A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT By Dennis Edissi

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Dennis Edissi

The first Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada convention I attended was in Ottawa in 1974. The president at that time was Mr. John Woods. I was very impressed with this convention in general. The itinerary was well planned and informative; the activities were very interesting; and the aims and objectives of the mission statement of the Association were realistic and achievable. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that time. This water represents a lot of very hard work by many very dedicated members and staff - all for the absolute benefit of our Association and our industry. From the day of its inception in 1944, the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada has continuously adapted new ideas and programs to improve the operation of our Association. I can assure you that this progress will never stop. Tile, marble and terrazzo have been manufactured for hundreds of years. Originally, pure clay was dredged from streams and riverbeds, cleaned from rocks and debris, formed into shape, and left in the sun to harden. We have come a long way since then; however, the basic concept of tile has not changed. Major terrazzo installations completed one hundred years ago, still look great today. Granite cladding installed centuries ago, still maintain their luster and durability. There are few products manufactured today that will outlast the beauty and endurance of terrazzo and tile. With the modern technology that is available, you can be assured that even more terrazzo and tile will be specified in the very near future. Our hard surface industry provides a truly everlasting and beautiful product that is extensively used on many major construction sites internationally.

I still recall the wonderful and informative speech by our keynote speaker Mr. Eberhard H. Zeidler, Senior Partner with Zeidler Roberts Partnership, one of North America's leading architectural firms. During his address at our National Convention in Toronto in 1999, he mentioned how pleased and honoured he was to be invited to speak at our convention. He made it categorically clear that second to the design of the structure, the many various types of hard surface materials he incorporates in his designs definitely contribute to the beautiful finishing touches to each building. He encouraged all architects and designers to specify more hard surface products to ensure everlasting and beautiful results.

I am very proud to be part of the tile and marble industry. For over 40 years I have enjoyed the benefits of the many challenges of this trade. I sincerely believe that my first toys were tiles. I am very fortunate to have two highly respected and very qualified mentors, as I was growing up in this industry, who taught me the"tricks of the trade." The first was my late father, Dante Edissi and the second, Douglas Del Net, my uncle, Principal of Centura, London. The integrity, knowledge, experience and appreciation of the product and trade I learned from both, formed the foundation of my career.

It was an easy decision for me to accept the position as President of this great Association especially with a very supportive team of Directors and staff at my side. As I glanced around the table at our last Board of Directors meeting, I felt very confident with the experience, knowledge and dedication that each and every director contributes to this committee. Our directors represent contractors and suppliers who share their valuable time for the benefit of each member and for our Association. I would like to recognize and take this opportunity to thank the many members and volunteers who so graciously share their time for our Association.

We have a great Association supported by many enthusiastic and dedicated members. Our staff is comprised of experienced and hard-working individuals who sincerely believe in the aims and objectives of our Association. The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada is recognized as the foremost authority of the hard surface industry and will continue to grow in strength to serve our membership and our industry for many years. We want to provide the highest standard of service to our members and to our industry. I strongly encourage all members to get involved with our Association and to solicit other qualified potential companies to join the Terrazzo, Tile And Marble Association of Canada. An Association is only as strong as its membership. We must all work together, and together, we will succeed.

We also thank the many consultants that include architects, designers and specifiers for supporting TTMAC members and hard surface products.

In closing, I would like to leave you with this thought, "The block of granite which was an obstacle in the path of the weak, becomes a stepping stone in the path of the strong."

Sincerely,
Dennis Edissi,
President

Dennis Edissi is the current TTMAC President. He started his career in 1960 with his father Dante Edissi at Twin City Tile Co. Ltd. in Kitchener of which he is President. Dennis is a very dedicated and hard working volunteer who has greatly contributed toward the success and growth of many organizations. As President of the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada, and with his sincere dedication and loyalty to our industry, Dennis will continue to be an asset to our Association.