TLOMA OCT 2005.qxd

OCTOBER 2005
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www.tloma.com
October 2005
PRESIDENT’S
October 2005
MESSAGE
A
s I write this message, the 2005 TLOMA Conference
is only a few days away. I am sure that many of you would
Inside this Issue
agree with me that this event is without a doubt the highlight
of the TLOMA year. Even without the amazing line-up of
speakers, seminar sessions and the Trade Show, these few days
in Niagara simply represent a gathering of a community of which I
feel very fortunate to be a part.
Some of us from the TLOMA community gathered a few weeks ago as a result of the
passing of our friend and colleague, Vanna Malasani. Vanna clearly left her mark in
a very meaningful way on everyone in her life. The TLOMA community was well
represented at Vanna’s funeral and, while obviously a fitting tribute to Vanna,
illustrates the depth of personal ties that can grow out of an organization such as ours.
Elsewhere in this issue you will find some more words about this very special member
of the TLOMA community who will be sorely missed.
Another illustration of community is the enthusiasm and energy that most of our firms
pour into our annual United Way campaigns. This week and last have been a
whirlwind of United Way breakfasts, lunches, raffles and prize draws here at
Goodman and Carr. Our campaign will wrap up this week on Friday with the annual
Goodman and Carr Karaoke for United Way event which is a highlight in the life of
the firm each year (another reason I am indebted to TLOMA is that my attendance at
the Conference this year will prevent my participation in this event!). Not only do the
law firm United Way campaigns raise funds for a great number of incredibly
worthwhile organizations, they also provide us an opportunity for the staff and
lawyers to get together and have some fun while achieving a shared goal.
When I think about my involvement with TLOMA, the achievement of goals in an
uplifting and enjoyable environment really summarizes what TLOMA has meant to
me over the years. When I arrived in Toronto in the mid-80s, one of the first people
that I met was Julie Bean who was Director of Human Resources at Blakes. It’s hard
to imagine that that was almost 20 years ago now, especially since neither Julie nor I
look a day older, but the generosity of spirit and friendliness that Julie demonstrated
to me when I first arrived in the big city have stayed with me and encouraged me to
become more involved in our organization, now as an “elder statesperson”. This year
at our Conference I am delighted to be joined by two junior managers in our
organization, who are both about the same age as I was when I came to Toronto and
hooked up with Julie. It is this sustaining of community that will ensure that for many
years to come TLOMA will remain a vibrant organization, which will allow its
members to learn, grow, network and have fun.
Like any organization, TLOMA needs leadership and the Nominating Committee will
be meeting at the Conference to discuss its slate of nominations for the next TLOMA
Board of Directors. Thanks to those of you who have indicated your willingness to
serve on the Board of Directors or on one of our committees; it’s not too late if you’d
like to become involved and I welcome your expressions of interest at any time by
email to [email protected].
❖ Leadership Tips for FirstTime Managers
❖ Rethinking the Holiday
Office Party
❖ Move over MapQuest,
Google Maps is Here!
❖ Document Restoration
Saves Vital Records
Schedule of Events
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
FACILITIES SIG
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
TECHNOLOGY SIG
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
HR SIG
Thursday, December 1, 2005
TLOMA SOCIAL
Friday, December 9, 2005
While most of us who will be attending the Conference this year are cleaning up
paperwork on our desks and thinking about what we can dredge out of the back of our
closets to wear for retro-night on Friday night, there are half a dozen TLOMA
members without whose dedication, creativity and commitment this Conference
would not be happening. The TLOMA Conference attendees and the membership
at large owe a great debt of gratitude to John Arcella, Teresa de Ocampo, Angela
Duldhardt, Thom Oakes and Barbara Russell for their efforts in putting together this
great event this year. Liz Barrington, our TLOMA Director of Administration is, as
always, a driving force on the Committee, which has excelled under the fearless
leadership of Christl Mittendorfer.
I look forward to strengthening my
community ties with all of you this
year in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
www.tloma.com
Susan Hodkinson
Chief Administrative Officer
Goodman and Carr LLP
1
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WHAT’S
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LEADERSHIP
TIPSDO
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FIRST-TIME MANAGERS
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Although you’ve worked hard for your promotion, if you’re
a first-time manager you may feel some trepidation at
advancing to the next rung on the corporate ladder. While
chances are you have ample expertise in your field, you
may lack self-confidence in your ability to direct others.
