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 In order to maximize our impact, we have made the decision to focus our charitable giving towards two charities so far covering two distinct areas. In addition, Fransen has agreed to match employee contributions up to $5,000 for each of these charities.
We support:
- United Way – working on poverty issues amongst youth and seniors in our local community.
- Engineers Without Borders – working on international poverty issues using a technology and engineering based approach.
This year’s United Way campaign ran during the week of November 3rd and included a pledge drive, 50/50 draw and L&Ls. Fransen employees contributed $2895 during the campaign, which was matched by the company. In addition, sales of snacks during the year raised another $2800, bringing the grand total raised for the United Way to $8590.
Congratulations to Fransen’s marathon man, Rob Thompson, who has successfully completed three marathons this year! Rob began the year with the Vancouver Marathon in May with a time of 3:16, followed by the Tofino’s Edge To Edge Marathon in June with a time of 3:17 and the Royal Victoria Marathon in October with a time of 3:10. Rob has also run two half marathons and was part of this year’s Fransen Sun Run 10km team. Congratulations Rob!
One of our own, Mike Rotzien is now the President of the BC chapter of the ISA. Recently, the ISA changed its name from the “Instrument Society of America” to the “International Society for Automation”. The organization was started as a means for companies to educate their customers about instrumentation. ISA has contributed to over 100 standards that are used in the industry today, including the naming conventions we use on our P&IDs. When I was in school, the ISA sponsored a group of us to participate in technical competitions in Canada and the US. Now as professional member of ISA, I enjoy the opportunity to keep up to date on what is happening at other companies and with other people in our industry.
The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to Maxine for all her hard work on organizing this event. We look forward to seeing more participants at next year’s tournament.
 Our first Fransen wellness challenge kicked off October 20 with 33 participants committing themselves to eight weeks of physical, mental, social, and nutritional wellness. The goal of the wellness challenge is to turn simple lifestyle changes into lifelong, healthy habits by increasing your activity level, eating a healthier diet, managing stress, and making improved lifestyle choices.
Fransen employees spent a lunch learning about the enormous opportunity to help improve the efficiency of tar sand operations, including their environmental performance. From energy savings, to emissions reduction, to process enhancements, the possibilities are endless.
 At least we didn’t crash, right? Dressed as a bunch of crazy bananas, several of our team members represented Fransen Engineering in Canada’s first ever Redbull Soapbox race. Creativity was aplenty as 50 crews of four brought their homemade mobiles down to W. 4th Avenue in Kitsilano not only to compete for the fastest time, but also to entertain the mass of spectators.
Gordon Campbell himself stopped by to have his photo taken with our team. In the end with the sun scorching and crowds cheering, our banana split strategically maneuvered into 13th overall position. Way to go team!
 The 2008 edition of the Fransen Golf Tournament took place on August 23 at the Delta Golf course. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to Maxine for all her hard work on organizing this event. We look forward to seeing more participants at next year’s tournament.
 While the blizzard raged outside, Fransen team members from far and wide enjoyed a delicious dinner, stunning door prizes, and great entertainment at our annual Christmas party. Fransen’s 2008 Christmas Party was our biggest yet. It was attended by 220 team members and their partners from all of our office locations. The Delta Airport Inn did a great job with putting on a fabulous meal and the live band was enjoyed by all. Outside the snow piled high, however it did not dim the spirits of many Franseners who enjoyed the evening until the wee hours of the morning. Special thanks go to Bindy Grewal for her tireless efforts to make a memorable evening for all of us. See you next year!
On Friday, December 12, 2008, the Fransen 8-Weeks-to-Wellness Challenge wrapped up with a delightful potluck lunch, prizes earned and prizes drawn. We started out with 38 eager beavers in October and after the dust settled with all the whining about the fitness assessments and wellness activities to complete, the periodical excuses and absences from the workshops, and failed attempts at getting a free lunch without doing the work, only 18 survived!
Congratulations to Fransen’s fittest who earned their choice of a Fransen aluminum water bottle or leather portfolio for their perseverance in accomplishing their wellness goals!
Colleen Xiang, Rob Thompson, Jason Meyer, Malcolm Paterson, Soheyl Soltani, Mauryne Berman, Liam Rust, Simon Lau, Doug Morris, Kevin Liu, Apollonia Fan, Tobi Pettet, Jim Snow, Rick Pasqualotto, Kris Hardjono, Glenn Morgan, Ali Madadi, Bindy Grewal. Prizes were also drawn, compliments of Capers Whole Foods Market; Raintree Day Spa in Steveston; Dr. Kris Bentz, Naturopathic Doctor; Maki Riddington, fitness professional at Sport Central; and Fransen Engineering.
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Fransen’s Sustainability Initiative is well underway with our2 week clothing drive that has resulted in over 600 lbs of clothing donated to the Canadian Diabetes Association! Thanks to everyone that contributed!