CNAMer: Fall 2020 Issue

Quarterly Newsletter from the Canadian Network of Asset Managers
As 2020 comes to a close, I reflect on how resilient we have been both as an asset management community and as an association. While the world has been turned upside down, colleagues from across the country have stepped up to ensure that key infrastructure assets and projects continue to operate and move forward, while contributing to CNAM’s mission and the value we bring to our members. I truly believe there is light at the end of the tunnel and am excited to continue this journey ahead.
This past year we not only pivoted to a successful Virtual Conference in May, but have already starting planning for an even better Virtual Conference in 2021. We’ve had the opportunity to connect and learn from colleagues during the 8 webinars CNAM hosted last year as well as the Virtual Networking Sessions we had over the summer, and already have a lineup of great content and networking opportunities for CNAM members ahead for 2021. There was well over 200 downloads of the Asset Management 101 Booklet, and we’re excited to launch our updated AM 101 and new AM 102 Courses next year. Our New Professionals Network continues to connect students and new asset management practitioners through events and webinars, and the CNAM Membership Committee is exploring new ways to engage the next generation of asset managers in the coming year.
I’d like to acknowledge the Board of Directors, our Executive Director and staff, as well as our Program Managers, who have been flexible, patient and resilient over the past year, as we’ve been focusing on financial sustainability through the pandemic. Our outlook is bright for the coming year and I look forward to building on the success of our programs and services, both in Canada and abroad, in 2021.
CNAM has also been focused on developing the tools that will help our members succeed and build up asset management capacity in their organizations. We were pleased to launch the Asset Management Competency Framework this year, and hope that you participate in our upcoming workshops to learn more about how to implement them in your organization. We’re still collecting responses on the Asset Management Capacity Needs Survey, which will help inform the Competency Framework and CNAM’s future offerings.
Finally, the Tereo Awards are back and will be presented at the 2021 Virtual Conference. I look forward to celebrating our successes from this year and the hard work we’ve done in spite of the challenges we’ve faced. The work that asset managers do to serve their communities each and every day is truly remarkable. As we look ahead to 2021, I am confident that better days are ahead. Let’s continue to be kind and patient with each other, and leverage the strength of our community to forge a better “Road Ahead”.
CNAM Office Holiday Hours
The CNAM National Office will close on Monday, December 21, 2020 and will re-open on Monday, January 4, 2021. Please contact Executive Director Doug Cutts at execdir@cnam.ca for any inquiries during that time.

AM Capacity Needs Survey
CNAM released the AM Capacity Needs Survey 2020 in July to gather information on the need and demand for workforce capacity and capability development in asset management (AM) in the Canadian public sector. CNAM has committed to releasing full anonymized survey findings publically to benefit the entire public sector AM industry. We need your responses to make this happen and provide the best data possible.
Fill out the survey and get a chance to win a $50 gift card and early access to the complete survey findings. The survey will be open until January 2021
Access the survey here:
Member Profile – Leanne Brannigan

Organization: Region of Peel
Current Position: Manager, Corporate Asset Management
How long have you been in this position? Three (3) years
How did you get into the Asset Management Industry? I found Asset Management in 2007 when I was a Senior Procurement Analyst and undertook Peel’s first Consultant call for asset management services. A short time later there was an internal posting for a Project Manager… I applied and got the job… and the rest is history! I found my jam!
What projects are you working on? We are working on a Corporate wide Enterprise Asset Management System Implementation involving new system procurement, definition of best in class business processes spanning all assets and services, an organizational data gap analysis and an asset management maturity assessment project of all of our program and service areas to help them establish a road map to target maturity. This is all while continuing the administration and expansion of Peel’s unique Corporate Asset Management Strategy incorporating Council endorsed levels of service, lifecycles and risk to set organizational priorities and inform the evidence based decision making that supports a ‘Community for Life’ at Peel.
Do you have a specific project that was particularly rewarding or challenging? Can you provide a quick overview? What was/is the most rewarding aspect of the project? What I enjoy about asset management that there are ALWAYS exciting and engaging new things to work on. If I was to chose one project, it was the integration of Peel’s arm’s length social housing corporation into Peel’s AM Strategy to enable their long term risk and prioritization. They are the highest needs portfolio of infrastructure and were enable to give them support in identifying and supporting their significant short and long term needs to support one of Peel’s most vulnerable populations. It was also the opportunity to work with a new group of service providers and develop the process for reporting to multiple approving executive boards.
What advice would you provide to someone who is just starting out in Asset Management? Educate and integrate yourself; within your organization and the industry. The greatest skills an asset manager can have, that can be learned, include change management, engagement and facilitation. You are not trying to recreate the wheel; instead, pull the knowledge from the experts you have all around your organization. They are already managing their assets… and are a wealth of knowledge. The second thing… is do not wait for everything to be perfect, it never will be, and things are always changing. Start where you can… and keep going… you are never done!
When you consider the future of Asset Management, where do you see it evolving? Although we have been “managing assets” since ancient times, Asset Management as a profession is still in its infancy. I see the maturity and professional recognition of asset management as a profession growing and developing. I also see more standards and expectations being defined around asset management, and the need for us as practicing professionals to keep striving to improve and sharing amongst each other to ensure we can support public sector organizations with meeting the growing requirements.
What do you value most of your CNAM membership? Education opportunities, industry involvement, and most importantly, the opportunity to network and connect with other practitioners across the country. No matter what AM problem you have… someone has figured it out… and the connections allow you to open up the conversations and continue your continuous improvement journey!
CNAM 2021 Annual Conference