Becoming a great leader doesn’t happen overnight, but
there are steps you can take to hone your supervisory skills,
establish credibility and win the support of your staff.
Encourage Feedback. Some employees won’t speak up about certain
issues unless they’re prompted.
Solicit input from your staff by
asking them if they feel they’re
receiving the support, training and
resources they need to meet department and company objectives.
Maintain an open-door policy so your employees know that
you are willing to listen and help provide solutions to
problems.
Communicate Clearly. Always
keep your team informed of project
goals, priorities and deadlines.
Effective communication is essential
in gaining your staff’s support. Provide
clear direction, and welcome questions and
feedback from others.
Continued on page 3
www.tloma.com
2
October 2005
Provide professional guidance. A great
manager also functions as a mentor. Make
yourself available to staff members and
show interest in their career development
with the company. Don’t overlook the
motivational power of positive reinforcement. Your staff
will appreciate your commitment to their progress.
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Offer Recognition.
By publicly
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fact, it’s often more effective if you make verbal
compliments part of your day-to-day communication with
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October 2005
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www.tloma.com
4
October 2005
RAISE THE “FUN FACTOR”
WHAT’S PLAY
GOT TO THE
DO WITH IT?
RETHINKING
HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY
The office party may be a business-sponsored event, but it
shouldn’t feel like work. Try these suggestions to increase
the fun factor:
Provided by the Career Experts at
Robert Half Legal
• Make it accessible. Don’t schedule the celebration for a
day or time when staff may be facing a high-pressure
deadline. Be sure it’s easy for people to respond to the
invitation, whether that’s by e-mail, voice mail or
through a form on your company’s intranet. If the party
will be held during office hours, hire a temporary
employee to answer phones and handle deliveries so your
receptionist can attend. For off-site parties, consider
providing transportation from the office and back.
It’s the season of cherished
traditions. But in the business world,
one year-end custom appears to be
losing its appeal: the holiday office
party.
But it’s not company management saying “bah-humbug.”
The holiday office party has lost favour among employees,
according to 64 per cent of executives polled in a recent
survey by our company.
• Set a light-hearted tone. It’s OK to have scheduled
activities (such as a recognition program), but don’t plan
every minute of the event. Allow ample time for
employees to mingle.
For some, the slowed economy has them feeling less
festive. For others, it may be that the office party has
become just another obligation they feel compelled to
squeeze into already hectic holiday schedules.
• Recognize and inspire. If you choose to have company
executives address the attendees, remember that with just
a few words you can thank employees for their
contributions, acknowledge their achievements and
motivate them to keep up the good work in the new year.
Don’t dampen the mood with lengthy overviews of the
previous year if it’s been a tough one.
RE-EVALUATE AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS
Be sure you’re holding an office party for the right reasons.
Just because you held one last year, or annually for that
matter, doesn’t mean you have to do it the same way, or
even that the tradition needs to be continued. Are you
getting everyone together to celebrate a particularly
successful year or to boost morale during difficult times?
The purpose of the event will determine its overall tone
and scope.
Continued on page 6
Some companies use the holiday party to build camaraderie
and reinforce team spirit. Such events often include a
formal recognition program in which top performers are
publicly praised and rewarded. At other firms, the office
party is an informal gathering where colleagues socialize in
a setting free of reminders about the workday.
Specializing in the Recruitment of
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After you’ve identified your own objectives, consider what
your employees want. This is important, because
management’s idea of a good time may not reflect the
preferences of the staff. You might be surprised to learn
that your employees might find a simple gathering during
the workday more appealing than a lavish after-hours party
that calls for formal attire.
