Municipal Monitor Q3 2017 | Page 4

Presid ent’s Me ssage 2017–18 AMCTO Board of Directors Yvonne Robert, CMO, AOMC, AMCT President Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley Stephane Palmateer, AMCT Immediate Past President City of Timmins Angela Morgan, CMO Vice-President / Zone 3 Board Director City of Burlington Tatiana Dafoe Director at Large City of Stratford John Hannam, CMO Director at Large City of Thunder Bay Sandra MacDonald, CMO, AMCT Director at Large City of Brockville Michael Wildman, CMO, Dipl.M.M. Director at Large Town of Arnprior Michelle Casavecchia-Somers, CMO Zone 1 Board Director Township of Malahide Dylan McMahon Zone 2 Board Director City of Guelph Thom Gettinby, CMO Zone 4 Board Director Township of Brock Elana Arthurs, CMO Zone 5 Board Director Township of Cavan Monaghan Dean Sauriol, CMO, Dipl.M.M. Zone 6 Board Director Township of Laurentian Valley Carol Trainor, AMCT Zone 7 Board Director Township of St. Joseph Amy Vickery-Menard, CMO Zone 8 Board Director Township of Evanturel Marcella Vallelunga Zone 9 Board Director Municipality of Sioux Lookout 2 Q3 2017  www.amcto.com The Strength of an Oak L ike so many of us, I have set goals for myself, both personally and professionally. On June 14, I realized one of my goals by be- coming president of AMCTO. Just like all the AMCTO presidents before me, I am thrilled and honoured to repre- sent the association and its members in 2017-2018. In order to accomplish this goal, I made extensive use of the profes- sional tools the association made available to us. During my 30+ years of career and membership with AMCTO, I participated in numerous educational programs, networking opportunities and professional devel- opment offerings. This has been the key to my success in municipal gov- ernment. Our relationship is far from over. AMCTO has been and continues to be a huge part of my working life. As I begin my term as president, AMCTO is quickly heading toward its 80th anniversary. The traditional gift for an 80th anniversary is oak which represents a long-term commitment to reach full maturity; it provides time for reflection on the hard work and dedication that is necessary to sustain any relationship. Oak embod- ies wisdom, strength and endurance with the ability to withstand pres- sures from the outside. Like the mighty oak, the associa- tion is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its members and staff. Past presidents, board mem- bers, volunteers, members and staff have provided the energy and com- mitment needed to ensure that the By Yvonne Robert CMO, AOMC, AMCT President, AMCTO association has not only endured but evolved. They have succeeded in bringing to its membership the resources and tools we need to be successful in our chosen careers. We have been able to withstand pressures over the years from various arenas, not the least of which is municipal b