As the 2015/16 fiscal year approaches its end, the CAAR team is already looking forward to plans for the coming year. We are committed to continue to help ensure the success of Canada’s agri-retailers, but we can’t do it alone.

We need your voice, expertise and time to help us build on our established momentum.

CAAR is actively recruiting members to fill positions on the following committees:

1. Advocacy Committee
2. Communications Committee
3. Conference Committee
4. Membership Value Committee
5. Nurse Tank Safety Council of Canada
6. Training Committee

Advocacy Committee

Committee Chair: David Dow, Dow Fertilizers Ltd.
CAAR Staff Support: Delaney Ross Burtnack, President & CEO

This committee will meet by conference call at the discretion of the committee chair, and may include regular email correspondence as pressing issues arise. The committee is responsible for helping CAAR identify industry issues where advocacy or lobbying is required on behalf of the agri-retail industry, and to help set CAAR’s position and course of action regarding those issues. The committee will help prioritize industry initiatives where CAAR should be involved, and will outline to what level that involvement is required. Where possible, CAAR may seek assistance from committee members in taking advocacy or lobbying action. All decisions brought forward by the committee will be subject to review by CAAR’s Executive Committee.

Communications Committee

Committee Chair: Grant Larocque, Orchard Transport
CAAR Staff Support: Lynda Nicol, Communications & Membership Manager

This committee meets by conference call six times a year, and may include additional email correspondence should a pressing need arise. The committee is responsible for overseeing the editorial plan for CAAR’s communications vehicles, primarily The Communicator magazine.

Conference Committee

Committee Chair: To be determined
CAAR Staff Support: Lynda Nicol, Communications & Membership Manager; Lisa Beardsley, Event & Creative Manager

This committee meets by conference call approximately once every 6-8 weeks from May, 2016 - February, 2017. CAAR staff will communicate with the committee via email on a monthly basis with planning updates. The committee is responsible for helping to plan the speaker program, tradeshow format, and supporting events surrounding the CAAR Conference. The committee may be asked for help with sponsorship and auction donations calls. Committee members are expected to attend the CAAR Conference and are requested to assist with minor volunteer duties throughout the show.

Membership Value Committee

Committee Chair: Stan Loewen, Terralink Horticulture Inc.
CAAR Staff Support: Lynda Nicol, Communications & Membership Manager

This committee will meet by conference call at the discretion of the committee chair. The committee is responsible for identifying and pursuing key areas of existing and potential new value, as well as assessing current services on an ongoing basis to ensure continued value. The goal of this committee is to assist CAAR in maximizing member value. The committee may be asked for assistance in pursuing potential members.

Nurse Tank Safety Council of Canada

Committee Chair: To be determined
CAAR Staff Support: Delaney Ross Burtnack, President & CEO; Lady Gabilo, Member Services Coordinator

The Nurse Tank Safety Council of Canada is a technical committee operating under the auspices of the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers. This committee will meet by conference call at the discretion of the committee chair. It is staffed with representatives who are responsible for managing the operations of the Nurse Tank Safety Program, including overseeing the training program, and content of the Quality Control manual. This committee may also be called upon for technical guidance related to industry or regulatory issues that may impact the retail segment of the anhydrous ammonia industry.

Training Committee

Committee Chair: Theresa Bolton, Parrish & Heimbecker
CAAR Staff Support: Lisa Beardsley, Event & Creative Manager; Lady Gabilo, Member Services Coordinator

This committee will meet by conference call at the discretion of the committee chair. The committee is responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and outlining potential new areas of training for CAAR. The committee will also assist CAAR in regularly reviewing existing training programs to identify areas of improvement to consistently ensure the highest possible quality of training programs.

If you are interested in volunteering, or learning more about any of the above committees, please contact Lady Gabilo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..