PERMANENT*CONTRACT*TEMPORARY
Please Contact: Sharon Page
or Mary Anne Divjak
1235 Bay Street, #1000, Toronto Ont. M5R 3K4
Phone: 416 934 5564
Seek input from employees on where and when to hold the
party, what kind of food to serve, if entertainment should be
included and so forth. When people are involved in
planning, they’re more likely to be enthusiastic about the
event itself. Requesting feedback from your staff may also
yield original ideas or cost-saving suggestions.
www.tloma.com
Fax: 416 515 1273
email: [email protected]
www.trafalgar.to
5
October 2005
• Save monetary rewards for later. If your firm plans to
award year-end bonuses, consider handing them out at
another time. Your employees’ enjoyment of the party
could be affected by the size of their cheques.
ords are things, and a
Wsmall
drop of ink,
Each company has its own particular practices when it
comes to holiday office parties. By planning an event that
employees will look forward to, you can give your entire
team cause for celebration.
falling like dew
upon a thought,
produces that which makes
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www.tloma.com
6
October 2005
www.tloma.com
7
October 2005
www.tloma.com
8
October 2005
Gift, Prize & Service Contributors
TLOMA 17th Annual Educational Conference
Adelaide Floral & Gift Baskets
All Canadian Courier
Allure Event Planning
Amago Restaurants
Assman Dictating Systems of Canada
Barbara A. Schwartz & Associates Ltd.
Bella Caramella
Bond Street Collections Incorporated
Brown Consulting Group
Canadian Bar Insurance Association
Canadian Process Serving
Cell-A-Net Inc.
Compass Group Canada
Congruent IP Communications
Corporate Logoed Products Ltd.
Craftwell Canada Inc.
Duocom
EnterActive Team Solutions
First Canadian Title
Flavia Beverage Systems/Imperial Coffee
Gilmore Staffing
Global Personnel
Grand & Toy Limited
Group Four Partners Ltd.
Hilton Toronto
Hofstetter Business Technologies
Hummingbird
Inn on the Twenty
International Custom Products
Investors Group - Barry Hughes
Jarvis & Associates
Lasercorp
Legal Personnel Consultants Inc.
Lexmark Canada Inc.
Lighthouse Legal Software
Linds & Associates
Lyreco Office Products
Mainline Services Inc.
Maxium Financial Services Inc.
Metropolitan Hotel Toronto
MHW Communications
Mr. Case
National Presentation Products
www.tloma.com
National Therapy Products
Oxford Properties Group Inc.
Panasonic Canada Inc.
Parador Interactive Inc.
Philips Speech Processing/
Talk 2 Me Technology Inc.
Pitney Bowes Management Services Canada, Inc.
Print Infinity
Randstad Canada
Robarts Graphics
Robert Half International Inc.
Rogers AT&T Wireless
Ronen Systems Ltd.
Running Room Canada Inc.
Safeguard Business Printing and Promotional
Products
Salumatics Inc.
SCI Interiors
Sesame Networks
Southwest Binding Systems
Souvenir Canada
St. Andrews Club & Conference Centre
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Sumptuous Catering by Eric Rogers
Supon Enterprises Limited
Susan P Elliot Inc.
Tandberg Canada Inc.
Telus Mobility
The Adelaide Club
The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
The Coaching Clinic
The Printing House
The Promotional Specialists
The Sports Clubs of Canada
The Writing Consultants
Title Plus
Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre
Triella
United Messengers Ltd.
White Oakes Conference Resort & Spa
Xenex Media Corp.
ZSA Legal Recruitment
9
October 2005
NAVIGATING THE MAP
MOVE
OVER
WHAT’S
PLAY
GOTMAPQUEST,
TO DO WITH IT?
GOOGLE MAPS IS HERE!
Once the map is displayed, you might want to see what lies
in a direction close to the destination address. With
MapQuest, you would select arrows at the edge of the map
that would move the map partially to the North, South, East
or West. Not with Google Maps!
By Charles Bennett
MBA, Principal Consultant, Triella
How to Find Your Destination Quickly
To move to another part of the map, just click and drag in
the direction that you want and the map fills in to show you
A
new
mapping
and
service
from
Google
may
divert
many
more information. To return to the original location after
Move over MapQuest, Google Maps is Here!
Canadians
from
their
habitual
use
of
MapQuest.
After
nine
dragging, just click Search once again.
