February 26, 2008

Associations

New chair takes the helm at Grand Valley Construction Association

Marianne Micci-Fritz plans focus on leadership training

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

Insurance-industry executive Marianne Micci-Fritz, newly elected chair of the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA), is keen on providing members with opportunities to hone their leadership skills.

“I am convinced that we have many strong [potential] leaders in our ranks who for various reasons, stand on the sidelines,” says Micci-Fritz, surety manager for Canada at The Economical Insurance Group of Waterloo.

While topics must be firmed up, a workshop on negotiating skills is “definitely” on the agenda, she said in an interview.

Marianne Micci-Fritz’ involvement in the construction industry comes from the surety side of the insurance business.

Leadership development is one of three priorities earmarked by Micci-Fritz, who succeeds contractor Don Gosen of Gosen Electric Ltd. as head of the association, which represents more than 580 companies operating in the Grand Valley area.

The others are (1) to review the GVCA’s strategic goals and plans for any necessary adjustments to ensure the association’s continued success in meeting its core objectives of building awareness, building business and building careers; and (2) to develop and implement formal policies and procedures governing various association operations.

“These are important initiatives as the association continues to broaden its scope,” she said.

Micci-Fritz, the second woman to serve as association chair — president Martha George held that office in 2000 — joined the 12-member GVCA board in 2000.

“Although I am not directly involved in construction, I believe I bring a broader business perspective to the table,” Micci-Fritz said.

A native of Hamilton, the new chair started her career as an insurance broker after graduating in 1980 from Mohawk College’s insurance administration program.

Five years later, she joined the Economical Insurance Group as an underwriter. For the past 17 years, Micci-Fritz has worked on the surety side of the business. She assumed her current position in 1999.

The group is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in Canada.

Micci-Fritz, whose parents emigrated to Canada from Italy in 1959 and whose father was a trade contractor, was exposed to construction at an early age.

“Most of my uncles and cousins also worked in the construction business,” she said. “I grew up in the midst of a lot of construction. “

Micci-Fritz, who as a child preferred playing with hammers than dolls, keeps construction boots and a hardhat in her car at all times. She relishes opportunities to visit her contractor clients on job sites.

Active in volunteer circles, Micci-Fritz took office last week during the association’s 32nd annual general meeting. Also elected were first vice-chair Dan Gueguen of Dordan Mechanical, second vice-chair Alan Reitzel of Reitzel Heating & Air Conditioning and secretary-treasurer Paul Seibel of ACL Steel.

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