TORONTO - The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. of Canada may hire a new president by early summer to replace Ron Evason, recently retired after 29 years with the plastics association in Don Mills, Ontario. SPI Canada held a celebration for Evason on May 3 in Toronto, during Plast-Ex '95, held May 1-4 in Toronto.
SPI Canada chairman Dan Boivin said a search committee hopes to come up with a short list of candidates from among existing personnel and outside recruits early this month. Boivin, who also is president of resin producer Novacor Chemicals Ltd., spoke in a telephone interview from Calgary, Alberta.
``The executive committee hopes to make a recommendation for hiring by the end of May,'' Boivin said.
Faris Shammas, SPI Canada's vice president of administration, has been managing the association since Evason's retirement.
Evason joined SPI Canada in 1966, when it was a branch of Washington-based SPI. Several years later he helped transform it into an independent association that focused on Canada's plastics industry needs.
Boivin said the new president should have the ability to get SPI Canada's diverse membership to adhere to a common vision. The candidate will need strong communication and managerial skills.
Proceeds for Evason's gala will be donated to the Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Fund, which Evason helped establish after he was diagnosed with the disease last year.
