About Us

The B.C. Chapter is an enthusiastic, dedicated group of credit professionals committed to providing the best opportunity for our members to network with business contacts, providing opportunities to gain and share credit knowledge and education as well as the attainment of the CCP designation. Our 2018 – 2019 Chapter Executive is focused on building a stronger chapter to facilitate the needs of our membership within a competitive economic and challenging workplace environment. 

We encourage all of our members (past, present, future, including students) to attend our seminars, the Graduation night and all other chapter events. Each event provides an opportunity to learn new ideas, share work experience and knowledge, show support for each other, and to gain new friends. As always, working with the Chapter allows members to earn professional development points. Working together Executive and membership we can build a stronger and more active chapter with unlimited benefits to our members.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact any executive member. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and ideas. Our contact information can be found under the Chapter Executive tab.

Please check back regularly and stay informed. We encourage everyone to get involved for the benefit of all.

Mission Statement

Our professional association provides credit management resources, education and certification. Members provide an integral service to business which profits from our values and expertise through accountability, compliance and protection of assets. Our Certified Credit Professional designations, CCP (Certified Credit Professional) and ACI (Associate Credit Institute), are recognized in today’s global marketplace as a symbol of excellence in credit management.

Vision

To be the most reputable, sought-after professional association and authority in credit education. To be professionals dedicated to excellence in credit management.

BC Chapter Objectives

The objectives of the Chapter shall be generally to carry out those of the Institute in the area delegated by the Board of Directors of the Institute. In particular:

  • Adhere to the aims of the Institute in its function as an educational organization by promoting education within the credit profession
  • Assist members to fill, with honour and distinction, their place in the business world by providing a strong professional organization
  • Assist and encourage students of the Institute with their academic studies
  • Sponsor a program of social and intellectual activities for the benefit of members and students of the Chapter

History of the CIC

In early 1926 three men, J.B. Ratcliff, A.S. Crighton, and H. Detchon from the Canadian Credit Men’s Trust Association Limited (CCMTA) got together with Dr. W.J. Dunlop, Director of the University of Toronto Extension and Publicity Department, to answer the questions, “Can education raise the status of the credit man’s work from that of an occupation to that of a profession?” and “If so, what type of education would be suitable for the purpose?”

Once it was determined that an Institute of Credit was viable, necessary and had long-term possibilities, an outline for the organization of the Institute was prepared. The outline was submitted to all the CCMTA provincial committees for their consideration in March 1927. On June 14, 1927, a final report was presented at the CCMTA Convention in Edmonton and the following resolution was unanimously passed:

“Whereas the special Commission appointed for the purpose has after careful consideration, recommended the formation of a National Institute of Credit Men. And whereas this convention has, after considering and discussing the recommendations of the conditions in mercantile business and added to the status of Credit Men. Now, therefore be it resolved that the CCMTA proceed forthwith to organize an Institute of Credit upon the lines laid down by the Commission as amended by the Convention and that the Board of Directors be authorized and instructed to take all necessary steps to complete the organization of ‘The Canadian Credit Institute’ at the earliest opportunity.”

The first Council of the Institute was formed in October 1927. The Council agreed that on January 1, 1928 ‘The Canadian Credit Institute’ would begin to function. Tentative designations of ACI, MCI, and FCI for members were selected pending government approval. First examinations were prepared by the University of Toronto and were held simultaneously on June 15, 1928 at various locations across Canada to ensure that there were no ethical breaches.

On June 11, 1928 The Canadian Credit Institute became a reality as a federally incorporated organization through the passing as a special Act of Parliament – Chapter 76 of the Statutes of Canada, 18-19 George V, Part 2. The first annual meeting of the Canadian Credit Institute was held in July 1928 and the Credit Institute crest was adopted sometime around December 1928.

Memorable Moments for the CIC

At its inception the Credit Institute made history by becoming the FIRST organization offering courses sponsored by business and professional groups. The Institute laid the foundation, and initiated the patterns, in the field of providing correspondence courses for business personnel. Our success led other organizations to provide correspondence courses as well.