How to Find Your Destination Quickly
months of beta testing, Google has launched Google maps
— available for users in Canada and the U.S.— which You can also zoom in and out from your location by
applies amazing technology that could supplant MapQuest moving the sliding bar. To move more discreetly, click the
as the site of choice for this direction mapping.
indicator at the top or bottom of the zoom bar. If you prefer
to use the keyboard, use the +/- keys to zoom in and out
MapQuest, although great for American locations, respectively.
frustrates Canadians since it defaults to search American
addresses and then requires you to complete formatted To move up and down with the keyboard, you can use the
fields to find your address. Often, despite your best efforts, up and down cursor keys or the Page Up and Page Down
MapQuest fails to deliver results.
keys. To move left and right, use the appropriate arrows, or
Home and End to move a page at a time.
If you are familiar with this frustration it is time to try
Google’s Maps. Point your browser (Internet Explorer, To center the map on any point, double click on that point.
Firefox - even your colour BlackBerry’s browser) to This is a useful move to make prior to zooming in to a
http://maps.google.ca and you will be presented with a map
specific location.
of the west side of Montréal (or some other location in
Canada). Let’s say you want to find the directions to 31 These techniques can be used on any maps presented in the
Lawnview Court, Brampton, ON. It is as simple as Google Maps interface.
typing the address (as shown) into the search bar at the top
of the screen. When you press enter, a map would be FROM HERE TO THERE IN ONE EASY STEP
displayed showing the location of this address in context
Need directions from one part of the city to another? Let’s
with the surroundings! What could be simpler?
say from a downtown office address to the address above.
Let’s use the downtown address 99 Wellington Street
West, Toronto, ON. Locate the red ‘pushpin’ (click
Search) on the map and click on it. The balloon will appear
once more. You will see Directions To here – From here.
To here – Select this option to identify this location as the
destination address.
From here – Select this option to identify this location as a
starting address.
Since we are going to this address, select To here. You will
be prompted for the starting address. Enter 99 Wellington
Street West, Toronto, ON in the space provided and hit the
Directions button. Many things happen next:
A balloon appears, as illustrated above, pinpointing the
exact location.
Continued on page 11
www.tloma.com
10
October 2005
1. The map is rescaled
to show the entire
journey.
2. A green ‘pushpin’
identifies the start
of the journey.
3. A red ‘pushpin’
identifies the end of
the journey.
4. A blue line shows
the optimal route.
5. Directions appear
on the left along
with the total
distance and
estimated travel
time.
Notice that each direction is numbered and hyperlinked? Click on the hyperlink to see a detailed
view of the turn or direction of travel in question.
The diagram below shows direction 1.
AN AERIAL VIEW FOR YOU
If you would like to superimpose a satellite map of a location on the
map with the roads click the button Hybrid. All mapping features
now show the surrounding environment. The map below shows a
zoomed in version of the Wellington Street area.
You may use the Print option located at the top
right of the map to print the current map and
directions. We recommend zooming to the
street level at the destination after printing the
main map so that you have the details needed
to navigate to the final destination.
Continued on page 12
www.tloma.com
11
October 2005
SHARING YOUR MAP WITH A FRIEND
Thinking Digital Dictation?
Thinking Speech Recognition?
Think of Canada’s Leading
Dictation Distributor!
You cannot copy and paste Google Maps in the way that
you can other mapping systems, but you can obtain a link
that can be sent to others that will present the same page to
them. Just select the Link to this page hotlink at the top
right area of the window and the address bar will change to
a link to your specific map. You can then copy and paste
that information into an email message which, when
accessed, will produce the same results as the original
search.
NEED A SERVICE? TRY THE LOCAL SEARCH
Let’s say you were looking for a CD duplicating service in
Toronto, but you didn’t know who to use. This is akin to
looking up something in the yellow pages. Click the
hyperlink Find businesses at the top of the screen to the
right of the Search button.
Choose from:
• Philips Digital Dictation
• Olympus Digital Dictation
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Enter the service that you are looking for in the What box,
for example, CD duplication. In the Where box, enter the
location, for example Toronto, ON. Google Maps will
present a map with a number of ‘pushpins’ on it and a
corresponding list of locations that provide this service.
