SBC February 8th – “Innovation – The Human Element” – Campbell Black, President, Blackline Marine and Quadrant Marine Institute

We have incorporated an Innovation based theme for our Sidney Breakfast Club meetings this year. Key to understanding the “Innovation Definition” is knowing that it doesn’t simply apply to technology based applications & tools. The dictionary definition of Innovation is “something new or different introduced and/or the introduction of new things or methods”. We have generally attributed innovation activity only to technology based industry but clearly that’s too narrow a focus. Innovation actually arises from applying new thinking processes, not necessarily new technology, i.e., new technology is a by-product of innovative thinking, not the other way around.

The February 8th Sidney Breakfast Club meeting allows us to explore the human component of Innovation. Join us in listening and engaging with Campbell Black, President, Blackline Marine (http://www.blacklinemarine.com/) and Quadrant Marine Institute (http://www.quadrantmarine.com/). His topic will be a discussion specific to “Innovation – The Human Element”.

Campbell founded Blackline in 1980 to specialize in marine composites. He has had a lifelong interest in boats and education.

In the mid 90’s he was one of several to create the new B.C. Marine Service Technician (MST) apprenticeship. Campbell is currently president of Quadrant Marine Institute and is past director of the B.C. Industry Training Authority.

Blackline Marine Inc. is a yacht repair and overhaul company located in Sidney, 20 miles north of Victoria on Southern Vancouver Island. At Canoe Cove Marina, power and sail yachts up to 70 feet and 50 tons can be hauled and accommodated in our heated buildings or work yard. Smaller vessel repairs, RV repairs and custom fabrication with both basic and higher end processes and materials can also be accommodated.

As mentioned, Blackline was founded by Campbell Black in 1980 at Canoe Cove Marina, with a focus on composite repairs and refinishing. In 2001 Blackline expanded their services to include a professional rig shop. This was followed closely with the addition of a Metal Fabrication division.

Quadrant was founded in 1999 by a group of boatyard owner/managers and other recreational marine professionals who began training their own employees in the early 1990’s. Their training program became recognized by the Province of British Columbia, Canada, as the Marine Repair Technician apprenticeship in 1998. The name was changed to Marine Service Technician (MST) in 2011.

As always, the meeting is held at 7am on the 2nd Thursday of every month at the Victoria Flying Club Dakota Café.

Please join us on Thursday / February 8th / 7am and RSVP (john@harbourdigitalmedia.com) only if you plan on attending.