Chapter 59 News
Pioneer Press
The Passing of Past President G.D. McCormick
Thursday, Sept 25, 2008
SaskTel would like to acknowledge the service and dedication that Mr. McCormick provided as the former General Manager (today titled President), Saskatchewan Government Telephones / Saskatchewan Telecommunications from 1965 to 1978, and again as Acting President, Saskatchewan Government Telephones in 1982. He passed away on Tuesday, 23 Sep 2008.
Mr. McCormick was a guiding force during his lengthy career at SaskTel, and in 1998 -- as part of the company's 90th anniversary celebrations -- the SaskTel Head Office building at the Cornwall Centre in Regina was rechristened "McCormick Place" in his honour.
He began service with the corporation on 20 Jun 1930. In 1939, he was appointed Districtman at Moosomin and held that position at various locations throughout the province until 1948 when he became a Division Plant Supervisor. In 1951, he was appointed Plant Superintendent at Saskatoon, a position he held until his appointment as General Plant Manager in 1957. In 1962, Mr. McCormick was appointed to the position of Assistant General Manager in Charge of Operations and Engineering. His appointment as General Manager of Saskatchewan Government Telephones took place on 01 Jul 1965. He was President of the Telephone Pioneers of America - Saskatchewan Chapter 59 in 1966-67, and, in 1971, he was elected president of the Telephone Association of Canada.
Interestingly enough, Mr. McCormick's words regarding "The Road to Success" are still relevant today:
"In our rapidly changing world, no company can stand still and succeed. We have not stood still. We have grown in size and scope and diversity, continually renewing ourselves with fresh challenges. We have forged ahead because of the people who are dedicated to serving the needs of our customers through quality service. As long as we are doing this we will be successful -- for our basic purpose as a company is serving people successfully, serving them in ways they want and expect to be served. That is the reason for our very existence, the only road to growth, security and success. It brought us to where we are today. It will carry us through the challenges of tomorrow."
Condolences go out to the family, friends and former co-workers of Mr. McCormick.
SaskTel Pioneers Celebrate 60th Anniversary with 15 International Awards
The TelecomPioneers international volunteer organization has awarded the SaskTel Pioneers the Chapter of Excellence Award for overall volunteering excellence. In all, the SaskTel Pioneers won 15 awards at the TelecomPioneers 80th Annual General Meeting in Anaheim, California on February 16 and 17, 2007.
“The SaskTel Pioneers have been making life better for Saskatchewan people since 1947,” Minister Responsible for SaskTel Deb Higgins said. “The SaskTel Pioneers exemplify the Saskatchewan spirit by volunteering to help neighbours in need year after year.”
“These awards from their international peers are a testament to the dedication and commitment of all employee and retiree members of the SaskTel Pioneers,” SaskTel President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Watson said. “SaskTel is very proud of their achievements.”
“Our members truly enjoy giving back to their communities,” said Giselle Howard, President of the SaskTel Pioneers. “While we don’t expect rewards for community service, we are very grateful for the recognition from our international colleagues.”
The SaskTel Pioneers were founded in 1947 and will celebrate their 60th anniversary in October, 2007. The SaskTel Pioneers won the following awards at this year’s Telecom Pioneers general meeting:
- Chapter of Excellence award at the international level. This award is the TelecomPioneers’ highest honour.
- Tom Myers Award for overall excellence in a Canadian chapter. The award is named after a current SaskTel employee who is a former TelecomPioneers vice-president.
- Community Impact Award, international level, for improving quality of life in Saskatchewan communities.
- Telecom Challenge Award, Education Category, for the SaskTel Pioneers’ Moose Jaw Computers After School Help Program.
- 2 International Project Excellence Awards for the Moose Jaw Computers After School Help Program, as well as the Pioneers’ Muskoday First Nations School Book Drive.
- 1 Canadian Project Excellence Award for the Moose Jaw Computers After School Help Program.
- 6 Heart of Pioneering Awards for the following projects and programs: Computers for Schools, Hug-a-Bears, Heart Pillows, Literacy Books, 911 Simulator and Junior Achievement.
- 2 Individual Excellence Awards for Pioneer members Joyce McAvena, a SaskTel employee from Moose Jaw, and Gary Headington, a SaskTel retiree from Saskatoon.
SaskTel Pioneer Recipient of Individual Excellence Award
A big congratulations goes out to Joyce McAvena on winning an Individual Excellence Award at the Canadian Pioneer level. This award recognizes her countless hours donated to the Moose Jaw Club and all the work done with Computers for Schools and the computer labs for seniors and underprivileged children in Moose Jaw. Her dedication and desire to make Moose Jaw a great community to live in is appreciated!
Joyce was the Project Coordinator for the Computers for Schools program in Moose Jaw, and handles the administration and activities associated with opening the work area every Saturday. Joyce also actively recruited over 25 new Pioneer members in Moose Jaw last year, identifying skills members have and matching them to the project. This was a huge contributor to new member growth and excellent participation last year. Without Joyce, the program would not be the success it is today!
In conjunction with this program, Joyce had the initiative to refurbish substandard equipment and donate it to where there is a need in the community. The majority of computers went to special needs scenarios and not-for-profit organizations.
Joyce deserved this award because she stands out as a SaskTel Pioneer!