What is the Commercial Production Association of Toronto (CPAT) ? CPAT is the not-for-profit trade association for the television commercial production industry in Toronto. Who is CPAT ? CPAT represents 90% of all commercial production companies in Toronto. CPAT's membership draws upon a hugely diverse group of companies and individuals involved in the production of television commercials. Companies & individuals who produce, direct, animate & design; individuals who perform, photograph, write music & edit; companies who build sets, run studios, rent props, make wardrobe, rent film & lighting equipment, manufacture or process film, rent cars & trucks, run hotels, restaurants & catering services, create special effects, build puppets, train animals; advertising agency personnel; individuals who specialize in stunt-work, voice-work, hair-dressing, make-up & prosthetics, model building, electronics. The list goes on... What does CPAT do ? CPAT: communicates with all levels of Government as an industry lobby provides a forum in which the views of television advertisers, their agencies and suppliers can be aired distributes to members news of issues, technologies and trends affecting the advertising and broadcast industries sets industry standards in areas such as health, safety, quoting and billing practices. acts on behalf of its members as a referral service to potential clients & producers wishing to do business in Canada. How is CPAT run ? The Association's work is on a volunteer basis. The Board assumes responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Association's work with the assistance of a part time paid Executive Director. Specific committees are formed on a volunteer basis when particular issues need to be addressed. Members of the 2006 Board are: Co-Chair Co-Chair Director/Treasurer Director Geoff Cornish Derek Sewell Scott Mackenzie Joan Bell Director Director Director Executive Director Tom Symes Kate Bate Suzanne Allan Michelle D'Ercole How is CPAT funded ? The Association's budget is made up from member's annual fees.