July 11, 1928

  • The first meeting of members of the Credit Institute was held at the Masonic Temple, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Lengthy discussions were held on Policy, Organization and Plans for future development

November 2, 1928

  • W.E. Davison, Dean, was also given the title of President
  • The Institute Crest and Motto originated by D.W.D. Dunlop was approved. The quartered Crest contained a maple leaf, a beaver, a gear wheel, and a locomotive. The maple leaf and beaver represent the national character of the Institute. The gear wheel and locomotive were indicative of the commerce of the times. The Motto, written in Latin, translates to ‘Affairs of Merchants and Craftsmen’
  • Notice of the First Annual Meeting of Members was issued and was scheduled for December 20, 1928 in Winnipeg

December 20, 1928

  • First Annual General Meeting held in Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Original provisional council members were re-elected with the exception of Richard Ingleton (St.Johm, N.B.) who was replaced by S.F. Jamieson
  • W.E. Davison was confirmed as the President and Dean of the Institute
  • By-Law No. 1 approved by the Council and Members, made provision for bestowing the honorary designation of FCI (Fellow, Credit Institute) to recipients for exemplary service in advancing the cause of Credit Management
  • The need for local Chapters was discussed and all agreed that these should be established. The purpose of the Chapters would be to provide an outlet for educational and social interchange as well as other professional activities in relation to Credit Management

June 19, 1929

  • At the Annual General Meeting of the Institute, W.E. Davison presented his second report as President and Dean, the 1st report submitted under the Institute’s Charter. The President’s Report has become the established practice of all Presidents and Deans, and is presented yearly to report on the activities of the Institute during their time in office

August 27, 1930

  • The Institute’s Crest was registered as an industrial design and trademark with the Federal Government’s Registrar of Trade Marks and has since been re-registered on a continuous basis

March 31, 1935

  • National office is relocated from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Toronto, Ontario.

B.C. Chapter notable items of Interest

1929

  • The 1st issue of the Institute’s bulletin which is still published today
  • British Columbia Chapter is established with 62 members

1932

  • The Quaker Oats Cup was donated to the Institute by the Quaker Oats Co. Ltd. to be presented annually to the Chapter showing the greatest improvement in student activity and achievements
  • J.Cowan, FCI Emeritus, becomes the 1st representative from B.C. to hold the position of President and Dean of the Institute

1933

  • Vancouver Chapter becomes the 1st recipient of the Quaker Oats Cup

1936

  • Vancouver Chapter wins the coveted Quaker Oats Cup for the 2nd time

1938

  • Once again, Vancouver Chapter wins the Quaker Oats Cup

1947

  • “Credit and Collections in Canada” 1st edition is published; joint efforts of the Vancouver Chapter and the Credit Grantors Association of Canada
  • Vancouver Chapter is awarded the Quaker Oats Cup yet again

1948

  • Vancouver wins the Quaker Oats Cup AGAIN!

1954

  • The National Education Committee is established
  • The Credit Management Course is expanded to meet the educational needs of Consumer Credit community. These changes were approved by representatives of the Institute, Associated Credit Bureaus, and the Credit Grantors Association
  • The Quaker Oats Cup returns to Vancouver

1955

  • The Junior ACI course is phased out and replaced with a 3-year course to acquire the MCI designation

1958

  • Marketing is incorporated into the new 3-year Credit Management courses
  • William Rushton, FCI Emeritus, of B.C. becomes the 1st President and Dean to serve a 2nd term

1961

  • First recipient of the Founders’ Trophy, in memory of the early pioneers of the Institute, is R.O. Adams, MCI and presented by Peter Russell, FCI of Vancouver, Past President and Dean
  • Vancouver awarded the Quaker Oats Cup

1962

  • “Extracts on Education”, dealing with various aspects of educational matters, is sent to students for the first time
  • The first booklet in the Library of Credit Reference series is produced; “Types of Security Available to Credit Managers”, researched and compiled by W.J. Hambly, FCI, Toronto

1963

  • National Office established the Credit Research and Lending Library
  • National Council approves the Certificate of Merit Award
  • “Credit Management Review” is introduced, Vol.1, No.1; Working Capital written by E.T.C. Burke, FCI

1965

  • 2 Courses, Basic and Graduate Studies in Credit are added to the course curriculum
  • The Canadian Credit Institute submitted a brief (in English and French) to the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. The spokesman was John A. Ledsham
  • Vancouver wins the Quaker Oats Cup

1966

  • The French corporate name of L’Institut Canadien du Credit is approved by the Secretary of State of the Government of Canada

1967

  • The Canadian Credit Institute Educational Foundation/La Fondation Scolaire de L’Institut Canadien du Credit is incorporated as a Canadian Charitable Corporationh

1968

  • The Institute develops a “Credit and Collections” course for small businesses for the Management Development Division of the Federal Government; it is made available to all Provincial Departments of Education
  • Gordon Anderson is the 1st B.C. individual to receive the Certificate of Merit since its inception

1971

  • National Credit and Financial Executives Forum votes to carry on its activities under the auspices of the Institute
  • National Council approves and adopts “A Code of Professional Ethics for Credit Management”
  • The 1st edition of the Institute’s “Professional Credit Management Roster” listing all paid members in good standing is published