You will then have the phone numbers needed to narrow
down the company that you will select to provide this
service. You can use all the features described previously
to drive to the location.
Buy Direct & Save
Call, Email or Shop Online!
800-518-2552, Ext 320
[email protected] www.talk2me.com
CONCLUSION
Google Maps is a powerful mapping tool that is extremely
easy to use. It not only provides maps for Canada and the
U.S., but also at a less granular level, for many other
countries around the world. It can also help you locate a
service or a specific store that’s close to you. Above all else,
it eradicates the frustration of contending with U.S.
locations when searching for a Canadian address.
________________________________________________
Charles Bennett is the Principal Consultant of Triella, a
technology consulting company specializing in providing
technology audits, planning advice, project management
and other CIO related services to small and medium-sized
firms. He can be reached at [email protected] or
416.269.4368. For additional articles, go to
www.triella.com.
© 2005, by Triella. All rights reserved. Reproduction
without permission is prohibited.
www.tloma.com
12
October 2005
-OISTURE#ONTROL3ERVICES
$/#5-%.4!4)/.-%$)!2%34/2!4)/.3%26)#%3
-ATERIALS$AMAGEDBY
7ATERs&IREs3MOKEs-OULD-ILDEW
s#RITICAL$OCUMENTS
s0APERS
s"LUE0RINTS
s.EGATIVES
s"OOKS
s8RAYS
s0HOTOGRAPHS
s&ILMETC
HOURSDAYS
-5.4%23
WWWMUNTERSMCSCOM
WHAT’S
PLAYRESTORATION
GOT TO DO WITH
IT?
DOCUMENT
SAVES
VITAL RECORDS WHEN
WATER-DAMAGED
information, may be irreplaceable. In fact, most of the paper
that is retained serves as a backup to ensure against failure
of computer data storage.
Provided by Thomas McGuire
Munters Moisture Control Services
Time is an enemy to successful document recovery. Any
delay in the decision to dry the materials can result in
permanent loss. Inks can break down, making the text
illegible. Dirt and grime can penetrate the paper. Mould and
mildew will grow quickly on water-soaked documents.
Drying techniques must be employed as soon as possible to
eliminate the moisture fungi use as a food source to grow.
Otherwise, the microbiological contamination, and the
associated objectionable odors, will continue, making
restoration challenging or unlikely.
PLAN FOR FAST RESPONSE
Most building managers are aware that water intrusion of
any magnitude, resulting from a burst pipe, leaky roof or
broken windows to a flood or hurricane, can be disastrous.
Water can cause structural damage and mould growth,
disrupt operations, displace tenants and negatively impact
income.
However, one of the greatest threats of water infiltration
into a building often is overlooked – the potentially
irreparable damage to paper documents and microfiche, film
and diskette files that become wet, soaked or soiled. Such
materials also can be damaged by smoke during a fire.
The best insurance against catastrophic loss of vital
documents is to be prepared in advance of a disaster. Having
a written Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) can limit the extent
of damage by defining and prioritizing the recovery steps.
Including a document recovery section in the overall DRP
will detail essential steps and include contact sources for
recovery.
Despite the hope and promise of a paperless workplace,
espoused when computers became prevalent, the truth is
there is more paper produced and stored than ever before.
In addition to what is kept in individual offices and stored in
boxes and cabinets of companies, vast amounts of paper,
logs, records, journals and books are kept in storage facilities
— which also may be subjected to water infiltration or fire.
The recovery process to dry and clean documents begins
with two initial steps:
• FREEZING. In order to halt deterioration, it is essential
that documents be frozen within 48 hours. Usually, freezerequipped truck trailers or freezer warehouses are used for
Unless vital information is duplicated electronically, much of
it, such as medical records, legal documents and financial
www.tloma.com
Continued on page 14
13
October 2005
this stage. The frozen materials can be stored until the
professional drying procedure begins.
High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor (HEPA) vacuum
systems.
• INVENTORY AND SORTING. While the documents
are frozen, decisions can be made regarding which to dry
and clean and which to discard; work can begin to prune
unwanted materials. Loose documents and files stored in
cabinets are packed into boxes, labeled to identify contents.
