As this is my last message in this space as your president, please indulge me in a quick look back. Over the last three years, SOCAN consolidated its foothold as a world leader among collective copyright-management organizations. Our prominent position has now been unanimously recognized by our sister PROs within the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). We have also made major strides in championing our members’ rights, thanks to significant victories in tariffs 22 (Internet), 24 (Ringtones), 1A (with the confirmation of an increase in the Commercial Radio tariff rate), 6 (Motion Picture Theatres) and, most recently, 25 (Satellite Radio).

Other important struggles remain. The Copyright Board hearings on Tariff 1A (Commercial Radio) were completed in March, and a decision is expected at the end of 2009. On the other hand, the most promising recent achievement was, without any doubt, the creation of the Music Service Bureau, bringing together the strengths of SOCAN and Canada’s two reproduction rights organizations, CMRRA and SODRAC. This “virtual” body is mandated to study and implement joint initiatives, resulting in greater efficiencies. (Visit www.socan.ca for more details on this initiative.)

Recently in these pages I touched on the challenges facing SOCAN amid the current economic crisis. Last November, our board of directors and management set up all the tools necessary to address the present situation with a revised business plan, a strategic plan and extremely effective monitoring tools for the continued smooth operation of our organization.

Being SOCAN president has been one of the greatest challenges of my professional life. I always knew I could count on the unfailing support of all SOCAN directors and the help of our CEO, André LeBel, and his executive management team. The greatest asset of the SOCAN board of directors is that it is stronger than the sum of its parts.

Chairing our board meetings has filled me with immense pride. I always made a point of listening and making sure everyone had his or her turn. I also had the opportunity of shaking hands with hundreds of you, and there again, I took care to listen, take notes, and convey your concerns to the appropriate people, while making sure that you were aware of the unparalleled services we are striving to provide for our membership.

Is the presidency of SOCAN a prestigious position? No doubt about it. For me, it has also been a humbling experience. So now I step down and make room for the next president to be elected at the start of the initial meeting of the 2009-2012 SOCAN board on June 17 in Montreal. I sincerely hope that, as past president, I will be able to assist your new president as steadfastly and selflessly as Earl Rosen has supported me over the last three years..

So farewell then, and to all a happy summer 2009!

President's Message 2009
• Spring

Uploaded Summer 2009

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
Send them to Rick MacMillan, Words & Music Corporate Editor, at wordsandmusic@socan.ca