I have set up a new blog, for my CMC-Canada CEO blog. Bookmark http://cmc-yonemitsu.blogspot.com or click on the CMC logo to the left of this screen.
This new blog will allow me to customize the discussion and branding to promote CMC-Canada and to keep this Olympic Volunteer blog as is.
Thanks.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Back in the Saddle
Well, I am back in downtown Toronto and am working hard to tie up loose ends from my time away. I had a couple of meetings with CMA Ontario today, as we continue to work hard on our strategic alliance.
Even though I was away in Vancouver, I was able to keep up with CMC-Canada activities and work. I had the great opportunity to meet with CMC's in BC's interior (Kelowna), on Vancouver Island (Victoria) and in the lower mainland (Vancouver). It is so important to get feedback and understand member needs from across the country.
As well, I appreciate the hospitality of Western Management Consultants in Vancouver as thanks to Gerry Humphries, I was able to access an office so I could have the proper environment...conducive to work.
But, I am back in Toronto and am having a hard time remembering the Games and the beautiful city of Vancouver. The good news, is that I will be out west again in May, with the CMC-Canada National Board.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Beginning of Something New
Hard to believe but my blog has been popular. This was originally intended as a way of sharing my experiences with my sons. When CMC-Canada heard about it, they thought our members might find it interesting. Then the Richard Ivey School of Business added it to their Olympic blog site.
Bascially, all I did was share my experiences and my thoughts on Vancouver's Games, from the perspective of a volunteer. A funny thing happened. I noticed we had readers from farther afield. Then, we received a call from CBC TV and then, one from Macleans magazine.
As a result, I plan to keep this blog going but the topic will evolve, from the Games, to my thoughts and experiences as the CEO of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
I hope this blog will morph into a source for information and a important communication vehicle for our members and firms in our industry.
From today, I will begin posting on issues for management consultants.
Thank you for reading and visiting the Olympic blog. You are invited and encouraged to keep reading, even if you are not a CMC-Canada member.
For the new readers, welcome.
Bascially, all I did was share my experiences and my thoughts on Vancouver's Games, from the perspective of a volunteer. A funny thing happened. I noticed we had readers from farther afield. Then, we received a call from CBC TV and then, one from Macleans magazine.
As a result, I plan to keep this blog going but the topic will evolve, from the Games, to my thoughts and experiences as the CEO of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
From today, I will begin posting on issues for management consultants.
Thank you for reading and visiting the Olympic blog. You are invited and encouraged to keep reading, even if you are not a CMC-Canada member.
For the new readers, welcome.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Memories of the Games
If you are like me and don't want the Games to end, check out these video links....great memories....
1) "I Believe / J'Imagine" video - images of Canada's medal winners with a duet of the anglo/franco versions of the CTV/TSN music: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=7796f648-df46-4b33-a23b-6a23909e09ab
3) "Olympic Dreamin' in the Digital Lounge" by CTV's Matt Wells - a song with highlights of Canada's Vancouver Olympians: http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=16afced6-f953-42f8-88ce-46c9493947e9&cid=rss
Games:
4) NBC's Tom Brokaw introducing Canada to the American viewers - this is a lump in your throat video that will make Canadians proud: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrA4V6YF6SA
5) "You Gotta Be Here" video - produced by Tourism BC - HD version - this is an unbelieveable montage of views of BC hosted by some famous British Columbians - don't watch it unless you want to visit/move to BC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwSCHRQCIBY
Pre-Games:
6) "With Glowing Hearts" video - released prior to the Games, to generate enthusiasm in Canada for the Olympics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA03hJxNA9oPre-Games:
7) "I Believe" video - released prior to the Games, supporting the torch relay:
a) English version sung by Nikki Yanovsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v0o27BPIIk
b) French version sung by Annie Villeneuve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G8RYAQXVC
8) "O Canada" video - by McDonalds, the official restaurant of the Games - generating enthusiasm for the Games - nice patriotic video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm5Lr6Qll_g
9) "We Were Made for This" video - by Hudsons Bay Company, the official clothier of the Games: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLsFkZKj63U
10) Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid Win video - listen to Jacques Rogge announce the winning city in 2003: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpSqv1jx-8M
11) Vancouver 1970 Olympic Bid video - December 2009 CBC report on the failed 1970 bid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62pyjt1RPfI
Back to Reality and Thank You
I'm enroute back to Ontario on the red-eye following the 17 day party called the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. What a dose of reality.
But oh what a climax to the party. It almost seems like a dream - G14, the gold medal hockey game, with the storybook ending and then, the surreal closing ceremonies.
No matter what the foreign press writes, don't believe it. These were wonderful games.
Why? In the end, it was all about the people. Welcoming and friendly. It seemed that the old Canadian quiet, conservative stereotype was disposed of and we became an openly proud nation. I have never seen so many hockey jerseys worn 7/24. I have never heard the national anthem sung spontaneously. I have never felt the warmth of people like Vancouverites have shown in a big city.
Speaking of people, I have to comment on the hospitality of my friends, Rob and Kathy Stewart. While we have been friends for more than 20 years, you never know how things will go over a four week visit. Four weeks could challenge even the strongest of friendships.
The Stewarts were wonderful hosts, who along with their extended family made me feel like I belonged.
I have to make a special comment about Kathy. Yesterday, she made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave up her closing ceremonies ticket and urged me to take it. Imagine, a once in a lifetime event and she felt that Rob and I should celebrate our passion for the Olympics, our Vancouver 2010 journey and our friendship, with the closing ceremonies.
Unbelieveable. Generous. What can I say but thank you Kathy. Thank you Stewarts. Thank you VANOC. Thank you Canada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
But oh what a climax to the party. It almost seems like a dream - G14, the gold medal hockey game, with the storybook ending and then, the surreal closing ceremonies.
No matter what the foreign press writes, don't believe it. These were wonderful games.
Why? In the end, it was all about the people. Welcoming and friendly. It seemed that the old Canadian quiet, conservative stereotype was disposed of and we became an openly proud nation. I have never seen so many hockey jerseys worn 7/24. I have never heard the national anthem sung spontaneously. I have never felt the warmth of people like Vancouverites have shown in a big city.
Speaking of people, I have to comment on the hospitality of my friends, Rob and Kathy Stewart. While we have been friends for more than 20 years, you never know how things will go over a four week visit. Four weeks could challenge even the strongest of friendships.
The Stewarts were wonderful hosts, who along with their extended family made me feel like I belonged.
I have to make a special comment about Kathy. Yesterday, she made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave up her closing ceremonies ticket and urged me to take it. Imagine, a once in a lifetime event and she felt that Rob and I should celebrate our passion for the Olympics, our Vancouver 2010 journey and our friendship, with the closing ceremonies.
Unbelieveable. Generous. What can I say but thank you Kathy. Thank you Stewarts. Thank you VANOC. Thank you Canada.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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