Cleaning also is accomplished on non-paper materials that
are not first dried, such as film, microfiche, x-rays and audio
and videotape.
The next phase, drying, requires the technical expertise and
equipment of a proven service provider.
In one such case, two million gallons of water from a burst
pipe poured into a huge basement storage area at the
Ontario government record center near Toronto,
submerging many record containers. Others, partially
submerged, wicked water up into the documents.
ON-SITE DRYING OPTION
THE DRYING PROCEDURE
Depending upon the type and extent of damage, and the
materials, different treatments may be recommended. There
are two primary methods used to dry documents – desiccant
drying and vacuum freeze-drying. A brief explanation will
illustrate the purpose and applications of each:
Following emergency procedures in a disaster plan, staff
quickly arranged for standing water to be pumped out and
damaged documents packed and placed in a freezer
warehouse.
• DESICCANT DRYING. Applying desiccant dehumidification, the room atmosphere is maintained at about 68ºF
and 12% humidity. Desiccants attract moisture molecules
directly from the air and release them into an exhaust air
stream. Desiccants can attract and hold from 10 to more
than 10,000 percent of their dry weight in water vapor. The
essential characteristic of desiccants is low surface vapor
pressure. A cool, dry desiccant can attract moisture from the
air because its surface vapor pressure is low. When the
desiccant becomes wet and hot, creating high surface vapor
pressure, it will give off vapor to the surrounding air. Vapor
moves from the air to the desiccant and back again
depending on the vapor pressure differences. Desiccant
dehumidifiers use the changing vapor pressures to dry air
continuously in a repeating cycle. In so doing, the
continually moving dry air created in the drying room
removes the moisture from the documents. Depending on
the amount of moisture and documents being dried, the
process can take from one to fifteen days to complete.
Officials then sought proposals for recovery. Damaged
documents included historical and business records. The
goal was to use the fastest methods to make critical
documents usable and to save as many others as possible.
• VACUUM FREEZE-DRYING. This method is used in
cases where the documents may tend to warp or distort
during desiccant drying, such as books or journals, although
files and papers can be dried as well using this method. In
such cases, it is important to save not only the paper, but also
the integrity of the binding. The materials are placed in an
airtight chamber into which negative vacuum pressure is
induced. As a function of physics, moisture in the
documents turns into a gaseous state. The “gas” is expelled
from the chamber, where it is condensed into liquid, which is
aborted. As a result, the documents go from the frozen state
to being dry without ever becoming re-liquefied.
At the same time, non-paper items, including x-rays and
computer disks, which are not suitable to the freeze-drying
process, were salvaged by desiccant drying.
A document recovery provider was selected. To save time,
logistics and shipping costs, an 11,000 square-foot processing
center was established in a rented building a short distance
from the freezer warehouse. The space was prepared by
sealing air leaks and creating a climate controlled
environment by using portable industrial desiccant
dehumidifiers.
The first work area was a thawing room, where frozen
documents were identified, categorized, labeled and logged
into a computerized inventory control system. Real time
data was shared with the government’s computers to provide
tracking of materials as they moved through the system. In
the second area, moisture was removed from the documents
in a drying chamber.
A staff of 35 people handled the documents in two shifts six
days a week. They processed 3,000 cartons of materials
without losing a single document. Every document
recovered was legible and usable.
Again, as illustrated in this example, restoration of
documents can be assured. It requires advance planning, a
Disaster Recovery Plan that includes document recovery
procedures and contact information for the recovery service
provider and quick action to freeze damaged materials
according to the plan.
CLEANING
After drying of documents is completed, they are cleaned
before they are assembled into new boxes, re-labeled
according to the inventory and delivered to the owner.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Thomas McGuire is National
Catastrophe Operations Manager and Document Recovery
Manager for Munters Moisture Control Services (MCS). MCS is the
largest water damage recovery company in North America. McGuire
may be reached at 1-800-686-8377 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Cleaning removes any dirt or grime and, more importantly,
fungi spores. Trained staff cleans each document, both sides
using selected materials, while avoiding the application of
liquid solutions that would reactivate the moisture in the
materials. In cases when they deal with mould spores,
individuals wear personal protection equipment and follow
standard procedures for spore removal, including the use of
www.tloma.com
Material provided by Jerry Kofsky, District Manager, Central
Region, MCS Canada, 1-800-686-8377, or email Jerry at
[email protected].
