A Message from Daniel Gagnier, Chair of the Board and Robert M. Griffin, President and CEO

What matters is making a difference

In reflecting on the year's performance, we consider not only what we do - what standards we created, what services we delivered, what processes we audited - but also how we made a difference in people's lives. How did we improve business processes? How did we improve product safety? How did we affect the places where we live, work and visit? At CSA Group, these are the most meaningful indicators of our progress because they show the direct, real-world impact of our work.

The need to make standards work for people and business has never been greater. An increase in global trade and heightening public concerns with quality, safety and the environment create rising demand for our products and services.

CSA Group has responded to that demand as reflected in its revenue growth of 4.3% (8.0% at constant exchange rates). CSA, our standards development and learning centre division, has doubled in size over the last five years. Clearly, we are providing solutions for real market needs.

Attending to people

Externally, our efforts focus on improving both safety and quality of life for people. In the past year, we launched initiatives, such as new standards work on emergency preparedness and first responders' protective equipment, which will pave the way towards improved security. CSA is also working in conjunction with the Province of Ontario to help make that province, in the years ahead, one of the most accessible jurisdictions in the world for persons with disabilities.

Internally, CSA Group continues to add people to respond to the increased demand for our services. In 2007/2008 we will expand our work force by seven per cent, as more than 1,400 employees join with our more than 9,000 members to apply themselves to what matters in life.

Attracting and retaining a talented work force calls for a strong emphasis on human resources management. Our business divisions have been responding to employee attitude surveys with new programs and services aimed at engaging people and recognizing their performance. As CSA Group strives to become an employer of choice, we were very proud to be distinguished in 2006 as a "great workplace" by the Ohio NorthCoast 99 awards program.