1972

  • An annual National Scholarship is set up to acknowledge the contributions made by E.T.C. Burke, FCI.
  • The Institute submits their special brochure for the Credit Management course in a national competition and wins the plaque for Best Project Mailing Piece
  • Local Creditel and Credit Bureau offices agree to continue promoting the Institute’s courses and designated as Information Centres

1973

  • “Credit Management” subjects are completely revised and introduced into the 2nd year of the 3-year program
  • Students attending local university and taking subjects comparable to those of the Credit Management course were given the opportunity to become registered students of the Institute

1974

  • Three new subjects became available to 3rd year students: Mercantile Credit Management, Consumer Credit Management, and Construction Credit Management

1975

  • The Western Credit Executives’ Forum is started by George Wishart, MCI

1977

  • “Financial Statement Analysis” is introduced as an optional subject in the 3rd year of the Credit Management courses

1978

  • The Institute holds its 1st National Conference

1983

  • Program expands to a four years, encompassing 8 subjects

1987

  • Vancouver Chapter hosts the National Conference in Vancouver with the catch phrase “Credit in Motion”. The Conference was successful, well attended and well received

1995

  • The Vancouver Chapter officially changes its name to the British Columbia Chapter to recognize members living in towns and cities outside of Vancouver city centre

1996

  • The B.C. Chapter hosts the National Conference in Vancouver, for the second time!

1997

  • History is made as Carol Breining, FCI Emeritus, becomes the 1st woman elected to the position of President and Dean

1999

  • An agreement in principle is struck to proceed with the National Education Committee’s proposal to change the provided core courses from the University of Toronto to CGA Canada

2000

  • B.C. Chapter establishes the Vi Jones Memorial Award in memory of long-time CIC member, Vi Jones, ACI, and bestows the honour of 1st recipient to Carol Breining, FCI Emeritus

2007

  • The B.C. Chapter hosts its 3rd National Conference, this time in Whistler 

 2008

  • The FCI (Fellow of the Credit Institute) designation is formally changed to CCP (Certified Credit Professional)

2009

  • B.C. Chapter celebrates its 80th Anniversary and wins the Quaker Oats Cup after a 26 year dry spell

2017

  • B.C. Chapter hosts it’s 4thNational Conference in Vancouver, major success! 

 

Vi Jones Memorial Award

Violet Jones began her working career with F.W. Woolworth’s in 1934 as an office clerk. With Woolworth’s support, she received some commercial training through night school to improve her abilities in this area. In 1943, Violet married Ron Jones and while he was away serving his country in the Second World War, Violet continued working at Woolworth’s and sold War Bonds. After 20 years with Woolworth’s, Violet moved on to become the payroll and office manager for William’s Color Photo Finishing. It was with William’s that she had her first exposure to credit and went on to become a member of the Canadian Credit Men’s Trust Association and the Credit Women’s Group of Vancouver. Violet stayed an active member for 38 years and during this period attended over 72 conferences. She was instrumental in the annual fund raising Christmas Gala which supported 3 charities. Violet also participated in the European Chartered Tour offered by the Toronto National Office, along with 134 other credit members. After 11 years with William’s, Violet bought her sister’s flower shop, Marguerite’s Flower Salon, and managed it for 15 years when poor health forced her to close shop. Violet underwent open heart surgery and, after her recovery, remained an active credit member. She was also a member of the Canadian Credit Career Group, joining in 1958, and was their 13th President as well as Chaplain and Historian. In 1966, Violet was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the Credit Institute of Canada, the 1st BC member to receive this award. She believed that credit people were a special breed, dedicated to their chosen profession and closely bonded with their support of each other. In recognition of her dedication and enthusiasm which helped make our Chapter and Organization strong over the years, this award was created to recognize other individuals who exemplify her spirit.

Recipients

  • 2000 Carol Breining, CCP (Emeritus)
  • 2001 Myrna Eager, CCP
  • 2002 Dan Oleksiuk, CCP
  • 2003 Alan Fraser, CCP
  • 2004 Irene Joy, CCP
  • 2005 Harry Hunter, CCP (Emeritus)
  • 2006 Frank Snell, CCP
  • 2007 Pam Burton, CCP
  • 2008 Carl Larsen, CCP (Emeritus), CGA
  • 2009 Fred Schiffner, CCP (Emeritus)
  • 2010 Heather Strack, CCP
  • 2011 Ted Barton, CCP
  • 2012 Pam Stec, CCP