2009

Second Annual General Meeting. Held in Red Deer this second AGM saw the addition of new members and three more directors added to the existing Board bringing the total Board to 12. Financial report indicates association still in the black. New Administrator Shelly Murray introduced to the membership.

2008

Expanded GSHP Course Developed. In keeping with the AGEA position that training is best delivered by our provincial technical colleges historically responsible for trades training, AGEA successfully brokers a contract between NAIT and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association for training materials. The 3 day IGSHPA course is substantially expanded by AGEA Vice Chair Don MacIntyre to include Canadian climatic and industry specifics, CSA448, and the Alberta Building Code that results in NAIT delivering a five day intensive introductory course in GSHP technology. NAIT dubs the course GEO101 and adds its own GEO102 a half day certified fusion welding course. Successful students receive NAIT certificates.

Two Year Diploma Program. AGEA is invited to participate with NAIT as the college proceeds to expand its course offerings to the alternative energy sector and begins curriculum development of a two year Alternative Energy Diploma program.

Website Development. AGEA's Chris Lewoniuk and Koen Vander Maaten (the Awareness Committee) work toward developing an association website. Quotations are gathered. Content is drafted.

Strategic Alliances Committee.   Mike Lindberg, Chris Lewoniuk and Koen Van Dermaaten initiate correspondence with Canadian Geoexchange Coalition to explore potential of working relationship. CGC responds with draft memorandum for discussion. Existing Board chooses to set aside the paper for discussion by the incoming Board.

2007

Inaugural AGM and membership drive. The first association event and membership drive was held in Red Deer and had an attendance of 78 stakeholders from across Alberta.  Presentation was made by Mr. Leigh Bond, chairman of the steering committee, regarding the focus and value of other provincial, national, and international geothermal associations. Presentation was also made by Alex Lewoniuk, detailing the results of an Alberta industry survey which requested input regarding a provincial GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump) association and where its focus should be.  A lively discussion ensued regarding the need for a provincially focused association and suggestions for its direction followed. Our first board of directors is acclaimed.

Former Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, is keynote speaker at our first public information event held at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton, the province's capital. Hon. Mel Knight, Alberta Minister of Energy, and other distinguished guests made presentations regarding alternative energy initiatives and fielded questions from the floor.

Government Liaison. Being a relatively unknown and often misunderstood technology, a proactive effort was launched to connect well with specific Ministers and senior Alberta Government officials responsible for energy, environment, and advanced education.  The focus was promoting GSHP technology, education, and encouraging the inclusion of standards such as CSA C448 into the Alberta Building Code. 

Foothills Conference 2007. Through the work of AGEA's Mike Lindberg, the Alberta Hydronics Advisory Council (AHAC) helps AGEA in promoting GSHP technology at their bi-annual leading edge technology conference. We are grateful to AHAC for their assistance in the advancement of our association and GSHP technology through their generous provision of a complimentary booth and the opportunity given our speakers to address a full house crowd of conference attendees during a plenary session on the technology.

Consumer Queries. Throughout the year calls and emails were received from consumers regarding GSHP technology. Contact information about our members was forwarded to them.

Excellent working relationships were established with GeoExchange BC, Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance, Alberta Water Well Drilling Association, the Canadian Ground Water Association, and the Alberta Hydronics Advisory Council. Cooperation and assistance from these and other industry members directly and indirectly concerned with GSHP technology greatly helped forward progress this first year of operation.

Saskatchewan Association. In answer to a request for help from a steering group wanting to build a provincial association in Saskatchewan, AGEA Chair Leigh Bond attends their inaugural meeting and gives a presentation outlining the steps we took and lessons learned in the formation of the AGEA. Communication and cooperation with the Saskatchewan group continues.

AGEA Training Position Paper. The Board approves a position paper on training developed by the AGEA Training Committee (Peter Janssen, Ken Maweiler, Don MacIntyre) which outlines the association's position on various available training options. Full version can be viewed here.

CSA 448 Revision.  AGEA Board gives Vice Chair Don MacIntyre its blessing to participate on the Technical Sub Committee revising sections of CSA 448 series 2, the National Standard governing the Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems in Canada.

AB Environment and AWWDA. AGEA's Gary Whitesell works to establish cooperative relationship with the Alberta Water Well Drilling Association. His work results in AGEA being invited to joint initiative in partnership with ABEnv and AWWDA. Parties gather for a full day session to map out solutions to ABEnv concerns that underground installations of GSHP earth exchangers pose a risk to the environment should they develop leaks. Partners decide to work toward the development of an Alberta Environment Code of Practice and Geothermal Drillers course. AGEA submits Memorandum of Understanding to all parties and also submits ABEnv grant application to fund the development and delivery of the comprehensive program.