14
October 2005
Good-Bye Vanna Malisani
I
t is with great sadness that I had to inform TLOMA
of the passing of Vanna Malisani. Through the many
e-mails and calls I received, it was evident that
Vanna was cared about by so many people in our industry.
Vanna personally bought and paid for a Christmas
gift for all the staff members when she was at
Meighen Demers.
Vanna was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of
2001. In October of 2004, Vanna was diagnosed with
liver cancer. Many of you were aware of her first battle
with cancer but Vanna chose to keep her second battle
quiet. I realize the announcement of her death was a
complete surprise to many of you because you didn’t
know about the cancer recurrence. Vanna had asked
those of us who knew to keep it confidential right up
until the end. As much as she was a truly social person,
she was also a very private person and we wanted to
respect her wishes. I think Vanna knew this was a
bigger battle and she needed to reserve her energy and
keep the focus on the fight ahead of her. Vanna lost the
battle on October 4. She lived her final days surrounded
by those closest to her, reminiscing and
laughing about old memories.
Vanna’s career in the legal industry started in 1986
when she moved from Ernst and Young to Borden and
Elliot. In 1989, Vanna moved to Meighen Demers,
where she was in charge of Human Resources and
Facilities for 10 years. After Vanna departed Meighen
Demers, she joined Bridgepoint Consulting. As a
consultant, Vanna worked at Goodmans, Pilot
Insurance, Robins Appleby, and other places. Although
Vanna missed being a member of TLOMA, she did
enjoy her consulting years and exposure to different
places.
Vanna was a TLOMA member for approximately
10 years from 1989 to 1999. Vanna did what we all
should do in TLOMA, she got involved.
She had two stints on Social Committees.
The first Committee she sat on I
remember well. We were new TLOMA
members and recruited on a TLOMA boat
cruise. Our Social Committee consisted
of Vanna, Marywynne Parke, Marg Norris,
Heather Caldwell and I. We organized the
1990 Conference at Isiaah Tubbs resort in
Picton. A few of you will remember the
Super Caesar drinks that were so popular
(horseradish in the drinks made them
super!). This Social Committee also
hosted the June Social at a karoake bar,
Sing Sing. Many of the TLOMA members who have
been around for a while will never forget the great
entertainment we had from Deborah Hillier, Julie Bean
and of course Michael Farr with his rendition of
Michelle. A tape of this evening is still out there.
Vanna’s friends and family are at the initial
stages of setting up The Vanna Malisani
Foundation in her memory. Although
plans are not finalized the intent of the
foundation is to raise funds to assist
charities whose charters support causes
Vanna would believe in and support.
There is a possibility that there will be an
annual fundraising event and I will make
sure all TLOMA members know about it
Vanna may only have been a member of
TLOMA for 10 years, but she certainly made an impact
on so many of us. Through TLOMA she made so many
good friends. It was incredibly touching to see how
many people from the legal industry and associated
businesses showed up at Vanna’s funeral and viewing to
say good-bye to her. Although she was no longer a
member of TLOMA, she was not forgotten.
Vanna also sat on the 1998 Social Committee for the
Conference at Nottawasaga with the Shakespearean
theme. Vanna worked with Virginio Basile, Susan
Bennett, Marsha Hempel, Susanne McDonald, Chris
McGiffin, Kimberley Reid, and Linda Ryan. When
Vanna wasn’t helping to arrange conferences she was
attending them and always dressing up for the occasion,
whether it be the 60’s or Outer Space.
If it weren’t for TLOMA, Vanna and I may never have
met and if we both hadn’t signed up for the Social
Committee together we may have never become such
good friends. I know many of the newer TLOMA
members may not have had the opportunity to know
Vanna, but you could still learn from her. Vanna would
tell you to do what she did – get involved in the
association – make friends – and enjoy every moment of
your life. As a legacy to Vanna, may we all take this
credo to heart.
