Evolution of AMCO: Thoughts from the Current President
By: AMCO Staff
With an almost 40-year long history, the Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) has been through many cycles of leadership, membership, and engagement, but 2024 may be considered the year in which the association truly stepped into its vision of the future. New branding, including an innovative logo and unique colour palette, was accompanied by a website refresh, a new five-year Strategic Plan, and the creation of an online member portal.
Current AMCO President Chris Wood is a longtime member, supporter, and advocate of the association, so he is uniquely positioned to provide remarks on the recent rebranding and opportunities ahead. He led the Board of Directors through the branding exercises and decisions that went on to shape the current image of the organization.
One word that came to mind for Wood when discussing AMCO is ‘family’ due to the welcoming nature of the membership. Wood attended his first AMCO event in 2009 in Kingston shortly after taking the position as the General Manager of the Region of Waterloo International Airport. It was suggested by his superior as the best way to meet those active in the airport industry in Ontario. He continues to be impressed by the quality of speakers at AMCO events, including the Annual Spring Workshop and the Annual Convention and Trade Show. The commitment to ‘airports helping airports’ does not go unnoticed.
In regard to the new branding and member features, Wood shared that the Board of Directors felt it was time for a refresh as well as pursue additional opportunities for the membership to connect. The desire for connection, collaboration, and cooperation is often noted as a key reason for membership. A member portal, powered by GlueUp, makes such communication easier. Answers to questions occur in real time and there are opportunities to engage within regions and specific committees. Issues across airports are relatively common, so engagement with fellow members often means an answer can be found. Pick up the phone, send an email, or drop a line on the member portal ─ someone is willing to help!
Wood then addressed AMCO’s new Strategic Plan that will shape the operations of the association for the next five years. Many hours of brainstorming went into the achievement of a collective vision for the future of organization. The updated Strategic Plan denotes benchmarks that AMCO intends to meet so that the association remains an effective and sustainable voice in the airport environment in Ontario. A refreshed vision shapes the objectives of the future, but it also reiterates the purpose that guides and drives AMCO. Wood was keen to note that membership can continue to expect a continuation of enhanced member to member dialogue, timely events addressing the concerns of the airport industry, and ongoing advocacy with all levels of government. The important ─ and expected ─ element of fun will be paramount as well.
Looking towards the future, Wood made a point to call on the next generation of airport leaders to become involved with AMCO to share their thoughts and insights. Who will heed this call? Reach out to the AMCO Office or current Board of Directors to learn more.
2025 will be a milestone year for AMCO. Decades of engagement, learning, and merriment have cumulatively led to the association that members know today. Evolution will always remain a key objective, though. The association cannot wait to achieve its goals in the best company of all its membership, now and in years to come.