I have to say that the rumors are true — the Canadians are really very "nice". They also throw a great parking show. Carole Whitehorn is the chief administrator of the CPA and she does a good job. The trade floor was well run, the exhibitors seemed happy, and the food and drink was perfect — note a touch of class was added with a harpist playing during the opening evening reception.
I have always thought that the CPA model for an association was the way to go. Everyone is welcome. Anyone can participate at any level. The current officers are from a parking operator, a consultant, a university, and a municipality.
I guess they see that operators like to be in an organization with their customers. They can develop relationships, solve mutual problems. and the operators can learn specific problems the organizations need addressed.
There is also a lot of trust developed. When operators, manufactures, consultants, and owner/organizations work side by side in the organization, they for bonds that can’t be had in the day to day business world.
The Canadians, the Brits, and the Europeans, are all case studies on how these organizations can run effectively.
I think this is a good place to stop this entry.
JVH