Vanna will be remembered for many things: her great
sense of style, her vitality, her love of life and her great
smile and laugh. She was also a very caring and
generous person. I remember spending many hours at
the December One of A Kind Craft Show looking for
just the right Christmas decoration because every year
www.tloma.com
Good-bye Vanna, we will miss you deeply.
15
October 2005
2004/05 TLOMA
TLOMA Board
Board of
of Directors
Directors
2004/05
President
Susan Hodkinson
Bus: 416.595.2373 / Fax: 416.595.0567
Email: [email protected]
Vice President
Georgia Rennick
Bus: 416.865.7743 / Fax: 416.863.1515
Email: [email protected]
Secretary
Marsha Hempel
Bus: 416.367.6396 / Fax: 416.361.2793
Email: [email protected]
Treasurer/Finance SIG Bus: 416.595.2124 / Fax: 416.977.3316
Stephen Firth
Email: [email protected]
Program Coordinator Bus: 416.364.6211 / Fax: 416.364.1697
Christl Mittendorfer
Email: [email protected]
Past President
Linda Ryan
Bus: 416.777.2398 / Fax: 416.365.1398
Email: [email protected]
Facilities SIG
Lynn Joiner
Bus: 416.601.7625 / Fax: 416.868.0673
Email: [email protected]
Human Resources SIG
Barbara Greene
Bus: 416.216.2314 / Fax: 416.216.3930
Email: [email protected]
Technology SIG
Ivaylo Nikolov
Bus: 416.367.6923 / Fax: 416.863.0871
Email: [email protected]
TLOMA Administration
Administration
TLOMA
Director of
Administration
Liz Barrington
Bus: 416.410.1979 / Fax: 905.472.5115
Email: [email protected]
2004/05 Newsletter Committee
NOVEMBER 2005
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
6
7
8
Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Editor
Marsha Hempel
Bus: 416.367.6396 / Fax: 416.361.2793
Email: [email protected]
Advertising
Liz Barrington
Bus: 416.410.1979 / Fax: 905.472.5115
Email: [email protected]
2004/05
2004/05 Compensation/Benefits
Compensation/Benefits Committee
Committee
Friday
4
Saturday
Small Firms
Pam Kennedy
5
9
10
11
12
Frances Wales
16
17
18
19
Mid Sized Firms
Christine McGiffin
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
MEETING
13
14
20
21
15
22
23
24
25
26
Stella DiMauro
FACILITIES SIG
27
28
29
Large Firms
Barbara Greene
30
TECHNOLOGY SIG
DECEMBER 2005
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
Bus: 416.369.4153
[email protected]
Bus: 416.216.2314
[email protected]
Bus: 416.367.6924
[email protected]
Hannah Won
Bus: 416.865.7390
[email protected]
TLOMA SOCIAL
Christl Mittendorfer
Chair
Bus: 416.364.6211
[email protected]
Bus: 416.862.3446
[email protected]
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
John Arcella
Speaker Liaison
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Liz Barrington
Bus: 416.410.1979
Co-Chair/Administration [email protected]
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
TLOMA Thanks Dye & Durham
for the production of this newsletter.
www.tloma.com
(Chair)
2005 Conference Committee
HR SIG
4
Bus: 416.957.1674
[email protected]
Lynda Stewart Dame
Saturday
2
Bus: 416.956.5633
[email protected]
Bus: 905.273.3300
[email protected]
16
Teresa de Ocampo
Social Liaison
Bus: 416.601.4143
[email protected]
Angela Duldhardt
Hotel Liaison
Bus: 416.203.4454
[email protected]
Thomas Oakes
Marketing Liaison
Bus: 416.601.8900
[email protected]
Barbara Russell
Vendor Liaison
Bus: 416.865.3557
[email protected]
October 2005
Support for
North America
and for
TLOMA
Chris Stoate, President, LaserNetworks &
Proud Supporter of TLOMA
LaserNetworks
2823 Bristol Circle, Unit 1, Oakville, ON L6H 6X5
Tel 905-847-5990 1-800-461-4879
Fax 905-847-5991
www.lasernetworks.com
Now you’re working!™
www.tloma.com
October 2005
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Contact your Dye & Durham Sales Representative or
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