Report to Members
How far does $100 go?
If I were to take a quick straw poll around the office, I'm convinced that the sentiment towards the title question would be: "Not far enough."
Dictionary.com defines value as 'the amount that is considered to be a fair equivalent for something else.' American Heritage Dictionary defines value as 'the worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor.' With CSPG membership renewal right around the corner, it is a fitting time to show the value of belonging to the CSPG.
The CSPG has two major publications that all of our members receive. The first of these two publications is the Reservoir magazine. The Reservoir is produced eleven times a year (monthly, except for a combined July-August issue). The purpose of the Reservoir is to inform the membership of CSPG events, and to increase their awareness of geoscience issues and research findings. The end product is a high-quality magazine that is comparable to similar publications by other societies.
The second publication that all CSPG members receive is the Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology. This scientific journal is published four times a year and sent internationally to 3500 geologists and subscribers. The Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology brings a wealth of information to the geological community through technical papers, scientific debates, book reviews and announcements.
Mixed Golf Mayhem
In addition to informing the members through publications, the CSPG also puts on a number of conventions and conferences each year. The 2007 CSPG CSEG Conference was based around the concept of 'flow' and how it is fundamental to our industry. The conference theme reflected the range of our profession from the flow of ideas to the flow of hydrocarbons. The conference focused on the search for hydrocarbon reservoirs, the development of these reservoirs, the need to respond flexibly to evolving markets, changing corporate strategies, and the innovations in geoscience and technology.
The 2008 CSPG CSEG CWLS Conference entitled 'Back to Exploration,' is scheduled for May 12-15, 2008. Members will be informed more about this exciting event as details are confirmed.
The Gussow Geoscience Conference is an annual meeting that focuses on new and emerging issues related to the petroleum Industry. The conference is intended to bring together recognized experts from diverse disciplines to provide a broad range of perspectives on the conference theme.
The 2007 Gussow Conference which was held last month, addressed the emerging issue of Arctic Energy Exploration. Experts discussed the wealth of energy exploration and development possibilities that exist all along the Mackenzie Valley, in the Mackenzie Delta and the Beaufort Sea, throughout Alaska's North Slope and adjacent areas, across the Arctic Islands, and bordering the continental shelves of Canada and Greenland. The 2007 Gussow Conference delved into the geoscientific aspects of Arctic energy and examined how business should be approached and conducted in the changing North.
Road Race off to a great start
Although conventions and conferences do have a networking component to them, the CSPG also offers its members a number of social events. Some of the marquis social events of the CSPG include the annual Squash Tournament, Mixed Golf Tournament and the 10K Road Race & Fun Run.
The 24th annual CSPG Squash Tournament took place from February 8-10 at the World Health Club in Edgemont. Calgary's longest running squash tournament was highlighted by great squash matches, sore muscles and a fantastic banquet. Funds raised from this year's tournament were donated to the CSPG Educational Trust Fund (the Trust).
The 18th annual CSPG Mixed Golf Tournament was held on Friday, August 24 at the D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club. Of the 144 golfers that participated in the event, 108 of the participants were CSPG members. The remaining spots were filled by sponsors and guests. Similarly to the squash tournament, the funds raised by this event were also donated to the CSPG Trust.
The 19th annual CSPG/CSEG Road Race & Fun Run took place on Wednesday, September 12. Starting at the YMCA in Eau Claire, 200 participants ran the 10km route along the Bow River Pathway. After the race, participants gathered together for the post-race social.
Squash players showing their stuff.
CSPG membership also entitles members to a number of exclusive offers. The CSPG membership card will allow you access to corporate rates at Heritage Inns in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Members are also offered corporate rates at all 90 Travelodge properties across the country. Once you get to your location, both Hertz and National Car Rental offer discounts to members of the CSPG.
For those members who are looking for discounts related to sports and recreation, both Fit Rent Ltd. and Ribtor sales offer CSPG members 10% off regular priced items.
Other companies that offer exclusive deals to CSPG members include Financial Management AB, and Ogden Financial Planners Ltd.
Details on all the offers can be viewed at: www.cspg.org/members/members-benefits.cfm.
Below is a table that quantitatively shows the advantage
of being a CSPG member. Note that this table does not include the
value of any publications or discounts offered by friends of the
CSPG.
| Event or Activity | Non-Member Price | CSPG Member Price | CSPG Member Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSPG Convention | $385 | $285 | $100 |
| Gussow Conference | $800 | $700 | $100 |
| Squash Tournament | $75 | $50 | $25 |
| Mixed Golf Tournament | $120 | $80 | $40 |
| 10k Road Race & Fun Run | $45 | $35 | $10 |
| TOTAL SAVINGS | $275+ |
The next time somebody asks you the question, "How far does $100 go?" – You might have to rethink your answer.
Ayaz Gulamhussein
Membership Chair, Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
