Leading questions include: As we move toward social media and the experience economy, what are the new roles for these service providers in our communities?  How can we move toward these roles without creating unintended consequences for the industry and the pet families we serve?

Throughout these conversations, topics may arise and gain the support of delegates during the opening session on Friday. The vision for OpenSpace is to embrace evidence and develop strategies needed in our communities, our regions and our industry. Outcomes produced may include recommendations for the organizations that govern our industry, toolkits for the agencies that support pet families in our communities and/or a consensus for priorities that can be supported by all stakeholders in the industry.

Visit these conversations online in the LinkedIn Summit Group to add your comments and perspective.

SUMMIT LINKEDIN GROUP

Get the facts, have your say, move the industry! 

The Regional Summits - Collaboration at its finest

After attending the 2011 Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies in Red Deer, AB, Alberta Animal Services (AAS) and Petland began the start of a new partnership.

Together, AAS and Petland compared their visions, and took it to the next level by partnering for an in-store adoption space for AAS animals. Petland held the in-store event in mid February of 2012 to promote responsible pet ownership through pet identification, awareness of AAS and the in-store adoption partnership. The event was a huge success, raising close to $2,000 with all donations distributed to AAS to reduce animal over population through spay and neuter programs.

“In many ways it’s because of the collaboration that Petlynx Corporation has done through the Regional Summit, has opened this door for both Petland and our organization - without a question,” said George Potter, Chief Administrating Officer of Alberta Animal Services.

“Over the years, the National and Regional Summits have continued to show the importance of meeting people in industry and it has helped our organization move forward by leaps and bounds.

“We are all very excited where this has already taken us and for what the future holds for us in this Collaborative relationship.”

With this new collaboration in mind, Potter said AAS and Petland will be headed to Dallas, Texas in the coming weeks to visit a number of stores that currently have permanent adoption centre’s to get a better understanding of the process of construction that will soon take place in the Red Deer location.

“I have to say, this new initiative has totally changed our organization and we are so looking forward to the future with Petland,” Potter expressed. “Without having any of the in-store adoption centre facility built yet in Red Deer, we have already adopted out 43 cats and dogs in a two-month period.

“I can’t even imagine the adoptions once we have the Alberta Animal Services Adoption Centre open in the Red Deer store. It is certainly changing the face of Animal Control in our area and will for many years to come - what a great story this will be!”