As 2020 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff, clients, partners, and friends for their support through this global pandemic. COVID-19 had an immediate and dramatic impact world-wide, changing every aspect of our daily lives. In the last two months of this global pandemic, we have seen unprecedented numbers of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have been impacted by this virus.
We are extremely grateful to our clients, in particular, during our transition to working from home and delivering your projects in a remote environment. We take pride in our role as an essential-service provider and appreciate your continued confidence in us as your trusted advisor and consultant of choice.
I want to recognize our staff for their agility and resilience as we pivoted to working remotely, and for safeguarding health and safety as they delivered our clients’ projects. I also want to acknowledge their generosity and compassion. Many staff contributed to charities and helped people in their communities during these difficult times.
To support provincial governments’ and health authorities’ recommendations to limit interactions and the spread of COVID-19, our offices will be closed from 5 pm Friday, December 18, 2020 to 8 am Monday, January 11, 2021 (January 12 in Alberta). During this period, many staff will be working from home. We are encouraging all staff to take a much-needed break. They will inform clients and partners directly of their scheduled time away from work. As always, your projects are our priority. Please contact your project managers with your immediate requirements or to advise of any concerns.
Due to the pandemic, this year we were unable to get together to celebrate the holiday season. As a company, we feel extremely fortunate that, through the ongoing support of our clients, we’ve weathered the economic storm of this pandemic. Therefore, with the support of our staff, Associated Engineering, and our subsidiaries Associated Environmental Consultants and ATAP Infrastructure Management, have decided to donate $100,000, which otherwise would have been spent on holiday events, to local charities in the communities where we live and work.
As we start the new year, I am hopeful that the vaccine will bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with you in 2021, and hope to be able to see you in person in the new year.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.
Martin Jobke, P.Eng.
President & CEO