[e-drive][EQUIFLASH: APRIL NEWSLETTER]

[Kevin Patrick Robbins]

==========================================
 APRIL NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE
==========================================

The April 2003 edition of the Equity News is now available online at the
association Web site: http://www.caea.com/newsletter/newsindex.htm


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 APRIL ISSUES
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1) EQUITY FORGES AHEAD WITH VISION

Equity has a plan. That short sentence is more significant, more
epochal, than four simple words can convey.

Equity has a plan, a plan that will change the way in which our
association operates. On Feb. 24, the national council of the Canadian
Actors' Equity Association adopted an organizational strategic plan one
and half years in the making, fortifying a foundation for future
councillors, executive and staff.

"To consider this a towering achievement would still understate the
staggering array of choices that were before us, the simple yet profound
choices made," wrote president Victor A. Young and vice-president
external Sandy Winsby in the introduction to the plan.


2) EQUITY STEPS UP DIGITAL PRESENCE

The association has contracted Mississauga-based, digital-solutions
company Intelygis to conduct the redevelopment  of the Equity Web site.

"The key challenge is to develop an online member and visitor experience
that delivers on the promise of the association, providing features and
functionality that help encourage members to join, participate and
connect with others," says Gary Taylor, president of Intelygis.

The new site will become a first-stop portal for members in their quest
for information, solutions and assistance with Equity-related business.
Chauffeuring in a higher level of communication and service between the
association and its members, the site plan calls for high-security
integration between the Web site and Equity's enterprise management
system, the membership and engager database.


3) WHERE'S THE WORK?

The amount of work available for and created by Equity members rose in
2002. Members worked a combined 69,606 weeks in 2002, up 4.0 per cent
from the 66,922 weeks in 2001. The major increase was in work-weeks
under CTA and Guest Artist contracts.


4) ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

* Elections Information
* Basic dues made easy
* Tarragon to award $10,000 for emerging artist residency
* Canadian Actors' Equity Assoc. Professional Development Fund
* Letter to the Editor
* Concessions
* In Memoriam: Vincent Berns



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