Orillia and District Construction Association (ODCA) with community and business through networking and community activities ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT connects Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Focused on rebuilding after tough economic times and ensuring it provides value for members, the Orillia and District Construction Association (ODCA) is estab- lishing networking opportunities and allowing board members to focus on their strengths. ODCA president Wayne Rowbotham, also a Sim- coe County Home Builders Association director, says the association has widespread membership, both ge- ographically and in business interests. “We have mem- bers who are contractors, builders, designers, professionals, manufacturers and cover many other fields,” he said. “To support their needs and provide them with resources we are looking at partnering with other groups, like our local Community Development Corporation, to ensure they have specific connections for things like training and business techniques.” Rowbotham says the board is equally diverse, with members coming from backgrounds including safety, insurance and design. 46 – Fall 2013 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report “Our membership declined a few years ago with the economy but now membership is picking up, which tells me we’re providing the valuable resources we intend to. We’re encouraging board members to spread their wings, are ensuring we offer a variety of resources our members want including speakers and marketing support, and letting members guide us to- wards what they want to see more of based on their response.” The association promotes itself through print, local home shows, an updated website and events like an annual golf tournament. “We want everyone to realize the association is a resource for many things,”Row- botham said. “We offer a scholarship for careers in trades and get involved as part of the community through many events, including the annual winter car- nival.” For more information, visit orilliaconstruction.ca.