Please join us for the 15th Annual Canadian Network of Asset Manager’s (CNAM) Virtual Conference being held online between May 10-13, 2021.
The past year has been challenging in many regards with the onset of COVID-19 and a worldwide pandemic. Many municipalities across the country and the world are struggling to do more with less in terms of asset management.
Connect with us online as we reflect on the past year and set our sights on refocusing and determining the way forward in light of the challenges that face us.
Enhance your asset management knowledge and expand your personal network by participating in presentations, workshops, and networking in a virtual environment. It is a unique opportunity to learn from our peers and to navigate the obstacles that lie on the road ahead of us.
Submit your presentation to be considered for the 2021 Virtual Conference by Monday, January 18, 2021 at 4:00pm EST
Please note: Submissions that are not fully completed will be rejected
Featured Event - CNAM Winter Connection Virtual Networking Session

Join us for the 2nd CNAM Virtual Networking event being held on January 13th! This 1-hour virtual networking session (via Zoom) is a member-only event. This event will provide members with an opportunity to connect and discuss how to incorporate asset management and capital planning processes into their business. There is no charge for this event, but advanced registration is required.
Date: Wednesday, January 13th, 2020
Start Time: 10:00 am PT / 11:00am MT / 12:00pm CT / 1:00pm ET / 2:00pm AT / 2:30pm NT
Duration: 1 hour
Redstone Profile - Shana Nyamandi

Shana Nyamandi, CA
Accountant
Shana is a committed and dedicated full cycle accountant with experience in financial management and internal control oversight. She goes out of her way to come up with financial solutions that are specific to each organisation she works on. In her previous roles, she worked in fast paced accounting, audit, finance and administration environments as well as partnered with several Non-Profit Organizations. Her skill sets include overseeing clients’ entire financial management process, from the preparation of budget proposals and the initial concept notes, handling payments, account payables and receivables and ensuring compliance to regulatory financial frameworks to financial reporting.
Shana is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and holds a Bachelor in Accounting Honors degree from the University of Zimbabwe as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences from the University of South Africa. In 2019 She received an award in the top 20 women in business awards category at the Megafest Business awards.
Funding Portal Update
Money for Municipalities – Take the Pressure off Securing Grants
Many municipalities are under unprecedented pressure right now to deliver services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing government grants is something CNAM’s Money for Municipalities can safely take off your plate. Our service delivery partner, Fundingportal, can provide you with a free consultation to determine if you could benefit from ordering a custom report identifying your top funds or from expert grant writing or review services.
Email
cnam@fundingportal.com today to get started. Popular programs right now include green infrastructure projects and asset management planning.

Tereo Awards Update
NEW THIS YEAR: Video Submissions!
The Canadian Network of Asset Managers is pleased to announce that the Annual CNAM Tereo Asset Management Awards to recognize Asset Management in Canada are back!
To align with our Virtual Conference, this year we have simplified the application process and are accepting all nominations via video submission! The 2021 Tereo Awards presentation will take place during the 2021 CNAM Virtual Conference (time to be confirmed).
For more information, visit the Tereo Awards page.
Job Postings
There are a number of Asset Management positions on our website.
Currently, job postings are complimentary to CNAM members and $100 plus GST for non-members. Please forward your short job post description (must provide a descriptive paragraph) and a PDF of the full job posting and contact information to Membership Service at
membership@cnam.ca
What's on your mind?
Got something to share? Help us decide on our next webinar or suggest an article or topic for the next issue of the CNAMer. You can vote for one of the topics noted below or suggest something different – what’s got you thinking?
- Making the case for asset management investment
- Balancing investment needs: growth, enhanced levels of service, and maintenance
- Climate change and resiliency
- Other topics
SURVEY
Membership
Members of CNAM enjoy many benefits such as:
- Discounted registration at CNAM’s Annual Conference
- The opportunity to be nominated for the prestigious CNAM Awards which celebrates and recognizes individuals and organizations in the asset management industry.
- Free access to industry-leading CNAM Webinars.
- Discounted registration to CNAM-developed Workshops – both in-person and online versions.
- Exclusive access to the new version of CNAMpedia– a source of infrastructure asset management information provided by CNAM members.
- Access to a complimentary electronic copy of CNAM’s nationally-recognized AM 101 Booklet
- Access to CNAM’s Money For Municipalities Program – a member benefit program to help Canadian municipalities improve their access to numerous government grants and incentives. More information…
Find out more about CNAM membership here
SIGN UP FOR CNAM MEMBERSHIP
CNAM June Webinar: Future of Asset Management conta.cc/2R5hnQe pic.twitter.com/TrDiW5iWFg